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” clarifies the idea of ​​unconditional love, support, and guidance, creating a safe space for a person to grow and establish their identity. Family dynamics are a topic often explored in films, particularly their impact on characters and the complicated emotions that can come with family relationships.

The idea of ​​the “found family” has led filmmakers to delve into the heart of what makes a family, regardless of whether or not the characters are blood related. The 21st century has produced some great found family films, spanning every genre and medium. From beloved children’s movies that teach empathy, acceptance, and the value of providing a safe haven for a new friend to dramas that explore absent parental figures, these are the best found family films of the new millennium.

There’s a live-action remake coming, Lilo and Stitch is a favorite Disney film for many, whether it’s for its heartfelt sentiment or the fact that Stitch is hilariously and strangely adorable. 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 alien who crash-landed on Earth. Lilo’s belief in “Ohana” and her quest to show Stitch love and acceptance helps him unlock his capacity to give.

Lilo and Stitch is an incredibly fun and sweet film about an unlikely duo who lift and support each other, and deals with mature themes in an accessible way. The film openly illustrates sadness and loneliness, and shows very real behavioral issues as Lilo tries to deal with complex feelings. A film that revolves around family and the essential values ​​that underlie that concept.

Claude Barras’ My life as a zucchini follows Icare (Gaspard Schlatter/Erick Abbate), a quiet, blue-haired boy who is 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 film illustrates how important a safe environment is for children to grow and develop their identity. My life as a zucchini warms your heart as the audience witnesses Icare’s self-development after a traumatic event and his response to long-awaited kindness. The animation style, reminiscent of children’s book illustrations, adds a layer of life lessons through fun and colorful graphics.

With a third Paddington film on the way, Paddington’s antics have warmed many hearts. The first film introduced the young bear as he 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 essence of the characters. Paddington is a charming piece about the wonder of London and the acceptance you feel when you are embraced by a community. Paddington’s innocent yet sincere observations are hilarious and make the audience fall in love with his character.

Ari Aster’s Midsummer explores a darker view of family. The horror film follows Dani (Florence Pugh), a PhD candidate who, after a trauma, joins her boyfriend on his journey to a Swedish commune that turns out to be a cult.

Midsummer delves into mental health issues and how the cult creates a space for Dani to experience her grief. A poignant scene shows women from the commune crying with Dani. The cult twists family ideas about acceptance and love and uses them as manipulation techniques.

The Godfathers of Tokyo 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 that supports each other through adversity.

As they search for the baby’s parents, they discover truths about themselves that strengthen their bond. The story takes place during Christmas time, The Godfathers of Tokyo emphasizes selflessness and the joy of helping others.

Hunting the Wild People by Taika Waititi follows rebellious Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison), who heads into the bush with Hector (Sam Neill) after Bella’s (Rima Te Wiata) sudden death. A manhunt ensues when social services believe Ricky has been kidnapped.

Taika Waititi’s film is a feel-good film. The relationship between Ricky and Hector is hilarious and genuine. Ricky finds connections everywhere he goes, which shows the importance of community.

The story takes place in 1979, Women of the 20th century follows single mother Dorothea (Annette Benning) as she seeks help from others to guide her son Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann). Together with tenants Abbie (Greta Gerwig) and William (Billy Crudup), they form strong quasi-familial bonds.

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

Shopliftersdirected by Hirokazu Koreeda, follows a makeshift family that survives on shoplifting. One day, they bring home Yuri (Miyu Sasaki), a little girl who shows signs of abuse.

Shoplifters explores the complexities of what makes a good family, through authentic characters, with an emphasis on loyalty and compassion.

The Remainers by Alexander Payne follows three characters at a boarding school who celebrate Christmas together and form a makeshift family. The script, written 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 struggling with his identity. Drug dealer Juan (Mahershala Ali) becomes a father figure and teaches Chiron life lessons.

Moonlight is a powerful coming-of-age story that centers on Chiron’s struggles and the joy of finding a family.

Source: Collider