Monologues have created some of the most memorable moments in cinema. They are usually the moment where a character makes a striking reveal or revelation to the audience. The best monologues are the ones that stay with you long after the credits have rolled. While many iconic monologues have come from male characters, female characters have had their fair share of stunning monologues as well. Here are some of the best female monologues from movies that showcase the incredible range and power of women in film.

From intense dramatic performances to emotional romantic moments, these speeches represent some of cinema’s most powerful acting achievements.

Best Dramatic Female Monologues in Movies

10. Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality as Gracie Hart

Miss Congeniality plays on a lot of themes of femininity and how women are expected to behave in society. Gracie Hart is a rugged FBI agent who goes undercover as a beauty pageant contestant. In this scene, Gracie gives a monologue about the stereotypes of beauty pageant contestants and the personal beauty she has found in each woman she has met during the pageant.

“Well, I would say that I used to be one of them. And then I came here and I realized that these women are smart, terrific people who are just trying to make a difference in the world. And we’ve become really good friends. I mean, I know that we secretly wish the other one to trip and fall on her face, but oh, wait a minute, I’ve already done that! And for me, this experience has been one of the most, rewarding and liberating experiences of my life.”

Miss Congeniality is about an F.B.I. Agent who must go undercover in the Miss United States beauty pageant to prevent a group from bombing the event. Sandra Bullock delivers a performance that balances comedy with genuine emotion.

9. Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich

Julia Roberts won an Oscar for her performance as Erin Brockovich, a working single mother of three kids who doesn’t put up with anyone’s crap. In this scene, Erin and the law firm she works for discuss a settlement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company after they have been polluting the water in Hinkley, California, and the company offers a low amount in compensation.

“Oh, see, now that pisses me off. First of all — since the demur, we now have more than four hundred plaintiffs…and ‘let’s be honest’, we all know there’s more out there. Now, they may not be the most sophisticated people, but they do know how to divide, and twenty million dollars isn’t shit when it’s split between them.”

Erin Brockovich is about an unemployed single mother who becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city’s water supply. Roberts’s performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

8. Viola Davis in Fences as Rose Maxson

Viola Davis has a reputation for delivering dramatic emotional monologues. In Fences, Viola plays the persevering and loving Rose as she puts up with her husband, Troy’s antics. This monologue is the moment Rose tells Troy exactly what she’s been putting up with all these years.

“I been standing with you! I been right here with you, Troy. I got a life too. I gave several years of my life to stand in the same spot with you. Don’t you think I ever wanted other things? Don’t you think I had dreams and hopes? What about my life? What about me. Don’t you think it ever crossed my mind to want to know other men? That I wanted to lay up somewhere and forget about my responsibilities? That I wanted someone to make me laugh so I could feel good?”

Fences is about a working-class African-American father who tries to raise his family in the 1950s while coming to terms with the events of his life. Davis’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

7. Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada as Miranda Priestly

The Devil Wears Prada is one of Meryl Streep’s most beloved performances. She plays the role of Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine who is also cold as ice. In this scene, Miranda gives a long speech to her new assistant, played by Anne Hathaway, who doesn’t take fashion seriously.

“This ‘stuff’? Oh, ok. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select out, oh I don’t know, that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you’re trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis, it’s actually cerulean.

“You’re also blindly unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves St Laurent, wasn’t it, who showed cerulean military jackets? And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic ‘casual corner’ where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin.”

The Devil Wears Prada is about a smart but sensible new graduate who lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, the demanding editor-in-chief of a high fashion magazine. Streep’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

6. Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl as Amy Dunne

Rosamund Pike gave a chilling performance as Amy Dunne in Gone Girl. Amy was cold and calculating but still managed to deliver a monologue that was relatable to women everywhere. In this scene, Amy narrates her experience being married to Nick Dunne.

