Pregnancy is weird. One minute you’re glowing like a literal goddess and the next you’re crying because the local grocery store ran out of the specific brand of pickles you need. Your brain is a soup of hormones, and honestly, your attention span is probably shot. That’s why picking good movies for pregnancy is actually kind of a high-stakes game. You don't want anything too stressful, but you also don't want something so mindless it feels like your IQ is dropping in real-time.
People always suggest Junior or Look Who’s Talking. Stop it. Those are fine for a nostalgic Thursday night, but they don't capture the actual, messy, hilarious, and terrifying reality of growing a human. We need movies that validate the struggle while keeping the oxytocin flowing.
The "Everything is Fine" Comedy Phase
Let’s talk about the first trimester. You’re tired. You’re nauseous. You probably haven’t told many people yet, so you’re harboring this massive secret while trying not to barf in your cubicle. This is the time for pure escapism.
Waitress (2007) is arguably one of the best movies about the complicated feelings of an unplanned pregnancy. Keri Russell plays Jenna, a woman who is incredibly talented at making pies but stuck in a truly garbage marriage. She gets pregnant and she’s not exactly thrilled about it. It’s refreshing. It’s honest. It shows that you don't have to be a Pinterest-perfect "mama-to-be" from the second the stick turns blue. Plus, the shots of the pies are basically food porn, though if you’re dealing with morning sickness, maybe keep a ginger ale handy.
Then there’s Away We Go. If you haven't seen this Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski gem, you are missing out. It’s a road trip movie about a couple trying to find the perfect place to raise their baby. They visit different friends and family members, most of whom are totally unhinged, and it makes you realize that nobody actually knows what they’re doing. It’s comforting. It’s funny in a dry, indie sort of way. It reminds you that as long as you and your partner are on the same team, the rest is just noise.
Why Some Movies Are Secretly Terrible When You're Expecting
We have to address the elephant in the room. Father of the Bride Part II is often cited as a classic pregnancy flick. Look, I love Steve Martin. I really do. But the frantic energy of that movie can be a lot when your heart rate is already elevated from just walking up a flight of stairs.
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And don't even get me started on the "trauma" movies. You might think you want to watch a gritty drama, but your brain is currently wired to protect a vulnerable offspring. Watching anything where a kid is in danger is a one-way ticket to a 3 a.m. anxiety spiral. Just don't do it. Stick to the stuff that feels like a warm blanket.
The Realistic Stuff (That Still Feels Good)
Tully is a movie that every pregnant person should watch, but maybe wait until the third trimester so you’re mentally prepared for the "after." Charlize Theron gained 50 pounds for the role to play a mother of three struggling with the exhaustion of a newborn. It’s raw. It deals with postpartum mental health in a way that most Hollywood movies are too scared to touch. It’s a good movie for pregnancy because it’s a reality check delivered with a lot of heart and a bit of a twist.
If you want something lighter but still grounded, Knocked Up still holds up surprisingly well. Yeah, it’s a Seth Rogen stoner comedy, but the scene where Katherine Heigl’s character realizes she’s pregnant is iconic. It captures that "oh crap" moment perfectly. It also treats the prenatal appointments and the changing body dynamics with a weirdly accurate level of detail for a movie that also features a lot of jokes about "pink eye."
Documentaries That Actually Help
Sometimes you don't want a story. You want facts. But you want them presented in a way that doesn't feel like a high school health class.
The Business of Being Born is the big one. Produced by Ricki Lake, it explores the American maternity care system. It’s controversial. Some doctors hate it; some midwives love it. It definitely leans toward natural birth, so take it with a grain of salt and talk to your OB-GYN. However, it’s essential viewing because it encourages you to be an advocate for your own birth plan. It reminds you that you have choices.
