In life, many successful figures attribute their triumphs to their parents. A solid upbringing can make a world of difference to a person. However, the opposite can work just a well. Whether a person has grown up in a loving home or a damaged environment, either scenario can push them to success.
In this list, we will take a deep dive into some of the most unforgettable movie mothers in cinema history. Of course, some of these characters will be gleaming picks. However, some are just as iconic even if they don’t hold up to the idyllic picture of a perfect mother.
Sally Field as Mrs. Gump in Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is a touching story of a slow-witted man who makes the most out of any situation he is thrust into. Tom Hanks won an Academy Award for his rendition as the titular character, who finds himself rubbing shoulders with celebrities and fighting in the Vietnam war. As the story unfolds, Forrest continues to touch the lives of anyone he crosses. While his efforts to be a good person seem to be selfless, a deep-seated desire to please his mother lies underneath.
Sally Field stars as Mrs. Gump in the movie. Although her scenes are limited, her presence is felt throughout the entirety of the film. As Forrest navigates his life and encounters new places and people, his experiences are guided by the endearing advice his loving mother has offered. In fact, he even quotes is mother religiously throughout the picture. This created the famous line – “My mama always said, life was like a box a chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Melissa Leo as Alice Ward in The Fighter
The Fighter is a biographical sports drama film that portrays the life of famous American boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg). The story revolves around Micky’s struggle to escape the shadow of his more successful brother, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), who was once a celebrated boxer himself but has now become addicted to crack cocaine. Despite the obstacles, Micky begins to hone his skills under the tutelage of his tough-love trainer and half-brother. However, the biggest obstacle in Micky’s path turns out to be his own family, particularly his overbearing and controlling mother, Alice Ward, played brilliantly by Melissa Leo. Leo’s Oscar-winning role as Alice Ward showcases a woman who is fiercely loyal to her family but will do anything to keep them happy, even if it means stifling her son’s dreams.
Jacki Weaver as Janine ‘Smurf’ Cody in Animal Kingdom
Jacki Weaver‘s Oscar-nominated role in Animal Kingdom is nothing short of stunning. In the film, Weaver portrays the matriarch of a powerful Australian crime family, Janine “Smurf” Cody. Smurf is a fiercely protective mother who will stop at nothing to keep her sons out of jail, even if it means resorting to violence and manipulation. Weaver’s performance is captivating, as she effortlessly embodies the complexity and nuance of her character. She is able to portray Smurf as both loving and terrifying, making her one of the most memorable villains in recent film history. Her performance earned her a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her status as one of the most talented actresses in the industry and one of the most note worthy movie mothers in recent cinematic history.
Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold in The Vacation Series
No list of movie mothers would be complete without Ellen Griswold. Beverly D’Angelo‘s performance as Ellen Griswold in the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies have cemented her as a comedic icon. From the first movie in 1983 to the reboot in 2015, D’Angelo brings a level of depth and complexity to her character that makes her both charming and endearing. Ellen is the long-suffering wife of the eccentric yet loving Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, who is constantly getting them both into ridiculous and hilarious situations.
Despite all the chaos and mishaps that occur, Ellen maintains her wit and charm, always managing to find humor in even the most trying of circumstances. The chemistry between Chevy Chase and D’Angelo is palpable, and their performances across all the sequels and the 2015 reboot have solidified Ellen and Clarke’s place in the hearts of movie lovers worldwide.
Cher as Rusty Dennis in Mask
Mask is an underrated 1985 film starring Eric Stoltz and Cher. The film tells the true story of Rocky Dennis (Stoltz), a teenager with a severe facial deformity who navigates through life with his mother Rusty (played by Cher) always by his side. Despite his challenges, Rocky has a positive outlook on life and dreams of living a normal teenage life. However, he faces constant bullying and discrimination, making it difficult to fit in.
Throughout the film, Rusty fights to give her son a normal life in a world that constantly reminds him of his differences. Cher gives a career-defining performance as Rusty, displaying the unconditional love and determination of a mother who will stop at nothing to ensure her son’s happiness. Her portrayal of Rusty is both heart-warming and heart-breaking, making the film a must-see for anyone looking for an emotional and inspiring story.
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