“Cool girl. Men always use that, don’t they? As their defining compliment. She’s a cool girl. Cool girl is hot. Cool girl is game. Cool girl is fun. Cool girl never gets angry at her man. She only smiles in a chagrin-loving manner and then presents her mouth for f***ing. She like what he likes. So, evidently, he’s a vinyl hipster who loves fetish monger. If he likes girls gone wild, she’s a mall babe who talks football and endures buffalo wings at Hooters. When I met Nick Dunne, I knew he wanted a cool girl and for him, I’ll admit, I was willing to try.”

Gone Girl follows a man after his wife disappears and is put into the spotlight by the media who suspect that he may not be innocent. Pike’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

5. Taraji P. Henson in Hidden Figures as Katherine G. Johnson

Hidden Figures tells the true stories of the black women who worked at NASA during the Space Race in the early 1960s. Taraji P. Henson plays Katherine G. Johnson who was a real-life mathematician and physicist who calculated the trajectories for some of NASA’s most important missions. In this scene, Katherine lets out all of her frustrations about the discriminatory practices she’s faced at work.

“There’s no bathroom for me here. There is no bathroom. There are no colored bathrooms in this building. Or any building outside the West Campus, which is half a mile away. Did you know that? I have to walk to Timbuktu just to relieve myself. And I can’t use one of the handy bikes. Picture that, Mr. Harrison. My uniform. Skirt below my knees, my heels, and a simple string of pearls. Well, I don’t own pearls. Lord knows you don’t pay colored enough to afford pearls! And I work like a dog, day and night, living off of coffee from a pot none of you wanna touch! So, excuse me if I have to go to the restroom a few times a day.”

Hidden Figures tells the story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Henson’s performance earned critical acclaim.

4. Laura Dern in Marriage Story as Nora Fanshaw

Marriage Story, directed and written by Noah Baumbach, is a heart-wrenching drama that depicts how painful the resolution of a marriage can be. Laura Dern plays a divorce lawyer who represents Nicole, played by Scarlett Johansen, in the film. In this scene, Nora gives a monologue about the unfair expectations of men and women in relationships.

“People don’t accept a mother who drinks too much wine and yells at her child and calls him an asshole. I get it. I do it too. We can accept an imperfect Dad. Let’s face it, the idea of a good father was only invented like 30 years ago. Before that, fathers were expected to be silent and absent and unreliable and selfish and we can all say that we want them to be different but on some basic level we accept them, we love them for their fallibilities. But people absolutely don’t accept those same failings in mothers.”

Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story is an incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together. Dern won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.

3. Ellen Burstyn in Requiem for a Dream as Sara Goldfarb

Requiem for a Dream is one of Darren Aronofsky’s most popular films as a harrowing cautionary tale about addiction and its devastating effects. Ellen Burstyn plays the role of Sara Goldfarb, a grieving widow who becomes addicted to diet pills. In this scene, Sara reveals her motivations for losing weight to her son.

“I’m somebody now, Harry. Everybody likes me. Soon, millions of people will see me and they’ll all like me. I’ll tell them about you, and your father, how good he was to us. Remember? It’s a reason to get up in the morning. It’s a reason to lose weight, to fit in the red dress. It’s a reason to smile. It makes tomorrow all right. What have I got Harry, hmm? Why should I even make the bed, or wash the dishes? I do them, but why should I? I’m alone. Your father’s gone, you’re gone. I got no one to care for. What have I got, Harry? I’m lonely. I’m old. Ah, it’s not the same. They don’t need me. I like the way I feel. I like thinking about the red dress and the television and you and your father.

Now when I get the sun, I smile.”

Requiem for a Dream tells the story of the drug-induced utopias of four Coney Island people who are shattered when their addictions run deep. Burstyn’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

2. Saoirse Ronan in Little Women as Jo March

Little Women is a well-known story written by Louisa May Alcott. It was adapted to film seven times since 1917 and the most recent version has Saoirse Ronan playing Jo March, the second oldest of the March sisters. In this scene, Jo has a vulnerable moment where she divulges the hardships of being career-driven as a woman in the 1800s.

