10 of the best movies to watch on Mother’s Day with your kids

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Drop hints for a relaxing at-home spa day or send your loved ones Mother’s Day gift ideas. Everyone’s ideal Mother’s Day is different but if you’re picturing quality time with your kiddos then we’ve got you covered.

The best movies to watch on Mother’s Day will bring together the whole family for a couple hours of good fun. Pop the popcorn and grab your favorite snacks for a family movie night that’s sure to bring on all of the feels. Mother’s Day movies celebrate all of the different aspects of motherhood and since motherhood is all encompassing there are a lot of options.

10 feel-good movies to watch on Mother’s Day

1. “Brave“

Merida’s relationship with her mother captures the nuances of mother-daughter relationships so well. Little kids will love the animation, the bears and the action. This Disney movie is a great pick.

Streaming on Disney+.

2. “Freaky Friday“

A throwback unlike any other. If your children haven’t yet watched this instant classic then there’s no better time like Mother’s Day. This is a good option if your have older kids.

Streaming on Disney+.

3. “Turning Red“

Discover the joys and complications of puberty with Mei Lee. This adorable movie focuses on important milestones in a teenagers life and shines a light on mother-daughter relationships.

Streaming on Disney+.

4. “The Incredibles 2“

Ready for a superhero movie where Mom saves the day? Sit back and relax with your little ones while you all watch the Incredible family get saved by Mom. Plus, we love how this film shows changing family dynamics, a stay-at-home father and a working mom.

Streaming on Disney+.

5. “Akeelah and the Bee“

Chasing your dreams is a lot easier when you have a supportive mom like Akeelah’s. This feel-good film tells the story of a young girl with her sights set on the National Spelling Bee.

Streaming on Amazon.

6. “Parent Trap“

You might have heard that Lindsay Lohan is pregnant but in this heartwarming film from 1998 she’s just a girl trying to get her divorced parents back together. Lohan plays both roles of twin sisters, Annie and Hallie, and their hilarious shenanigans cannot be missed.

Streaming on Disney+.

7. “Yes Day“

There’s a reason why moms say no to a lot of the outrageous and silly questions kids ask. But, in this movie anything goes. Round up the kiddos for one of the most fun movies to watch on Mother’s Day.

Streaming on Netflix.

8. “The Blind Side“

This moving story proves that being a mother is complicated and nuanced and that family is about more than just biology. Sandra Bullock’s character is the quintessential adoptive mother, determined to give her new child a better life.

Streaming on Amazon.

9. “Encanto“

Even if you can’t get the songs out of your head, this sweet film is worth the watch (or the rewatch). With different family dynamics at play and a focus on mother-child relationships, the whole family will love this movie.

Streaming on Disney+.

10. “Matilda“

When it comes to mother figures, Miss Honey stands out. When Matilda discovers hidden powers she uses them to stand up to bullies and right some wrongs. Watching her with Miss Honey, the mother she always wanted, is so heartwarming.

Streaming on Netflix.

A version of this post was published April 11, 2023. It has been updated.