Movies about grandparents and grandchildren to watch online

    There are many different types of relationships within a family, but few are as unique as the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. In film, this connection between the elderly and the young is often portrayed through touching stories that highlight the tender balance between wisdom and innocence—stories that can warm even the coldest hearts, whether in dramas or comedies. Below, check out a selection of movies about grandparents and grandchildren and find out where to watch them online.

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    How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a Thai drama (selected to represent the country at the Oscars) that addresses deep ideological, moral, and economic differences between generations of the same family. The story follows a lazy, unemployed young man who has a complicated relationship with his family. Prompted by a cousin who received an inheritance from a relative she cared for in his last days, he decides to care for his grandmother when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer, hoping to receive something in return when she dies. However, as they spend time together, they begin to understand each other, and he is forced to reconsider his beliefs. It is a beautiful film, perhaps overly melodramatic due to its use of music, but it provides important explorations of generational gaps and reflections on the abandonment of the elderly.

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    Thelma

    Thelma

    7/10
    1h38min
    PG-13
    2024
    Adventure
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    Thelma could very well be the best action comedy of the year, which might sound like a stunning claim considering it stars nonagenarian June Squibb (Oscar-nominated for Nebraska). Written and directed by actor Josh Margolin in his directorial debut, inspired by his own grandmother, the film follows the titular protagonist who, after falling victim to a phone scam, is determined to recover her money to reaffirm her independence as someone who doesn’t need to go to a nursing home. The film uses irony to depict mundane situations as life-and-death in a spy story. Because in a way, they are: the director dignifies his elderly protagonists and, with a clever nod to Tom Cruise, even invites us to reflect on the stories we consider 'interesting' in cinema. Thelma makes one think that, in reality, authentic stories are the best to enjoy in film (and it easily becomes one of the best movies of 2024).

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    Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

    Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

    7.7/10
    1h30min
    PG
    2022
    Family
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    This simple one of the sweetest and most tender productions in recent times. It is a mockumentary that portrays the life of a small snail, animated in stop motion, who lives with her grandmother in a real Airbnb. Marcel (voiced by Jenny Slate) has a peculiar way of carrying his life, adapting all daily needs for someone of his size (which is really very small, barely 2 centimeters). His daily life is portrayed by Dean (played by the director of the film, Dean Fleischer Camp), an Airbnb guest who takes great interest in the universe of Marcel, and thus begins to document it and publish it on the internet, instantly turning him into a celebrity. Just the concept of "Marcel, the Shell with Shoes On" is already wonderful, and watching a little snail performing everyday tasks is already entertaining enough. But behind this creative story, the film still hides a huge heart. The story talks about family, belonging and overcoming adversity, in a narrative that flows between emotions, making us alternate between laughter and tears without even realizing it. A movie for adults, children, to watch as a family, as a couple or alone. Extremely likeable, funny and emotional, which will certainly please anyone.
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    The Farewell

    The Farewell

    7.5/10
    1h39min
    PG
    2019
    Comedy
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    With 'The Farewell', director Lulu Wang presents an intimate and very modestly budgeted dramedy, but with a truly powerful and different story than what we are used to seeing portrayed in cinema. Just like 'Crazy Rich Asians' did the same in the field of romantic comedy, this movie stays within the conventions of its genre, but from them it achieves an interesting contrast of the differences between the West and East on how to view life. In addition, Awkwafina's performance (better known for comedic roles in films such as 'Ocean's 8' and 'Jumanji: The Next Level') will move you. It was no surprise that she deserved the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy Movie.
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    Belfast

    Belfast

    7.2/10
    1h38min
    PG-13
    2021
    Drama
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    In a filmography that includes big-budget fantasies ('Thor'), Shakespeare adaptations ('Hamlet') and literary classics ('Mary Shelley's Frankenstein'), 'Belfast' is director Kenneth Branagh's most personal work, inspired by his childhood memories of the Irish city where he was born and spent his early years. The story puts us with little Buddy (Jude Hill), a boy who lives happily with his family until the conflict in Northern Ireland in the 1960s breaks the peace in his neighborhood. So his parents start to consider the possibility of leaving the only home the family has ever lived in. 'Belfast's narrative is framed in Buddy's childish perspective, so there is an air of playfulness and innocence throughout the plot. The other side of the coin is that the issues around the conflict are not portrayed as deeply as they could be, and are poorly described in the script. In other words, don't expect a complex drama illustrating the political and social problems of Ireland at the time. On the contrary, 'Belfast' is a typical bittersweet "feel good movie" with good performances and an upbeat soundtrack.
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