“If I was a girl in a book this would all be so easy. Just give up the world happily. I’ve always been quite content with my family, I don’t understand it. Perhaps I was too quick in turning him down, Laurie. If he asked me again I think I would say yes. Do you think he’ll ask me again? I care more to be loved, I want to be loved. I just feel like women, they have minds and they have souls as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition and talent as well as just beauty, and I’m so sick of people saying love is all a woman is fit for. I’m so sick of it, but I’m so lonely.”

Little Women is about Jo March as she reflects back on her life and tells the beloved story of the March sisters – four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms. Ronan’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

1. Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind as Scarlett

Arguably one of the most influential female characters in cinema, Scarlett O’Hara is a force to be reckoned with in Gone with the Wind. Scarlett is as flawed as a character can be but she’s also fiercely independent and unapologetic. In this scene, Scarlett reaches her lowest point when her plantation is destitute of any crops or livestock and her slaves have left to fight in the Union army.

“As God is my witness, as God is my witness they’re not going to lick me. I’m going to live through this and when it’s all over, I’ll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. If I have to lie, steal, cheat or kill. As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again.”

Gone with the Wind is about the manipulative daughter of a Georgia plantation owner who conducts a turbulent romance with a roguish profiteer during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Leigh won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Great Acting Performances

Looking for more incredible acting moments? Check out our other curated lists:

• Most Underrated Actors and Actresses – Talented performers who deserve more recognition
• Best Drama Movies – Intense performances and powerful stories
• Best Romance Movies – Emotional love stories and memorable moments
• Movies About Fatherhood – Powerful performances exploring paternal relationships
• Best Movies About Motherhood – Celebrating maternal bonds on screen

There are many different genres when it comes to movies but sometimes you just want to watch a movie that puts you in a certain mood. You may want films to inspire, uplift, make you joyful, or experience movies that make you think about life. These types of films are hard to define because there isn’t a specific plot or message that these movies share. Movies that make you think about life can come in all different shapes and sizes but usually, they contain some sort of deep meaning or moral lesson. If you’re ever in the mood for a film that will leave you thinking about life long after the credits have rolled, here are ten of our best recommendations.

 

10 Deep Meaningful Movies

10. The Family Man

Nicolas Cage is known for his roles where he gives outlandish performances but in The Family Man, he plays one of his most normal characters. The film is about a fast-lane investment broker who is offered the opportunity to see how the other half lives and wakes up to find that his sports car and girlfriend have become a wife with a mini-van. The Family Man is a lighthearted movie that has a message that is as old as time: Fame and fortune aren’t worth jeopardizing your relationships or love.

9. Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are is a movie based on a children’s book but it’s also a film that has a message that can resonate with viewers of all ages. The film is about a young boy yearning for escape and adventure who runs away from home and sails to an island filled with creatures that take him in as their king. Spike Jonze creates an enthralling experience that is visually stunning and heartwarming. The movie deals with emotions and how to handle them in a healthy way.

8. Precious

This film is not for the faint of heart. Directed by Lee Daniels, Precious tells a story based on the novel Push by Sapphire. The film takes place in New York City’s Harlem circa 1987 when an overweight, abused, illiterate teen who is pregnant with her second child is invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that she can re-route her life in a better direction. The message of perseverance and hope is an important one but the subject matter is heartbreaking.

7. Spotlight

Spotlight is also a film that has dark subject matter that will make you think about the world we live in. The film is based on a true story and speaks to how it’s always important to seek out and reveal the truth. Directed by Tom McCarthy, the film is about how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core. Spotlight doesn’t end on a happy note but it’s an eye-opening film that is important nonetheless.

6. Nightcrawler

There are many reasons a movie may stick with you. It may be for uplifting reasons or for unsettling reasons. Nightcrawler is a film that falls into the latter category. The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou Bloom, a con man desperate for work who muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism as he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story. Nightcrawler is a film that makes you question the lengths people will go to in order to succeed. It’s a harsh look at society and the priorities that we hold dear.

