Most people can agree that parenthood is challenging, especially when you do it all on your own with little help. Single moms are hands down, some of the most badass people I’ve ever met. Raising a child alone while navigating your personal development, personal life, career, and relationships is a tough feat, and it deserves to be celebrated.
These are some of the best movies and TV shows that have not only depicted the challenges and struggles of single parenthood but have shown the inspiring side of being a single mom. Check out this list when you need some inspiration and to lift your spirits.
Some of my favorite single mom movies UPDATED 2024
Erin Brockovich (2000)
This movie, starring an amazing Julia Roberts, is one of the most uplifting, women-empowering, and inspiring movies for single moms ever. Whatโs more, it is based on a true story. The movie is about having guts and how far it can take you.
Julia Roberts stars as Erin Brockovich, an unemployed single mum of three struggling to make ends meet. Despite having no formal legal education, Erin lands a job at a law firm and stumbles upon a case involving the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, which is accused of polluting a city’s water supply.
Her story is an inspiring testament to the resilience and inner strength required to overcome obstacles and achieve justice, making “Erin Brockovich” a powerful film that highlights the incredible capabilities of single moms.
Stepmom (1998)
Another classic with Julia Roberts.
Stepmom still makes me cry…. it’s such a heartwarming drama that explores complex family dynamics and inner strength. Julia Roberts stars as Isabel, a career-focused woman who becomes the stepmother to her partner’s children. As she navigates the challenges of gaining the children’s trust and respect, Isabel must also contend with their biological mother, Jackie, portrayed by Susan Sarandon.
This film beautifully portrays the evolving relationships within a blended family, showcasing the resilience and inner strength needed to overcome obstacles. “Stepmom” is a good movie that highlights the power of love and commitment in forging new family bonds.
Bruised (2020)
Bruised stars Halle Berry as Jackie Justice, an independent woman and former MMA fighter who wants one last shot at redemption. After a series of personal and professional setbacks, Jackie is determined to reclaim her place in the ring.
Alongside her journey, she reconnects with her young son, who inspires her to become a better person and a strong role model. This gripping film showcases the resilience and determination of a woman fighting to overcome her past and build a brighter future for herself and her son.
This movie’s pure physical intensity is impressive, and it was Halle Berry’s directorial debut. This is a must-see!
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Set in a small town in Connecticut, this television show about family and friendship centers around Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory. While the show didnโt get everything perfect, it’s a great representation of a strong single mom.
This mother-daughter relationship is an inspiration to many. Lorelaiโs character in the show truly shattered the notion that single motherhood is a curse, instead showing that family is what you make of it.
The Book of Henry (2017)
Juggling a job as a waitress and raising two boys on her own, struggling single mom Susan Carpenter is living a chaotic life. She depends on her 11-year-old genius son, Henry, to manage finances. Henry’s innocent crush on the girl next door takes a terrible turn as they discoverย things are not always what they seem.
Susan discovers a book written by her son containing a plan to right a terrible wrong happening next door. She attempts to carry out the plan herself and finds new strength as a parent.
Little Man Tate (1991)
The first film Jodie Foster directed, “Little Man Tate,” contains an element of an autobiography, she says. This is the story of a 6-year-old who is also a genius. Yes, another single mom movie about a child prodigy. Hear me out, this is another one of those great movies you need to add to your must-see list. Dede is a sole parent trying to raise her son Fred.
She is determined to ensure that Fred has all the opportunities he needs. In the movie, this single mom tries to ensure that her son isn’t taken advantage of by people who forget that despite his extreme intellect, emotionally and physically, he’s just a young boy.
I feel a lot of connection to this movie because I was often treated like a little adult growing up, which caused a lot of emotional turmoil in my life.
Forest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump is not only an iconic film but also a touching portrayal of the strength and dedication of single mothers. Sally Field plays Mrs. Gump, Forrest’s devoted mother, who raises him alone in the face of numerous challenges.
Despite the societal expectations and Forrest’s intellectual limitations, Mrs. Gump’s unwavering love and support ensure that he has every opportunity to succeed. Her resilience and determination to provide Forrest with a normal life, filled with love and hope, highlight the incredible sacrifices and inner strength of single mothers.
