Buzz
Thanksgiving is approaching once again, and this year, there are no excuses. For many, one of the rare positives of the pandemic was having a valid reason to skip stressful family holiday gatherings—if you’ve never felt hesitant about spending time with relatives, consider yourself lucky. For those of us with more complicated upbringings, the holiday season doesn’t always bring pure joy, and that’s understandable. If we prefer watching movies about fractured families over spending time with our own, that’s perfectly fine too. These films can remind us we’re not alone and, sometimes, that things could be far worse.
What defines a dysfunctional family? The families in these movies face issues—often dramatized or exaggerated for cinematic effect. They aren’t necessarily irreparably broken; like in real life, dysfunction can be a recurring issue that flares up during holidays or a more severe problem that tears families apart. And, just as in reality, dysfunction can sometimes be downright funny.
Note: Many of these films (even the comedic ones) address topics that may be triggering for those with difficult family backgrounds. If this applies to you, I recommend checking resources like IMDb for content warnings before watching.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
The Royal Tenenbaums resonates because many of us can relate to the idea of peaking too soon—the feeling that life hasn’t lived up to its early potential (and if you can’t relate, consider yourself fortunate). True to Wes Anderson’s style, the Tenenbaum siblings are exaggerated embodiments of this concept. Born into privilege and labeled as prodigies early on, none of them have managed to meet the immense expectations set by their mother (Anjelica Huston) or their circumstances. Despite their advantages, they’ve fallen short. However, the return of their estranged father (Gene Hackman, in one of his final and finest roles) forces them to reevaluate their lives, suggesting that disappointment is often a matter of perspective.
Where to stream: Digital rental
A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
In this 1961 classic featuring Ruby Dee and Sidney Poitier, the Younger family is thrown into conflict over a $10,000 life insurance payout. Each member has their own vision for the money, revealing their personal ambitions and contrasting views on the possibilities for a struggling Black family in 1960s America. While the film, adapted from Lorraine Hansberry’s play, centers on this tension, it ultimately portrays a tight-knit family navigating a turbulent phase, filled with strong personalities and differing aspirations.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
None of these characters could be described as well-adjusted. Steve Carell’s Frank is a suicidal Proust scholar; Paul Dano’s Dwayne has taken a vow of silence; Alan Arkin’s Edwin is a heroin-loving grandfather recently kicked out of his nursing home. The family’s chaotic road trip to get Abigail Breslin’s Olive to a beauty pageant is a recipe for disaster, especially given their clashing personalities. Yet, sometimes, facing external challenges together can unexpectedly unite even the most dysfunctional family.
Where to stream: Prime Video
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Similar to the TV series, the four New Zealand vampire roommates—Viago, Vladislav, Deacon, and Petyr, along with their friends and familiars—embody an extraordinary found family. Imagine if the Golden Girls were immortal (a delightful thought). Traditionally solitary, vampires are reimagined here by Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement as a quirky, sometimes violent, yet oddly endearing group, showcasing the peculiar dynamics that arise when loners come together.
Where to stream: fuboTV, Hoopla, Kanopy
Eve’s Bayou (1997)
Kasi Lemmons’ 1997 directorial debut delves into the dark undercurrents of a Louisiana family, far removed from the charming dysfunction seen in other films. When 10-year-old Eve (June Smollett) catches her father (Samuel L. Jackson) in an affair, he convinces her it was a figment of her imagination, weaving themes of gaslighting and the fragility of memory into the narrative. Amidst the family’s unraveling, the bond between Eve and her sister Cisely (Meagan Good) shines, illustrating how individual relationships can strengthen even as the family unit crumbles.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Knives Out (2019)
While it might verge on spoiler territory, the extended Harlan Strombey family, revealed gradually throughout the film, is undeniably awful. Passive-aggressive, entitled, conniving, and spiteful, their only redeeming quality is their wealth. If you’re not wealthy, Knives Out might make you grateful for it. (Well, mostly. I’d still love to live in that house.)
Where to stream: Prime Video
Mommie Dearest (1981)
Is it an unintentionally campy classic or a harrowing depiction of childhood trauma? Perhaps it’s both. While debates continue about the accuracy of Christina Crawford’s portrayal of her mother Joan (a topic that still sparks lively discussions, especially among certain communities), one thing is clear: Joan was far from an ideal parent. The film underscores that wealth alone doesn’t make someone fit for parenthood or adoption.
Where to stream: Paramount+, The Roku Channel, PlutoTV
The Wedding Party (2016)
Weddings are inherently stressful—combine two families for a lavish, high-stakes event, and even minor tensions can explode. This is why dysfunctional family wedding comedies have become a genre of their own; smooth, drama-free weddings rarely make for compelling stories. This film embraces familiar tropes: clashing social classes, arguments over trivial details, and unexpected guests. Yet, it’s executed with charm and a uniquely Nollywood flair.
Where to stream: Netflix
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Crazy Rich Asians amplifies the classic family wedding comedy tropes to an extreme: the groom’s family isn’t just wealthier than the bride’s—they’re among the richest in the world. Constance Wu’s Rachel Chu, hailing from New York, finds herself worlds apart from Nick Young’s (Henry Golding) traditional Singaporean upbringing. Rachel’s background immediately raises suspicions, with her life story being twisted into evidence of gold-digging. Nick’s family wields their wealth and privilege with casual cruelty, his mother’s own questionable past seemingly forgotten as she lacks empathy for Rachel.
