11 realistic movies that capture the messiness of parenting
Raising humans is not picture perfect
Parenting can feel like juggling knives—chaotic, unpredictable and nerve-racking. On-screen parents, however, are often typecast as wise, all-knowing figures (think Marlin in Finding Nemo) or dutiful guardians like the ever-loving Mrs Weasley from Harry Potter. In reality, most parents might find themselves relating more closely to Johnny and Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek—trying to find their footing in a world that doesn’t come with a parenting manual. So where are those realistic movies that depict an unfiltered view of parenting? The ones where parents make mistakes, grapple with their own insecurities and don’t always have the right answers?
In this watchlist, we’ve handpicked films that offer a more nuanced look at family life. From regional Indian gems to international hits, these titles provide a realistic portrayal of parents in movies—showing the messy, complicated and deeply human side of raising children. Whether it’s the discomfort of co-parenting after a tense divorce, as seen in Marriage Story, or Minari’s depiction of the sacrifices made by immigrant parents, these stories serve as a reminder of the flaws within our families.
Instead of the idealised parental figures that have long been the mainstay of mainstream Hindi cinema, these gentle outliers feature parents who stumble, learn, and sometimes fail again, but always with raw authenticity. These films challenge the notion that there’s a ‘right’ way to be a parent, making them a must-watch for anyone tired of sugar-coated family narratives.
So, if you’re looking for cinema that casts an authentic lens on the trials and triumphs of parenthood, and the chaos and absurdity of family life, stream ahead.
Kapoor & Sons
Imagine a chaotic family reunion where love, laughter and secrets collide—welcome to Kapoor & Sons. This family drama poignantly captures the turbulence of sibling rivalry and the complexities of parent-child relationships. The film follows two estranged brothers who return to their childhood home in Coonoor to visit their ailing grandfather, only to get entangled in a web of unresolved issues and shocking revelations. With a fantastic ensemble that includes Rajat Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan and Alia Bhatt, the film delivers a perfect blend of humour and heartfelt moments, illustrating how family can be both a refuge and a battlefield.
Kapoor & Sons also examines the pressures of family expectations and the struggle to carve out your own path, reminding us that while navigating these bonds can be messy, ultimately, it’s all worth it.
Tribhanga
Tribhanga traces the lives of three generations of women, each navigating the pressures of motherhood while forging their own identities. Led by Kajol, who plays the fiery Anuradha, the film examines the intricate layers that define mother-daughter relationships, where love is often entangled with misunderstanding and resentment. As the three women—Anuradha, her estranged mother Nayantara, and daughter Masha—confront their personal traumas, we witness unspoken stories of buried hurts and aspirations that rise to the surface after Nayantara falls into a coma.
Tribhanga is a reminder that motherhood, though grounded in love, is equally marked by the weight of personal sacrifice.
Minari
The film follows a Korean-American and their trials of building a new life when they move from California to rural Arkansas during the 1980s. Jacob, the determined father, is confident of realising the American Dream by establishing a farm, while his wife, Monica, craves conventional stability, sparking tension between the two. The film tenderly captures their struggle to balance ambition and security, encapsulating how love can grow even in challenging circumstances.
This semi-autobiographical tale will resonate with immigrant families who juggle dreams and reality, highlighting the quiet sacrifices they make for a better future. Minari is a reminder that family is built through shared dreams, hardships and unwavering love.
Nil Battey Sannata
If you’ve ever felt like the odds are stacked against you, Nil Battey Sannata is the film for you. Set in Agra, Swara Bhaskar shines in this story of a single mother determined to secure a brighter future for her daughter. Chanda (Bhaskar), a school drop-out working menial jobs takes the unconventional step of enrolling in her daughter’s school as a way of encouraging and tutoring her unmotivated child. Blending humour with heart, the film highlights a parent’s relentless love and the extraordinary lengths one will go to for their child’s dreams.
Nil Battey Sannata honestly depicts the challenges faced by single parents, who juggle multiple roles—mentor, disciplinarian, nurturer—while balancing personal ambition with societal expectations.
