There are some great films to watch on Mother’s Day with mom, like Netflix’s new release Honeymoon With My Mom.
There are a lot of great things to do with mom on her day, but relaxing on the couch and watching a movie she’ll enjoy is a good start. These movies have all the drama to move an audience, but there are also some great options for those that like some comedy and excitement to balance the drama. From laugh-out-loud films like Yes Day to heartbreakingly beautiful stories like Stepmom, there’s something for every mom.
Mother’s Day (2016)
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
The aptly named Mother’s Day follows different households and different styles of parenting in the week leading up to Mother’s Day. With an all-star cast, diversity, and a bit of comedy, this is a great film to sit down and cry-laugh with Mom.
Every parent knows that raising a child isn’t always as easy as people may think. This romantic comedy explores the complex nature of mother-child relationships, as well as households without mothers. It’s a great watch for those that love the intense drama in their family flick with a bit of comedic relief.
Mr. Mom (1983)
Stream on Amazon Prime Video.
While a bit dated for some audiences today, Mr. Mom explores the idea of putting a father in the shoes of a stay-at-home mom. After a husband is laid off from his job, his wife goes back to work, leaving him to care for their children.
Many modern critics and film fans don’t appreciate the way this film reinforces traditional gender roles. However, many may find enjoyment in the light humor as well as the serious focus on the difficulty of parents who choose to stay home to raise their children.
Brave (2012)
Stream on Disney+.
Brave is an animated film that explores serious issues, including Merida’s complex relationship with her overbearing mother. When Merida is expected to follow old traditions instead of following her own path, she makes a decision that she must amend before it’s too late.
This film is great for kids, but it’s also an interesting film to sit down and watch with mom. With the heavy focus on Merida and her strict but caring mother, it’s a heartfelt and dramatic film that delves into the mother-daughter relationship.
Because I Said So (2007)
Stream on Starz.
In the comedy Because I Said So, a mother (Diane Keaton) meddles in the love lives of her daughters, worried if they don’t find the right guy they’ll end up following in her footsteps.
Though a light-hearted film, this story also explores the drama of a parent overstepping and making a rash decision in the hopes of doing what’s best for them. Daughters (and perhaps sons) will enjoy laughing and tearing up with their moms while watching this touching story about a dedicated mother.
Life As We Know It (2010)
Stream on Roku.
In one of Josh Duhamel’s best performances, Holly (Katherine Heigl) and Eric (Duhamel) are two single adults that are suddenly thrust into parenthood when their mutual best friends die in a tragic accident, leaving their infant daughter in the care of their closest friends.
Life As We Know It explores the complex nature of unconventional and unexpected parenthood. It’s endearing to watch two people who know little about babies learn to care for the child they both care for so much. Fans of romantic comedies with some complicated drama will enjoy this story.
Yes Day (2021)
Stream on Netflix.
This hilarious movie follows two parents who try to make things fun and adventurous by giving their three children a day in which they can only say “yes” to every request.
For those more interested in watching a movie with mom that produces more laughs than tears, Yes Day is the one to watch. Though it has a sprinkle of parental drama and endearment, it’s also a fun film that explores the idea of parents letting their kids take charge for a bit.
Dumplin’ (2018)
Stream on Netflix.
In one of Jennifer Aniston’s best rom-coms, Dumplin’, Willowdean (Danielle Macdonald) signs up for a beauty pageant to make a point about the nature of the institution, much to the discomfort of her former beauty queen mother, Rosie (Aniston).
This heartfelt comedy not only explores the difficult nature of growing up under parental expectations, but also the journey to self-love. Audiences that appreciate a child and mother coming to terms with their differences and apologizing for how they’ve misunderstood each other will devour all the excitement and drama this movie has to offer.
Mothers and Daughters (2016)
Stream on Amazon Prime Video.
In Mothers & Daughters, a pregnant photographer (Selma Blair) captures motherhood in her art as she grapples with the complex relationship with her estranged mother.
Though not positively reviewed by critics, viewers appreciate this film for its focus on exploring different types of mother-daughter relationships. Fans are captivated by the capture of a serious moment in this film and its take on parental communication and how it affects relationships. Audiences looking for a deeper look into the complexity of relationships with mothers will find this movie endearing.
Stepmom (1998)
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
In this drama, mother Jackie (Susan Sarandon) has to accept her children’s new stepmom Isabel (Julia Roberts) as she faces a terminal illness. Though not one of Julia Robert’s best movies, Stepmom is worth a watch for its touching story.
In these times where step-parents are a common part of children’s lives, this is an endearing and important film to explore the relationship between parents and step-parents. This story is sure to bring a few tears to mom’s eyes, as well as whoever is watching with her.
Wonder (2017)
Available to rent or buy on Amazon.
In Wonder, a boy born with facial differences decides to take a chance as he enters a mainstream school for fifth grade, encouraging a community to learn the meaning of true compassion and acceptance.
Fans and critics have raved about this film, finding it both endearing and important as it explores the nature of being emotionally honest and encourages people to start important conversations and take action. The audience will cry, shout, and jump for joy before the end of this amazing story fit for the whole family.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Based on a true story, Hidden Figures follows a team of female African-American mathematicians who played a vital role in NASA’s early years of the space program.
Though not at a first glance a movie about moms, these influential women tackle this important task while also being mothers themselves. Critics found this movie powerful, with strong performances, great source material, and an inspirational tale of perseverance. Moms that love to watch movies about female empowerment and influence will devour this immaculate film about a previously unrepresented team of extraordinary women.
