These Are the Perfect Mother-Daughter Films To Watch This Mother's Day Weekend

From hilarious body-swapping films like Freaky Friday to tearjerkers like Steel Magnolias we've got your Mother's Day weekend movie nights covered.

By EOL Staff May 08, 2021 3:00 AMTags

Get ready to break out some popcorn and clock some serious time on the couch this weekend.

In case you missed it, Sunday, May 9 is Mother's Day. And whatever the situation may be with the moms in your life, there is definitely something for you to watch—and something for every mood. Because really, what better way to honor any day than with a movie marathon?

For those looking for some campy fun, we, of course, recommend Troop Beverly Hills—and The Parent Trap. Or, walk a mile (and then some) in mom's shoes with Freaky Friday. (Who doesn't love a Lindsay Lohan double feature?!) If you're in the mood to dance, allow Mamma Mia!, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Hairspray to get you up and moving. And for those in need of a good cry, there is always Steel Magnolias

And that's just the start of our must-watch list.

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First-Time Moms: Mother's Day 2020

Take a look at our picks below:

The Parent Trap

The classic film stars Lindsay Lohan as two twins who plot to get their mother back together with their father, and adorably shows the experience of one of the twins meeting her mom for the very first time.

Freaky Friday

In another great Mother's Day movie that stars Lohan, Freaky Friday is a hilarious look at what it would be like if you changed places with your mom, and a heartwarming lesson of how much you'd end up understanding one another, too.

Because I Said So

Anyone whose mom is a meddler will relate to this film, which sees Diane Keaton play a well-meaning matriarch who interjects herself into her daughter's love life.

Troop Beverly Hills

Who can resist this campy flick, with all its iconic fashion moments and under-appreciated humor? The 1989 movie centers around a socialite mother who heads up her daughter's girl scout troop in order to build their relationship, even if she is a total fish-out-water when it comes to the wilderness.

Hairspray

You can't stop the beat of this classic Broadway adaptation, which follows multiple mother-daughter storylines, all set to some great dancing and singing.

Steel Magnolias

Spoiler alert: If you haven't seen this movie, it will absolutely make you cry. But, it's worth it as the heart of the film is how far one mom is willing to go to show her love for her sick daughter.

Dumplin'

Sometimes, we feel like our parents just don't understand us, a common experience that is played out in the delightful Netflix original Dumplin' when young, plus-size Willowdean enters a beauty pageant much to the dismay of her appearance-oriented mother.

Little Women

Whatever adaptation is your favorite, Little Women is guaranteed to make you laugh, smile and cry as you follow the four women,  often given sage advice from their mother, throughout their lives.

Mamma Mia!

Sing along to the ABBA-inspired musical-turned-movie and then make it a double feature by watching Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Brave

This Disney animated picture shows a complicated mother-daughter relationship and ends up with both parties understanding the other a little bit more.

Monster-in-Law

It's not just our biological mothers we're thinking about! Some of us may have in-laws we'll be wishing a happy Mother's Day to...even if some of them also drive us up the wall.

Snatched

This Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer action-comedy is sure to make you laugh.

Lady Bird

The Oscar-nominated film was praised for its intimate look at how messy and loving a mother-daughter relationship can be, and both Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf's performances will tug at your heartstrings.

This story was originally published on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 6 a.m. PT.

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