Throughout the years, there have been several impactful films centered around family love and dynamics. The concept of family is something that many can relate to, and seeing it portrayed on screen can ignite many feelings of nostalgia. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have learned the importance of family and loved ones and, unfortunately, many have experienced the pain of loss. Films based around families can create scenes that are comedic, dramatic, and endearing. Many of these films show that when hard times hit, it's going to be your family who are there to support you.

Films like Kramer Vs. Kramer shows you that even if marriages don't last, there is still a bond there due to the fact of sharing a child. Family dynamics have changed a lot in the past decades for the better, and the world now sees many types of families that are not exactly traditional. When it comes down to it, a true family member is someone who will always be there for you through the good and the bad. They will always be there to guide you through life without judgment. There are many films focused on strong bonds created by families. Let's take a look at the best films celebrating family love.

Updated on October 4th, 2023 by Darren Gigool: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

13 Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)

Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Kevin G. Schmidt, Jacob Smith, Liliana Mumy, Brent Kinsman, Shane Kinsman, Alyson Stoner, Morgan York, Blake Woodruff, and Forrest Landis in Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
20th Century Fox

Cheaper by the Dozen introduces audiences to the Baker family's delightful antics. Twelve children fill their home, ensuring daily excitement and exquisite adventures. They are faced with the need to adapt to different challenges after they move.

Consequently, both the unfamiliar environment and their ever-active household fuel numerous comedic blunders, resulting in a heartfelt family spectacle. Amidst the disorder and confusion, resilience becomes the Bakers' trademark trait. This journey isn't solely about embracing alterations but highlights the empowerment derived from an environment rich in love, irrespective of family numbers.

12 Soul Food (1997)

Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Mekhi Phifer, Vanessa Williams, Michael Beach, Brandon Hammond, Gina Ravera, Jeffrey D. Sams, Morgan Méchelle Smith, and Carl Wright in Soul Food (1997)
20th Century Fox

Depicted in urban settings, Soul Food unveils the intricate dynamics of a tight-knit African-American family. Emotions, both euphoric love and heart-wrenching loss, paint the narrative's essence. Central to its theme is the significance of familial meals, where traditional recipes, joy, and occasionally sorrow converge.

Dining traditions, especially ones centered around sumptuous tables, anchor our existence. Soul Food emphasizes that these occasions transcend mere culinary delights, symbolizing the family's vibrant legacy and unwavering spirit. They stand as touching testaments to collective memories and the unyielding ties of family lineage.

11 Coco (2017)

A scene from Coco (2017)
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Making its way onto the silver screen in 2017, Coco rapidly garnered recognition as a gem in Pixar's illustrious canon. The film's dynamic lead, Miguel, inadvertently journeys into the ethereal Land of the Dead. His mission? To decode ancestral secrets interwoven in the fabric of his familial history. Weaving vivid imagery with emotive themes, the film masterfully underscores the importance of honoring one's cultural heritage and ancestral lineage.

In this animated spectacle, the audience receives both a visual feast and a touching moral lesson. Coco amplifies the importance of acknowledging and celebrating familial roots and cultural backgrounds. As a soulful guidepost, the movie elucidates that understanding one's origin inevitably shapes one's destiny.

10 The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Will Smith and Jaden Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Sony Pictures Releasing

Captivating in its raw intensity, The Pursuit of Happyness stands as an emotional tour de force that encapsulates the nuances of fatherhood. Will Smith's compelling portrayal of Chris Gardner propels viewers through a life-altering odyssey. From the abrasive streets where homelessness plagues Chris and his son, to the polished hallways of Wall Street, the journey and their story is one of relentless aspiration and unbreakable familial love.

Transcending the basic rags-to-riches archetype, this cinematic opus dives into the intricate dynamics of paternal devotion. It highlights the relentless spirit of a father committed to securing a better future for his offspring. Emanating from the narrative's crux is the timeless maxim: familial ties possess the resilience to surmount any obstacle, triumphing over external adversities.

9 My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

Gia Carides, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin, and Nia Vardalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
IFC Films
Equinox Films

This exciting movie captivates viewers with comedic highs. The film centers around Toula, a woman deeply rooted in her Greek heritage. Yet, as she's drawn to a culturally opposite man, an unexpected comedy unfolds. The narrative adeptly contrasts Greek traditions with Western conventions, delivering scenes that are both hilarious and contemplative. Family remains pivotal in the cinematic piece, with identity holding equal significance.

The story explores the intricacies of uniting distinct family backgrounds, but profound lessons surface. It underscores the value of understanding and honoring diverse family traditions. Nevertheless, the film consistently emphasizes staying true to oneself. Through touching sequences and meaningful exchanges, My Big Fat Greek Wedding reinforces the idea that love means not sacrificing self, but evolving jointly, cherishing individual and shared legacies. The essence of familial affection lies in its flexibility, tenacity, and the fusion of ancestral customs with fresh experiences.