5. Life of Pi

Life of Pi is a cinematic achievement in every sense of the word. It’s a visually stunning film that will take your breath away but it’s also a film with a deep message about faith. The film is based on the book of the same name by Yann Martel and it tells the story of a young man who survives a disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger. Life of Pi is a roller coaster of emotions that ultimately leaves you feeling hopeful.

Read More: Movies That Will Change Your Outlook On Life

4. Dead Poets Society

There are films that you can’t get out of your head. They have a lasting impact on you, subtly changing your perspective of reality. Dead Poets Society is one of those films. The movie stars Robin Williams as John Keating, a Maverick teacher who uses poetry to embolden his boarding school students to new heights of self-expression. Dead Poets Society is about following your dreams and living life to the fullest. It’s a message that we all need to hear from time to time.

 

3. Wall-E

Environmental sustainability has been a huge focus in recent years and Wall-E is a film that hits close to home in that regard. The movie is set in the future where humanity has left Earth to live in space and a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind. Wall-E is a cautionary tale on what could happen if we don’t take care of our planet. It’s also a heartwarming story of love and companionship.

2. The Leftovers

The Leftovers is a series that focuses on the existential side of life. The HBO show addresses many questions that people try not to think about concerning our purpose, existence, and the afterlife. The show follows the Garvey family and their friends in the aftermath of a global event known as the Sudden Departure, where 2% of the world’s population disappeared without a trace. The Leftovers is a thought-provoking show that will leave you pondering life’s biggest mysteries long after you finish watching it.

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey

A Space Odyssey is one of the most influential films of all time. The movie is a masterpiece in both storytelling and visual effects for its time. The film also addresses many deeply philosophical topics on the human condition, artificial intelligence, and the nature of existence. A Space Odyssey is about a spacecraft that is sent to Jupiter to find a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface. The spacecraft is manned by two men and a supercomputer named H.A.L. 9000. The film is arguably the most mind-bending and thought-provoking film of all time. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to challenge themselves intellectually.

 

Motherly love is said to be one of the most powerful forces on this Earth, and there are few things more special than watching a mother’s love on-screen. The persevering love of a mother knows no bounds, as they will go to any lengths to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. From touching dramas to heartwarming comedies, this is a list of some of the best movies about motherhood that explores the complexities and depths of a mother’s love.

Mother’s Day 2026 is Sunday, May 11. Whether you’re planning a movie night with your mom or looking for films that capture what motherhood really feels like, this list has you covered.

20 Best Movies About Motherhood — Complete Ranked List

20. Stepmom (1998)

Stepmom is one of the most emotionally raw movies about motherhood ever made, exploring what happens when two very different women — a biological mother facing terminal illness and a younger stepmother stepping into her role — must find a way to share the family they both love. Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts are extraordinary together, delivering performances that navigate jealousy, grief, and ultimately, grace. It’s a film that will absolutely make you cry — and call your mom.

Where To Watch Stepmom

Amazon Prime Video

 

19. Terms of Endearment (1983)

Terms of Endearment is a cornerstone of the “movies about motherhood” genre. The film follows the complex, loving, and often combative relationship between Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter Emma (Debra Winger) over 30 years. It won five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actress for Shirley MacLaine. Be prepared — the ending is one of the most devastating in cinema history.

Where To Watch Terms of Endearment

Amazon Prime Video

 

18. Tully (2018)

Tully is a brutally honest look at the realities of new motherhood that few films dare to portray. Charlize Theron gives a physically and emotionally demanding performance as Marlo, an overwhelmed mother of three who hires a young night nanny named Tully. The film captures postpartum exhaustion and the loss of identity that can come with parenting in a way that is both uncomfortable and deeply validating for anyone who has been there.

Where To Watch Tully

Amazon Prime Video

 

17. Suffragette (2015)

Suffragette tells the story of Maud Watts (Carey Mulligan), a laundry worker who becomes radicalized into the British suffragette movement in the early 20th century. The film’s most powerful thread is what Maud sacrifices for the cause — including custody of her son. It’s a film about motherhood in the context of political awakening, asking whether a better world for all women is worth the immediate cost to one’s own family.

