Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s important to show the mother figures in our lives how much we care and appreciate them! That may mean going to brunch or dinner for some, others may send a bouquet and have a quick phone call, but for those who want to spend a cozy night in, here are some recommendations for movies to watch with your mom.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) just celebrated its 20th anniversary and is perfect if you’re looking for a hilarious rom-com with a bold family and a strong matriarchal presence. It’s about a young Greek woman who falls in love with a non-Greek man and struggles to balance heritage and individuality. A great choice if you’re looking for laughs and Happy Tears.
Available to rent on the platform of your choice. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Because I Said So (2007), Mamma Mia (2008) and The Family Stone (2005).
Double Happiness (1994) is a dramatic romance also involving a young woman balancing between tradition and modernity. Debut writer/director Mina Shum encapsulates her Chinese immigrant experience and delivers us Sandra Oh’s breathtaking feature film debut. A great choice if you’re looking for Mother/Daughter Reconciliation Tears.
Stream it with Hollywood Suite on Amazon Prime or rent on any platform. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Lady Bird (2017), Real Women Have Curves (2002) and Bend It Like Beckham (2002).
Turning Red (2022) is a brilliant choice for a young family. It’s a coming-of-age story set in 2002 Toronto about a Chinese Canadian tween who discovers she can turn into a giant red panda. A great watch for kids and adults alike, the story addresses generational trauma in a way that soothes your inner child and makes young kids feel heard. It also features yet another amazing performance from Sandra Oh. A great choice if you’re looking for laughs, Happy Tears and Mother/Daughter Reconciliation Tears.
Stream it on Disney+. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Brave (2012) and Encanto (2021).
Juno (2007) is a great coming-of-age film about confronting motherhood. It features Elliot Page’s breakout performance as a pregnant teen contemplating adoption, love, and life. This film does a great job addressing non-traditional motherhood, examining the question, “what makes a mother?” A great choice if you’re looking for laughs, Happy Tears and Reconciliation Tears.
Stream it on Disney+. If this is up your alley, I also recommend The Kids Are Alright (2010) and Away We Go (2009)
Beans (2020) is another coming-of-age story, this time set during the 1990s Oka Crisis where two Mohawk communities entered a 78-day standoff with Quebec government authorities. Due to the high stakes, our main character’s actions have bigger consequences for her family and community. This story brilliantly balances a universal experience with highly specific circumstances. A great choice if you’re looking for Sad Tears, Happy Tears and Mother/Daughter Reconciliation Tears.
Stream it on Crave. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Thirteen (2003), Miss Juneteenth (2020) and Rustic Oracle (2019).
Meditation Park (2017) is about finding a new outlook on life and reinventing oneself at a certain age. It’s an immigrant story and a housewife story. Writer/Director Mina Shum, Double Happiness (1994), creates a beautiful community for our heroine and delivers yet another outstanding story. A great choice if you’re looking for Happy Tears and Reconciliation Tears.
Available to rent on any platform of your choice. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Calendar Girls (2003), Stepmom (1998), and Hello, My Name is Doris (2015).
Happy Mother’s Day!
