Movies have a special way of touching our hearts and bringing us to tears and when it comes to movies about grandparents and grandchildren, they are real tear-jerkers. Here are some of the best heartwarming grandparent movies that you should definitely check out.
These films capture the beautiful and unique bond between generations, reminding us of the love, wisdom, and memories that are shared between grandparents and grandchildren.
- The Princess Bride (1987)
- Grandma’s Boy (2006)
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
- The Notebook (2004)
- The Bucket List (2007)
- And So It Goes (2014)
- Chicken Run (2000)
- Everything is Illuminated (2005)
- A touch of Spice (2003)
- Grandma (2015)
- Big Fish (2003)
- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
The Princess Bride (1987)
A classic fairy tale about a grandfather reading a story to his grandson. The film is based on a novel by William Goldman, it is a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and heart. The character Westley is on his quest to rescue Buttercup, the love of his life, from the evil prince Humperdinck. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters, including a giant, a sword fighter, and a cunning Spaniard.
The Princess Bride is widely considered one of the best fairy tale movies of all time as it appeals to people of all ages.
Director | Rob Reiner |
Release Date | October 9, 1987 (United States) |
Genre | Adventure, Family, Fantasy |
Cast | Cary Elwes Mandy Patinkin Robin Wright |
Famous Dialogue | It’s as real as the feelings you feel |
IMDb rating | 8.0/10 |
Grandma’s Boy (2006)
A young man moves in with his grandmother and her two elderly roommates because his roommate moved out. Throughout the movie, he enjoys the ladies’ company and learns valuable life lessons along the way. This movie will make you laugh and appreciate the bond between generations.
This best heartwarming grandparent movie has become a cult classic and is loved by audiences for its laugh-out-loud humor and touching moments.
Director | Nicholaus Goossen |
Release Date | January 6, 2006 (United States) |
Genre | Comedy |
Cast | Allen Covert Linda Cardellini Shirley Jones |
Famous Dialogue | Rude language… And proud of it! |
IMDb rating | 6.9/10 |
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
A quirky, eccentric and dysfunctional family takes a road trip from Albuquerque to California to support their daughter in a beauty pageant. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, but they always remain hopeful and supportive of each other. The movie balances humor and drama in a touching way, you will explore themes of family, self-acceptance, and following your dreams.
The film received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Director | Jonathan DaytonValerie Faris |
Release Date | August 18, 2006 (United States) |
Genre | Comedy, Drama |
Cast | Steve Carell Toni Collette Greg Kinnear |
Famous Dialogue | Everyone just pretend to be normal |
IMDb rating | 7.8/10 |
The Notebook (2004)
A timeless love story about a couple whose relationship spans several decades, and the memories they leave for their granddaughter. The movie is based on a novel with the same title written by Nicholas Sparks. The story revolves around the love affair of two young individuals, Noah and Allie, who fall in love during the 1940s. However, their relationship is put to the test when societal norms force them to go their separate ways. In the present day, Noah, who is struggling with Alzheimer’s, recounts the tale of their love to his wife at a nursing home.
This film is renowned for its emotional depth and the powerful performances of Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. The film has become a timeless classic and is widely considered as one of the most romantic movies of all time due to its touching portrayal of love and devotion.
Director | Nick Cassavetes |
Release Date | June 25, 2004 (United States) |
Genre | Drama, Romance |
Cast | Gena Rowlands James Garner Rachel McAdams |
Famous Dialogue | Behind every great love is a great story. |
IMDb rating | 7.8/10 |
The Bucket List (2007)
A heartwarming and emotional journey that showcases the power of friendship and the importance of living life to the fullest. The journey of two terminally ill men, Edward Cole and Carter Chambers, who create a list of things they want to do before they die. Through their travels, both of them learned to appreciate the simple things in life and to not take anything for granted. As the two men embark on their journey, they experience a range of emotions, from humor to sadness, and face challenges along the way. Despite their differences, they form a deep bond and their experiences bring them closer together.
“The Bucket List” celebrates the human spirit and encourages viewers to make the most of the time they have. Watch it with your grandparents!
Director | Rob Reiner |
Release Date | January 11, 2008 (United States) |
Genre | Adventure, Comedy, Drama |
Cast | Jack Nicholson Morgan Freeman Sean Hayes |
Famous Dialogue | When he closed his eyes, his heart was opened |
IMDb rating | 7.4/10 |
And So It Goes (2014)
The movie tells the story of a self-centered real estate agent named Oren Little, who is suddenly tasked with caring for his granddaughter. With the help of his next-door neighbor Leah, Oren learns to open his heart and become a better person.
This movie explores the themes of love, family, and personal growth. Despite his initial reluctance, Oren forms a bond with his granddaughter and begins to appreciate the simple joys of life. Throughout the film, Oren also finds himself falling for his neighbor Leah, a lounge singer, and their relationship develops over the course of the story.
So It Goes offers a heartwarming message about the power of love and family to transform even the most stubborn of individuals.
Director | Rob Reiner |
Release Date | July 25, 2014 (United States) |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Cast | Michael Douglas Diane Keaton Sterling Jerins |
Famous Dialogue | There Are A Million Reasons Not To Like Oren Little. Just Ask Everyone. |
IMDb rating | 5.8/10 |
Chicken Run (2000)
A Claymation movie about a group of chickens who escape from a farm to start a new life. With the help of an elderly rooster, they make their way to freedom. After months of planning and gathering resources, the chickens managed to break out of their coop and set off on a journey to a better life. The elderly rooster helped them make their way across the countryside, overcoming various obstacles along the way.