Marriage Story
This gripping drama sheds light on the emotional toll of divorce and its ripple effects on everyone involved. Marriage Story is a close examination of the unravelling of a couple, from the day-to-day challenges of co-parenting to dealing with the heartbreak of a broken relationship. With powerhouse performances by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, the film deftly explores the fine line between love and loathing, revealing that even the most civil separations come with their own set of heartaches.
While Marriage Story‘s emotional resonance lies in its raw depiction of a volatile breakup, it also offers a realistic account of parenting through the separation process, reminding us that family ties can endure even as romantic bonds fade.
Kumbalangi Nights
Set in a small fishing village in Kerala, this Malayalam gem follows the lives of four brothers navigating life within a fractured family. The film beautifully captures the essence of brotherhood, centering on the tension between the eldest sibling, Saji, who reluctantly takes on a parental role, and his younger brothers who are caught in their individual struggles. As the family grapples with personal demons and unresolved conflicts, love and responsibility emerge in unexpected ways.
Kumbalangi Nights highlights the power of a chosen family, reminding us that family isn’t solely defined by blood. It challenges traditional family dynamics, showcasing that sometimes, the people who truly support and nurture you aren’t parents by definition but by action.
The Son
The Son dives into the emotional labyrinth of modern parenthood. Peter, played by Hugh Jackman, is caught in the turbulent waters of co-parenting with his ex-wife while attempting to connect with his troubled teenage son, Nicholas. The film unflinchingly explores the realities of parenting a child with mental health issues, capturing the challenges of being a loving father while also confronting the consequences of past decisions.
The film conveys an essential parenting lesson through Jackman’s powerful performance—guide children through their struggles while also being vulnerable enough to seek help yourself when necessary. The Son will resonate with anyone who has faced the fragility of family dynamics.
Lion
Grab your tissues for this tear-jerker. Based on a true story, Lion follows Saroo, a young boy who gets separated from his family in India after falling asleep on a train. He ends up in an orphanage in Kolkata, from where he is adopted by an Australian couple. As he confronts the challenges of growing up in a foreign land, an older Saroo, portrayed by Dev Patel, embarks on a quest to find his biological family, exploring themes of identity and belonging. Saroo’s adoptive mother, Sue (Nicole Kidman), is loving yet imperfect, struggling to raise two adopted sons while supporting Saroo through his emotional turmoil.
What sets Lion apart is its nuanced portrayal of both biological and adoptive parenthood, capturing the unique challenges faced by adoptive parents and the boundless nature of love.
Capernaum
In this Lebanese drama, 12-year-old Zain, who is serving a prison sentence for an act of violence, decides to take the extraordinary step of suing his parents for neglect. Set against the backdrop of Beirut, this film is a haunting exploration of childhood lost in the grip of poverty. Zain’s journey reveals not only his struggles but also the limitations of his parents, who, while flawed, are fighting their own battles against a system that seems rigged against them.
With its heart-wrenching narrative, Capernaum depicts the struggles of those caught in the web of economic hardship, illustrating how even the most well-intentioned parents can falter when faced with such challenges. The film is a harsh reminder that parenting is often as much about survival as it is about nurturing.
Aftersun
Aftersun offers a wistful journey through the memories of a young girl named Sophie, reflecting on a summer holiday spent with her father, Calum, in the late 1990s. As Calum, played with heartfelt vulnerability by Paul Mescal, navigates the challenges of being a young parent, we witness moments of joy interwoven with glimpses of his inner struggle. A tender, bittersweet portrait of a father-daughter relationship, the film beautifully juxtaposes light-hearted moments—like enjoying carefree beach days—with the undercurrent of sadness and uncertainty that often accompanies parental love.
The film is a memorable exploration of the complexities of fatherhood, the unevenness of nostalgia and the enduring impact of parental influence, revealing how our memories of family often involve both cherished moments and unresolved questions.
