Through the years mothers have been portrayed in every possible way–from the psycho to the sweet.   However, there have been some very poignant portrayals of motherhood on the big screen.  None of these mothers are “perfect” in the June Cleaver sense of the word; but they are a lot closer to the reality of the flawed but well-meaning people we moms really are.  Here’s our list of the Top Ten Movie Moms…if your favorite isn’t on here, leave us a comment and let us know!

1.  Christine Collins – Changeling (Angelina Jolie)

Based on a true story, Christine Collins was a single mother in 1928 who returned home from work to find her nine-year-old son missing.  The LAPD found a missing boy and returned him to her. Christine was horrified to discover that it was not her son.  The story that follows involves steep corruption, powerful coercion and the story of a mother who refused to give up hope of finding her son.

2.  Maria Portokalos – My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Lainie Kazan)

The ultimate traditional wife and mother. And by traditional, I mean the neck that turns the head of the family.

3.  Mrs. Jumbo – Walt Disney’s Dumbo

Locked up for protecting her big-eared baby elephant from cruel onlookers, Mrs. Jumbo symbolizes all mothers who know in their hearts that their baby is the most precious, most beautiful, and most perfect in the world–no matter what others say.

4.  Rachel Flax – Mermaids (Cher)

An unconventional mom has to get over herself to reach out to her teenage daughter, who is in desperate need of love and guidance.

5.  Steel Magnolias – M’Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field)

M’Lynn and Shelby have a contentious relationship which is immediately forgotten any time moment Shelby really needs her mama.  In this final scene, M’Lynn is grieving at the loss of her daughter in a truly raw emotional performance.

6.  Isabel Kelly and Jackie Harrison – Stepmom (Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon)

Mom and step-mom learn to overcome their rivalry and differences of opinions, letting their mutual love for their family bring them together.

7.  Tess Coleman – Freaky Friday (Jamie Lee Curtis)

This fun remake of the classic Disney film is about a mother and daughter who can’t see eye to eye.  One morning, they wake to find they’ve switched bodies…and are forced to see the world through the others’ eyes.

8. Joanna Stayton / Annie Profitt – Overboard (Goldie Hawn)

The wealthy and beautiful Joanna Stayton falls overboard her yacht one evening and washes ashore with amnesia.  A local single-father handyman sees her on the news and decides she is the perfect candidate to help him with his kids.  Comedy ensues.

9.  Aurora Greenway – Terms of Endearment (Shirley MacLaine)

ShirleyMacLaine won an Oscar for her performance as Aurora Greenway, a woman who is rediscovering herself after her daughter has  grown and married.  She constantly walks the line between craving her independence and meddling in her daughter’s affairs.

10.  Marge Gunderson – Fargo (Francis McDormand)

In this strange Cohen Brothers film, Marge Gunderson, a pregnant cop in Fargo, North Dakota is the only person in the entire town with any sense.  She is the ultimate working mother and never lets her pregnancy the crazies around her keep her from getting her job done.  The film is a dark comedy and this scene is one of the few serious scenes.