Ranking the Best TV and Movie Moms of All Time
- Jessica Hall
- May 6
- 2 min read
Celebrating the Moms Who Raised Us On Screen
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to honor the women who raised us, and for many, that includes the fictional moms who shaped our childhoods, made us laugh, or taught us life lessons between commercial breaks. From heartwarming TV sitcoms to powerful cinematic performances, here’s a ranking of the most iconic, beloved, and unforgettable moms in television and film history.
Evelyn Harper – Two and a Half Men
Portrayed by: Holland Taylor
Evelyn is far from the warm-and-fuzzy mom, but she earns her spot for her dry wit and unapologetic confidence. She’s a reminder that not every mom fits a stereotype, which makes her hilarious.
Morticia Addams – The Addams Family
Portrayed by: Anjelica Huston / Catherine Zeta-Jones (TV reboot)
Calm, elegant, and fiercely devoted, Morticia is the gothic mom who breaks all traditional molds. Her unconditional love and support for her oddball family have made her a cult favorite for decades.
Kitty Forman – That ’70s Show
Portrayed by: Debra Jo Rupp
With her infectious laugh and steady supply of casseroles, Kitty is the mom-next-door we all wanted. She balances comic relief with genuine maternal wisdom, making her a nostalgic favorite.
Marge Simpson – The Simpsons
Voiced by: Julie Kavner
Blue-haired and ever-patient, Marge is the backbone of the Simpson family. Her unwavering loyalty and moral compass make her the glue that holds Homer and the gang together and despite their many, many hijinks.
Mrs. Gump – Forrest Gump
Portrayed by: Sally Field
“Life is like a box of chocolates,” but it’s safe to say Mrs. Gump gave Forrest the strength to face whatever was inside. Her tough love, wisdom, and fierce protection of her son make her unforgettable.
Lorelai Gilmore – Gilmore Girls
Portrayed by: Lauren Graham
Part mom, part best friend, Lorelai redefined motherhood for a generation. Her rapid-fire dialogue, independent spirit, and bond with daughter Rory made their story feel both aspirational and deeply relatable.
Molly Weasley – Harry Potter series
Portrayed by: Julie Walters
Molly is the ultimate maternal figure in the wizarding world. She welcomes Harry as one of her own, keeps the massive Weasley family in line, and reminds us not to mess with a mom’s protective instincts, especially when she utters that iconic line to Bellatrix Lestrange.
Carol Brady – The Brady Bunch
Portrayed by: Florence Henderson
The blueprint for blended-family moms everywhere, Carol Brady effortlessly juggled six kids, household chaos, and 1970s fashion. Her calm demeanor and nurturing presence made her a television matriarch.
Leigh Anne Tuohy – The Blind Side
Portrayed by: Sandra Bullock
Based on a true story, Leigh Anne Tuohy’s fierce compassion and refusal to give up on Michael Oher won hearts and earned Sandra Bullock an Academy Award. She’s a modern symbol of what it means to choose to be a mom, no matter the circumstances.
Clair Huxtable – The Cosby Show
Portrayed by: Phylicia Rashad
Elegant, intelligent, and never one to be underestimated, Clair Huxtable set the gold standard for on-screen motherhood. As a successful lawyer and loving mother of five, she balanced warmth and discipline with style and grace.
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