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Babies (2010) is the ultimate low-stress watch. It literally just follows four babies around the world—Mongolia, Namibia, Japan, and the US—for their first year of life. There’s almost no dialogue. It’s just pure, uncut baby content. It’s the visual equivalent of a Xanax. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the gear you need to buy or the classes you need to take, watch this. It shows that humans have been raising babies in dirt, in high-rises, and in huts for millennia. They’re resilient. You’ll be fine.
The Nostalgia Factor
Sometimes you just need to regress. Your body is doing something incredible and taxing, and you deserve to watch the movies that made you feel safe when you were a kid.
- The Parent Trap (1998): Is it about pregnancy? No. Is it about family and beautiful Napa Valley scenery and Oreos with peanut butter? Yes.
- Nine Months: It’s cheesy. Hugh Grant is at his peak "stuttering Brit" level. It’s predictable. But sometimes predictable is exactly what the doctor ordered.
- What to Expect When You're Expecting: This movie is basically a series of vignettes. Some are better than others (the "Dudes Group" led by Chris Rock is the highlight), but it covers almost every pregnancy trope imaginable. It’s like a buffet. Take what you like, leave the rest.
Navigating the "Scary" Movies
I know people who watched Rosemary’s Baby while pregnant. Those people are braver than I am. Honestly, if you’re a horror fan, you might find a weird catharsis in pregnancy-themed horror, but for most of us, it’s a hard pass. Your vivid dreams are already providing enough nightmare fuel.
Instead, look for "Comfort Horror" if you really need a thrill. Something like Scream—where the stakes are high but it feels like a movie. Stay away from the body horror stuff. You’re already experiencing enough "alien moving inside me" sensations to last a lifetime.
The Partner's Perspective
It’s easy to forget that the partner is also going through a transition. The Backup Plan with J.Lo is a fun one to watch together. It’s lighthearted and deals with the "instant family" dynamic.
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Also, She's Having a Baby. This is a 1988 John Hughes movie that doesn't get enough credit. It focuses heavily on the husband's (Kevin Bacon) anxiety about becoming a father and losing his youth. It’s sweet, a little dated, but very honest about the fear of the unknown.
Putting Together Your Watchlist
When you're building your "pregnancy cinema" queue, try to balance it out.
Don't just watch movies about babies. Watch movies about strong women. Watch Erin Brockovich or Hidden Figures. Remind yourself that you are a person with capabilities beyond just "vessel."
The best good movies for pregnancy are the ones that make you feel less alone. Pregnancy can be incredibly isolating, even if you have a supportive partner and family. Seeing a character on screen struggle with the same weird symptoms or the same existential dread makes it all feel a bit more manageable.
Actionable Tips for Your Movie Marathon
- Invest in a pregnancy pillow before you start. You cannot get through a two-hour movie comfortably without one. Propping up your hips is a game-changer.
- Hydrate, but strategically. If you drink a gallon of water at the start of The Sound of Music, you’re going to miss half the movie in the bathroom. Small sips.
- Check "Does the Dog Die" or similar sites. If you're feeling extra sensitive, check for triggers. There’s no shame in skipping a movie because it might upset you.
- Create a "No-Judgment Zone." If you want to watch The Holiday for the 15th time because it makes you feel cozy, do it. Your hormones, your rules.
The transition to parenthood is one of the biggest shifts you'll ever experience. Movies aren't just entertainment during this time; they're a way to process the change. Whether you're laughing at the absurdity of a diaper change or crying at a sentimental commercial, you're doing the work. Grab the snacks—yes, all of them—and hit play.
Next Steps for Your Pregnancy Journey
- Audit your streaming queues: Remove the high-stress thrillers and replace them with a "Comfort" folder.
- Ask your own mother or grandmother what they watched: Sometimes those old-school recommendations like Father of the Bride (the original!) have a different kind of charm.
- Plan a "Last Date" movie night: Go to a real theater while you still can. Once the baby comes, you'll be waiting for the streaming release.
Remember, there is no "right" way to feel or "right" thing to watch. If a movie makes you feel good, it's a good movie.