Divorce is a tough process, and it can be an especially tricky time for children. Read on to find 10 family movies that can help make divorce discussions in your home easier…
When couples go through a divorce, the legal side of things is often the main consideration. During the lockdown, divorce rates in many UK cities soared after restrictions took their toll. There was a 29% increase in legal advice in Central York from the previous year alone.
That said, it is also essential to have discussions with your children to help them understand what the family is going through, but these can be tough if you don’t know where to start. Movies are something families can really enjoy together, and can go some way to sparking those conversations about divorce. So, read on for 10 movies about divorce that could help…
Night at the Museum – PG
This 2006 classic features Ben Stiller as Larry Daley, a divorced father of a 10-year-old son, Nick. Larry’s ex-wife, Erica, worries that his tumultuous work history sets a bad example for their son, and Larry is concerned that Nick looks up to Erica’s boyfriend Don more than him.
Larry applies to become a night security guard at the Museum of Natural History, and antics soon ensue as he discovers that, once the sun goes down, the exhibits come to life! Larry and Nick become closer than ever, and Larry proves himself a good role model. This movie demonstrates a healthy father-son relationship post-divorce and could be really useful for kids worried about retaining their connection with both parents after they have split.
It Could Happen to You – PG
This 1994 American rom-com is set in New York City and follows a generous police officer, Charlie, and his materialistic wife, Muriel, who are struggling with money. Charlie meets Yvonne, a waitress at a diner, who is bankrupt due to her husband Eddie’s spending problem. Since he can’t afford to tip her, he promises to split his potential lottery winnings.
The next day, he wins $4 million and keeps his promise to Yvonne, causing problems with his wife, and the pair become local celebrities known for their generosity. Both couples end up splitting and Charlie and Yvonne get their happily-ever-after.
This movie is a great example of times when divorce can be for the best. It shows both Charlie and his new partner Yvonne much happier once they have split from their ex-partners.
Little Manhattan – PG
10-year-old Gabe navigates falling in love for the first time with classmate Rosemary, alongside dealing with the fallout of his parent’s divorce. He learns some lessons about love and takes advice from his father about relationships. The movie ends with his parents behaving amicably, and Gabe accepts that Rosemary isn’t ready for love. This movie is a great one to show kids that divorce can be tricky, but it’s possible to get through it with a smile. It depicts parents that still get on, despite their differences.
Vice Versa – PG
Marshall works at a department store in Chicago and does not have much time for his 11- year-old son, Charlie, after his divorce from Charlie’s mother, Robyn. Marshall goes on holiday to Thailand with his girlfriend Sam, and an ancient skull makes its way into their luggage.
When they return, Charlie arrives to spend a few days with them whilst his mother and stepfather are on holiday. Charlie and Marshall argue and discover that the skull has magical powers, and subsequently swap bodies.
They manage to return to their original bodies at the end of the film, but not before forging new connections and building better relationships with each other. Sam sets a great example for kids navigating their relationship with a parent’s partner after a divorce. Here are some handy tips for introducing a new partner to your kids after a divorce.
Old Dogs – PG
Starring John Travolta and Robin Williams as best friends and business partners, this film follows a man’s struggle in discovering the existence of his two children from a failed marriage seven years prior. He juggles work and kids until he realises that what matters most is family.
This film is great to watch for a proper laugh, and it contains some important messages about prioritising family and relationships too.
Mr Popper’s Penguins – PG
Popper is a divorced estate agent and father of two – Janie and Billy. He finds out that his father has died in Antarctica and has left him a “souvenir” from his adventures. Soon, a penguin named Captain appears that his door. Popper attempts to return the penguin but ends up receiving five more penguins in its wake.
The penguins wreak havoc, but also help Popper to build closer relationships with his children. He finds a letter from his father apologising for not spending enough time with them, and this encourages Popper to prioritise his kids.
This movie portrays a loving father and positive familial relationships post-divorce and is a great watch for kids who are experiencing divorce.
Cheaper by the Dozen 2022 – PG
This Disney+ original depicts the Bakers, a large blended family, that are tackling divorce, remarriage, and family relationships alongside work and business. It has a really positive message of reconciling with family and prioritising relationships and would be reassuring to kids experiencing anxieties about their future after their parents’ divorce.
Despicable Me 2 – PG
This sequel to the 2010 animated classic, Despicable Me, follows former supervillain Gru and his three adopted daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes. Gru and secret agent Lucy defeat the evil villain Dr. Nefario and eventually fall in love and get married at the end of the film, giving the girls a new stepmother.
It shows a positive depiction of a stepmother who cares about the girls and wants to set a good example for them. This is an important message for kids with divorced parents who may be meeting their new partners.
The Spy Next Door – PG
Bob is an undercover CIA agent who wants to retire and marry his girlfriend Gillian, his neighbor who also has three children from her previous relationships – Farren, Ian and Nora. None of them know what he really does for work, and as he works to confront a group of Russian terrorists, the kids follow him and work out what his job really is.
Eventually, Bob is successful in defeating the terrorists and building better relationships with the children and marries Gillian. This movie is a great comedy that depicts divorce and remarriage in a positive light, which helps kids to understand that divorce is normal and that families can be happy after a split.
Mrs Doubtfire – 12
One for older kids, this 1993 classic depicts a family going through a divorce and struggling to adjust to their new setup. Robin Williams stars as Daniel, a father of three trying to get back on his feet after his split from ex-wife Miranda. When he learns that she is hiring a housekeeper, he dresses up as a female nanny (“Mrs Doubtfire”) in order to spend more time with his kids.
By the end of the movie, the parents agree to share custody of the children, and it portrays a good example of parents that manage to cooperate amicably with each other, despite their differences. It certainly shows that there are ways to make your divorce more amicable.
Divorce – Ready to take the next steps in your divorce?
Going through a divorce is never an easy feat, but informing your children and ensuring they are the top priority will always help to make the process slightly easier.
This article has discussed 10 movies that can help you broach the topic of divorce with your children. But, if you have gone through a divorce with children and have some top tips about how to deal with it, let us know in the comments.
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