Mrs. Gump’s belief in her son and her efforts to shield him from negativity serve as a powerful testament to the impact a single mother can have on her child’s life, making “Forrest Gump” an inspiring movie for showcasing the courage and dedication of single moms.
Maid in Manhattan (2002)
Marisa Ventura (Jennifer Lopez) works as a maid in a posh Manhattan hotel as a single mother born and raised in New York City’s boroughs. On one fateful day, Marisa meets Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes), heir to a political dynasty, who believes that she is a hotel guest. They are thrown together by fate for a magical night of romance.
After Marisa’s true identity is revealed, the two discover that their social status is worlds apart because they come from entirely different backgrounds. I love this movie because it truly highlights the struggles of a strong working mother. This is absolutely a rags-to-riches story that feels like a more modern-day Cinderella story.
Spanglish (2004)
Spanglish follows the journey of Flor, a Mexican immigrant and single mother, who moves to Los Angeles with her young girl, Cristina. As Flor navigates the challenges of working for a wealthy American family, her inner strength and determination shine through.
The movie beautifully portrays the struggles and triumphs of single motherhood, highlighting Flor’s unwavering commitment to providing a better life for her daughter while preserving their cultural identity. “Spanglish” is a touching story that underscores the resilience and inner strength of single mothers.
Room (2015)
This incredible movie shows a true motherโs love as Brie Larson cares for her six-year-old son, Jack, played by Jacob Tremblay. Both actors are incredible, and they know how to deliver an emotional performance. This is the story of a woman and her young son who are finally freed after spending seven years in an enclosed space. It’s a beautiful thing when the young boy is finally able to see the outside world for the first time.
The clincher comes when Jack is in the police car late at night and sees his mother run up to him; I’m a blubbering wreck every time that scene plays. It’s one of my favorite movies of all time, and the book is even better and well worth a read.
Enough Said (2013)
Eva played byย Julia Louis-Dreyfus,ย a charming masseuse whose life is on the cusp of a significant change as her daughter prepares to leave home for college. While Eva seems happy, she’s dreading an empty nest.ย
Unexpectedly, Eva begins a romance with Albert, played by James Gandolfini. But it turns out Albert’s ex, who happens to be a client of Eva’s,ย is badmouthing him all the time, so she starts to doubt her new relationship.
“Enough Said” is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of midlife romance, personal growth, and the challenges of starting over. With standout performances by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini, it beautifully illustrates the resilience needed to embrace new beginnings, making it a touching and relatable movie for anyone facing similar life transitions.
It’s Complicated (2009)
Meryl Streep plays successful restaurateur Jane, who has been divorced from Jake, played by Alec Baldwin, for many years. They’ve remained friends, and a seemingly innocent encounter turns into an affair. Jane has become “the other woman” in the now-remarried Jake’s life.
Meanwhile, Adam, played by Steve Martin, an architect hired to remodel Jane’s kitchen, is still recovering from divorce in his own life. Now, as he is falling in love with Jane, he realizes that he is part of a love triangle. I love that this movie focuses on an older couple, whereas most of the movies and shows are based on a young single woman.
Single Moms Club (2014)
Tyler Perry’s 2014 comedy brings us the story of five beautiful real single mothers, all coming from different backgrounds. When their children are about to be expelled for rule infractions, five single mothers must agree to organize a dance and fundraiser for the school.
Despite their differences, the women have one thing in common: a need for support and an understanding ear. They form the Single Moms Club as a support group to help each other while they reclaim their freedom. Eventually, they start to see that maybe love is possible again.
Mamma Mia (2008)
Mamma Mia! is a delightful musical that centers on the bond between single mother Donna, played by Meryl Streep, and her daughter Sophie, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried. Set on a picturesque Greek island, the story follows Sophie as she prepares for her wedding and secretly invites three men from her motherโs past, hoping to discover the identity of her father. Donnaโs journey showcases her strength, independence, and the sacrifices sheโs made to raise Sophie on her own.
The film beautifully highlights the challenges and joys of single motherhood, portraying Donna as a resilient and loving figure who has built a fulfilling life for herself and her daughter. With its infectious ABBA soundtrack and heartwarming story, “Mamma Mia!” is a celebration of family, love, and the remarkable inner strength of single moms. This is a great pick-me-up film!
