The 50 Best Mother's Day Movies For The Ultimate Mother’s Day Movie Marathon
Celebrate Mom with these heartwarming, hilarious, and unforgettable films.
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Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a cozy movie night with the woman who taught you all the important life lessons — like how to make the perfect roast chicken or how to pick the best rom-com. Whether you're in the mood for heartwarming classics or laugh-out-loud rom coms, we've rounded up the 50 Best Mother’s Day Movies that’ll have you and your mom, grandma, aunt, godmother, sister or (all of the above) glued to the screen.
The Mother (2023)
The Mother (2023) follows Jennifer Lopez as a former assassin who comes out of hiding to rescue her daughter from dangerous criminals. The film mixes intense action with emotional depth, focusing on her fierce love and sacrifice as a mother.
Moxie (2021)
Moxie (2021) is a coming-of-age comedy-drama about a shy high schooler, played by Hadley Robinson, who starts a feminist zine to challenge the school's sexist culture. Inspired by her mother's rebellious past, she sparks a movement that empowers her classmates to stand up for themselves. It's a fun, empowering story about finding your voice and fighting for change.
Someone Great (2019)
A heartwarming romantic comedy about a woman dealing with a tough breakup, Someone Great (2019) follows Gina Rodriguez as Jenny, who, after a split, embarks on a wild final adventure with her best friends. It’s a mix of laughs, heartfelt moments, and self-discovery as Jenny learns to move on and embrace new beginnings.
Freaky Friday (2003)
In Freaky Friday (2003), a mother (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her teenage daughter (Lindsay Lohan) magically swap bodies. As they navigate each other’s lives, they gain new perspectives on their relationship, leading to growth and understanding. It’s a fun, heartfelt comedy about family, empathy, and the challenges of growing up.
Work It (2020)
Work It (2020) follows Quinn, a high schooler who forms a quirky dance team to get into a prestigious dance school. Along the way, she learns about teamwork, confidence, and staying true to herself. This is a great pick for Mother’s Day because, like many mother-daughter relationships, Quinn's journey is about growth, support, and embracing who you are, much like the lessons mothers teach.
The Blind Side (2009)
The Blind Side (2009) is the inspiring true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teen taken in by a warm-hearted family. With their love and guidance, Michael transforms his life, eventually becoming a star football player. The film highlights themes of family, compassion, and the power of second chances.
Julie & Julia (2009)
A woman named Julie (Amy Adams) embarks on a year-long challenge to cook all 524 recipes from Julia Child's cookbook, while the film also explores Julia Child's (Meryl Streep) own journey to becoming a famous chef. Both women navigate their passions, challenges, and the impact cooking has on their lives.
The Intern (2015)
A 70-year-old widower (Robert De Niro) becomes an intern at a fashion startup and forms a meaningful bond with the young CEO (Anne Hathaway). The film highlights mentorship, wisdom, and the support that transcends generations—much like the nurturing role mothers play in guiding and empowering others, no matter the stage of life.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Two twin sisters, separated at birth, meet at a summer camp and discover they’re sisters. They hatch a plan to reunite their long-lost parents. The film is a heartwarming tale of family, love, and the bond between siblings.
Blended (2014)
Two single parents (Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore) end up on a family vacation together after a disastrous blind date. As they navigate the trip with their kids, they bond and begin to form a blended family.
Because I Said So (2007)
In this rom-com, Diane Keaton plays Daphne, a single mom who finds herself needing to be involved in every bit of her adult daughters' lives. When her youngest, Milly (Mandy Moore) breaks up with her boyfriend, she decides to do the one thing her daughter doesn't want: find her a new partner. It's comedic, heartfelt and emotional, all in one film.
Otherhood (2019)
Based on the novel Whatever Makes You Happy by William Sutcliffe, Otherhood sees Angela Bassett, Felicity Huffman and Patricia Arquette play three moms whose sons don't often communicate with them. The three decide to leave their suburb homes and venture to New York City, where they learn more than just what their kids are up to now that they're on their own.
20th Century Women (2016)
Taking place at the end of the 1970s, Annette Bening stars as single mom Dorothea Fields. When her teenage son Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann) rebels against her rules too much for her liking, Dorothea enlists her two younger female tenants (Greta Gerwig and Elle Fanning) to help her raise him.
The First Wives Club (1996)
When three married women learn their husbands are all leaving them for younger partners, they decide they need to get retribution for everything they went through. Not only is the storyline fantastic, but the movie boasts an epic cast featuring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and many more.
Mother's Day (2016)
It wouldn't be Mother's Day without watching a film with the holiday in the title! Starring an ensemble cast (including Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts and Jason Sudeikis), the movie follows a number of parents who are trying to figure out the trials and tribulations of life ahead of celebrating Mother's Day.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
This movie garnered major buzz in 2023, and it earned the cast and crew a number of history-making Academy Awards. The plot spoke to many viewers, as it follows a Chinese-American immigrant who must connect with versions of herself in parallel universes in order to save the world. With that comes the portrayal of a mom who wants to protect her kids, an arc that warmed many hearts along the way.
Ricki and the Flash (2015)
In this hilarious comedy, Meryl Streep stars as a woman who leaves her family to pursue her dreams of being a rock star. When she comes back home to make amends, she must go through a number of hurdles in order to be accepted once again. And if that's not enough, Meryl's real-life daughter Mamie Gummer plays her daughter in the film!
Turning Red (2022)
For something the whole family can enjoy, Turning Red is ostensibly about a teenager who turns into a giant red panda every time she experiences strong emotions. But deep down, it's also about the relationships between mothers and daughters, and how they bring about those emotions.
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Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)
For moms who like to laugh — and who doesn't? — this ultra-silly comedy from Bridesmaids writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo is just the movie she needs in her life. Barb and Star aren't moms per se, but they have EME (Extreme Mom Energy). And who plays their unexpected love interest? It's Belfast's Jamie Dornan!
After Yang (2022)
Can an artificial being truly become a part of a family? And what is a family, anyway? The quiet, contemplative After Yang grapples with these questions as it follows a family whose artificial "big brother" for their only daughter goes unresponsive.
Adrianna Freedman writes all things TV and film for Cosmo. When not binge-watching the latest series on Netflix, she is busy singing along to her favorite artists/showtunes, consuming too many coffees a day and dreaming about penning her next big story.
Isabelle Adler is a contributor for ELLE.com, Esquire.com, Harpersbazaar.com and Town&countrymag.com. When not writing about all things fashion, she can be found at a sample sale or sipping a Hendricks EXTRA dirty martini.
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