Whether you’re after laughs, tears, or family chaos, here’s your ultimate Mother’s Day watch list featuring the best releases from the past few years…
f.e.
Mother’s Day calls for more than just flowers and a card - it’s the perfect excuse to ditch the outside world, cosy up on the couch, and binge-watch something heart-warming with the woman who has seen you at your worst (and loved you anyway). Whether you’re in the mood for gut-busting laughs, emotional sob-fests, or feel-good family chaos, here’s your ultimate watch list for a perfect Mother’s Day marathon, which includes some of the more recently released shows and movies in the past few years. Best part? All these titles are streaming on various platforms, so no need to fight over the remote - just grab some snacks, steal Mom’s favourite blanket, and press play…
This movie is a poignant yet funny look at family, tradition, and the complexities of cultural identity. Directed by Lulu Wang, ‘The Farewell’ follows Billi, played by Awkwafina, a Chinese-American woman who returns to China with her family under the guise of a wedding to say goodbye to their beloved matriarch, Nai Nai, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer - though she doesn’t know it. The story beautifully explores the delicate balance of love, family secrets, and the unspoken bond between mothers and daughters. With its perfect mix of humour and heartache, this is a film that will have you laughing, crying, and reflecting on your own relationships. Stream it on Amazon Prime.
If you and your mom still argue about curfews, friends, or “what you’re wearing”, ‘Turning Red’ will feel hilariously relatable. This animated movie follows Mei Lee, a dorky but lovable 13-year-old who ‘poofs’ into a giant red panda whenever she gets too emotional. The real heart of the story? Mei’s complicated but lovable relationship with her helicopter mom, Ming. It’s a colourful, fun, and deeply honest portrayal of growing up - complete with catchy boy-band tunes, cringey school moments, and panda-sized metaphors for all those messy mother-daughter emotions. It’s the perfect pick if you want laughs, ‘aww’ moments, and a low-stress, feel-good vibe. Stream it on Disney+.
If your mom’s the ‘don’t mess with my kids’ type, she’s going to love J.Lo’s latest action movie. ‘The Mother’ stars Jennifer Lopez as a lethal special-ops assassin who comes out of hiding to protect the daughter she was forced to give up years ago. Cue heart-stopping chases, brutal fight scenes, and plenty of bad guys underestimating a mother’s fury. Beyond the punches and sniper scenes, though, there’s a tender story about reconnecting with family and protecting what matters most. Watch this one if you and your mom like your sentiment with a side of serious butt-kicking. Available for streaming on Netflix.
Want something more emotional and reflective? ‘Minari’ is a beautiful, slow-burn movie about a Korean-American family starting a farm in rural Arkansas. It’s a tale about hope, resilience, and the quiet struggles of immigrant families chasing their dreams. Han Ye-ri’s portrayal of Monica, the steadfast mother trying to hold it all together while her husband dreams big, is breathtakingly real. Add in an adorable grandma (played by Oscar-winner Youn Yuh-jung) and some laugh-cry moments involving a mischievous little boy and a stubborn minari plant, and you’ve got a movie that feels like a warm hug and a gentle reminder of what family truly means. Catch it on Netflix.
If you want something light but meaningful to binge, ‘One Day at a Time’ is the ultimate feel-good show. This modern reboot follows Penelope Alvarez, a Cuban-American single mom raising her two kids with the ‘help’ (read: hilarious interference) of her traditionalist mother, played by the legendary Rita Moreno. Every episode packs real-life issues like mental health, teenage rebellion, and family pride into quick, snappy bursts of comedy and warmth. It’s the perfect reminder that no matter how chaotic life gets, a little love (and a lot of sarcasm) can fix almost anything. Plus, you’ll definitely end up arguing with your mom over who’s more like Abuela. Stream it on Netflix.
Imagine discovering your baby got switched at birth - and now you have to co-parent with a complete stranger. That’s the hilarious and heart-warming setup for this Mexican dramedy show where two moms - one uptight and one totally free-spirited - are forced to blend their families together. The cultural clashes, parenting fails, and awkward bonding moments make for hilarious TV, but underneath all the chaos is a sweet story about chosen family and unconditional love. This one’s a binge-worthy choice if you and your mom love a little drama mixed with your laughs, and you won’t be able to stop yourselves from debating which mom you’d be more like. Available to stream on Netflix.
