We’ve seen so many movies about narcissistic mothers who are way too obsessed about themselves. And weirdly enough, we can’t get enough of them.
But watching these storylines play out is definitely not easy. Whether you have a great relationship with your mom or not, it’s hard to watch someone deal with a narcissistic parent. Because it just seems like it really takes the life out of them.
And we all know how that feels!
However, as difficult as these films about narcissistic mothers are to watch, they also allow us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes for a little bit and understand what they might be going through when having to deal with this bond.
We grow up learning so much about the way our moms work and they’re such a big part of our lives. So maybe — just maybe — these storylines aren’t as foreign to us as they seem.
Without further ado let’s check out the movies with narcissistic mothers in them, are you ready?
12 Movies About Narcissistic Mothers That Tell A Toxic Tale
1. Dumplin’
This is one of Netflix’s movies about toxic mothers, played by Jennifer Aniston, Rosie who is (a mother) yesteryear beauty queen and is obsessed with beauty pageants, in doing so, she neglects Will Dickson’s (her daughter) emotional needs and strains their mother-daughter- relationship.
Will feels unloved and resents her mom, Rosie, for constantly judging her weight. This makes the tension worse as she concentrates on the beauty pageant—as well as making comments about Will’s decisions.
Read more here: Netflix And Narcissism: 16 Best Movies About Narcissists On Netflix
2. Black Swan (2010)
IMDB: 8/10
Using symbolism this is one of the top movies with narcissistic mothers and shows the effects of a personality-disordered mother.
Black Swan introduces Nina Sayer: an up-and-coming ballerina who’s been raised by a bitter, perfection-demanding single mother named Erica.
Nina is timid and lacks self-esteem — but whenever she feels threatened in her quest for a leading dance role, her anger and frustration become palpable. The symbolic narrative adds depth to the depiction of narcissistic maternal influence.
3. August: Osage County (2013)
IMDB: 7.2/10
Tragedy reunites three daughters with their diagnosed cancer-stricken, narcissistic mother Violet Weston (played by Meryl Streep).
Violet shows classic signs of being a narcissist by using gaslighting, guilt trips, manipulation tactics to get what she wants. This is one of the movies about narcissistic mothers that delves into how it has affected the kids — particularly the eldest sister who fears becoming like their mom.
4. Lady Bird (2017)
IMDB: 7.4/10
Few movies about toxic mothers capture the real essence of dysfunctional relationships in family, this is one of them. It describes the tumultuous relationship between a high school senior and her strong-willed mom as this one does.
As Lady Bird demands more independence from her parent while asserting herself as an individual, we witness just how far she’ll go to ensure her daughters stay on track for success — even if it doesn’t look like happiness.
5. Carrie (1976)
IMDB: 7.4/10
This is one of the classic movies about toxic mothers and Piper Laurie does a fantastic job of playing her role in it as Margaret White, who is a black hole of darkness.
She overpowers her daughter with self-doubt, self-resentment, and guilt. Her faith has misogynistic undercurrents which she uses as an excuse to abuse her own child.
6. I, Tonya (2017)
One of the most gripping films about narcissistic mothers. It goes beyond Tonya Harding’s skating troubles and explores how abuse affects people.
The movie is an excellent portrayal of her chaotic life which unfolds the vicious cycle of maternal cruelty and a brutal upbringing she herself had. It is an interesting journey into the aftermath of untreated injuries and what it takes to achieve redemption.
7. Terms of Endearment (1983)
IMDB: 7.4/10
While not solely focused on narcissism, this film is all about relationships between mothers and daughters over time.
Watch as Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger navigate evolving dynamics together through laughter and tears — showing just how much power familial ties hold, no matter how strained they can be.
Read more here: 20 TV Shows And Movies About Gaslighting, Manipulation, And Narcissism
8. White Oleander (2002)
Based on Jane Finch’s novel, White Oleander takes the audience through a series of unhealthy foster homes that a teenage girl is shuffled between. Her narcissistic mother — played by Michelle Pfeiffer — has been imprisoned for murder. Along the way, we follow her daughter’s traumatic journey of self-discovery.
9. Matilda (1996)
IMDB: 7/10
One of the films about narcissistic mothers is a Roald Dahl adaptation. Matilda serves as both a fantastical and poignant exploration of narcissistic parenting. The young girl’s neglectful parents, especially her vain mother, are portrayed through the lens of fantasy and child-friendly storytelling.
10. Mommie Dearest (1981)
IMDB: 6.6/10
Faye Dunaway stars in this iconic film, adapted from Christina Crawford’s autobiography.
This is one of the classic movies about toxic mothers that vividly captures the toxic relationship between a movie star mother and her daughter, with detailed accounts of alcoholism, psychotic rages, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
It offers an unflinching look at the destruction caused by narcissistic motherhood.
11. Hereditary (2018)
IMDB: 7.3/10
If you’re a fan of horror, then you’ll definitely be excited to see Hereditary. Especially for those who love female-driven horror films. Toni Collette delivers a stunning performance in this one.
The movie is about the secretive matriarch of this family dies, and her daughter’s family tries to figure out why they’re being haunted by what they inherited. It’s like if daughters get passed down their mother’s toxic traits.
12. Precious (2009)
One of the most challenging films about narcissistic mothers is “Precious.” The movie follows a 16-year-old named Claireece Precious Jones.
Precious lives in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood with her unemployed mother, Mary. For quite some time now, Mary has been abusive towards her daughter, both physically and verbally. Carl, Precious’ father has sexually assaulted, Precious twice, getting her pregnant.
Read more here: 24 Characteristics of Narcissistic Mothers
These movies with narcissistic mothers serves as a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to endure a toxic mom. If you faced a narcissistic mother or parent your thoughts in the comments below!
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