Movies About Widowers
If you’re intrigued by movies about widowers, you’re in for a mix of heartbreaking tales and thrilling narratives that explore the depth of love, loss, and resilience. The list of movies mentioned below serves as a guide, offering summaries that provide a glimpse into the powerful stories these films tell.
To choose your next watch, simply review the descriptions provided to identify the plotlines and genres that resonate most with you. Whether you’re in the mood for intense drama, mystery, or heartfelt romance, there’s a story here to capture your attention.
Once you’ve made your choice, search for the titles on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, or HBO Max. Many of these films are also available on niche platforms like Tubi, Vudu, or even Apple TV. With just a few clicks, you’ll be transported into the journeys of widowers navigating life after loss.
So, take a moment, browse the summaries, and let the magic of cinema guide you toward your next favorite movie.
1. Love Finds You in Sugarcreek (2014)
This romantic drama tells the story of a widowed father on the run with his son who finds refuge in the Amish town of Sugarcreek. His encounter with a kind-hearted woman challenges him to confront his fears and seek redemption. The film explores trust, love, and the healing power of community.
2. Our Souls at Night (2017)
A poignant story of two widowed neighbors, played by Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, who form an unexpected romantic connection. Through their companionship, they explore the possibility of finding love and comfort in their twilight years, while dealing with societal judgment and personal insecurities.
3. October Kiss (2015)
In this light-hearted Hallmark movie, a nanny helps a widowed businessman reconnect with his children and rediscover joy. The film emphasizes themes of second chances and the importance of emotional bonds in healing.
4. Chance at Romance (2014)
A mistaken identity leads to an unlikely romance between a single woman and a widowed artist. Their journey highlights misunderstandings, forgiveness, and how love can flourish unexpectedly.
5. Staging Christmas (2019)
This lighthearted holiday romance revolves around Lori, a professional home stager, who is hired by a wealthy widower, Elliot, to decorate his home for Christmas to cheer up his daughter. The film blends themes of family, love, and second chances, all wrapped up in a festive atmosphere. With a mix of humor and touching moments, it explores the power of Christmas spirit and the beginnings of new love. It is ideal for fans of feel-good Christmas movies and family-centric romance.
Relevance: Relevant for themes of widower dynamics, single parenting, and family connections during the holidays.
6. Safe Haven (2013)
This adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ novel follows a young woman fleeing her past, who finds love with a widowed father. The story blends romance with suspense, showcasing themes of trust, healing, and starting over after loss.
7. Love Under the Stars (2015)
A young woman finds her life intertwined with a grieving widower and his daughter. Together, they navigate loss and rediscovery, offering a heartfelt look at how unexpected relationships can bring healing.
8. Long Story Short (2015)
This Danish romantic dramedy follows a group of friends through life’s ups and downs over three years, with each major life event unfolding during a gathering such as weddings, parties, or New Year’s celebrations. It tackles complex relationships, love, and heartbreaks with wit and sincerity. Themes of widowerhood, friendships, and romantic pursuits add depth to its plot.
Relevance: Relevant for its portrayal of widower-related themes, though it is more ensemble-focused.
9. The Unicorn (2019)
This indie film takes a different tone, following a couple trying to reinvigorate their relationship. Though not directly tied to widower themes, it touches on loss in relationships and the pursuit of deeper connection.
10. The Boys Are Back (2009)
A moving drama about a widowed father struggling to raise his sons alone after his wife’s sudden death. The film poignantly captures grief, parenting challenges, and the strength of familial bonds.
11. Love Finds You in Sugarcreek (2014)
This family-friendly mystery and romance film is set in a peaceful Amish community, disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious widower and his son. The story weaves themes of trust, suspicion, and redemption as the community faces questions about the stranger’s past. With captivating and sincere storytelling, it portrays how faith and forgiveness can transform lives. Its blend of mystery, romance, and family values makes it an engaging watch.
12. Our Souls at Night (2017)
A heartfelt drama starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, this film tells the story of two elderly neighbors, both widowed, who forge an unexpected connection. Set in Colorado, it explores themes of loneliness, intimacy, and starting anew in the later years of life. The sentimental tone and thought-provoking narrative offer a poignant look at companionship and the courage to seek happiness, even in old age.
13. October Kiss (2015)
This lighthearted romantic film follows Poppy, an optimistic nanny, as she transforms the life of Ryan, a widowed executive, and his two children. With a cheerful, feel-good tone, the story explores the power of love and family, showing how relationships can mend broken hearts. Set during Halloween, the film’s charming, humorous plot highlights the importance of embracing life’s joys.
14. Chance at Romance (2014)
This romantic comedy centers on Samantha, who thinks she’s found love with a widowed photographer, Heath, through an online connection. However, unexpected surprises and comedic misunderstandings turn her plans upside down. With themes of love, family dynamics, and second chances, the film delivers a feel-good message about finding love in unlikely circumstances.
15. Safe Haven (2013)
A mix of romance and thriller, this movie tells the story of a young woman with a troubled past who seeks solace in a small town. Her bond with a widower offers hope, but secrets from her past threaten their budding relationship. Set in picturesque North Carolina, the film blends emotional storytelling with suspense, exploring themes of love, trust, and resilience in the face of trauma.
