Dumbo, with its heartfelt portrayal of an endearing young elephant and his brave mother, sweeps through a whirlwind of emotions, defying the odds against life's adversities and redefining what it means to be a family. This delightful classic offers a touching reminder of a mother's love, as Mrs. Jumbo nurtures and shields Dumbo from the cruel world around him.
- Released: 1941
- Directed by: Ben Sharpsteen
One Fine Day, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney as two single parents, delights viewers with a charming tale of unexpected romance. The movie encapsulates the daily challenges faced by single mothers while highlighting the unwavering love they have for their children.
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Michael Hoffman
The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock as the charismatic Leigh Anne Tuohy and Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher, depicts a compelling mother-son bond forged in the face of adversity. This true-to-life drama embodies the beauty of adoption and showcases the strength and resilience of a familial bond that transcends blood ties.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: John Lee Hancock
Forrest Gump, with Tom Hanks' inimitable performance as the lovable Forrest and Sally Field as his unyielding mother, poignantly portrays a mother's unconditional love in the face of challenges. Through laughter and tears, the story tugs at our heartstrings as Mrs. Gump instills wisdom and determination in Forrest.
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Kindergarten Cop, featuring the inimitable Arnold Schwarzenegger as an undercover cop posing as a kindergarten teacher, delightfully portrays a blossoming, albeit unconventional, bond between Schwarzenegger’s character and the young Dominic, played by Joseph and Christian Cousins. There are two mother-son relationships in the film – one between Dominic and his mother Rachel, who is struggling to escape the influence of her criminal ex-husband Cullen, and another between Cullen and his mother Eleanor, who is his partner in crime as well as his mom.
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Ivan Reitman
The Impossible, a harrowing drama depicting a mother's relentless efforts to reunite her family in the aftermath of a devastating tsunami, showcases a powerful performance from Naomi Watts. This thrilling tale is a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son.
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
The Grapes of Wrath, based on John Steinbeck's iconic novel, poignantly delves into the devastating impact of the Great Depression on the Joad family, with Jane Darwell's powerful portrayal of Ma Joad, serving as the family's rock. Amidst heartache and tribulation, the film highlights the strength and resilience of a mother's love that carries her son, Tom, played by Henry Fonda, and the entire family through trying times.
- Released: 1940
- Directed by: John Ford
Home Alone, a wildly popular holiday classic, spins an uproarious tale of young Kevin McCallister, brilliantly portrayed by Macaulay Culkin, who cleverly fends off burglars while his mother, played by Catherine O'Hara, orchestrates a desperate race against time to reunite with her son. This uproarious comedy serves as a testament to a mother’s unwavering love and perseverance.
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Chris Columbus
Little Man Tate, with Jodie Foster both directing and acting as the caring mother of a child prodigy played by Adam Hann-Byrd, highlights the trials and tribulations of raising a gifted child. The film deftly captures a mother's determination and unwavering encouragement of her son's potential, despite the challenges they face.
- Released: 1991
- Directed by: Jodie Foster
Room, featuring Academy Award winner Brie Larson as Ma and an extraordinary Jacob Tremblay as her son Jack, masterfully unravels the claustrophobic world of a captive mother and son. Amid the darkness, their unbreakable bond shines bright, rendering an unforgettable testament to the fortitude of maternal love.
- Released: 2015
- Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson
Ben Is Back, with Julia Roberts delivering a powerful performance as the mother of a drug-addicted son, played by Lucas Hedges, unravels a tale filled with tension and emotional turmoil. The film is a gripping examination of a mother's relentless fight to save her son from the clutches of addiction.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Peter Hedges
The Deep End of the Ocean, featuring Michelle Pfeiffer as a heartbroken mother searching for her lost son, captures the essence of unyielding maternal devotion. The gripping film delves into the emotional torment and unwavering hope of a family in crisis, proving that a mother's love can triumph in even the darkest moments.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Ulu Grosbard
Psycho – Alfred Hitchcock's dark and chilling masterpiece – frighteningly unveils the twisted bond between the infamous Norman Bates and his late mother. This thrilling horror classic dares to expose the sinister depths of an unhealthy mother-son relationship.
- Released: 1960
- Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
The Book of Henry, with Naomi Watts taking the lead as a dedicated mother to her genius son Henry, portrayed by Jaeden Martell, thrillingly portrays a mother's valiant quest to protect her children. The film is a poignant reminder of the lengths a mother will go, guided by her son's wisdom and love.
