Films about single mothers

Movie selections

“Films about single mothers” is a compelling and poignant genre that explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of motherhood in the absence of a partner. These films often delve into the strength, resilience, and love of single mothers as they navigate the responsibilities of raising children on their own, while also juggling personal growth and societal expectations.

“Erin Brockovich”, 2000

Director: Steven Soderbergh

films about single mothers - Erin Brockovich

Based on a true story, this film follows Erin Brockovich, a single mother who becomes an environmental activist while working at a law firm. Julia Roberts delivers a powerful performance as Erin, capturing the determination and tenacity of a single mother fighting for justice.

Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Peter Coyote, Cherry Jones, Tracey Walter, Conchata Ferrell, Marg Helgenberger, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick, Valente Rodriguez, George Rocky Sullivan, Pat Skipper, Jack Gill, Irene Olga López, Emily Marks, Julie Marks, Scotty Leavenworth, Gemmenne de la Peña, Erin Brockovich-Ellis, Adilah Barnes, Irina V. Passmoore, Ron Altomare, Charles John Bukey, Randy Lowell, Jamie Harrold, Sarah Ashley, Scarlett Pomers, T.J. Thyne, Joe Chrest, Meredith Zinner, Michael Harney, William Lucking, Mimi Kennedy, Scott Sowers, Kristina Malota, Wade Williams, Cordelia Richards, Ashley Pimental, Brittany Pimental, Larry Martinez, LeRoy A. Simmons, Don Snell, Gina Gallego, Ronald E. Hairston, Veanne Cox, Scott Allen, Sheila Shaw, Matthew Kimbrough;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;

More information about the film “Erin Brockovich” on the website imdb.com

“The Blind Side”, 2009

Director: John Lee Hancock

films about single mothers - The Blind Side

Sandra Bullock stars in this heartwarming film as Leigh Anne Tuohy, a strong-willed woman who takes in a homeless teenager and helps him fulfill his potential as a football player. The story celebrates the resilience and compassion of a single mother as she changes the life of a young man.

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim Dickens, Adriane Lenox, Kathy Bates, Catherine Dyer, Andy Stahl, Tom Nowicki, Libby Whittemore, Brian Hollan, Melody Weintraub, Sharon Morris, Omar J. Dorsey, Paul Amadi, Irone Singleton, Hampton Fluker, Rhoda Griffis, Eaddy Williams, Ashley LeConte Campbell, Stacey Turner, Elizabeth Omilami, Afemo Omilami, Maria Howell, Patrick G. Keenan, Eric Benson, David Dwyer, Catherine Combs, Kelly Johns, Robert Pralgo, Whitney Branan, Brian Sutherin, Rachel St. Gelais, Brandon Rivers, Jody Thompson, James Donadio, L. Warren Young, Brett Rice, Kevin Nichols, Preston Wigasi Brant, Matthew Atkinson, Trey Best, Omid Soltani, Destiny Long, April Rich, Jaye Tyroff, Ben Keen;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, sport, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;

More information about the film “The Blind Side” on the website imdb.com

“Lady Bird”, 2017

Director: Greta Gerwig

films about single mothers - Lady Bird

Directed by Greta Gerwig, this coming-of-age film follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, as she navigates her senior year of high school and the strained relationship with her single mother, Marion, played by Laurie Metcalf. The film beautifully captures the complexities of the mother-daughter dynamic and the challenges faced by a single mother.

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Lois Smith, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Odeya Rush, Jordan Rodrigues, Marielle Scott, John Karna, Jake McDorman, Bayne Gibby, Laura Marano, Marietta DePrima, Daniel Zovatto, Kristen Cloke, Andy Buckley, Paul Keller, Kathryn Newton, Myra Turley, Bob Stephenson, Abhimanyu Katyal, Chris Witaske, Ben Konigsberg, Gurpreet Gill, Richard Jin, Joan Patricia O'Neil, Robert Figueroa, Carla Valentine, Roman Arabia, Monique Edwards, Matthew Maher, Anita Kalathara, Debra Miller, Georgia Leva, Derek Butler, London Thor, Shaelan O'Connor, Christina Offley, Sabrina Schloss, Connor Mickiewicz, Erik Daniells, Cynthia Cales, Giselle Grams, Ithamar Enriquez, Luisa Lee, Danielle Macdonald, Adam Brock;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;

More information about the film “Lady Bird” on the website imdb.com

“Room”, 2015

Director: Lenny Abrahamson

films about single mothers - Room

Brie Larson delivers a powerful performance as Joy, a young woman held captive with her son in a small shed. The film explores the fierce love and resilience of a mother as she creates a nurturing environment for her son in the most harrowing circumstances.

Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen, Tom McCamus, William H. Macy, Cas Anvar, Randal Edwards, Amanda Brugel, Joe Pingue, Wendy Crewson, Sandy McMaster, Matt Gordon, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Jee-Yun Lee, Justin Mader, Ola Sturik, Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll, Rory O'Shea, Kate Drummond, Jack Fulton, Celeste Bruno, Chantelle Chung, Derek Herd, Megan Park, Graeme Potts, Lindsay Somers, Katelyn Wells, Brad Wietersen;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;

These films offer a glimpse into the lives of single mothers, showcasing their strength, love, and determination in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, films about single mothers resonate deeply, offering a poignant exploration of resilience, love, and the complexities of parenthood. These narratives not only highlight the unique challenges faced by single mothers but also celebrate their strength and unwavering determination to provide for their children against all odds. From heartwarming dramas to inspiring comedies, these films showcase diverse perspectives and experiences, ultimately reinforcing the idea that the bonds between a mother and her child can triumph over adversity. As audiences engage with these stories, they are invited to reflect on the importance of support, community, and the enduring spirit of motherhood in its many forms.

Katie Knight
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