Movies About Mothers

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. It is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film stars Tom Hanks as the titular character, alongside Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. The film tells the story of Forrest Gump, a naive and slow-witted but kind-hearted, good-natured, and athletically-prodigious man from Alabama, who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the defining events of the latter half of the 20th century in the United States. The story is told largely through flashback sequences. Forrest goes from being a child with a below-average IQ and leg braces, to being a Vietnam War hero and successful shrimp businessman. He also has fateful encounters with several historical figures, such as Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and John Lennon. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning over US$677 million worldwide during its theatrical run, making it the top-grossing film of 1994 and the second highest-grossing film of all time at

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a 1960 American psychological horror-thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It follows the story of Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) who steals $40,000 from her employer and is on the run from the law. She takes refuge at the isolated Bates Motel, where she meets the mysterious proprietor, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). The film follows Marion's stay at the motel and her subsequent murder, in one of the most iconic scenes in cinema history. It then shifts to the investigation by private detective Milton Arbogast (Martin Balsam) and uncovers the shocking truth behind Norman's strange behavior: he is a deeply disturbed individual whose mother (played by Hitchcock's frequent collaborator, British actress Janet Leigh) has completely taken over his psyche. Psycho revolutionized the horror genre and remains one of Alfred Hitchcock's most acclaimed works.

From James Cameron, starring Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Aliens is a 1986 sci-fi action film directed by James Cameron. The film follows Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), a survivor of a disastrous commercial towing mission, as she and a team of marines investigate an alien distress signal on the planet LV-426. Upon their arrival, Ripley and the marines discover a hive of aliens that have wreaked havoc and devastation on the colony. As the marines fight for their lives, Ripley discovers that the aliens are part of a larger, more terrifying plan. Through a series of thrilling action sequences, Ripley and the marines attempt to survive and defeat the aliens in what becomes a battle for the future of mankind.

From Lenny Abrahamson, starring Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Wendy Crewson
Rated R

Room is a 2015 drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donoghue, based on her novel of the same name. It stars Brie Larson as Ma, a young woman who has been held captive in a small room for seven years along with her five-year-old son Jack, played by Jacob Tremblay. The film focuses on their relationship as they attempt to escape their captivity and reintegrate into society. With its powerful performances and compelling story, Room was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and nominations, including Academy Award wins for Best Actress (Larson) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Donoghue).

From Robert Wise, starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn
Rated G

The Sound of Music is a 1965 American musical drama film directed by Robert Wise and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The film is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which was in turn based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. The story follows Maria (Andrews), a young Austrian woman who is sent to serve as governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp (Plummer). After struggling to gain the trust of the children, Maria eventually wins them over with her kindness and creativity. She soon finds herself falling in love with the captain, and the two eventually marry. The family soon finds itself faced with the Nazi threat, and the captain is obligated to join the German Naval Reserve. After deciding to flee the country, the captain, Maria, and the children attempt to escape over the mountains, with the help of a sympathetic nun. The Sound of Music was a major critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards and becoming the highest-grossing film of all time for five years. The film's memorable score, featuring songs such as "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," and "Edelweiss"

From Martin McDonagh, starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones
Rated R

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a dark comedy-drama film that tells the story of a grieving mother named Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand). After seven months without any leads in the investigation of her daughter's brutal murder, Mildred decides to take matters into her own hands. She rents three billboards with an inflammatory message directed towards the town's revered police chief, Bill Willoughby (Woody Harrelson), regarding the unsolved crime. Her act of rebellion sparks a wave of controversy in the small town of Ebbing, leading to an all-out war between Mildred and the townspeople, as well as a personal journey of redemption for the Chief. Along the way, Mildred is assisted by her abusive ex-husband (John Hawkes), an off-kilter but highly-respected police officer (Sam Rockwell), and an unusual, foul-mouthed priest (Lucas Hedges). The film explores a range of themes, including grief, justice, and how we can find healing in unexpected ways.

