18 of the Best Mother-Daughter Movies that Nail These Complex Relationships

Freaky Friday: This movie never gets old for us no matter which version you watch (and the fact that there will be a reboot soon makes us so excited!) For moms, it’s such a great reminder that we need to remember what it was like to be a teenager, and for daughters, it shows that maybe moms have more on their plates than they might think. It can get even the surliest teen girl laughing and joking about life again.

Akeelah and the Bee: This story about a young girl from South LA who wants to become a spelling bee champ gets me every time. It might be because it underscores how a mother’s love and support can move mountains, or perhaps because it shows how big dreams can come true, but either way, it will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your heart.

Mama Mia! Here we go again! The music alone will get your feet tapping and release some of the tension you might be feeling in your mother-daughter relationship, but how about those lyrics: “The feeling that I’m losing her forever
And without really entering her world
I’m glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl.” Oof. It’s the epitorme of letting go to hold on.

Everything Everywhere All At Once: Truth be told, when my daughters said they wanted to watch this, I didn’t think I’d be into it, but I was so wrong. It is an absurd, surreal, and oddly heartwarming movie that is part sci-fi, fantasy, superhero dramedy. The tenuous relationship between the mom Evelyn and her daughter Joy is relatable on so many levels. When Evelyn tells Joy that even when nothing makes sense in the world, and even though she could be anywhere else in the multiverse, she will always want to be with Joy, well, it’s the gut punch we all need to know what’s truly important.

Stepmom: What teen doesn’t wish her mom was a little cooler, a little more hip, a little bit more like Julia Roberts? That is, until your own mom is fighting cancer. This poignant film will remind you both to appreciate each other a little more and love each other in the today because we never know what tomorrow will bring us. Keep the kleenex close.

Barbie: If you haven’t watched this iconic movie about America’s most iconic doll, you’re missing out. Whether you are a fan of Barbie dolls or not, this book nails the tortured relationship between many moms and daughters, and how they’re often facing the same issues throughout their lives. It’s lighthearted enough for a fun Friday but provocative enough to spur some great discussions. And chef’s kiss to Ryan Gosling for his role as Ken!

All Together Now: An optimistic and talented teenager named Amber harbors a secret: she and her mother are homeless and live on a school bus. She must navigate her relationship with her mother and friends while figuring things out in this 2020 Netflix original film, which is also based on a true story. This will get your whole family talking about how easy it is to fall and what it takes to keep going when all you have is love.

Lady Bird: My thee daughters really loved this movie, and so did I. Written and directed by Greta Gerwig (Barbie), this relatable comedy explores the humor and pathos in the turbulent bond between a strong-willed mom and her equally headstrong daughter–and how they try to find middle ground. It shows the best and worst in the mother-daughter relationship.

Dumplin’: “My name is Willowdean, but my mama calls me Dumplin’.” I feel like this is Jennifer Aniston’s best work. Based on Julie Murphy’s best-selling YA novel, this story of a former teen beauty queen and her daughter who is always trying to catch her attention will make you laugh, cry and cheer, sometimes all at once–and make you thankful you are a better mom than Rosie. The Dolly Parton music is an added bonus!

Moxie: This comedy-drama based on the book by Jennifer Mathieu and ma, demonstrates the power of words. Amy Poehler plays a former Riot Grrl turned mom who inspires her teenage daughter to start a revolution and make a change in her high school by calling out sexism in an anonymous e-zine. It’s a coming-of-age film that shows how if we can lean on each other, we can enact change

Little Miss Sunshine: Little Miss Sunshine is about the ultimate dysfunctional family, including Toni Collette and Abigail Breslin as mother and daughter, as they embark on a cross-country adventure to a beauty pageant. Acclaimed for its honest portrayal of complex family dynamics, the film resonates on multiple levels with audiences. Note: This film discusses mental illness and suicide.

Because I Said So: If you are looking for a charming and light-hearted movie that hits on the central themes about the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, here it is. A meddling mother tries to set her daughter up with the right man so her kid won’t follow in her footsteps, and they learn about each other along the way.

Coraline: Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) is a dark, stop-motion animated fantasy movie adapted from Neil Gaiman’s celebrated novel. It follows a young girl’s eerie adventures as she stumbles upon an alternate reality, where she encounters an enigmatic version of her mother that may not be as perfect as she first appears. Through clever storytelling, Coraline emphasizes the importance of family and appreciating one’s true mother for all she is.

Thirteen: This movie is heavy but compelling. An innocent seventh grader undergoes an abrupt personality change when she begins hanging out with a wild classmate, and her single mother is determined to see her out of it. Thirteen‘s poignant exploration family and the challenges faced by modern-day teenagers makes it a powerful experience.

Temple Grandin: One of the most inspirational films about a mother and daughter to come around in years, Temple Grandin centers on the life story of autistic activist Temple Grandin, whose mom fought for her to have a meaningful life and an education at a time (1960s) when autism was misunderstood, and many kids with it were institutionalized. The film beautifully shows how people with differences need to be valued and given an opportunity to contribute to society.

Life of the Party: The perfect girls-night flick, When her husband dumps her, Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) goes back to college at the same school as her daughter. Embracing freedom, fun and frat boys, Deanna finds her true self in the best and most hilarious way.

Mermaids: Perhaps saving the best for last, Mermaids is a GenX favorite that still hits hard today. After yet another failed relationship, an unconventional mother (Cher) relocates her two daughters to a small Massachusetts town and soon experience drastic life changes that challenge and strengthen their family bonds. It’s the film that shows us the true strength of mothers and daughters.