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8 The Family Stone (2005)

A scene from The Family Stone (2005)
20th Century Fox

The Family Stone is an underrated Christmas gem showcasing the strong bonds of the Stone family that come together every Christmas. This time, their oldest son, Everett (Dermot Mulroney), brings home his girlfriend (Sarah Jessica Parker), who fails miserably to fit in with the Stone family.

Each member of the Stone family has a unique persona about them, but they all share a close love for one another. At the same time, they all must face the fact that this will be their mother's (Diane Keaton) last Christmas, giving us a fine tale of accepting loss and moving forward.

7 The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

A scene from The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

The Tenenbaums are far from a traditional family. They are disconnected and dysfunctional but come together when their estranged father, Royal (Gene Hackman), informs them that he is dying, when in fact he is lying. Wes Anderson's artistic film showcases the power of family getting through the most unusual circumstances.

Chas (Ben Stiller) refuses to forgive his father for his wrongdoings, and Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) has never felt accepted due to the fact that she is adopted. The Royal Tenenbaums is a great blend of comedy and drama that focuses on many topics including divorce, death, and the power of family.

6 The Kids Are All Right (2010)

Julianne Moore, Annette Bening, Mark Ruffalo, Josh Hutcherson, and Mia Wasikowska in The Kids Are All Right (2010)
Focus Features 
Inferno Distribution

In The Kids Are All Right, Annette Bening and Julianne Moore play a middle-aged couple who conceived two children through a sperm donor. While the family seems happy on the surface, there are many underlying issues.

Bening's character drinks too much, Moore's character feels like an underachiever, and the two children feel confused, especially when their mothers' sperm donor comes into their lives. This brilliant film showcases the power of a family sticking together through tough times. At the same time, it shows the struggles of keeping a relationship intact after several years of marriage.

5 The Descendants (2011)

George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, and Nick Krause in The Descendants (2011)
Fox Searchlight Pictures

The Descendants focuses on a man (George Clooney) trying to take care of his daughters while his wife is in a coma, on the brink of death. At the same time, he ponders his ancestors as he debates whether or not to sell an inherited piece of land.

The film shows the struggles of being a parent while dealing with the fact that his wife was unfaithful. Even though he feels disdain for his wife, he has to do right by his daughters and his in-laws. Alexander Payne's film features a brilliant script and one of Clooney's best performances to date.

4 What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Darlene Cates, Laura Harrington, and Mary Kate Schellhardt in What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Paramount Pictures
J&M Entertainment

What's Eating Gilbert Grape focuses on the bond between Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp), and his mentally impaired brother (Leonardo DiCaprio). Gilbert does whatever he can to be there for his family, including his morbidly obese mother (Darlene Cates).

The film focuses on the struggles of sacrifice when caring for the ones you love. Gilbert does wish to make a life of his own, but he refuses to abandon his little brother and the rest of his family. It is an unconventional tale of love, life, and the power of brotherhood.

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3 Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

A scene from Kramer Vs. Kramer (1979)
Columbia Pictures

Kramer vs. Kramer showcases the tragedy of a failed marriage but focuses on the life-long bond that comes along when having a child together. The film is filled with conflict while Ted (Dustin Hoffman) and Joanna (Meryl Streep, in one of her best roles) fight for custody of their son (Justin Henry).

At the same time, the movie centers on the love between Ted and his son that grows after Johanna leaves them. In the end, Ted and Johanna put their differences aside for the benefit of their son, giving us an emotional, but happy, ending.

2 Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

A scene from Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Fox Searchlight Pictures

Little Miss Sunshine tells the story of a family filled with flaws and conflicting personalities. On a road trip to get the youngest daughter, Olive (Abigail Breslin), to a beauty pageant, the family learns to come together during many chaotic adventures.

What the film shows brilliantly is that life doesn't always turn out the way that you expect it, but in the end, your family will be there to get you through it. Little Miss Sunshine features fantastic performances, including Alan Arkin who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

1 Terms Of Endearment (1983)

Jack Nicholson, Shirley MacLaine, and Debra Winger in Terms of Endearment (1983)
Paramount Pictures

Terms of Endearment focuses on many topics including parenthood, infidelity, and overcoming loss. The film centers on the powerful relationship between Aurora (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter, Emma (Debra Winger), over the course of many years.

The film shows you that life is never fair, and it will throw you many unexpected things along the way. Through it all, the love between Aurora and Emma keeps them afloat through the pain and struggles. In the heartbreaking ending, when Emma tragically dies, Aurora is there for Emma's children, giving us a story of pushing forward through loss.