The Best Movies With Step Parents

Updated March 1, 2025 15 items

This list features the best movies with step parents. Step parents are a tricky bunch. They're not your real parent, but they're also not your friend. They're stuck in this weird middle ground where they have to be both a parent and a friend, which is never easy to do. It's even harder when you have kids who don't want to accept them as their new family member. This list features some of the best films about step families and blended families, including The Parent Trap, Daddy's Home, and Step Brothers . Vote up the best movies with step parents below.

Some of these films feature great actors playing stepparents like Mary Steenburgen in both Elf and Step Brothers.

What are some other good films about stepfamilies? What are some good family comedies? Which ones feature great performances by actors playing step parents? Vote up your favorites below!

1
The Sound of Music
Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker
26 votes
Based on the real-life story of the von Trapp family singers, this beloved musical features Julie Andrews as Maria, a novice nun-turned-governess who falls in love with her employer, widower Captain von Trapp, as she brings music and joy back to his family. As a stepmother, Maria not only embraces her new role but also instills a sense of belonging and unity in her seven stepchildren. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its themes of love, family, and the power of music to bring people together.
- Released: 1965
- Directed by: Robert Wise
2
The Parent Trap
Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith
22 votes
This beloved film features Hayley Mills in a dual role as twins separated at birth by their parents' divorce, who then reunite at summer camp and devise a plan to switch places and bring their parents back together. Along the way, the girls also have to navigate the introduction of a potential stepmother into their lives, realizing that family is about more than just biology. With its iconic performances and heartwarming message, this movie has become a staple for generations of blended families to enjoy.
- Released: 1961
- Directed by: David Swift
3
Elf
Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart
14 votes
When Buddy the Elf discovers he's not actually an elf but a human raised in the North Pole, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father and gain a stepmother in the process. While navigating this new family dynamic, Buddy's infectious enthusiasm and love for Christmas ultimately bring his estranged family closer together. The movie teaches us that family comes in all forms, and sometimes an outsider's perspective can remind us of the joy in togetherness.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Jon Favreau
4
Stepmom
Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, Ed Harris
46 votes
This emotional drama stars Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon as a young woman and a terminally-ill mother who must learn to coexist for the sake of the children caught in the middle. Throughout the film, the two women grapple with jealousy and resentment, ultimately realizing it takes a village to raise a child and the best interests of their family should come first. With powerful performances and a poignant message, Stepmom is a tearjerker that resonates with anyone who's ever navigated the complexities of a blended family.
- Released: 1998
- Directed by: Chris Columbus
5
Step Brothers
Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Richard Jenkins
25 votes
This uproarious comedy showcases the clashing personalities of two grown men suddenly becoming stepbrothers when their parents marry, proving that adjusting to new family members can be a hilarious, if tumultuous, experience. As the two step-siblings eventually bond over shared interests and come to see each other as true family, the film touches on themes of acceptance, personal growth, and the value of strong familial relationships. With its memorable one-liners and outrageous antics, Step Brothers has cemented itself as a cult classic.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Adam McKay
6
The Parent Trap
Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson
22 votes
This modern update of the 1961 classic stars a young Lindsay Lohan as twins Annie and Hallie, who once again reunite at summer camp and plot to bring their divorced parents back together. Confronting the challenges of navigating both a potential stepmother and blended family dynamics, the girls learn that love and family can overcome all obstacles. With its delightful performances, engaging plot, and enduring message, this version of The Parent Trap continues to captivate audiences young and old.
- Released: 1998
- Directed by: Nancy Meyers
7
The Brady Bunch Movie
Shelley Long, Gary Cole, Michael McKean
23 votes
Hilarity ensues as the beloved '70s TV series is brought to life on the big screen, featuring Mike and Carol Brady bringing together their large, blended family in the modern world. The movie highlights the importance of communication and teamwork between step-siblings and step-parents, while reinforcing the idea that family is about more than just shared bloodlines. With plenty of laughs and nostalgic nods to the original show, this film is a must-watch for fans old and new alike.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Betty Thomas
8
The Aristocats
Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway
13 votes
