It’s Mother’s Day, and however you choose to celebrate, watching a movie is always a great option. After all, motherhood has been a prevalent theme in cinema throughout all its history.
From Donna Sheridan to Evelyn Quan Wang, mothers on the big screen have depicted the joys and challenges of being a parent. It’s not always easy, but one thing remains constant: love.
Musicals, dramas, animated films, and even horror pictures have explored this topic, resonating with audiences worldwide. Here are 10 films to stream on this special occasion.
Best movies to watch on Mother’s Day on streaming
“The Color Purple” (2023) – Celie, a teenager living in 1909 Georgia, is forced into marriage to a man who only sees her as a caretaker for the house, separating her from her sons, father, and beloved sister. As she matures, she learns to cope with this sorrow, never losing hope of reuniting with her sister and children.
Available on Max
“Red” (2022) – Mei Lee, a Chinese-Canadian girl living in Toronto in 2002, strives to make her mother, Ming, proud in every aspect. However, one day, Ming embarrasses Mei in front of her friends, triggering Mei’s adolescent fury and transforming her into an ancestral creature from her culture.
Available on Disney+
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022) – Evelyn Quan Wang has a never-changing routine: working in her laundromat, discussing with her husband Waymond, arguing with her perpetually absent daughter Joy, and caring for her elderly father. Suddenly, she is thrust into a parallel universe where she must save not only the entire world but also her family, who are entirely different people in this alternate reality.
Available on Netflix and Paramount+
“Lady Bird” (2017) – Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson is navigating her senior year, facing the usual obstacles and challenges of growing up. Additionally, she has constant arguments with her mother, a nurse who works tirelessly to support their family.
Available on Paramount+
“Parallel Mothers” (2021) – Janis and Ana are two single mothers who give birth on the same day in the same hospital. Janis, older and thrilled about her baby, contrasts with Ana, younger and seemingly remorseful. They form a strong bond and agree to stay in touch. However, their lives become deeply intertwined when one of them uncovers a devastating secret.
Available for rental via Apple TV+
“A Quiet Place” (2018) – Lee and Evelyn Abbott struggle with parenthood as they raise their two children and prepare for the arrival of their upcoming newborn, all while aliens invade Earth and prey on those who make even the slightest sound.
Available on Paramount+
“Mamma Mia!” (2008) – Donna, a single mother, has raised her daughter Sophie alone in the hotel she owns on a Greek island. For her wedding, Sophie secretly invites three of her mother’s exes, hoping to discover who her biological father is.
Available for rental via Apple TV+
“Freaky Friday” (2003) – Anna and Tess, a mother and daughter, constantly argue about every single thing. After consuming a magical fortune cookie, they swap bodies and gain a firsthand experience of each other’s lives.
Available on Disney+
“Brave” (2012) – Young princess Merida of the Celtic clan Dunbroch desires adventure over the life of luxury and monarchy, much to her mother’s displeasure. In an attempt to change her mind, Merida makes her eat an enchanted piece of cake, unleashing a curse that only the princess can undo.
Available on Disney+
“Bird Box” (2018) – Malorie Hayes and her children must survive in a post-apocalyptic world haunted by entities that drive people to end their lives when looked at.
Available on Netflix