Where To Watch Suffragette

Amazon Prime Video

 

16. Pieces of a Woman (2020)

Pieces of a Woman opens with a harrowing 23-minute home birth scene that will leave you breathless. When the birth ends in tragedy, the film follows Martha (Vanessa Kirby, in an Oscar-nominated performance) as she navigates grief, blame, and the dismantling of her relationship. The film is a devastating portrait of a mother processing loss in a world that keeps pushing her to perform grief in the “right” way.

Where To Watch Pieces of a Woman

Netflix

 

15. Joy Luck Club (1993)

The Joy Luck Club follows four Chinese immigrant women and their American-born daughters, exploring how the sacrifices and traumas of mothers shape — and sometimes haunt — their children. Based on Amy Tan’s novel, the film weaves together eight interconnected stories about cultural identity, generational pain, and the love that persists through it all. It remains one of the most emotionally affecting movies about motherhood and mother-daughter relationships ever made.

Where To Watch Joy Luck Club

Amazon Prime Video

 

14. I, Tonya (2017)

I, Tonya is ostensibly a biopic about figure skater Tonya Harding — but at its core, it’s a film about the damage an abusive, relentless mother can do to her child. Allison Janney won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her terrifying performance as LaVona Golden. The film is a darkly comedic yet deeply sad exploration of how a mother’s ambition can destroy the very child she claims to be helping.

Where To Watch I, Tonya

Amazon Prime Video

 

13. Boyhood (2014)

Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is a cinematic miracle — filmed over 12 years with the same cast, watching a boy grow from age 6 to 18. But as much as it’s about Mason’s coming-of-age, it’s equally about his mother Olivia (Patricia Arquette, who won the Oscar for this role), who sacrifices, struggles, makes mistakes, and loves fiercely across two decades. One of the most honest depictions of motherhood ever committed to film.

Where To Watch Boyhood

Amazon Prime Video

 

12. Brave (2012)

Brave is Pixar’s most direct exploration of motherhood — specifically, the mother-daughter relationship. Princess Merida wants to change her fate; her mother Queen Elinor wants to prepare her for royal responsibility. When a spell goes wrong, both are forced to truly see and understand each other. Brave is unusual among Disney/Pixar films because its central love story is between a mother and daughter, not a romantic pair. It’s one of the most emotionally resonant animated movies about motherhood you’ll find.

Where To Watch Brave

Disney+

 

11. Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic centers the March sisters, but it’s their mother Marmee (Laura Dern) who quietly anchors everything. Marmee is progressive, warm, and wise — a mother who teaches her daughters to think for themselves in a world that would rather they simply conform. Little Women is one of the best ensemble films of the decade and features one of the most quietly powerful depictions of a mother’s influence on her children.

Where To Watch Little Women (2019)

Available for digital rental/purchase

 

10. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

Frances McDormand gives one of her greatest performances as Mildred Hayes — a grieving mother who rents three billboards calling out her town’s police chief after her daughter’s murder goes unsolved. Three Billboards is a film about a mother who refuses to let her grief be quiet. It’s raw, funny, tragic, and ultimately one of the most powerful portraits of a mother’s love turned into unstoppable, righteous rage.

Where To Watch Three Billboards

Hulu

 

9. Paddington 2 (2017)

While not a traditional “motherhood movie,” Paddington 2 is one of the most heartwarming films about found family and the nurturing love of parental figures in cinema. The Brown family — particularly Mrs. Brown — embodies unconditional maternal love. Paddington 2 is consistently ranked among the best family films of the decade, and its themes of love, belonging, and being seen are universal. It’s a perfect watch for mothers and children alike.

Where To Watch Paddington 2

Amazon Prime Video

 

8. Rabbit Hole (2010)

Rabbit Hole is one of the most emotionally honest films ever made about grief and motherhood. Nicole Kidman received an Oscar nomination for her performance as Becca, a mother coping with the loss of her young son in very different ways than her husband (Aaron Eckhart). The film refuses to offer easy comfort or resolution — instead, it simply shows two people trying to survive something unsurvivable. It’s quiet, devastating, and ultimately hopeful in a subtle way.

