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The countdown to Mother’s Day has begun! If you’re looking for movies to binge this weekend (or whenever you have the time), we collected a list of films that honor the complexities of motherhood. From dark comedies and feel-good dramas to thrillers and cult classics, these movies will pull at your heart strings, and in some cases, tickle your funny bone.
The selection of films below are streaming now on Amazon Prime, Hulu, or HBO Max. If you’re not signed up to any of those platforms, here’s a short breakdown of what they offer: Amazon Prime costs $12.99 a month which unlocks a massive digital store that has just about anything you might need, but you also get free two-day shipping, and access Prime Video — a seemingly endless library of movies, TV series, and Amazon Originals.
Hulu is another great option, especially if you love network TV. Subscriptions start at just $5.99 a month, and there’s a bundle option to add Disney+ and ESPN+ for $13.99 a month. HBO Max is a bit more expensive at $14.99 a month but the platform offers a treasure trove of classic favorites in film and TV, and new releases, including Warner Bros. films hitting theaters this year (HBO Max lets you stream each film for the first month after its theater release).
Below, find seven movies to watch in celebration of Mother’s Day, as well as links to buy some of them on Blu-ray. If you need more shopping recommendations, read our Mother’s Day gift guide, and last-minute deals.
“Steel Magnolias”
Everett Collection
In the realm of ’80s dramas that we can’t stop watching, “Steel Magnolias” still holds up. You can watch this film on any occasion, but it might hit a little different on Mother’s Day. The 1989 drama about a group of women living in a small Louisiana town stars Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah. You can buy “Steel Magnolias” on Blu-ray, and stream it via Amazon Prime.
“The Secret Life of Bees”
Everett Collection
This 2008 adaptation of the novel by Sue Monk Kidd is a coming-of-age story that follows a teenage girl learning the secrets of her late mother’s past. Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning, and Alicia Keys star in the film, which was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (“The Old Guard,” “Love & Basketball”), and produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. You can buy “The Secret Life of Bees” on Blu-ray, or stream it via Prime Video, and Hulu.
“Grey Gardens”
Everett Collection
This infamous mother-daughter duo who shared the same name (Edith Beale), and were relatives of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, pulled back the curtain for a look into their reclusive lives in the 1975 documentary “Grey Gardens.” The curious story of “Little Edie” and “Big Edie” also unfolds in the 2009 biographical film of the same name. Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange play the eccentric mother and daughter. Both “Grey Gardens” movies are available on HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
“Monster-in-Law”
©New Line Cinema/courtesy Everett / Everett Collection
If you’re into the evil mother-in-law trope, “Monster in Law” is a comical take on an old story. Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda star in this 2005 romantic comedy about the contentious relationship between a bride-to-be and her future mother in law. Stream “Monster-in-Law” on HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
“Mother,” (aka “Madeo”).
Everett Collection
Bong Joon Ho (“Parasite”) helmed the suspenseful masterpiece that is “Mother.” This 2009 film tells the story of a South Korean woman on a desperate search for the killer who framed her son for a young girl’s murder. You can stream “Mother”on Hulu, or rent it on Amazon Prime.
“Serial Mom”
Everett Collection
Kathleen Turner stars in this 1994 black comedy centering around a suburban housewife who doubles as a serial killer. Written and directed by John Waters, “Serial Mom” features Ricki Lake, and Sam Waterston. You can rent “Serial Mom” on Amazon Prime. Click here to buy it on Blu-ray.
“All About My Mother” (“Todo Sobre Mi Madre”)
Everett Collection
“All About My Mother” (“Todo Sobre Mi Madre”) takes its name from the Greek proverb that says that if a woman washes her eyes with tears, she’ll see clearly. But crying doesn’t exactly bring clarity to the film’s protagonist Manuela (Cecilia Roth). Grieving the death of her teenage son, the single mother sets out on a search for his long-lost birth father, but finds a surrogate family in the process. Pedro Almodóvar’s Oscar-winning film is an exploration into what it means to be a mother, and a tribute to the nuances of womanhood. Penélope Cruz, Marisa Paredes, Candela Peña, Antonia San Juan, and Rosa Maria Sardà also star in this vibrant comedic-drama. “All About My Mother” is currently streaming on HBO Max. You can also buy the Criterion Collection Blu-ray.
