Discovering the World of Movies About Parenting

Movies about parenting often represent what it is that you may be going through while raising your own children. 

The Importance of Movies About Parenting 

These types of movies offer more than just a night of entertainment; they provide valuable lessons that families can relate to.

They are comforting and they are a reminder that you are not alone in the day to day challenges of raising children. 

movienightA family enjoys a cozy movie night at home, picking a film from a streaming service.

A Variety of Perspectives

One of the great things about movies on parenting is the wide range of perspectives they offer.

For example, the variety of parenting styles, cultural backgrounds and family structures.

From a single parent trying to balance work and home life, to a couple who faces many challenges raising their adopted children or for a stepparent who tries to help raise their stepchildren, these movies capture every aspect of parenthood.

Animated Movies About Parenting for Family Viewing

The animation in movies today is fascinating. They can be entertaining and hilarious for both children and parents alike, while capturing the meaning of parenthood.

Realistic Portrayals of Parenting Challenges

Not all movies about parenting are light-hearted; some delve into the darker, more challenging aspects of raising children. These films provide a more realistic, sometimes even raw, portrayal of parenthood.

Comedies Celebrate the Joys of Parenting 

While many movies about parenting explore the challenges, they also celebrate the joys of raising children.

It is the humor in some parenting movies that offer a lighthearted way to get through the ups and downs of raising children. 

Dealing with Difficult Conversations

Parenting isn’t always easy, and movies about parenting often helps to look into the difficult topics that can be challenging to discuss in real life. Whether it’s dealing with loss, handling a rebellious teenager, or managing the pressures of modern parenting, these films provide a safe space to explore tough issues.

Here’s a list of movies about parenting from the 1980s to the present, along with a brief description of each:


1980s

1.  "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979) Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep

Explores the complexities of parenting after divorce, custody battles, and the sacrifices parents make for their children.     

Rent on Amazon Prime Video


2.  "Mr. Mom" (1983) - Micheal Keaton, Teri Garr                              

A comedy about a laid-off dad who becomes a stay-at-home parent while his wife re-enters the workforce.

Rent or Buy on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV


3.  "Three Men and a Baby" (1987)- Tom Selleck, Ted Danson, Steve Guthenberg                                                                                     

Three bachelors unexpectedly become guardians to an infant and hilariously try to adjust to parenting.

Subscribe to Disney Plus, rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV


4.  "She's Having a Baby" (1988) Kevin Bacon. Elizabeth McGovern   

A newlywed couple faces the anxieties of pregnancy, impending parenthood, and the changes it brings.

Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV


5.  "Parenthood" (1989) - Steve Martin, Keanu Reeves.                     

A classic family comedy, this movie follows the ups and downs of four siblings. As well as being a funny and heartfelt story about the difficulties and rewards of raising children.

Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV


1990s

6.  "Father of the Bride" (1991) Steve Martin, Diane Keaton

A father deals with his daughter's up and coming wedding while becoming flustered along the way.

Like many parents he is learning to let go while still holding onto the precious memories they’ve created together.

Subscription to Disney Plus, Prime Video or Apple TV 


7.  "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) - Robin Williams, Sally Fields

A father disguises himself as a female housekeeper so that he can spend more time with his kids after a divorce. In the process, learning some essential parenting tips.

Subscription to Disney Plus, Rent or buy Prime Video, Apple TV



8.  "The Parent Trap" (1998) Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson

Twin sisters, separated at birth, meet at summer camp and plot to reunite their divorced parents.

Subscription on Disney Plus, Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV 


9.  "Stepmom" (1998) Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon

A terminally ill mother and her children’s stepmother struggle to find common ground and build a new family dynamic.

Rent or purchase on Apple TV


2000s

10.  "Cheaper by the Dozen" (2003) Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt

A couple struggles to balance their careers and the chaotic life of raising twelve children.

Subscription to Disney Plus, buy on Apple TV, Amazon Video or rent on Amazon Video 


11.  "Finding Nemo" (2003) Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould (voices) - Animated

A clownfish father embarks on a journey to find his son, who has been captured by divers. What makes this movie unique is the blend of humour, heartfelt emotion and adventure.

Streaming on Disney Plus with subscription


12.  "The Incredibles" (2004) Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter (voices)- Animated

A family of superheroes tries to live a normal life of family communication and togetherness, while secretly saving the world. 

Streaming on Disney Plus with Subscription


13.  "The Family Stone" (2005) Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, Diane Keaton

A young woman meets her boyfriend’s family during Christmas, leading to comedic and dramatic revelations. Kids are never too old to be their parents child. 