As they journeyed, the chickens grew close in friendship and developed a newfound appreciation for life and freedom. Eventually, after much hard work and determination, they reached their destination—a small village on the outskirts of town. Here, they established their own farm and began to build a new home for themselves.
This claymation movie tells their story in an amusing and inspiring way, showing how courage and friendship can help anyone achieve their dreams.
Director | Peter LordNick Park |
Release Date | June 23, 2000 (United States) |
Genre | Animation, Adventure, Comedy |
Cast | Mel Gibson(voice) Julia Sawalha(voice) Phil Daniels(voice) |
Famous Dialogue | This Ain’t No Chick Flick! |
IMDb rating | 7.1/10 |
Everything is Illuminated (2005)
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Jonathan Safran Foer and stars Elijah Wood as Jonathan, a young man who travels to Ukraine to find the woman who saved his grandfather during the Holocaust from the Nazis during World War II. Jonathan travels with a Ukrainian translator named Alex and his grandfather’s blind friend, as they navigate through the rural countryside in search of the truth. Along the way, they face cultural differences, language barriers, and unexpected challenges that test their patience and resolve.
“Everything is Illuminated” is a touching and thought-provoking film that explores themes of family, identity, and the power of storytelling. With its unique blend of humor and heart, the film is considered a standout in its genre and is a must-see for fans of independent cinema.
Director | Liev Schreiber |
Release Date | November 4, 2005 (Mexico) |
Genre | Comedy, Drama |
Cast | Elijah Wood Eugene Hutz Boris Lyoskin |
Famous Dialogue | Leave Normal Behind. |
IMDb rating | 7.4/10 |
A touch of Spice (2003)
A Touch of Spice follows the journey of Fanis, a young boy from Istanbul, Turkey who has a passion for cooking and spices. As he grows into adulthood, Fanis becomes a successful scientist but feels unfulfilled. He decides to return to Istanbul where he rediscovers his childhood memories and the importance of his heritage and cultural values.
The film delves into themes of identity, tradition, and familial love as Fanis learns to embrace his roots and finds joy in the food and culture of his youth. The beautiful cinematography, compelling story, and cultural references were earned.
Director | Tassos Boulmetis |
Release Date | October 24, 2003 (Greece) |
Genre | Drama |
Cast | Georges Corraface Ieroklis Michaelidis Renia Louizidou |
Famous Dialogue | Salt… is used as needed to spice up one’s life |
IMDb rating | 7.5/10 |
Grandma (2015)
“Grandma” is an American comedy-drama film directed by Paul Weitz and starring Lily Tomlin as the titular character, Elle. The film follows Elle, a lesbian poet who is visited by her granddaughter, Sage, seeking help to pay for an abortion. Elle and Sage embark on a road trip through Los Angeles, visiting old friends and former lovers in search of money, and in the process, Elle is forced to confront her past and reevaluate her life.
The film explores themes of family, aging, and self-discovery, as Elle and Sage bond over their shared experiences and struggles. “Grandma” received widespread critical acclaim for its touching story, witty humor, and a standout performance by Tomlin, who was praised for her portrayal of a strong, independent, and flawed grandmother.
Director | Paul Weitz |
Release Date | September 18, 2015 (United States) |
Genre | Comedy, Drama |
Cast | Lily Tomlin Julia Garner Marcia Gay Harden |
IMDb rating | 6.7/10 |
Big Fish (2003)
“Big Fish” is based on the novel of the same name by Daniel Wallace. It follows the life of Edward Bloom, a man known for his tall tales, as he nears the end of his life. The movie alternates between present-day scenes with Edward’s son, Will, trying to understand the truth behind his father’s stories and flashbacks of Edward’s adventures. Through these tales, the film touches on themes of mortality, the power of imagination, and the relationship between father and son. With its imaginative visuals, strong performances from Albert Finney, Ewan McGregor, and Billy Crudup, and fantastical storytelling.
“Big Fish” has become a beloved classic in Tim Burton’s filmography and a standout for its heartwarming message about family and the impact of storytelling.
Director | Tim Burton |
Release Date | January 9, 2004 (United States) |
Genre | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy |
Cast | Ewan McGregor Albert Finney Billy Crudup |
Famous Dialogue | An adventure as big as life itself. |
IMDb rating | 8.0/10 |
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a British comedy-drama film directed by John Madden. The film follows a group of British retirees who decide to move to a seemingly idyllic retirement hotel in India, but find that the reality of their new life is far from what they expected. Despite the initial culture shock and disappointment, retirees gradually discover the beauty and richness of Indian culture, form new relationships, and find new purpose in their lives.
The film explores themes of aging, renewal, and the power of self-discovery, and is notable for its all-star cast, including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, and Bill Nighy. The film received positive reviews for its charming and humorous storytelling and its touching portrayal of the human spirit.
Director | John Madden |
Release Date | May 25, 2012 (United States) |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Cast | Judi Dench Bill Nighy Maggie Smith |
Famous Dialogue | For seven strangers, this is just the beginning of an exotic adventure. |
IMDb rating | 7.2/10 |
Wrap Up:
These movies are sure to warm your heart and remind you of the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. So grab a tissue and settle in for a heartwarming grandparent movie night!