This animated classic revolves around a wealthy Parisian cat, Duchess, and her three kittens who find themselves abandoned by their jealous butler, only to be rescued by an alley cat named Thomas O'Malley. Thomas becomes the quintessential stepfather figure, proving that love and family bonds can form even in the most unlikely situations. With catchy tunes and a heartwarming story of blended family dynamics, it's no wonder this film has remained popular for generations.
- Released: 1970
- Directed by: Wolfgang Reitherman
9
Freaky Friday
Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon
12 votes
In this body-swapping comedy, a rebellious teenager and her career-driven mother, who cannot seem to understand each other, are forced to walk in each other's shoes when they magically switch bodies for a day. Although there is no direct step-parent storyline, the film explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the complex intricacies of family dynamics, offering valuable lessons for those in blended families. With its winning combination of humor, heart, and life lessons, Freaky Friday remains a favorite among viewers of all ages.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Mark Waters
10
Cinderella
Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton
16 votes
A quintessential example of the wicked stepmother trope, this enduring fairy tale shows that even the worst of step-parents can't keep true goodness and love from prevailing. As Cinderella overcomes her stepmother's cruel intentions and wins the heart of her prince, the film serves as a reminder that kindness, resilience, and determination can conquer adversity. This timeless classic continues to enchant audiences with its beautiful animation, unforgettable characters, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
- Released: 1950
- Directed by: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
- Dig Deeper The Dark And Disturbing History Of 'Cinderella'
- Also ranks #2 on The Most Gorgeous Movie Wedding Dresses, Ranked
The Best Actresses (And Actors) Who Donned Glass Slippers In Cinderella Movies
- 1Drew Barrymore In ‘Ever After: A Cinderella Story’
  383 Votes
- 2Lily James In ‘Cinderella’ (2015)
  288 Votes
- 3Anne Hathaway In ‘Ella Enchanted’
  290 Votes
11
Blended
Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Joel McHale
15 votes
After a disastrous blind date, single parents Lauren and Jim find themselves stuck on a luxurious African vacation with their respective families, forcing them to navigate the challenges of blending their lives together. Throughout the trip, they discover their preconceived notions about each other gradually dissipating, highlighting the growth and understanding necessary in creating a harmonious, blended family. Featuring heartwarming moments, laugh-out-loud scenes, and valuable life lessons, Blended is a romantic comedy that resonates with anyone who's ever experienced the unexpected joys of a new family dynamic.
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Frank Coraci
12
Daddy's Home 2
Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson
19 votes
In this sequel to the hit comedy, tensions rise when both the dads and their fathers come together for a holiday celebration, creating an even more chaotic and comical extended family dynamic. As the characters navigate the complexities of juggling multiple generations of step-parents and in-laws, they learn valuable lessons about acceptance, understanding, and the true meaning of family. With its entertaining cast and relatable themes, Daddy's Home 2 is a funny and heartwarming addition to any holiday movie lineup.
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Sean Anders
13
Daddy's Home
Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini
19 votes
This hilarious comedy revolves around a timid stepdad, played by Will Ferrell, who must compete with his wife's ex-husband, portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, for the affection of their children. As the two men's rivalry plays out, they ultimately learn to put their differences aside for the sake of their family, showcasing the importance of cooperation and understanding in blended family situations. Daddy's Home offers laughs and heart while tackling the tough yet rewarding realities of step-parenting.
- Released: 2015
- Directed by: Sean Anders
14
The Uninvited
Elizabeth Banks, Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel
9 votes
This chilling horror film follows a young woman who returns home after time in a psychiatric facility, only to find her father engaged to the same woman her recently deceased mother accused of having an affair. As ominous events unfold, the protagonist grapples with distrust and suspicion toward her potential stepmother, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The Uninvited is a thrilling exploration of the darker side of step-parent dynamics, where nothing is as it seems.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Tom Guard, Charles Guard
15
Domestic Disturbance
John Travolta, Vince Vaughn, Teri Polo
11 votes
In this gripping thriller, a divorced father suspects his son's new stepfather of harboring sinister secrets, ultimately fighting to protect his family from danger. The film explores the difficulties of balancing trust and skepticism in a blended family situation while addressing themes of loyalty, deception, and the lengths one will go to for their loved ones. Domestic Disturbance is an intense and suspenseful ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Harold Becker

The Best Actresses (And Actors) Who Donned Glass Slippers In Cinderella Movies