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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:
Terms of Endearment
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!
at amazon.com
Georgia Rule
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.
at
Instant Family
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.
at
Baby Boom
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.
at amazon.com
Cheaper By The Dozen
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.
at amazon.com
Mermaids
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.
at amazon.com
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
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.
at amazon.com
Otherhood
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.
at netflix.com
Thelma & Louise
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.
at
Miss Juneteenth
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.
at amazon.com
Real Women Have Curves
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.
at amazon.com
Away We Go
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.
at amazon.com
Riding in Cars with Boys
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.
at amazon.com
Bird Box
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.
at netflix.com
Little Miss Sunshine
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.
at amazon.com
Life as We Know It
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.
at amazon.com
Serial Mom
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?
at amazon.com
Mother’s Day
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.
at amazon.com
Yes Day
There’s probably a good reason why Mom always said no to your wildest requests. But in this fun family film, anything goes!
at netflix.com
CODA
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.
at Apple
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
As matriarch Maria Portokalos wisely said in this beloved film: “The man may be the head of the family, but the woman is the neck and she turns the head any way she wants.”
at amazon.com
Little Women
Marmee March is easily one of the best moms in literary history. In Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Little Women, Marmee is lovingly brought to life by actress Laura Dern.
at amazon.com
Stepmom
This moving film follows a mother (Susan Sarandon) and stepmother (Julia Roberts) as they navigate blended family life and all the difficulties that can come with it.
at amazon.com
The Guilt Trip
Inventor Andy Brewster (Seth Rogen) gets more than he bargained for when his mom (Barbra Streisand) crashes his cross-country road trip.
at amazon.com
Akeelah and the Bee
Angela Bassett and Keke Palmer make a delightful mother and daughter duo in the inspiring film about a young girl whose gift for words takes her all the way to the National Spelling Bee.
at amazon.com
Mothers and Daughters
A photographer who unexpectedly becomes pregnant learns the true meaning of motherhood as she captures several mothers and their children on film.
at amazon.com
Mother
After his second divorce, a writer (Albert Brooks) moves back in with his mother (Debbie Reynolds) in an attempt to figure out why all of his relationships with women have failed.
at amazon.com
Dumplin’
An awkward teen and her former pageant queen mother seem to live in opposite universes—until they realize they’re more alike than they once thought.
at
Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire is the overbearing, loving mother figure that everyone wishes they had. This classic comedy shows that anyone with a big heart can take on the role of “Mom.”
at amazon.com
Fried Green Tomatoes
Sometimes, motherhood comes in the form of friendship. Anyone who’s seen Fried Green Tomatoes can understand that!
at amazon.com
Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut explores the turbulent relationship between the character Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan) and her mother (Laurie Metcalf). The coming-of-age dramedy is as funny as it is heartwarming.
$3.99 at amazon.com
Mamma Mia! The Movie
Meryl Streep leads a star-studded cast in this joyful musical about a daughter’s quest to find her father. Set to the soundtrack of ABBA’s greatest hits, it’s sure to have you dancing and singing in your living room!
at amazon.com
Brave
Brave is great for mamas with little ones. This Disney/Pixar flick tells the story of a princess named Merida, who must draw on her bravery and skills as an archer to save her mother, Queen Elinor, from a beastly curse.
at amazon.com
Because I Said So
Diane Keaton plays a single mother who can’t resist meddling in her daughter’s (Mandy Moore) love life—to great comedic effect!
at amazon.com
Steel Magnolias
This beloved ’80s movie is a warm and witty celebration of female friendship. It also features a touching depiction of the unbreakable bond between mother (Sally Field) and daughter (Julia Roberts).
at amazon.com
Soul Food
The family that eats together, stays together. Through all of their ups and downs, the Joseph family remains strong thanks to matriarch Mama Joe’s Sunday dinner of soul food.
at amazon.com
Forrest Gump
“Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates.” Sally Field proves the power of a mother’s love once again in the Tom Hanks hit, Forrest Gump.
at amazon.com
Freaky Friday
A mother-daughter duo played by Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis walk a mile in each other’s heels (and combat boots) in this hilarious Disney remake.
at amazon.com
Freaky Friday (1976)
And if you loved the 2003 version, you should definitely go back and watch the original 1976 film. It stars a young Jodie Foster!
at amazon.com
If Beale Street Could Talk
Regina King’s moving performance as a mother who would do whatever it takes to save her family won her an Oscar. If Beale Street Could Talk is heart-wrenching yet beautiful film about how love—even the most powerful kind—sometimes doesn’t conquer all.
at amazon.com
Philomena
This poignant film tells the incredible true story of Philomena Lee’s (Judi Dench) 50-year search for the child she was forced to give up for adoption. Philmonena’s charming relationship with the journalist (Steve Coogan) who accompanies her on her quest will have you laughing and crying.
at amazon.com
Troop Beverly Hills
Shelley Long plays a Beverly Hills housewife who gets in touch with her maternal side when she takes charge of her daughter’s girl scout troop. It’s a classic!
at amazon.com
The Farewell
Anyone who has a special relationship with their grandmother will love The Farewell. It’s about a young artist (Awkwafina) who travels to China to see her ailing grandmother for possibly the last time. We can imagine three generations of women bonding over this one. ❤️
at amazon.com
The Parent Trap
Lindsay Lohan is twice as nice in her film debut as twins Hallie Parker and Annie James, who scheme to get their divorced parents back together again. Warning: the scene where Hallie reunites with her mom (Natasha Richardson) for the first time in 12 years may bring a tear or two to your eye! The film features lots of fun nods to the equally delightful 1961 version starring Haley Mills.
at amazon.com
20th Century Women
This quirky, Oscar-nominted film explores the relationship between a teenage boy and the women who raise him, including his free-spirited single mother played to perfection by Annette Bening.
at amazon.com
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Here we go again! If you and mom want more music, merriment, and Meryl, then you have to watch Mamma Mia‘s equally fun sequel.
at amazon.com
The Joy Luck Club
This compelling film tells the stories of four Chinese-American women and their relationships with their mothers. Based on Amy Tan’s acclaimed novel, The Joy Luck Club is a touching ode to mother-daughter relationships in all their power and complexity.
at amazon.com
The Kids Are All Right
Two teenagers get to know their biological father in the acclaimed dramedy starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo.
at amazon.com
Postcards From The Edge
This witty film starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine is based on Carrie Fisher’s semi-autobiographical bestselling book about her relationship with her mother, fellow actress Debbie Reynolds.
at amazon.com
Lion
The critically acclaimed film tells the true story of a man who used Google Earth to find his birth parents. Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman were both nominated for Oscars for their touching portrayal of a son and his adoptive mother.
at amazon.com
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