Streaming on Disney Plus with subscription


14.  “Yours, Mine & Ours” (2005) Dennis Quaid & Rene Russo

Talk about different parenting styles. These two couldn’t be more opposite. This movie is a remake of the 1968 film with the same name.

The two main characters want to marry, but their 18 children do not want the wedding to happen and do everything they can to stop it.

Buy or rent on Prime Video, Apple TV


15.  “Nanny McPhee” (2005) Colin Firth, Emma Thompson

Nanny McPhee is hired to care for 7 difficult children who have chased away any previous nannies.

Nanny McPhee uses mystical powers and common sense to discipline the children teaching them to behave. 

Subscription to Prime Video, Apple TV     



16.  "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006): Will Smith, Jayden Smith.

A true story, about a father - Chris Gardner struggling to provide for his son while facing homelessness. A story of determination, love, and the lengths a parent will go to ensure a better future for their child.

Buy or rent on , Amazon Video, Apple TV


17.  "Juno" (2007) Elliot Page, Jennifer Garner
A teenage girl faces an unplanned pregnancy and makes the difficult decision of giving her baby up for adoption.

Rent on Apple TV


2010s

18.  "The Descendants" (2011) George Clooney

A man tries to reconnect with his daughters after his wife falls into a coma following a boating accident.

Subscription to Disney Plus


19.  "We Bought a Zoo" (2011) Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson

A widowed father buys a home that has a zoo in the back yard with the hopes of starting fresh with his children. On Amazon or Disney

Subscribe to Disney Plus, buy on Apple TV, buy or rent on Amazon Video


20.  “What to Expect When Your Expecting” (2012”)   Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison, J.Todd Smith and many more

A hilarious and heartfelt comedy about five couples whose lives are turned upside down by the challenges of soon-to-be parenthood.

Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV


21.  "Brave" (2012) Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson (voices) - Animated

A young Scottish princess defies tradition and challenges her mother’s expectations, exploring the mother-daughter bond.

Subscribe to Disney Plus, rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV


22.  “Wonder” (2017) Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts

An inspiring and heartwarming movie about a boy born with facial differences who enters the fifth grade mainstream school system for the first time. Going through the ups and downs of childhood. 

Rent or buy on Prime Video, rent on Apple TV


23.  “Beautiful Boy” (2018) Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet

A film about the heartbreaking journey of a father who is doing his best to deal with his son’s addiction.

Based on the life story of David and Nic Sheff. It’s a powerful movie that encourages open communication about addiction and the importance of seeking help.

Subscription to Amazon Prime, Apple TV or rent on Amazon Video


24. "Instant Family" (2018) Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Isabela Merced, Gustavo Escobar 

A couple decides to adopt three siblings at once, leading to the challenges and joys of fostering and parenting.

Subscribe to Paramount  on Prime Video, or subscribe to Apple TV


2020s                                                                                          

25. “Mary Poppins Returns” (2020) Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw

Since her first visit, Mary Poppins, the magical nanny returns to help the Bank’s children through a difficult time in their lives. 

Subscription on Disney+, buy or rent on Prime Video, buy on Apple TV 


26.  ”The Mitchells vs. The Machines" (2021) Abbi Jacobson · Danny McBride + 49 more - Animated

A family road trip turns into a battle against a robot apocalypse, all while dealing with family dynamics.

Rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV


27. ”Yes Day" (2021) Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramírez, Jenna Ortega, Julian Lerner and Everly Carganilla

Parents give their kids a “Yes Day,” where the children make the rules for 24 hrs, leading to a day of adventure and chaos.

On Netflix


28.  "Coda" (2021) Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur

A hearing daughter of deaf parents must choose between pursuing her passion for singing and helping her family’s fishing business.

Subscription on Apple TV


29.  "Bad Moms" (2016) Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Bell

Three overworked moms rebel against the expectations of perfect parenting, embracing their imperfections.

Subscription on Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV.


30.  "Tully" (2018) Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis

A mother of three forms an unexpected bond with a night nanny, exploring the realities of motherhood.

Buy or rent on Prime Video, Apple TV.

Most of these stories outline what it means to be a parent; ie the love, the fear, the joy and the challenges.

Whether you're looking for a film to make you laugh, cry, or think, there's a movie about parenting that will resonate with you.

So the next time you're in need of a movie night, consider choosing one of these films. You might just find a little bit of your own parenting journey reflected on the screen.