Where to stream: HBO Max, Sling TV, TruTV
The Birdcage (1996)
Secrets often lie at the heart of dysfunction, and life is relatively smooth for Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and their son Val (Dan Futterman) in this Hollywood adaptation of the French comedy La Cage aux Folles—until they concoct an elaborate charade to impress the ultra-conservative parents of Val’s fiancée. Trust me, going back into the closet is rarely a good idea—unless it’s for comedic effect. (And here, it’s hilarious.) While much has changed since this film’s release 25 years ago, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, hopefully allowing queer individuals to feel more at ease being themselves around their in-laws today.
Where to stream: HBO Max, Paramount+, Epix
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswold family’s dysfunction is legendary across the six (or so, depending on your count) Vacation films. But if you ever wake up on Christmas morning to find your cousin Randy Quaid dumping an RV’s worth of sewage in front of your house, it’s safe to say your family has some serious issues.
Where to stream: HBO Max
The Ice Storm (1997)
Ang Lee’s The Ice Storm, set in the 1970s, is one of the most poignant Thanksgiving films ever made—assuming you’re okay with its deeply somber tone. On the surface, the Hood family appears ideal, but Kevin Kline’s character is unfaithful to his wife, Joan Allen, with their neighbor, Sigourney Weaver. Meanwhile, their daughter Christina Ricci pursues a connection with Weaver’s son, Elijah Wood (what a cast, right?). The story culminates in a quintessentially ‘70s key party during an ice storm, trapping everyone in uncomfortable situations and forcing them to confront their unresolved issues, though no easy resolutions are offered.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Lion in Winter (1968)
Think your family is dysfunctional or that such issues are a modern invention? Watch The Lion in Winter, based on the true story of King Henry II of England (Peter O’Toole) and his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katherine Hepburn). Years earlier, Henry’s sons, including the future King Richard (Anthony Hopkins), rebelled against him with Eleanor’s support. As the family reunites for Christmas, tensions flare over a dowry dispute involving Eleanor’s ex-husband and Henry’s mistress. What unfolds is over two hours of masterfully written family conflict.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Long Day’s Journey Into Night (1962)
Adapted from Eugene O’Neill’s semi-autobiographical play, this 1962 film features an exceptional cast (Katharine Hepburn, Ralph Richardson, Jason Robards, Dean Stockwell), delivering every subtle and overt jab with precision. Over a single day, the Tyrone family confronts their deep-seated issues—the men struggle with alcoholism, while Katharine Hepburn’s Mary descends into psychosis due to morphine addiction. Their interactions spiral into a cycle of blame and hostility, interspersed with genuine attempts to mend their fractured relationships. It’s the most disastrous family gathering imaginable—for them, at least; for viewers, it’s utterly captivating.
Where to stream: Hoopla, Kanopy
Raising Arizona (1987)
One of the Coen brothers’ earliest works, Raising Arizona stands out as their most chaotic film. Nicholas Cage stars as Hi McDunnough, a bumbling criminal who marries Holly Hunter’s Ed, a police officer. Struggling to have a child, Hi decides a wealthy family with quintuplets has more than enough to spare, leading to a kidnapping scheme. While undeniably twisted, it’s hard not to cheer for Ed and Hi’s absurd antics—though their idea of love might be just a tad unhealthy.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Paramount+, Hoopla
The Skeleton Twins (2014)
After years of estrangement, two siblings reunite following near-tragic events and mental health struggles, forcing them to confront their shared past and present challenges. Despite starring SNL alums Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, this film is far darker and more complex than expected—don’t anticipate lighthearted humor. It’s more about finding laughter amid clinical depression. (That said, it includes one of the most memorable spontaneous musical moments in a non-musical film.)
Where to stream: Prime Video
Frailty (2001)
As the holiday season approaches, it’s worth noting that profound religious revelations aren’t always positive. Far from it. In this film, the late Bill Paxton (who also directed) receives a divine message instructing him to eliminate individuals he believes are demons. What could have been a typical serial-killer story becomes even more unsettling due to the family dynamics at play: Paxton’s character has two sons—one who blindly follows his father’s beliefs out of love, and another who is appalled but powerless to intervene.
Where to stream: Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV, Plex
Parasite (2019)
Beyond its commentary on modern capitalism in Korea and globally, the Kim family’s choices leave much to be desired. While their unwavering loyalty to one another might be endearing in a different setting, their actions lead to far-from-ideal outcomes.
Where to stream: Hulu, Kanopy
Almost Christmas (2016)
If the advertisements are to be believed, it’s almost Christmas (though I remain skeptical). Mid-winter family gatherings, regardless of faith, often come with their own set of challenges. This film falls on the lighter side of holiday comedies featuring squabbling families, but it doesn’t shy away from tackling issues like drug addiction, infidelity, and divorce. The presence of outspoken Aunt May (Mo’Nique) adds another layer of chaos, as every family seems to have that one relative who says exactly what’s on their mind.
Where to stream: fuboTV, FXNow
The Empire Strikes Back (1980), The Force Awakens (2015)
Luke’s brief infatuation with his sister would make for an awkward Thanksgiving in any family. Fortunately for him, his father’s reputation as a genocidal tyrant who slaughtered younglings overshadows that little incident. Meanwhile, Leia has her own struggles when her son, missing the entire point of the previous films, decides to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps—partly due to feeling abandoned by his father and let down by his uncle Luke. It’s all incredibly complicated, to say the least.
Where to stream: Disney+
Ordinary People (1980)
After enduring consecutive family tragedies, a teenager tries to rebuild relationships with his emotionally distant, self-absorbed mother and his grief-stricken father. Fun times. Robert Redford’s directorial debut, Ordinary People, avoids easy clichés: it’s neither a satire nor a straightforward critique of suburban repression. Instead, it’s a quiet exploration of how families can sometimes amplify personal struggles rather than provide comfort.
Where to stream: Paramount+, fuboTV, Epix, Kanopy, Crackle, Pluto TV, Plex
