Movies where mother knows best (or worst)
Explore the fascinating and often surprising world of cinematic mothers. From the heartwarming to the horrifying, these films showcase moms who are anything but ordinary.



Motherhood is a complex role, and cinema has never shied away from exploring its many facets. While many films portray mothers as symbols of unconditional love and warmth, there's a rich subgenre that delves into the darker, more complicated, or downright terrifying aspects of maternal figures.
Think about the classic horror trope of the overbearing or monstrous mother, or the dark comedy that finds humor in dysfunctional family dynamics. These films often play on societal expectations versus the messy reality of parenting, sometimes pushing boundaries in hilarious or disturbing ways.
From psycho killers and suburban rebels to intergalactic saviors and simply stressed-out parents, movies about mothers offer a diverse range of stories. They challenge our perceptions and remind us that the bond between a mother and child, while powerful, can manifest in countless, sometimes unexpected, forms. This collection highlights some memorable examples that prove mother knows best... or at least, she knows something unforgettable.
12. Mother's Day (2018)
Rounding out the list is another film titled Mother's Day, this one from 2018, which appears to be a less widely released or lower-budget production compared to the others. Details on this specific film are scarce, suggesting it might be a more independent or direct-to-video release.
Without specific details about its plot or genre, it's difficult to place within the spectrum of 'mom' themed movies. It's a title that unfortunately gets lost among the more prominent films sharing the same name, highlighting how common the theme is in cinema across different genres and budgets.

11. Mom or Dad? (2017)
This French-Belgian comedy, originally titled Papa ou Maman, explores a hilariously bitter divorce where both parents try to make themselves seem like the worse parent so the other is forced to take custody of the kids. Mom or Dad? stars Marina Foïs and Laurent Lafitte as the couple who launch a full-blown war of sabotage against each other, using their children as pawns in the most outrageous ways.
The film takes the acrimony of divorce and pushes it to absurd, comedic extremes. It's a dark comedy that finds humor in the breakdown of a relationship and the lengths people will go to avoid responsibility. Be warned: the parents in this movie are truly terrible, but their antics are played for laughs in a distinctly European comedic style.

10. Mother's Day (2016)
The late Garry Marshall's final film, Mother's Day, is a star-studded romantic comedy anthology following intertwined stories centered around the holiday. Much like his previous films Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve, it features a large ensemble cast including Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, and Jason Sudeikis.
The film weaves together various narratives exploring different aspects of motherhood and family relationships. It's a lighthearted, feel-good movie designed for holiday viewing, focusing on heartfelt moments and comedic misunderstandings. Julia Roberts' character has a particularly unusual storyline involving a QVC-like network, adding a quirky element to the mix. It's a film about connection and celebration, fitting for the holiday it's named after.
9. Motherhood (2009)
Navigating the everyday chaos of being a mom in New York City is the focus of Motherhood. Uma Thurman stars as Eliza Welsh, a writer and mother of two trying to survive a single day that includes planning her daughter's birthday party while also dealing with writing deadlines and the general madness of urban life.
The film is a comedic look at the stresses and small triumphs of juggling work, family, and personal identity. It's a more grounded, slice-of-life portrayal of motherhood compared to the thrillers and dark comedies on this list. Minnie Driver co-stars as her best friend, providing support and commiseration. It's a film that will likely resonate with anyone who's felt overwhelmed by the demands of parenting.

8. Mom and Dad Save the World (1992)
Prepare for a dose of zany, B-movie sci-fi comedy with Mom and Dad Save the World. This film is exactly what the title suggests: a suburban couple is abducted by an alien emperor who wants to marry the wife, leading the husband on a ridiculous quest to rescue her and, well, save the world.
Starring Teri Garr and Jeffrey Jones as the titular parents, and Jon Lovitz as the hilariously over-the-top Emperor Tod Spengo, the movie is pure 90s camp. It's full of cheesy special effects, absurd costumes, and non-stop silliness. Think Flash Gordon meets suburban sitcom. It's definitely not high art, but if you appreciate goofy, low-budget sci-fi comedies, this one delivers on its bizarre premise.