From Xavier Dolan, starring Anne Dorval, Antoine Olivier Pilon, Suzanne Clément, Patrick Huard
Rated R

Mommy is a 2014 Canadian drama film written and directed by Xavier Dolan. It centers around Diane (Anne Dorval), a widowed single mother raising her troubled 15-year-old son Steve (Antoine-Olivier Pilon). After Steve is expelled from school, Diane is forced to take matters into her own hands and battle the system in order to get her son the help he needs. Along the way, they get help from their neighbor Kyla (Suzanne Clément), who forms an unlikely bond with the mother and son duo. The film explores the struggles of raising a difficult child, and the bond between mother and son.

From Garth Davis, starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, Sunny Pawar
Rated PG-13

Lion is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Garth Davis and written by Luke Davies, based on the non-fiction book A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley with Larry Buttrose. The film stars Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, David Wenham and Nicole Kidman, and tells the story of Saroo, a five-year-old Indian boy who gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before eventually being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, armed with only a handful of memories, he sets out to find his lost family. Lion is a story of love, courage and the hope of reuniting with family no matter how far away and how long it takes.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Angelina Jolie, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan, Gattlin Griffith
Rated R

Changeling is a 2008 American mystery drama directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Angelina Jolie. The film is based on the true story of Christine Collins, who, in 1928, reported her nine-year-old son Walter Collins missing in Los Angeles. Five months later, the Los Angeles Police Department claimed to have found him alive and brought him home, but Christine believes the impostor is not her real son and embarks on a quest to find the truth. As her search turns into a media circus, Christine finds herself in a tug-of-war between the police and politicians on one side, and a desperate mother on the other. This powerful drama is an emotionally riveting story of an heroic mother's fight for justice and redemption.

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

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama film directed by Robert Benton and written by Benton and Alvin Sargent. The film tells the story of a married couple's divorce and its impact on everyone involved, including the couple's young son. Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is a workaholic advertising executive who ignores his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) and their son Billy (Justin Henry). One day, Joanna tells Ted she wants a divorce, and leaves him and Billy. Ted is forced to give up his career and learn the responsibilities of being a full-time parent to his son. With the help of his neighbor Margaret (Jane Alexander), Ted adapts and eventually bonds with Billy. When Joanna returns and wants Billy back, Ted is forced to fight for custody in court. Ted and Joanna have a heated court battle, and ultimately Ted is granted custody. In the end, Billy gets to choose which parent he wants to live with, and he and Ted reach a mutual understanding.

From Shona Auerbach, starring Emily Mortimer, Jack McElhone, Gerard Butler, Mary Riggans
Rated PG-13

Dear Frankie is a 2004 British-Scottish drama film directed by Shona Auerbach. The film stars Emily Mortimer, Jack McElhone, Gerard Butler, and Sharon Small. The story follows a single-mother, Lizzie (Emily Mortimer), and her son, Frankie (Jack McElhone). Lizzie is struggling to raise her son alone and to keep him from learning the truth about his absent father. To protect him, she tells Frankie that his father is away for work on a merchant ship. In reality, Frankie’s father is in jail. When Frankie discovers a postcard from his father, sent from an island off the coast of Scotland, Lizzie arranges a trip there, hoping to satisfy her son's curiosity and longing. The family takes the trip, meeting a kind local stranger, named “The Stranger” (Gerard Butler), who agrees to pose as Frankie’s father. As Frankie spends time with his father, he discovers that his “father” is a romantic, warm-hearted man, and the two begin to bond. Meanwhile, Lizzie's friend Marie (Sharon Small) begins to develop feelings for The Stranger

From Wayne Wang, starring Tamlyn Tomita, Rosalind Chao, Kieu Chinh, Tsai Chin
Rated R

The Joy Luck Club is a 1993 American drama film directed by Wayne Wang and based on the 1989 novel of the same name by Amy Tan. The film tells the story of four Chinese-American immigrant families in San Francisco who form a club known as The Joy Luck Club, playing the Chinese game of Mah Jong, and gathering to share their experiences. Through a series of flashbacks, the stories of the mothers and daughters are told, with each of the mothers having to make a difficult personal sacrifice at some point in their lives. The film explores the clash of Chinese and American cultures, the generational and cultural gap between the immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters, and the difficulties of maintaining family bonds across cultures. Ultimately, the film is a story of hope and reconciliation, as the mothers and daughters seek understanding and connections with one another.