Where To Watch Rabbit Hole

Amazon Prime Video

 

7. Miss Juneteenth

Channing Godfrey Peoples writes and directs this film centered around the relationship between a mother and daughter. The film is about a single mom who was once crowned Miss Juneteenth, a title that commemorates the day slavery was abolished in Texas, and her journey to make amends for her disappointing life through her daughter.

 

Where To Watch Miss Juneteenth

BET.com (For free with a 24hr viewing pass if it’s your first time on the site)
BET+
Amazon Prime Through A BET+ Subscription
Kanopy

Read More: Best Black Indie Films To Come Out In 2020

 

6. Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia is not only one of the best movies about motherhood but it’s also a great film to watch with your mom. The musical romantic comedy has catchy tunes and a cast that includes Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, and Pierce Brosnan. The film is based on the stage musical of the same name, which is about a young bride-to-be who invites three men from her mother’s past to her wedding in hopes one of them will be her father.

 

Where To Watch Mamma Mia

Peacock (Premium)

 

5. Changeling

The persevering love of a mother against all odds is the theme of this film. Starring Angelina Jolie as a mother who endures constant hardships, the film is about Christine Collins who takes on the L.A.P.D. to her own detriment when they try to pass off an obvious impostor as her missing child. Changeling is one of the most insane movies ever made and what makes it even crazier is that it was based on a true event.

 

Where To Watch Changeling

Max

 

4. Xavier Dolan’s Mommy

There’s no telling what cards will be dealt to you when it comes to motherhood, as this film so poignantly illustrates. Xavier Dolan wrote and directed the 2014 film titled Mommy to demonstrate the strength and resilience of a mother’s love. The film centers around a widowed single mother who raises her violent son alone until a mysterious neighbor inserts herself into their household, giving her new hope. Mommy is a French-Canadian film that’s equal parts tender and heartbreaking.

 

Where To Watch Mommy

Paramount Plus

 

3. Room

Speaking of heartbreaking, Room is a must-watch film for anyone who wants to learn about how a mother’s relationship with her son can help him thrive under the most harrowing circumstances. The film stars Brie Larson as a young mother who has been held captive for seven years and whose five-year-old son was born in captivity. Room is a dark and grim story made more enjoyable by being told from the boy’s perspective.

 

Where To Watch Room

Paramount+ (with Showtime)

 

2. The Blind Side

Adopted children have a special relationship with their parents, which is evident in The Blind Side. The film is based on the true story of Michael Oher, a previous NFL football offensive tackle, and his experience being adopted. It follows Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized teenager who became an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. The Blind Side is a feel-good movie that crosses cultural barriers and teaches about the power of family.

 

Where To Watch The Blind Side

Netflix

 

1. Lion

This film is similar to The Blind Side in that it’s based on a true story and follows a young boy who is adopted by a Caucasian family. However, Lion is much grittier and will leave you feeling emotionally drained by the end. Lion is a five-year-old Indian boy who is adopted by an Australian couple after getting lost hundreds of kilometers from home. 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family. Lion tops our list of the best movies about motherhood because it’s a beautifully told story with great acting that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

 

Where To Watch Lion

Vudu (Free)
The Roku Channel (Free)

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions: Movies About Motherhood

What are the best movies about motherhood on Netflix?

Several powerful movies about motherhood are streaming on Netflix right now. The Blind Side features Sandra Bullock as a mother who changes a young man’s life in an emotional true story. Pieces of a Woman stars Vanessa Kirby in a devastating portrait of grief after a home birth tragedy. For a lighter watch, Mamma Mia celebrates the mother-daughter bond through ABBA songs and Meryl Streep’s electric energy. Check our curated best movies on Netflix guide for more streaming picks across every genre.

What are the best movies to watch with your mom on Mother’s Day?