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Colin Trevorrow
The Sixth Sense, a supernatural thriller with Haley Joel Osment's unforgettable performance as a young boy who sees dead people, showcases Toni Collette's powerful portrayal of a mother grappling with her child's extraordinary gift. This haunting film expertly balances terror with the exquisitely tender love of a mother for her son.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Little Joe, an unsettling sci-fi thriller, follows Emily Beecham as a dedicated scientist and mother who develops a genetically-engineered plant designed to promote happiness. In the unpredictable and eerie world of lab creations, a mother's love is tested as she navigates the unforeseen, unsavory side effects of her discovery.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Jessica Hausner
Savage Grace, a shocking and controversial drama, unravels the tale of the dysfunctional high society Baekeland family, with Julianne Moore's chilling portrayal of the troubled mother, Barbara. The film leaves its audience gasping for air as it takes a deep dive into the abyss of unhealthy mother-son relationships, fueled by delusion and emotional distress.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Tom Kalin
Finding Neverland tells the captivating story of author J.M. Barrie, played by Johnny Depp, and his friendship with a widow, portrayed by Kate Winslet, and her sons. This heartwarming tale emphasizes the power of maternal love, as well as the importance of imagination and creativity in a child’s life.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Marc Forster
Adore showcases the unique bond between Roz, played by Robin Wright, and her son Ian, portrayed by Xavier Samuel. Though this captivating story of forbidden love and deep-rooted affection harbors an incredibly tangled web, it is the relationship between mother and son that shines central to the movie.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Anne Fontaine
The Boy, a chilling horror flick, takes the concept of maternal love to new heights, as Lauren Cohan's character is hired to babysit a peculiar life-sized doll, with the couple treating it as their deceased son. This creepy exploration of motherhood and the lengths people will go to for the ones they have lost keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: William Brent Bell
Pieta, a harrowing Korean drama, delves into the darkest corners of humanity as a brutal loan shark, portrayed by Lee Jung-jin, reunites with his long-lost mother, played by Jo Min-soo. The film viewers' empathy skillfully twists and turns, while the film's portrayal of a mother's love is both redeeming and terrifying.
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Kim Ki-duk, Jo Min-soo
Raggedy Man, with Sissy Spacek and Eric Roberts delving deep into the roles of a loving mother and her son, encompasses a moving depiction of a single mother's fierce devotion to her children amidst societal expectations and small-town gossip. This emotionally charged drama captures the essence of a mother's undying love and determination.
- Released: 1981
- Directed by: Jack Fisk
The Others, a suspenseful supernatural thriller with Nicole Kidman as a devoted mother protecting her light-sensitive children, chills the viewers with a gloomy atmosphere and haunting revelations. The film slowly peels away the layers of a mystery, guided by a mother's haunted love and the unsettling secrets it eventually uncovers.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Alejandro Amenábar
Supercell is a storm-chasing film that takes audiences on a nail-biting journey through nature's most awe-inspiring and destructive displays. With themes of courage, survival, and human resilience entwined with some heart-stopping thrills, this 2022 movie presents an adrenaline-infused spectacle intersecting Tornado Alley's cataclysmic power with humanity's adventurous spirit.
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: Herbert James Winterstern
- A woman searches for her missing son after a calamity, only to realize that she has died and is now confined to a realm of restless spirits.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Michihito Fujii
In the chilling sequel, Brahms: The Boy II, a young family moves into the Heelshire Mansion where their young son quickly bonds with an eerie, life-like doll called Brahms. Melding classic horror elements with a gripping investigation of a child's struggle to understand reality versus fantasy, this film smartly intensifies the looming unease and dread-induced shivers sparked by its predecessor.
- Released: 2020
- Directed by: William Brent Bell
The Secret of NIMH, a classic animated gem, takes viewers on an enchanting journey with a widowed mouse named Mrs. Brisby who courageously seeks to save her ill son. Through mystical encounters and daring efforts, this film highlights a mother's unwavering love and determination against all odds, no matter the species.
- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Don Bluth
American Son, a gripping drama led by Kerry Washington as Kendra, is a heartrending depiction of a mother's anguish as she searches for her missing son. As race, class, and injustice intermingle, the movie turns a spotlight on a mother's unstoppable quest to protect her child.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Kenny Leon
- In World War II London, nine-year-old George is evacuated to the countryside by his mother, Rita, to escape the bombings. Defiant and determined to return to his family, George embarks on a journey back home as Rita searches for him.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Steve McQueen
Looper, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as an assassin who comes face-to-face with his older self, played by Bruce Willis, leads viewers down a convoluted rabbit hole of alternate timelines. Amidst the blood-pumping action, the film's crux lies in the sacrifices both mothers and surrogate mothers make to ensure the safety of their children.
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Rian Johnson
The Forgotten is a mind-bending thriller in which Julianne Moore expertly portrays a grieving mother haunted by memories of her lost son. This engrossing film takes viewers on a riveting journey of a mother’s perseverance, fueled by an indelible love untarnished by the passage of time.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Joseph Ruben
- Two criminal twin brothers, one trying to reform, embark on a dangerous heist road trip. Facing legal troubles, gunfights and family drama, they must reconcile their differences before their mission leads to self-destruction.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Max Barbakow
- An arsonist gets out of prison and returns to his hometown, a small village hidden in the mountains of rural Galicia.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Oliver Laxe
- A 25-year-old man tries to suppress his embarrassment when his mother announces that she is pregnant.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Amit Ravindernath Sharma
Joker, with Joaquin Phoenix's transformative portrayal of the titular hopeful comedian turned mentally unstable anarchist, takes viewers on an unsettling ride through the enigmatic protagonist's psyche. At the core of his descent lies an intricate and troubled relationship between Joker and his seemingly loving mother, Penny, played by Frances Conroy, which plays a crucial role in shaping his tragic destiny.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Todd Phillips
Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, a comedy featuring action star Sylvester Stallone and Estelle Getty as a formidable mother and son pairing, amuses viewers with the antics of a bumbling police officer's overbearing mother. Through comic relief, the film underscores the inescapable bond and love between mother and child.
- Released: 1992
- Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode
We Need to Talk About Kevin, a psychological thriller showcasing Tilda Swinton as the distressed mother of a sociopathic son (Ezra Miller), narrates a harrowing journey through the mind of a woman haunted by guilt and unease. The film's exploration of the complex relationship between mother and son leaves a bone-chilling impression on the audience.
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Lynne Ramsay
- After several years away, FBI agent Henry Durand (Colin Hanks) returns to find his mother, Marty (Meg Ryan), a much different person: Having long mourned for Henry's father, she is now embracing single life. One day, while Marty, Henry and his new fiancée, Emily (Selma Blair), are out for a walk, they meet Tommy (Antonio Banderas), a mysterious stranger, with whom Marty then becomes involved. However, through his FBI contacts, Henry learns that Tommy is suspected of being an art thief.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: George Gallo
- In Thailand, a drug trafficker's (Ryan Gosling) icy mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) sends him on a mission to avenge his older brother, who was killed for beating an underage prostitute to death.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn
Monster's Ball, an intensely emotional drama, stars Halle Berry as a widow and single mother who finds solace in the arms of a racist prison guard, played by Billy Bob Thornton. Amidst the dark twists and turns, the film showcases the unwavering love of a mother willing to go to any lengths to secure her son's wellbeing.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Marc Forster
Throw Momma from the Train, a dark comedy starring Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito, humorously depicts the devious scheming of two friends attempting to resolve motherly issues. Strange alliances, intricate plots, and comedic twists make this an unforgettable experience of maternal relationships' complexities.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Danny DeVito
Mother is a delightful and insightful exploration of the mother-son dynamic that wraps you up in its heartwarming embrace. In this Albert Brooks gem, a twice-divorced author moves back in with his mother in an effort to understand why his relationships continue to fail, serving up an intriguing narrative filled with humor, self-discovery, and generational clashes.
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Albert Brooks
Four Brothers spins a thrilling revenge tale pivoted on the bond between four adopted sons and their late, beloved mother. With a gripping narrative propelled by a fierce sense of justice, carried out by Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, André Benjamin, and Garrett Hedlund, the film stands as an homage to the enduring connection forged between mother and child.
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: John Singleton
The Ring, a chilling supernatural horror movie, introduces a terrifying curse symbolized by a mysterious videotape that haunts a reporter, Rachel, played by Naomi Watts, and her son, Aidan, portrayed by David Dorfman. Amidst moments of dread and panic, the relentless love and fierce protectiveness of a mother resonates through the movie.
