Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day are long over, and now it’s time for the seniors to take the spotlight. September 8 is Grandparents’ Day—a day to celebrate the wonderful lolos and lolas who bring so much love and wisdom to our families. To help commemorate this special day (and our grandparents every single day), we’ve put together a list of five films that beautifully portray the bond between grandparents and their families. These are perfect for a cozy movie night with your own grandparents:
1. Little Miss Sunshine
In the Oscar-winning Little Miss Sunshine, we meet the quirky Hoover family, with seven-year-old Olive at the center. Olive dreams of being a beauty queen, and her grandfather Edwin takes on the role of her coach. When Olive qualifies for a pageant, the entire family embarks on a road trip to the competition. The bond between Olive and Edwin becomes the heart of the story, leading to a hilarious and heartwarming conclusion.
2. On Golden Pond
On Golden Pond is a touching family drama that revolves around elderly couple Norman and Ethel, along with their soon-to-be step-grandson, Billy. As Norman struggles with memory issues, their daughter leaves Billy with them for the summer while she vacations with her fiancé. Although Billy initially resents the situation, he gradually forms a deep and meaningful connection with his soon-to-be grandparents, highlighting the beauty of intergenerational relationships.
3. Minari
Nominated for six Academy Awards, Minari is a bittersweet yet heartwarming family drama about a South Korean immigrant family striving to achieve the American dream. Their son, David, is living with a heart condition, and his grandmother, Soon-ja, travels from South Korea to help care for him. Despite a rocky start, Soon-ja and David develop a strong bond, with the grandmother imparting valuable life lessons that lead to a deep and lasting connection between them.
4. The Princess Diaries
The Princess Diaries brings every little girl’s dream to life when high school student Mia discovers that her grandmother is actually the queen of a European nation. Overnight, Mia’s life is turned upside down as she undergoes training to become the next in line for the throne. This film is not only filled with fun and laughter but also serves as a touching story about the special bond between grandmothers and granddaughters.
5. Encanto
This 2021 Disney hit, Encanto, tells the story of the Madrigal family. Alma, the family’s strict matriarch and grandmother to Mirabel, fiercely protects a magical candle that grants gifts to each family member—except for Mirabel. Despite not having powers, Mirabel’s love for her family shines through, ultimately leading Alma to recognize the true value of family. Through their bond, the film shows that it’s never too late to change for the better.
For more heartfelt stories, consider adding Lolo and the Kid or How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies to your movie night. These Filipino and Asian films also uniquely capture the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, making them a perfect choice for Grandparents’ Day.
Whichever film you choose, these stories are sure to bring joy and warmth as you celebrate the special role of grandparents in our lives.