The best Mother’s Day movie depends on your mom’s taste. For a tearjerker you’ll both recover from, choose Terms of Endearment or Lion. For something warm and singalong-ready, Mamma Mia is the classic pick. If she loves drama with substance, Little Women (2019) and Boyhood are both exceptional. Mother’s Day 2026 falls on May 11 — any film on this list is a worthy pick for the occasion. For streaming options, see our best movies on Hulu list.

What are the best movies about single motherhood?

Some of the most honest and powerful films about single motherhood include: Tully (Charlize Theron as an overwhelmed mother of three navigating postpartum exhaustion), Miss Juneteenth (a former beauty queen pouring her dreams into her daughter), Room (Brie Larson’s Oscar-winning performance as a mother raising her son in captivity), and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Frances McDormand as a grieving mother refusing to go quiet). These films don’t soften the weight of parenting alone.

What is the saddest movie about motherhood?

Several films on this list will absolutely destroy you. Terms of Endearment has one of the most devastating endings in cinema history. Room is relentlessly harrowing, though ultimately hopeful. Rabbit Hole (Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart) is one of the most quietly devastating films ever made about grief and loss. Pieces of a Woman opens with a 23-minute home birth sequence that will leave you speechless. Have tissues on standby for any of these.

Are there good horror movies about motherhood?

Yes — while our ranked list focuses on dramas and feel-good films, horror has produced some of the most visceral explorations of motherhood on screen. Hereditary (2018), The Babadook (2014), and Rosemary’s Baby (1968) all use genre to excavate the terror, grief, and identity loss that can shadow motherhood. These films are intense, but they’re worth seeking out if you want something that hits differently than a traditional drama.

What are the best animated movies about motherhood?

Brave is Pixar’s most direct mother-daughter story — it’s essentially a film about two people learning to truly see each other. Spirited Away follows a girl who will do anything to rescue her transformed parents. Finding Nemo explores the same overwhelming protective love from the father’s perspective. For family movie night, any of these work beautifully. Check our best movies on Netflix guide to see which are currently streaming.

Which movies about motherhood are based on true stories?

Several of the most powerful films on this list are rooted in real events. The Blind Side tells the true story of Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family’s impact on Michael Oher. Lion is based on Saroo Brierley’s memoir about being separated from his family in India and finding them 25 years later. Changeling recounts Christine Collins’ real fight against the LAPD after her missing son was replaced by an impostor. I, Tonya dramatizes the toxic relationship between Tonya Harding and her mother LaVona Golden. Suffragette is grounded in the actual stories of women who fought for the vote at enormous personal cost.

See Also: For more heartwarming movies, check out our guides to the best feel-good movies, best date night movies, best romance movies, and best comedy movies of all time. We also have a great list of best Disney movies. If you loved the parenting themes here, explore our companion guide to the best movies about fatherhood — and for films that leave you feeling inspired, don’t miss our picks for movies that help build self-esteem. Planning for Mother’s Day? Our best Mother’s Day movies guide picks the 25 best films for every mood — from happy cries to feel-good comedies to all-ages family watches.

Life is a long, constant journey and sometimes you need a little motivation boost. Growing as a person and improving your quality of life is a process that requires time, effort, and often some outside help. Sources of inspiration can come from many things but if you are a movie lover or a visual person, movies about changing your life may be what you turn to for a motivation boost. Movies about change and growth can be great teachers, providing examples of how to achieve success or manage difficult obstacles. Here are 10 movies about changing your life that may help you on your own journey.

 

10 Movies About Change and Growth

10. Brittany Runs A Marathon

Jillian Bell has been stealing the spotlight as a comedic actress since her appearance in 22 Jump Street when she played an acid-tongued roommate. Bell has gotten the opportunity to bring the same energy to Brittany Runs a Marathon where she leads as the main actress. Brittany Runs a Marathon is about a young woman who decides to make positive changes in her life by training for the New York City Marathon. Brittany’s journey to prepare for a marathon tackles all of her other issues as well such as improving self-esteem and finding supportive communities.