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Gore Verbinski
- Jared Eamons, the son of a small-town Baptist pastor, must overcome the fallout after being outed as gay to his parents. His father and mother struggle to reconcile their love for their son with their beliefs. Fearing a loss of family, friends and community, Jared is pressured into attending a conversion therapy program. While there, Jared comes into conflict with its leader and begins his journey to finding his own voice and accepting his true self.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Joel Edgerton
- After a difficult struggle with fertility, Tori Breyer's dreams of motherhood come true with the arrival of a mysterious baby boy. Brandon appears to be everything Tori and her husband, Kyle, ever wanted -- bright, talented and curious about the world. But as Brandon nears puberty, powerful darkness manifests within him, and Tori becomes consumed by terrible doubts about her son. Once Brandon begins to act on his twisted urges, those closest to him find themselves in grave danger.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: David Yarovesky
- Hard-as-nails Lily Dillon (Anjelica Huston) works as a swindler for dangerous bookie Bobo (Pat Hingle), probably the only man she fears. Arriving in Los Angeles on "business," Lily looks up her son, Roy (John Cusack), a small-time con artist content with paltry sleight-of-hand cheats. Roy's girlfriend, Myra (Annette Bening), looks like an All-American type but is a grifter looking to pull off another big-time con. The convergence of the three hustlers inevitably means trouble for all of them.
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Stephen Frears
- Good Bye, Lenin! is a 2003 German tragicomedy film. Directed by Wolfgang Becker, the cast includes Daniel Brühl, Katrin Saß, Chulpan Khamatova, and Maria Simon. Most scenes were shot at the Karl-Marx-Allee in Berlin and around Plattenbauten near Alexanderplatz.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Wolfgang Becker
- A mother mourning the loss of her husband lives with her teenage son in a small town. As she's on a jog in the woods, she finds her town thrown into chaos as a shooting takes place at her son's school.
- Released: 2021
- Directed by: Phillip Noyce
- Desperate for her three single sons to get married, a woman promises her house to the first one to tie the knot, setting off a race to the altar.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Rolie Nikiwe
St. Vincent, featuring Bill Murray as the curmudgeonly titular character and Melissa McCarthy as a struggling single mother, unravels the unlikely friendship between Vincent and the son of his new neighbor. In the heart of this heartwarming, humorous film lies a touching testament to the steadfast love of a mother who refuses to give up on her child.
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Theodore Melfi
Hit romcom Jerry Maguire features Tom Cruise as a sports agent seeking redemption. Renée Zellweger plays single mother Dorothy, who joins him on his journey. In the midst of career upheaval and budding romance, the film spotlights a mother's unwavering devotion as she navigates life's twists and turns.
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Cameron Crowe
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Viper Club
Susan Sarandon, Edie Falco, Matt BomerViper Club is a 2018 American drama film directed by Maryam Keshavarz. Secretly struggling to free her journalist son from capture by a terrorist group, a veteran emergency room nurse (Susan Sarandon) discovers a clandestine community of journalists and advocates who might be able to help her.- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Maryam Keshavarz
Testament, a harrowing post-apocalyptic story, highlights Jane Alexander's powerful performance as a mother striving to keep her family alive in the wake of a nuclear explosion. Balancing hope and despair, the film profoundly encapsulates the unwavering love and courage of a mother in the face of unspeakable devastation.
- Released: 1983
- Directed by: Lynne Littman
The World According to Garp, adapted from John Irving's bestselling novel, features a superb performance by Glenn Close as the feminist icon, Jenny Fields, and Robin Williams as her son, T.S. Garp. The film poignantly navigates the intricacies of a mother-son relationship set against the backdrop of evolving gender roles and societal norms.
- Released: 1982
- Directed by: George Roy Hill
Ordinary People, an Academy Award-winning drama, explores the harrowing aftermath of a family tragedy, with Mary Tyler Moore delivering a powerful performance as a stoical, grieving mother. The film sheds light on the complex dynamics of mother-son relationships colored by unresolved emotions and the fragility of the human psyche.
- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Robert Redford
- One night, Sarah's young son disappears into the woods behind their rural home. When he returns, he looks the same, but his behavior grows increasingly disturbing. Sarah begins to believe that the boy who returned may not be her son at all.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Lee Cronin
Otherhood, a lighthearted comedy starring Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette, and Felicity Huffman, follows three adoring mothers on a mission to reconnect with their adult sons. Through laughter and tears, the film underscores the myriad facets of mother-son relationships and the resilience of familial bonds.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Cindy Chupack
- In 1970s Rome, preteen Adriana moves into a new apartment with her family. While her parents struggle in their unhappy marriage, she rejects her name and identity, ultimately deciding to convince everyone that she is a boy.
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: Emanuele Crialese
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Diane
Mary Kay Place, Jake Lacy, Deirdre O'ConnellIn Diane, a haunted woman bears witness to the devastating self-destruction of her drug-addicted son, his downward spiral reflecting her own regrets and unspeakable sins. This raw yet poignant drama delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the haunting specter of past mistakes, painting a heartrending portrait of the human condition in its most vulnerable state.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Ken Jones
- Burning Cane is a 2019 American drama film directed by Phillip Youmans. An aging mother struggles between her religious convictions and the lover of her son, set against the backdrop of the cane fields in rural Louisiana.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Phillip Youmans
A.I. Artificial Intelligence, a visionary science fiction film by Steven Spielberg, explores the bond between an android, portrayed by Haley Joel Osment, and his human mother, played by Frances O'Connor. This enthralling tale challenges the audience's perception of the connection between mother and child, as it delves into the complexities of love beyond the confines of biology.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Moonlight, an Academy Award-winning coming-of-age drama, is a beautiful exploration of a young man's journey to self-discovery, guided by the relationships he forms, including that with his complex and drug-addicted mother, played by Naomie Harris. The film expertly bridges a delicate balance between empathy and despair in its portrayal of mother-son dynamics.
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Barry Jenkins
- Unapologetic and free-spirited Inez kidnaps her 6-year-old son, Terry, from the foster care system. They set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity and stability in a rapidly changing New York City.
- Released: 2023
- Directed by: A.V. Rockwell
The Babadook, a chilling psychological horror film, follows the story of a grieving widow, Amelia, played by Essie Davis, and her young son Samuel, portrayed by Noah Wiseman, as they struggle to confront a terrifying supernatural presence. Encapsulating the fear and desperation of motherhood in moments of vulnerability, the movie unsettles audiences while revealing the unyielding nature of a mother's love.
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Jennifer Kent
Changeling, a gripping period drama directed by Clint Eastwood, features Angelina Jolie's stirring depiction of a mother's unwavering commitment to finding her missing son. This captivating tale of perseverance and a mother's unconditional love is underscored by haunting twists and turns, leaving the viewer breathless.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Clint Eastwood
The Guilt Trip, a comedy with Barbra Streisand and Seth Rogen as mother and son, showcases a hilarious journey through the ups and downs of a road trip they share. At its core, the film is an endearing love letter to mother-son relationships, accentuated by both laughter and tender moments.
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Anne Fletcher
- An impoverished single mother is losing her 15-year-old son to the rough streets of Washington, D.C. Unwilling to see him drop out and deal drugs, she places him in a private school. But when she can't afford the tuition, she soon launches a movement to change the system that is destroying him and thousands of others.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: R.J. Daniel Hanna
- David's comfortable world gets turned upside down when his birth mother unexpectedly reaches out to him. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, he embarks on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past.
- Released: 2022
- Directed by: Kevin Peeples
Spanking the Monkey, a dark, emotional, coming-of-age drama, delves into the disturbing relationship between a teenage son, played by Jeremy Davies, and his troubled mother, portrayed by Alberta Watson. The film leaves a lasting impression of the complexities and psychological boundaries governing mother-son relationships during tumultuous times.
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: David O. Russell
- Seven years after his divorce, John (John C. Reilly) has given up hope that he will find love again. Then he meets Molly (Marisa Tomei), and romance quickly blossoms. But she is unusually hesitant to bring him to her house and, when he secretly follows her home, he learns why: Cyrus (Jonah Hill), Molly's grown son, refuses to share her with anyone. John soon finds himself locked in a battle of wills with a possessive man-child.
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass
- When Elisabeth gets called to a parent-teacher conference, she's presented with scathing allegations that trigger a tangled web of accusations between parents and faculty.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel