Movies to Help Kids Understand Divorce

Last updated: April 13, 2026

Divorce is a fact of life for many families. Kids often aren't sure what to expect with this major life change, and they may have questions and concerns. These movies provide different takes on divorce: Some are serious, some are silly, some are kid friendly, while others are best for teens. And some of them provide an unrealistic notion about reconciliation. But all of them can help open up a conversation on this tough topic, especially if you use the conversation starters we offer in each review. For more movies about big issues, check out these lists: Coming-of-Age Movies, Movies That Defy Gender Stereotypes, and Political Movies.

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The Parent Trap Movie Poster: Two smiling girls, each holding their face, with film scenes above them.
MOVIE

The Parent Trap

age 6+

Delightful remake is great for the whole family.

January 1, 1999 1999 PG (127 minutes)
The Parent Trap (1961) Poster Image
MOVIE

The Parent Trap (1961)

age 6+

Charming classic has some dated gender roles.

June 21, 1961 1961 G (124 minutes)
Night at the Museum movie poster: Ben Stiller as a night guard holds up a flashlight in a museum, T-Rex skeleton behind
MOVIE

Night at the Museum

age 7+

Effects-driven family adventure with cartoon violence.

December 22, 2006 2006 PG (100 minutes)
Wilderness Love Poster Image
MOVIE

Wilderness Love

age 11+

Funny romcom about divorce has mature themes.

September 1, 2013 2013 NR (96 minutes)
Now and Then Poster Image
MOVIE

Now and Then

age 12+

'90s coming-of-age movie has some sex, profanity.

October 20, 1995 1995 PG-13 (102 minutes)
The Pursuit of Happyness Poster Image
MOVIE

The Pursuit of Happyness

age 12+

Inspirational but often emotionally wrenching story.

December 14, 2006 2006 PG-13 (117 minutes)
Kramer vs. Kramer Poster Image
MOVIE

Kramer vs. Kramer

age 13+

Sensitive, truthful look at the breakup of a family.

December 19, 1979 1979 PG (105 minutes)
Mrs. Doubtfire Poster Image
MOVIE

Mrs. Doubtfire

age 13+

Heartfelt divorce movie has language, outdated gender roles.

August 27, 1993 1993 PG-13 (125 minutes)
Stepmom Poster Image
MOVIE

Stepmom

age 13+

Contrived yet effective family weepie.

December 15, 1998 1998 PG-13 (124 minutes)
Boyhood Poster Image
MOVIE

Boyhood

age 15+

Unique, affecting, mature drama about life and growing up.

July 11, 2014 2014 R (166 minutes)
The Killing of Two Lovers movie poster: A blurred photo of a naked man and woman lying down together.
MOVIE

The Killing of Two Lovers

age 15+

Gritty family drama has trauma, language, threat, violence.

May 14, 2021 2021 R (85 minutes)
What Maisie Knew Poster Image
MOVIE

What Maisie Knew

age 15+

Wrenching drama about child custody can spark discussion.

May 3, 2013 2013 R (98 minutes)
A Separation Poster Image
MOVIE

A Separation

age 16+

Intense but rewarding Iranian drama has complex characters.

December 30, 2011 2011 PG-13 (123 minutes)
A.C.O.D. Poster Image
MOVIE

A.C.O.D.

age 16+

Mature farce about divorce has some hilarious bits.

October 4, 2013 2013 R (87 minutes)
Celeste and Jesse Forever Poster Image
MOVIE

Celeste and Jesse Forever

age 16+

Talky hipster romcom explores the "perfect" divorce.

August 3, 2012 2012 R (91 minutes)
Jason Nash Is Married Poster Image
MOVIE

Jason Nash Is Married

age 16+

Emotionally raw comedy exploring divorce is edgy, intense.

June 24, 2014 2014 NR (84 minutes)
Marriage Story Poster Image
MOVIE

Marriage Story

age 16+

All-too-real divorce drama isn't kid stuff; strong language.

November 6, 2019 2019 R (136 minutes)
The Girl on the Train Poster Image
MOVIE

The Girl on the Train

age 17+

Taut book-based thriller has drinking, violence, sex.

October 7, 2016 2016 R (112 minutes)
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