10 Must-Watch Drama Films About Single Mothers

Description: This film showcases the tenacity of a single mother who, after losing a lawsuit, finds herself working as a legal assistant and uncovering a major corporate scandal. Her journey is one of empowerment and determination against all odds.

Fact: Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Erin Brockovich. The real Erin Brockovich made a cameo in the film.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman and single father, as he pursues a better life for him and his son, showcasing the depth of a father's love and the resilience of a single parent.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the movie, mirroring their real-life relationship. The film's title misspells "Happiness" intentionally to reflect the misspelling on the mural in the movie.

Description: This film delves into the life of a lesbian couple raising two children, one of whom seeks out their biological father, leading to a reevaluation of family dynamics and the role of a single parent in a non-traditional family.

Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was one of the first mainstream films to portray a same-sex couple as parents.

Description: While not a traditional single mother story, Leigh Anne Tuohy, a strong-willed woman, takes in a homeless teenager, Michael Oher, and helps him achieve his potential, highlighting the impact of maternal care beyond biological ties.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role. The film was based on the book "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game" by Michael Lewis.

Description: This powerful drama tells the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones, an overweight, illiterate teenager who is pregnant with her second child. It's a tale of overcoming adversity, with her mother's neglect and abuse as a backdrop.

Fact: Gabourey Sidibe, who played Precious, was a first-time actress and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This film explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, focusing on three women whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, all connected by the theme of motherhood and its challenges.

Fact: The film was written and directed by Rodrigo García, who is known for his insightful portrayals of women's lives.

Description: A harrowing yet uplifting story of a mother and her son who have been held captive in a single room for years. Their escape and adjustment to the outside world highlight the protective nature of motherhood.

Fact: Brie Larson won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Ma. The film was adapted from Emma Donoghue's novel of the same name.

Description: Set in a budget motel near Disney World, this film follows a six-year-old girl and her rebellious mother, offering a raw look at the life of a single mother living on the fringes of society.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Florida, with many scenes improvised to capture the natural interactions of the characters.

Description: A couple decides to foster and adopt three siblings, navigating the ups and downs of becoming instant parents, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster of single parenting and the power of family bonds.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of director Sean Anders and his wife, who adopted three siblings.

Description: After a home birth goes tragically wrong, a woman must navigate her grief while dealing with her family's expectations and her own sense of loss, showcasing the resilience of a single mother.

Fact: Vanessa Kirby received widespread acclaim for her performance, winning the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.