This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the fierce, funny, and fabulous mums who’ve lit up our screens.
From animated classics to heartfelt dramas, these iconic movie mums remind us what makes mothers truly magical.
This Mother’s Day offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and perhaps learn a thing or two from these amazing mums, fictional though they may be.
But don’t worry, we have both kid-friendly characters and those for a more adult audience of grown up mums and daughters.
Here are our top 10 mothers and (mother figures) from films that we love.
Best Mums from Films and Movies
Ariel (The Little Mermaid 2)
Ariel dives headfirst into motherhood in this heartwarming sequel, balancing life as a queen with her deep love for daughter Melody.
Her willingness to give up the sea for family proves her heart is as vast as the ocean.
But perhaps her greatest strength is going back to the those wild, blue depths to face both old and new enemies.
All in the name of saving her loved ones from those who would wreak havoc on the world she has always known and loved.
Duchess (The Aristocats)
Graceful and poised, Duchess raises her kittens with elegance and affection—even while lost in the French countryside.
She’s the embodiment of maternal sophistication and fierce loyalty.
But when it comes to protecting her little ones, this Turkish Angora isn’t afraid to get down and dirty.
Her pure heart sees the good in all people. Despite being dealt an unfortunate hand, she teaches her kittens that one must always see the best in people, even when the world isn’t so kind.
Helen Parr (The Incredibles)
Between early morning school runs and busting supervillains, Helen Parr, codename Elasti-Girl, makes motherhood look effortless.
Her flexibility goes beyond her powers though—she’s a modern mum managing chaos with fierce love and epic strength.
When she’s not busy doing chores or helping her super-powered kids with their homework, she’s saving the world from some disaster.
But even without her superhero badge, this mum still puts the ‘super’ in superwoman.
Kala (Tarzan)
This adoptive mum shows us that love isn’t bound by biology.
A gentle giant, Kala knows when to move with a gentle hand and when to unleash her maternal strength.
After all, the animal kingdom can be a dangerous place; a mother needs to know when to defend her loved ones.
She protects and nurtures Tarzan as her own, offering a tender lesson in unconditional love and acceptance.
Nani (Lilo and Stitch)
More mother figure than mother, Nani steps up as guardian after their parents’ death.
We don’t take parentified siblings as seriously as we should and the struggles they face.
This animated movie isn’t just a fun ride full of quirky extraterrestrials. It reflects real-world situations of what happens when an older sister is forced to care for a younger sibling.
Between custody battles, financial worries and alien invasions, Nani has her work cut out for her.
Her fierce, scrappy devotion to Lilo proves that love and family don’t always follow the rules.
Donna (Mamma Mia)
A dedicated businesswoman with a secret past, Donna may just seem like your typical hippie mum.
But this self-made songstress shows us that one needs grit to raise a daughter without a man in one’s life.
Flanked by her two former bandmates and sisters from other mothers, Donna teaches her young daughter that when you’re surrounded by the people you love, there’s nothing you can’t do.
Marissa Ventura (Maid in Manhattan)
As a single mum working hard to build a better life, Marissa is all heart and hustle.
But when a second chance at love comes knocking at her door, she takes a risk that may just turn her world upside down.
This modern day Cinderella story tells us that you don’t need to lead a double life when it comes to choosing between romance and motherhood.
With fairy godmother friends and a wickedly cunning son, a happy-ever-after is not farfetched after all.
Molly Weasley (Harry Potter Series)
The ultimate magical matriarch, Molly is warm, protective, and ready to duel for her kids.
She has enough love to go around, even for those who does not share her blood, like a certain boy wizard.
Whether that’s making a spot of breakfast every morning or casting spells to defend her loved ones, Molly definitely shows that appearances can be deceiving.
A mother’s love is fierce and unstoppable, and you would be wise not to test its limits.
Sally Owens (Practical Magic)
Another magical mum, Sally’s motherhood is steeped in love—and a bit of witchcraft.
Despite an ancient family curse and magical mishaps, she fiercely protects her daughters while teaching them strength and self-love.
Evil spirits, crazy boyfriends and nosy detectives are nothing to this witchy mum, not when she has a pocketful of spells at her fingertips.
Practical Magic also shows the powers of sisterhood, and that women have always had each other’s backs.
Evelyn Wang (Everything, Everywhere, All at Once)
Thrust into a war between parallel universes, all Evelyn wants is to finish doing her taxes.
Messy, complex, and powerful, this immigrant mother is just like any modern day woman trying to hold it all together.
All while battling multiversal supervillains and accessing various superpowers.
Her journey to understanding and connection makes her unforgettable.
Mothers from All Walks of Life
A mother’s love knows no bounds, and we see this both in real life and on the big screen.
But perhaps these movie mums aren’t so farfetched upon closer look.
After all, what’s so fictional about a powerful and unstoppable woman doing everything she can to protect her loved ones?
Whether that’s with super powers, magic spells, brute strength or even just subtle cunning, mothers have always been well-equipped to protect their children.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums—on screen and off—who show us what it means to love fiercely.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!