10 Inspiring Biopics About Single Mothers

Description: This biopic delves into the tumultuous relationship between actress Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter Christina. While not a typical 'single mother' story, it explores the complexities of motherhood and the impact of a mother's actions on her child.

Fact: Faye Dunaway's performance as Joan Crawford became iconic, though it was criticized by some for being over-the-top. The film has since become a cult classic.

Description: This film tells the true story of Erin Brockovich, a single mother who becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply. Her tenacity and determination make her an iconic figure in the realm of single mothers.

Fact: Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich. The real Erin Brockovich made a cameo in the film.

Description: While primarily about John Nash's battle with schizophrenia, the film also highlights the role of his wife, Alicia, who stands by him through his illness, effectively becoming a single mother to their child during his periods of incapacity.

Fact: Jennifer Connelly won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Alicia Nash. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.

Description: Although not strictly about a single mother, this film delves into Queen Elizabeth II's life, particularly her relationship with her children and her role as a mother during the tumultuous period following Princess Diana's death.

Fact: Helen Mirren won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth II. The film was nominated for Best Picture.

Description: Will Smith stars as Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son. This film showcases the lengths a single father will go to provide for his child, but it's also a testament to the strength of single parents in general.

Fact: The film is based on Chris Gardner's real-life memoir. Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, played his on-screen son.

Description: While not a biopic, this film captures the essence of a single mother's struggle to balance career and family, with Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly, embodying the archetype of a powerful woman and mother.

Fact: Meryl Streep's performance was inspired by real-life fashion magazine editors. The film was based on a novel by Lauren Weisberger, who worked as an assistant to Anna Wintour at Vogue.

Description: This film explores the dynamics of a family with two lesbian mothers, Nic and Jules, and their children. While not strictly a biopic, it captures the essence of single motherhood through the lens of a modern family structure.

Fact: Annette Bening and Julianne Moore both received Academy Award nominations for their performances. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.

Description: Based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who becomes an All-American football player, this film focuses on Leigh Anne Tuohy, the single mother who takes him in and changes his life. It's a heartwarming tale of maternal love transcending boundaries.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy. The film was nominated for Best Picture.

Description: This film focuses on Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female Prime Minister, and her life as a mother. It explores her relationship with her children, especially her daughter Carol, during her time in office and beyond.

Fact: Meryl Streep won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher. The film was criticized by some for its portrayal of Thatcher's dementia.

Description: This film focuses on the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, but it also sheds light on his first wife, Jane, who raised their children while dealing with his deteriorating health, essentially becoming a single mother in many ways.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking. Felicity Jones was nominated for Best Actress for her role as Jane Hawking.