Movies About Marriage And Family

From Asghar Farhadi, starring Payman Maadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayat, Shahab Hosseini
Rated PG-13

A Separation is a 2011 Iranian drama film written and directed by Asghar Farhadi, and starring Leila Hatami, Peyman Moaadi, Shahab Hosseini, Sareh Bayat, and Sarina Farhadi. The film tells the story of an Iranian couple, Simin and Nader, who struggle to stay together in the face of increasing marital and familial tensions. After Simin files for divorce, Nader eventually agrees to her request, but is unable to secure a visa for her to leave the country. With Simin staying with her parents, Nader is left to take care of his father, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In order to help care for his father, Nader hires a young woman, Razieh, who carries her own set of secrets and struggles. As all their lives intertwine, a court case ensues that brings the family’s secrets and struggles to the surface. In the end, each character is left to grapple with their own sense of morality and justice, and their own complicated relationships with one another.

From Mike Nichols, starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, William Daniels
Rated PG

The Graduate is a 1967 American comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Charles Webb. It tells the story of Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate with no well-defined aim in life, who is seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), and then falls in love with her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross). The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the Oscar for Best Director. It was also nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, with Hoffman winning for Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama. The Graduate is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Noah Baumbach, starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julia Greer, Azhy Robertson
Rated R

Marriage Story is a 2019 American drama directed and written by Noah Baumbach. It stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver as a stage director and an actress, respectively, who are going through a coast-to-coast divorce. The film follows the couple as they battle out the legal and emotional toll of their separation, while also exploring the impact of their divorce on their young son. The film also features Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta and Julie Hagerty in supporting roles. Marriage Story is a heart-wrenching and authentic portrait of love, loss, and the complexities of modern relationships.

From Robert Benton, starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry
Rated PG

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama film adapted by Robert Benton from the novel by Avery Corman. The film tells the story of a divorced couple, Ted and Joanna Kramer, and the custody battle that ensues after Joanna unexpectedly leaves Ted and their son, Billy. After Joanna returns to reclaim custody of Billy, both Ted and Joanna must confront the reality of their changed relationship and the effect it will have on their son. The film follows the struggles of the two parents as they learn to cope and adjust to their new life and the changes in their relationship. Through their journey, the film explores themes of parenthood, divorce and family. Ultimately, the film culminates in a court case that decides who will have custody of Billy. In the end, Ted and Joanna learn valuable lessons about what truly matters in life and how to let go of the past.

From David O. Russell, starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver
Rated R

Silver Linings Playbook is a 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by David O. Russell. Based on the novel of the same name by Matthew Quick, the film stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, with Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Anupam Kher, and Julia Stiles in supporting roles. It follows Pat Solitano (Cooper), a former teacher who has been released from a psychiatric hospital and moves back in with his parents in an attempt to rebuild his life. When Pat meets Tiffany (Lawrence), a mysterious young woman with problems of her own, they develop a unique bond that helps them both confront their issues and find true happiness. The film received numerous accolades, including eight Academy Award nominations and winning one for Best Actress (Lawrence). It has been praised for its honest and thoughtful portrayal of mental illness, as well as its excellent performances, direction, and writing.

From Robert Redford, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, Timothy Hutton
Rated R

Ordinary People is a 1980 American drama film which follows the story of the Jarrett family, composed of Calvin and Beth Jarrett, and their son Conrad. The film explores the relationship between the family members as they work to heal and rebuild their lives following the accidental death of their eldest son, Buck. Conrad, who was the sole survivor of the accident, experiences post-traumatic stress and guilt as he struggles to come to terms with his brother’s death. Meanwhile, Calvin and Beth must also cope with their own long-standing marital issues. The film examines the family’s struggles to reconnect and maintain harmony in the wake of tragedy, with each character facing their own set of challenges and ultimately learning to accept one another and move forward.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, Sydney Pollack, Judy Davis
Rated R

Husbands and Wives is a 1992 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. It follows two couples living in New York City: Jack and Sally, and their friends Gabe and Judy. When Jack and Sally learn that Gabe and Judy are separating, the news causes tension and confusion in their own marriage. As their friends' relationship disintegrates, Jack and Sally must confront their own insecurities and feelings of betrayal. In the process, they discover that relationships can be bitter and sweet, and often filled with surprises.

From Kenneth Lonergan, starring Laura Linney, Matthew Broderick, Amy Ryan, Michael Countryman
Rated R

You Can Count on Me is a 2000 American drama film written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan. The film stars Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo as siblings from a small town in upstate New York. After the death of their parents, Terry (Ruffalo) and Sammy (Linney) find themselves struggling to find their place in the world. Sammy is a single mother living with her 8-year-old son Rudy (Rory Culkin) and working at a local bank. Terry is a drifter who has never been able to settle down, but he is determined to reconnect with his sister. Terry and Sammy's relationship is strained by their differing lifestyles and views, but they must learn to find common ground and become a part of each other's lives. When a crisis brings them together, they must rely on each other to survive. You Can Count on Me is a powerful story of family, loyalty, and love.

From Sam Mendes, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Christopher Fitzgerald, Jonathan Roumie
Rated R

From Todd Haynes, starring Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson
Rated PG-13

From Noah Baumbach, starring Owen Kline, Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, Jesse Eisenberg
Rated R

From Woody Allen, starring Diane Keaton, Geraldine Page, Kristin Griffith, Mary Beth Hurt
Rated PG

From John G. Avildsen, starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove
Rated PG

From Todd Haynes, starring Julianne Moore, Xander Berkeley, Dean Norris, Julie Burgess
Rated R

From Paul Mazursky, starring Jill Clayburgh, Alan Bates, Michael Murphy, Cliff Gorman
Rated R

From Ron Howard, starring Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards
Rated PG-13

From Alan Parker, starring Albert Finney, Diane Keaton, Karen Allen, Peter Weller
Rated R

From Richard Benjamin, starring Cher, Bob Hoskins, Winona Ryder, Michael Schoeffling
Rated PG-13

From Sarah Polley, starring Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Sarah Silverman, Aaron Abrams
Rated R

From Arthur Hiller, starring Al Pacino, Dyan Cannon, Tuesday Weld, Bob Dishy
Rated PG