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

Ordinary People is a 1980 drama film directed by Robert Redford. It follows the Jarrett family, who is struggling to cope with the aftermath of the death of their eldest son Buck. The film focuses on the remaining family members: father Calvin, mother Beth, and son Conrad. Conrad has attempted suicide and is now in therapy to work through his grief and guilt over his brother's death. Calvin is a successful businessman but is unable to connect to his family emotionally, while Beth is overprotective and smothering. The movie explores the dynamics between the family members as they come to terms with their grief and attempt to heal their fractured relationships. In the end, the family is able to repair their relationships and find a way to move forward.

From John Lee Hancock, starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head
Rated PG-13

The Blind Side is a 2009 American sports drama film directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, and Tim McGraw. The film is based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager from Memphis, Tennessee, who is taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family. With the help of his new family and the coaching of a dedicated teacher, Michael eventually earns a college football scholarship and goes on to become a first-round NFL draft pick. The film follows Michael's journey from being an isolated outcast to becoming a successful football player and young adult. Along the way, he learns the importance of family and education, while developing an unshakable faith in himself. The film also delves into the issue of economic inequality and its effects on the education and life chances of many inner-city youth. In the end, Michael succeeds against all odds, and his story serves as an inspiration to many viewers.

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

You Can Count on Me is a 2000 American drama directed by Kenneth Lonergan and starring Mark Ruffalo and Laura Linney. The film tells the story of Sammy, a single mother living in a small town in upstate New York, and her relationship with her brother Terry, a wanderer who has come back to town. As Sammy struggles to keep her life together and care for her son, her brother's return forces her to confront her past and decide what kind of future she wants for herself and her child. The film follows the two siblings as they come to terms with their shared past and develop a newfound understanding of one another, ultimately discovering that true family comes from the heart, not blood.

From Jason Reitman, starring Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman
Rated PG-13

Juno is a coming of age story about a 16-year-old girl who gets pregnant after a one-night stand. After initially planning to have an abortion, Juno decides to give the baby up for adoption. With the help of her best friend Leah, she finds Mark and Vanessa, a married couple eager to adopt. However, the reality of being a young mother and facing the difficult decision ahead starts to sink in. With the support of her parents, Juno learns to cope with her unique situation, and discovers the true meaning of maturity and responsibility.

From John Krasinski, starring Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe
Rated PG-13

A Quiet Place is a 2018 horror film directed by John Krasinski and starring Emily Blunt and Krasinski. The film follows a family of four who must navigate their lives in silence to avoid mysterious creatures that hunt by sound. The family lives in complete silence to prevent these creatures from finding and attacking them. As they struggle to make ends meet, they must also figure out a way to protect themselves and their children from the creatures. The film follows the family's journey as they battle both the creatures and the ever-increasing tension that their silence brings. In the end, they must make a brave and daring attempt to save their family and the future of mankind.

From Herbert Ross, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason, Quinn Cummings, Paul Benedict
Rated PG

From James L. Brooks, starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito
Rated PG

From Greta Gerwig, starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges
Rated R

From Martin Scorsese, starring Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Mia Bendixsen, Alfred Lutter III
Rated PG

From Herbert Ross, starring Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts
Rated PG

From Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, starring Ilene Woods, James MacDonald, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton
Rated G

From Cameron Crowe, starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger, Kelly Preston
Rated R

From Ari Aster, starring Toni Collette, Milly Shapiro, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff
Rated R