Where the Heart Is (2000)
Novalee Nation, played by Natalie Portman, is literally left barefoot and pregnant in a Wal-Mart parking lot by her then-boyfriend, Willy Jack Pickens, played by Dylan Bruno. Novalee manages to live within Walmart until her baby’s abrupt arrival turns her into a media darling.
Novalee and her newborn daughter are taken in by Good Samaritan nurse Lexie (Ashley Judd). It doesn’t take long for Lexie and Novalee to form a life-changing bond of friendship and sisterhood.
Mermaids (1990)
The movie Mermaids is perfect for single parents of teenagers. In 1963, Mrs. Flax drags her angsty daughter to a small town in Massachusetts to start over after yet another failed relationship.
When Mrs. Flax (Cher) begins dating a local shopkeeper, Charlotte, played by Winona Ryder, and her 9-year-old sister, Kate, played by a young Christina Ricci, hope that they can finally settle down. It is only when Charlotte’s attraction to an older man gets in the way that the family learns to accept each other for who they really are.
Mom (2013-2021)
This show, which ran for eight seasons, starred Christy, played by Anna Faris. As a single mom, we see her deal with addiction and sometimes with her crazy relationship with her estranged mom, Bonnie. Things get even more chaotic when Christy’s teenage daughter discovers she’s pregnant. This is a great show for a good laugh.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day follows Sarah Connor, a courageous single mother who must protect her son John, the future leader of the human resistance. Sarah’s strength and resilience shine as she battles relentless machines to secure a safer future for her son.
Her unwavering determination and fierce love make this film a powerful representation of the incredible strength of single moms.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Another classic, Mrs. Doubtfire,ย stars Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard, a loving father (and maybe misguided man) who disguises himself as an elderly British nanny to spend more time with his children after a divorce. Sally Field playsย Miranda Hillard, his ex-wife, who is unaware of Daniel’s true identity.
This heartwarming comedy showcases the lengths to which a parent will go for their children. Through his alter ego, Mrs. Doubtfire, Daniel learns valuable lessons about responsibility and family, making it a touching film that highlights the strength and resilience of single parents.
Mildred Pierce (1945)
Mildred Pierce is a classic film noir starring Joan Crawford as Mildred, a determined and resourceful young woman who transforms her life after a bitter divorce. As she builds a successful restaurant business to provide for her daughters, Mildred’s unwavering dedication is tested by personal and professional challenges.
Joan Crawford delivers a powerful performance, capturing the complexities of a mother’s love and ambition. This film brilliantly showcases the strength and resilience of a young woman navigating adversity, making it a timeless and compelling story of determination and sacrifice.
Tribhanga-Tedhi Medhi Crazy (2021)
This is a trilingual film directed by Renuka Shahane. The story explores the challenges of being a mother through three generations. As Anuradha’s mother goes into a coma after a stroke, she must assess how their troubled relationship may be affecting her relationship with her own daughter.
Helicopter Eela (2018)
Eela put her dreams of becoming a singer on hold to get married and start a family. As a result of her husband’s unceremonious departure, Eela becomes overprotective of her son Vivaan. She even decides to join the same college as him to complete her own studies.
To help Eela realize her dreams and figure out who she is, her son decides to leave for a while. This is a wonderful story about a woman refinding herself and her authenticity.
Tumbleweeds (2000)
This is a lesser-known film, about the struggle of single mother Mary Jo Walker played by Janet McTeer, and her daughter, Ava played by Kimberly J. Brown. Mom keeps dragging her 12-year-old daughter from place to place as she tries to escape past boyfriends.
Mary Jo starts dating a trucker who has helped with their latest move, while Ava adjusts to her new school. This is a touching movie about the realities of a tough mom-daughter relationship.
Nil Battey Sannata (2015)
Swara Bhaskar plays Chanda, a single mother who works as a domestic helper. She just wants to give her daughter the life she never had. Her daughter, however, seems unmotivated because she feels she’ll never get ahead in life because of her social status.
Chanda enrolls herself in her daughter’s school and enters a competition to help her study harder.
Fatherhood (2021)
Even though this isn’t a single-mom movie, it feels totally worth including. A widowed dad, played by Kevin Hart, brings us the unique perspective of a father who is coping.ย
Based on the true story from Matthew Logelin’s 2011 memoir Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love, this touching movie follows the everyday struggle of a man who is trying to figure out parenthood and a life without his partner. It’s a great story about human resilience.