7. Mother's Day (2016)
Adding another horror entry to the list, this 2016 film also titled Mother's Day (not to be confused with the Garry Marshall rom-com or the earlier films) is part of the Tales of Halloween anthology. While not a feature-length film itself, the segment directed by Dave Parker offers a brief, brutal take on the holiday with a horrific twist involving a dysfunctional family gathering.
As part of an anthology, it provides a short, sharp shock rather than a developed narrative, fitting the theme of holiday-themed horror shorts. It's a different flavor than the other Mother's Day films, focusing on a quick burst of terror within a larger collection of Halloween tales.

6. Mother's Boys (1993)
Here's a lesser-known thriller from the 90s that explores the darker side of maternal obsession. Mother's Boys stars Jamie Lee Curtis as a woman who abandoned her family years ago but suddenly returns, determined to win back her husband and sons, no matter the cost.
The film quickly descends into psychological manipulation and menace as Curtis's character becomes increasingly unhinged and dangerous when faced with rejection. It's a tense domestic thriller that showcases Curtis in a complex, villainous role, a departure from her scream queen persona. Peter Gallagher also stars as the husband caught in the middle of her unsettling return.

5. Bad Moms (2016)
Switching gears to pure comedy, Bad Moms is a film that struck a chord with parents everywhere by hilariously depicting the pressures of modern motherhood. Starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn, the movie follows three overworked and underappreciated mothers who decide to ditch their responsibilities and expectations for a little freedom and fun.
The film taps into the relatable struggle of trying to be the perfect parent while juggling life's demands. Kathryn Hahn is a standout as the wild and unapologetic Carla, providing many of the film's biggest laughs. It's a feel-good comedy about friendship, rebellion, and embracing the imperfections of parenting, leading to a successful sequel and spin-off.

4. Mother's Day (1980)
Let's go back to where the terror began with the original 1980 Troma classic, Mother's Day. Directed by Charles Kaufman, this low-budget horror film is a gritty, exploitation-style tale of three women camping in the woods who are attacked by two deranged brothers and held captive by their equally insane mother.
Unlike its slicker remake, the original Mother's Day leans into raw, unsettling violence and a distinctly grimy aesthetic. It's a product of its time, fitting neatly into the slasher and backwoods horror subgenres that were popular in the late 70s and early 80s. The character of Mother is disturbing in her folksy madness, making this a cult favorite for fans of old-school, no-holds-barred horror.

3. Mother's Day (2010)
Stepping into more suspenseful territory, the 2010 remake of Mother's Day brings a serious dose of tension. Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, known for his work on the Saw franchise, this film traps a group of young people in a house that happens to belong to a terrifying matriarch and her equally disturbing sons.
Rebecca De Mornay delivers a chilling performance as the manipulative and ruthless Mother, who will stop at nothing to protect her twisted family. The film is a home-invasion thriller with a strong emphasis on psychological manipulation and survival. It takes the basic premise of the original and ramps up the intensity and grittiness, making for a genuinely unsettling watch that explores disturbing family dynamics.

2. Serial Mom (1994)
If you're looking for a mom who takes suburban perfection to terrifyingly hilarious extremes, look no further than John Waters' cult hit, Serial Mom. Kathleen Turner is absolutely divine as Beverly Sutphin, a seemingly sweet housewife and mother who happens to be a serial killer.
Waters, known for his boundary-pushing style, delivers a satirical masterpiece that skewers suburban life, celebrity obsession, and the justice system. Turner's performance is a tour de force – she can switch from charming homemaker to ruthless murderer in a blink. The film is packed with outrageous gags and cameos, including one from Patty Hearst! It's a truly unique blend of dark comedy and crime, served with a side of Waters' signature trashy charm.

1. Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
Alright, let's kick things off with a dark comedy classic that might just resonate with anyone who's ever had... complicated feelings about a parent! Throw Momma from the Train stars the fantastic Danny DeVito, who also directed, and Billy Crystal.
The premise is simple but genius: two strangers meet and joke about offing each other's problems – one's ex-wife, the other's overbearing mother. DeVito's character takes the idea way too seriously, leading to hilarious and increasingly chaotic situations. DeVito's portrayal of the mom is iconic and absolutely steals the show, earning Anne Ramsey an Oscar nomination! It's a pitch-black premise played for laughs, and it works wonderfully thanks to the sharp writing and the chemistry between Crystal and DeVito.