The countdown to Mother’s Day has begun! If you’re looking for movies to binge this weekend (or whenever you have the time), we collected a list of films that honor the complexities of motherhood. From dark comedies and feel-good dramas to thrillers and cult classics, these movies will pull at your heart strings, and in some cases, tickle your funny bone.
The selection of films below are streaming now on Amazon Prime, Hulu, or HBO Max. If you’re not signed up to any of those platforms, here’s a short breakdown of what they offer: Amazon Prime costs $12.99 a month which unlocks a massive digital store that has just about anything you might need, but you also get free two-day shipping, and access Prime Video — a seemingly endless library of movies, TV series, and Amazon Originals.
Hulu is another great option, especially if you love network TV. Subscriptions start at just $5.99 a month, and there’s a bundle option to add Disney+ and ESPN+ for $13.99 a month. HBO Max is a bit more expensive at $14.99 a month but the platform offers a treasure trove of classic favorites in film and TV, and new releases, including Warner Bros. films hitting theaters this year (HBO Max lets you stream each film for the first month after its theater release).
Below, find seven movies to watch in celebration of Mother’s Day, as well as links to buy some of them on Blu-ray. If you need more shopping recommendations, read our Mother’s Day gift guide, and last-minute deals.
“Steel Magnolias”
Everett Collection
“Steel Magnolias”
In the realm of ’80s dramas that we can’t stop watching, “Steel Magnolias” still holds up. You can watch this film on any occasion, but it might hit a little different on Mother’s Day. The 1989 drama about a group of women living in a small Louisiana town stars Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah. You can buy “Steel Magnolias” on Blu-ray, and stream it via Amazon Prime.
“The Secret Life of Bees”
Everett Collection
“The Secret Life of Bees”
This 2008 adaptation of the novel by Sue Monk Kidd is a coming-of-age story that follows a teenage girl learning the secrets of her late mother’s past. Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning, and Alicia Keys star in the film, which was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (“The Old Guard,” “Love & Basketball”), and produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. You can buy “The Secret Life of Bees” on Blu-ray, or stream it via Prime Video, and Hulu.
“Grey Gardens”
Everett Collection
“Grey Gardens”
This infamous mother-daughter duo who shared the same name (Edith Beale), and were relatives of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, pulled back the curtain for a look into their reclusive lives in the 1975 documentary “Grey Gardens.” The curious story of “Little Edie” and “Big Edie” also unfolds in the 2009 biographical film of the same name. Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange play the eccentric mother and daughter. Both “Grey Gardens” movies are available on HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
“Monster-in-Law”
©New Line Cinema/courtesy Everett / Everett Collection
“Monster-in-Law”
If you’re into the evil mother-in-law trope, “Monster in Law” is a comical take on an old story. Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda star in this 2005 romantic comedy about the contentious relationship between a bride-to-be and her future mother in law. Stream “Monster-in-Law” on HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
“Mother,” (aka “Madeo”).
Everett Collection
“Mother”
Bong Joon Ho (“Parasite”) helmed the suspenseful masterpiece that is “Mother.” This 2009 film tells the story of a South Korean woman on a desperate search for the killer who framed her son for a young girl’s murder. You can stream “Mother”on Hulu, or rent it on Amazon Prime.
“Serial Mom”
Everett Collection
“Serial Mom”
Kathleen Turner stars in this 1994 black comedy centering around a suburban housewife who doubles as a serial killer. Written and directed by John Waters, “Serial Mom” features Ricki Lake, and Sam Waterston. You can rent “Serial Mom” on Amazon Prime. Click here to buy it on Blu-ray.
“All About My Mother” (“Todo Sobre Mi Madre”)
Everett Collection
“All About My Mother”
“All About My Mother” (“Todo Sobre Mi Madre”) takes its name from the Greek proverb that says that if a woman washes her eyes with tears, she’ll see clearly. But crying doesn’t exactly bring clarity to the film’s protagonist Manuela (Cecilia Roth). Grieving the death of her teenage son, the single mother sets out on a search for his long-lost birth father, but finds a surrogate family in the process. Pedro Almodóvar’s Oscar-winning film is an exploration into what it means to be a mother, and a tribute to the nuances of womanhood. Penélope Cruz, Marisa Paredes, Candela Peña, Antonia San Juan, and Rosa Maria Sardà also star in this vibrant comedic-drama. “All About My Mother” is currently streaming on HBO Max. You can also buy the Criterion Collection Blu-ray.