Top 10 Found Family Movies of the 21st Century, Ranked

Family is a central part of a person’s identity, the first and most emotionally impactful community they can be a part of. The term “family” elucidates the idea of unconditional love, support and guidance, creating a safe space for a person to grow and establish their identity. Family dynamics is a topic often explored in movies, particularly their influence on characters and the complicated emotions that can come with familial relationships.

The idea of a “found family” leads filmmakers to delve into the core of what truly makes a family, regardless of whether characters are blood-related. The 21st century has produced many great movies about found family, covering every genre and medium. From beloved children’s features that teach empathy, acceptance, and the value that comes from providing a safe space for a new friend to dramas that explore absent parental figures, these are the best movies about found families of the new millennium.

With a live-action remake on the way, Lilo & Stitch is a favorite Disney film for many, whether for its heartfelt sentiment or the fact that Stitch is hilarious and strangely cute. The story follows a lonely Hawaiian girl, Lilo (Daveigh Chase), raised by her sister, Nani (Tia Carrere). Lilo adopts an ugly “dog” named Stitch (Chris Sanders), hoping they will become friends. Stitch is actually a wanted extraterrestrial who crashed on Earth. Lilo’s belief in “Ohana” and her pursuit of showing Stitch love and acceptance helps to unlock his ability to care.

Lilo & Stitch is an incredibly fun and sweet movie about an unlikely duo who uplift and support one another, handling mature themes in an accessible way. The film illustrates grief and loneliness openly, showing very real difficulties in behavior as Lilo tries to come to terms with complex feelings. A film that revolves around family and the essential values at the heart of that concept.

Claude Barras’ My Life as a Zucchini follows Icare (Gaspard Schlatter/Erick Abbate), a quiet blue-haired boy sent to an orphanage after the accidental death of his mother (Natacha Koutchoumov/Susanne Blakeslee). At the orphanage, Icare meets friends and learns to trust again, with Officer Raymond (Michel Vuillermoz/Nick Offerman) playing a key role in his emotional journey.

The Academy Award-nominated feature illustrates the importance of a safe space for children to grow and develop their identity. My Life as a Zucchini warms your heart as audiences witness Icare’s self-development after a traumatic event and his reaction to long-awaited kindness. The animation style, reminiscent of children’s book illustrations, adds a layer of life lesson through fun and colorful pictures.

With a third Paddington film on the way, Paddington’s antics have warmed many hearts. The first film introduces the young bear who travels to London and meets the Brown family. Despite initial resistance from Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville), Paddington’s sweet nature wins over the family.

Based on Michael Bond’s beloved books, this modernization captures the characters’ essence. Paddington is a charming feature about the wonder of London and the acceptance felt when embraced by a community. Paddington’s innocent yet earnest observations are hilarious, making audiences fall in love with his character.

Ari Aster’s Midsommar explores a darker take on family. The horror feature follows Dani (Florence Pugh), a PhD candidate who, after trauma, joins her boyfriend’s trip to a Swedish commune that turns out to be a cult.

Midsommar delves into mental health struggles and how the cult creates a space for Dani to experience her grief. A poignant scene has women from the commune wailing along with Dani. The cult twists familial ideas of acceptance and love, using them as manipulation techniques.

Tokyo Godfathers by Satoshi Kon follows three homeless people in Tokyo who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. The trio, with their unique backgrounds, form a makeshift family supporting each other through adversity.

As they search for the baby’s parents, they uncover truths about themselves, deepening their bond. Set at Christmastime, Tokyo Godfathers emphasizes selflessness and the joy of helping others.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople by Taika Waititi follows rebellious Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison), who goes into the bush with Hector (Sam Neill) after Bella’s (Rima Te Wiata) sudden death. A manhunt ensues as social services believe Ricky has been kidnapped.

Taika Waititi’s film is a feel-good feature. The rapport between Ricky and Hector is hilarious and heartfelt. Ricky finds connections wherever he goes, showcasing the importance of community.

Set in 1979, 20th Century Women follows single mother Dorothea (Annette Benning) who seeks help from others to guide her son Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann). Living with tenants Abbie (Greta Gerwig) and William (Billy Crudup), they form strong quasi-familial bonds.

20th Century Women is a love letter to parents and children, showing the essence of love and freedom in the 1970s.

Shoplifters, directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, follows a makeshift family living off shoplifting. One day, they bring home Yuri (Miyu Sasaki), a little girl showing signs of abuse.

Shoplifters explores the complexities of what makes a good family through authentic characters, emphasizing loyalty and compassion.

The Holdovers by Alexander Payne follows three characters at a boarding school who spend Christmas together, forming a makeshift family. The script, penned by David Hemingson, is deeply human, full of humor and heart.

Barry Kenkins’ Moonlight tells the story of Chiron (Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, and Trevante Rhodes), a young black man grappling with his identity. Drug dealer Juan (Mahershala Ali) becomes a father figure, teaching Chiron life lessons.

Moonlight is a powerful coming-of-age story, capturing Chiron’s struggles and the joys of found family.

Source: Collider