50 Best Mother's Day Movies That Capture the Magic of Motherhood
Who's ready for a girls' night in?
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Spending time with your mom on Mother's Day should be all about joy, not stress. While picking out the best gift for Mom is always a nice touch, the most special part of the day is simply being together—and she will surely agree! If you're looking for an easy yet meaningful Mother's Day activity, why not plan a cozy movie night? There are so many feel-good films that highlight the love, strength, and humor of moms, and this list of Mother's Day movies is packed with great options. The hardest part will be deciding which one to watch first!
There are so many Mother's Day movies out there that celebrate moms and matriarchs of all walks of life, and this roundup has a little bit of everything. There are classic family comedies like The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday, mother-daughter movies that explore the complicated relationships between moms and their kids like Stepmom and Lady Bird, and fun animated films for younger kids to watch with their moms, like Brave and Turning Red. There are even a few musicals in here, like Mamma Mia and The Sound of Music, that are sure to have you both singing and dancing around the living room! Some may not be exactly about motherhood precisely, but would still make a great addition to your Mother's Day movie marathon.
Take a look at these other Mother's Day ideas:
Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger deliver one of the most iconic mother-daughter performances of all time in this deeply moving film. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, showing just how strong—and complicated—is a mother's love. Have tissues ready!
When a rebellious teenager pushes her mom to her limit, there's only one thing to do: Send her to grandma's house! Jane Fonda plays the no-nonsense matriarch in this heartfelt story about three generations of women learning to understand one another.
Jumping into parenthood overnight is no easy task, as one couple quickly learns when they foster three siblings. This sweet and funny film highlights the ups and downs of parenting, with plenty of heartwarming moments along the way.
Diane Keaton stars as a workaholic who suddenly finds herself responsible for a baby—and let's just say, her life is turned upside down! Watching her stumble through motherhood is both hilarious and heartwarming, making this a perfect pick for Mother's Day.
Parenting 12 kids? Sounds impossible. But in this hilarious family favorite, a devoted mom and dad manage to turn chaos into fun—even when things don't go as planned.
Cher, Winona Ryder, and Christina Ricci star in this offbeat movie about an unconventional mother trying to keep up with her two very different daughters. It's a touching (and occasionally hilarious) story about growing up, letting go, and the unbreakable bond between moms and their kids.
Mothers and daughters don't always see eye to eye, and this film captures that perfectly. When Sidda distances herself from her mom, her mother's lifelong friends step in to remind her of the love and history that binds them together.
Three moms realize their grown sons have been seriously slacking on calling home—so they decide to take matters into their own hands! Their impromptu road trip to New York City makes for a funny and relatable story about motherhood at every stage of life.
This legendary road trip movie isn't *technically* about motherhood, but it is about fierce female friendship and standing by the ones you love—qualities any great mom would appreciate! Plus, it's just plain fun to watch.
A former beauty queen hopes to see her daughter follow in her footsteps, but the two don't always agree on what success looks like. This touching mother-daughter story is about love, sacrifice, and learning to support each other's dreams.
Before Barbie, America Ferrera starred in this beautiful coming-of-age film about a Mexican-American teen trying to balance her own ambitions with her mother's expectations. It's a powerful, heartfelt look at family, culture, and the strength of women across generations.
A couple on the brink of parenthood embarks on a cross-country journey to find the perfect place to raise their baby. Along the way, they meet all kinds of families, proving that there's no single right way to be a great parent.
Drew Barrymore plays a teenager with big dreams and an independent streak, but an unexpected pregnancy forces her to grow up fast. As she tries to balance young motherhood with following her heart, she faces tough choices and the realities of raising a child before she's fully ready.
A mother's love knows no bounds, especially when survival is on the line. Sandra Bullock leads this gripping thriller about a world where seeing is dangerous, proving that a mom will do whatever it takes to protect her kids.
A quirky family road-trips across the country so their youngest can compete in a beauty pageant. Along the way, they argue, laugh, and prove that unconditional love (and being a mom) means showing up—even when everything goes sideways.
They barely tolerated each other—until they became guardians to the same baby overnight. As they fumble through diapers and midnight feedings, two near-strangers learn that parenting (and maybe even love) sometimes finds you when you least expect it.
This one is for those who don't mind a little dark humor every once in a while. It has to do with a mom who thinks she needs to protect her family by taking some drastic measures. Is she becoming a little delusional?
A star-studded mix of storylines celebrates moms in every form, from single mothers to stepmothers and everything in between. Whether it makes you laugh, cry, or both, it's the perfect movie to pop on if you and Mom are in the mood for a feel-good rom-com.
There's probably a good reason why Mom always said no to your wildest requests. But in this fun family film, anything goes!
The Best Picture of 2022 is also one of the best movies to watch for Mother's Day. Actress Marlee Matlin delivers a powerful performance as the mother of teenage Ruby, an aspiring singer and the only hearing member of her family.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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