 

9. I Feel Pretty

Self-confidence or a lack thereof affects almost every aspect of your life. How you view yourself influences your approach to other people, career, love life, and the opportunities that you allow yourself to pursue. I Feel Pretty is a comedy that stars Amy Schumer as a woman plagued with insecurity who learns a life-changing lesson. The movie is about a woman struggling with insecurity who wakes up from a fall believing she is the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet. Her new confidence empowers her to live fearlessly, but what happens when she realizes her appearance never changed? I Feel Pretty tells a deeply relatable story about the concepts of beauty in the age of social media.

Read More: Best Movies About Loving Yourself

 

8. Billy Elliott

There are two stereotypes regarding ballet that Billy Elliot deals with. The first is that Ballet is not for men and the second is that all men who do ballet are gay. Set in the 80s, neither of these stereotypes were seen as a positive thing. Billy Elliot is a movie about a talented young boy who becomes torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family. The film will inspire viewers to defy societal expectations and follow their dreams no matter what. Jaimie Cambell gave a touching performance as the titular character and captures the complex emotions of a boy who is misunderstood by those closest to him.

 

7. Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich is a true story and proves that you can always change your life for the better no matter how difficult your life may be. Julia Roberts stars as Erin Brockovich and adds another amazing performance to her long list of iconic roles. The film is about an unemployed single mother who becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city’s water supply. The real Erin Brockovich has said that the film is 98% accurate and Steven Soderbergh’s direction earned him an Oscar nomination.

 

6. Yes Man

Sometimes we can be the ones holding ourselves back from opportunities and new experiences. Fear of failure or the unknown can prevent us from saying yes to things that could potentially change our lives for the better. Yes Man is a movie starring Jim Carrey as a man who decides to challenge himself by saying yes to everything. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by Danny Wallace. The film may be mostly fiction but the message is entirely true. By saying yes more often, you open yourself up to more opportunities that could possibly change your life and that you would have missed out on if you had said no.

 

5. The Descendants

Grief is something that we will all face at some point in our lives. The death of a loved one can change the course of our lives forever and a lack of closure with their death can make the process even more difficult. The Descendants is a movie that deals with this exact issue and reflects the personal struggle a husband has to overcome to grow as a person. The film is about a land baron who tries to reconnect with his two daughters after his wife is seriously injured in a boating accident. The Descendants is a beautiful and heart-wrenching film that teaches us a lesson about dealing with grief, love, and loss.

 

4. Wild

Human beings can turn to destructive methods when they are struggling to deal with personal trauma. Drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and self-harm are all ways that people have coped with pain at some point in their lives. Wild is a movie that tells the true story based on the memoir of Cheryl Strayed about her journey overcoming heroin addiction and grief by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. The movie is about a chronicle of one woman’s 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent personal tragedy. Wild is an inspiring film about strength, courage, and the power of nature to heal.

 

3. The Pursuit of Happyness

The story of Chris Gardener is one from the lowest point of his life when he is homeless with his son to become employed with a roof over his head. The Pursuit of Happyness is based on a true story and will inspire you to always fight to overcome the odds no matter how difficult your life may be. The film is about a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son as he’s poised to begin a life-changing professional career. Will Smith and Jaden Smith both give amazing performances as father and son in this film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

 

2. Into The Wild

In a world of materialism and greed, it’s easy to get lost and forget what’s truly important in life. Into The Wild is a movie that will inspire you to strip away the unnecessary things in your life and live with intention. The film puts things in perspective by showing the importance of relationships with other human beings, especially the people close to you. The film is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a man in the 1990s who abandoned his possessions, savings, and family to hike across America into the Alaskan wilderness. Into The Wild will have you looking to get out of the unhappy circumstances of your life and start fresh somewhere new.

 

1. Good Will Hunting

Out of all of the movies about change and growth, Good Will Hunting is one of the best stories about a main character’s personal journey of self-improvement. Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon, learns how to deal with his emotions and be vulnerable with other people. The film is about Will Hunting, a janitor at M.I.T., who has a gift for mathematics but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the screenplay and won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Robin Williams also gave an outstanding performance in the film and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. If you’re looking for a feel-good movie about personal growth, then Good Will Hunting is a perfect choice.