16. Love Under the Stars (2015)
In this heartfelt romance, Becca, a graduate student, forms an unlikely bond with Emily, a young girl coping with the loss of her mother. Through shared experiences and playdates, Becca also connects with Emily’s widowed father. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco, the story captures themes of healing, relationships, and the transformative power of friendship and love.
17. Spirits in the Dark (2020)
A horror mystery about a widower who discovers a chilling video that leads him to an abandoned town haunted by a sinister presence. The story blends themes of grief, loneliness, and the supernatural, capturing a bleak and suspenseful tone. Its horror elements are less about jump scares and more about atmosphere and psychological tension.
Relevance: Relevant for its widower protagonist but leans heavily on horror.
18. The Unicorn (2019)
This lighthearted TV show follows Wade, a widower raising two daughters, as he reenters the dating world. With the support of close friends and family, Wade learns to embrace his “new normal.” Combining humor and heartfelt moments, the show portrays the challenges of single parenting, moving on from loss, and the complexities of modern relationships.
19. The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
This continuation of the Exorcist franchise centers on a father grappling with his daughter’s demonic possession. He seeks help from a seasoned expert, paralleling themes of faith, family bonds, and trauma. As a widower, the father’s struggles are amplified by his loss, adding an emotional layer to the horror.
Relevance: Relevant, particularly for the widower’s role and his complex father-daughter relationship.
20. Everwood (2002-2006)
This drama series chronicles the life of Dr. Andrew Brown, a widowed neurosurgeon, as he relocates his family to the small town of Everwood, Colorado, after his wife’s death. Through his experiences as a small-town doctor and single father, the show explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery. Its realistic portrayal of grief and familial relationships resonates deeply with audiences.
21. Dan in Real Life (2007)
Dan Burns is a widowed advice columnist juggling the complexities of single parenthood and familial relationships. While raising his three daughters, Dan unexpectedly falls for Marie, a woman who happens to be his brother’s girlfriend. Set against the scenic charm of New England, the film explores themes of love, responsibility, and self-discovery. It uses humor and emotional depth to highlight Dan’s struggle between personal happiness and family loyalty. The love triangle adds a layer of complexity, while his daughters’ coming-of-age challenges reflect the tension in their father-daughter relationship.
22. I Heart Shakey (2012)
This family-friendly comedy follows J.T. O’Neil, a widower, as he moves to Chicago with his 10-year-old daughter and their dog, Shakey. Their new start is complicated by a rental contract that bans pets. The heart of the story lies in their effort to save Shakey, navigating the ups and downs of life as a single-parent household. The film celebrates themes of family unity, resilience, and the deep bond between humans and their pets. The humor and lighthearted tone make it an engaging watch for audiences of all ages.
23. The Good Neighbor (2016)
A suspenseful crime thriller about two teenagers who prank an elderly neighbor, leading to unintended consequences. While the widower aspect is not central to the plot, the elderly man’s loneliness and grief play a significant role in the film’s emotional undertones. The narrative builds tension through clever twists and a dark atmosphere.
24. Rebecca (1997)
Adapted from Daphne Du Maurier’s iconic novel, this psychological thriller delves into the haunting legacy of a widower’s first wife. Maxim de Winter marries a younger woman shortly after the mysterious death of his wife, Rebecca. The story unfolds in a Gothic mansion filled with secrets, where the new Mrs. de Winter faces the shadow of Rebecca’s imposing presence. Themes of jealousy, betrayal, and psychological manipulation drive the tension, offering a chilling portrayal of how the past can overshadow the present. The English countryside and the mansion’s eerie atmosphere amplify the film’s haunting mood.
25. Everybody’s Fine (2009)
Frank Goode, a recently widowed retiree, embarks on a road trip to reconnect with his four adult children after they cancel a planned visit. The journey reveals cracks in their relationships and uncovers long-hidden truths about their lives. The film poignantly captures themes of loneliness, the complexity of family bonds, and the challenges of aging. Frank’s determination to understand and support his children showcases the resilience and heartache of a parent seeking connection after loss. The melancholic tone is softened by moments of hope and reconciliation, making it a deeply relatable narrative.
26. Mrs. Miracle (2009)
Seth Webster, a widowed father overwhelmed by his mischievous twin sons, is desperately seeking help. Enter “Mrs. Miracle,” a magical and wise housekeeper who brings order, warmth, and joy into their chaotic household. As she manages the boys with charm and discipline, Mrs. Miracle also plays matchmaker, guiding Seth toward healing and love during the Christmas season. This feel-good film explores themes of family, redemption, and the magic of Christmas, making it perfect for festive family gatherings.
27. Demolition (2015)
This thought-provoking drama follows Davis, an investment banker struggling with grief after his wife’s sudden death in a car accident. Davis channels his emotions into dismantling his life, both figuratively and literally, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery. His unlikely connection with Karen, a customer service representative, helps him confront his pain and find hope again. With its melancholic and philosophical tone, Demolition offers a raw and introspective look at grief, mental health, and rebuilding one’s life.
28. The Student and Mister Henri (2015)
A heartwarming French comedy-drama about a grumpy widower, Monsieur Henri, who rents a room to a young student at his son’s suggestion. The unlikely pairing leads to unexpected friendships, personal growth, and resolution of family conflicts. The movie beautifully balances humor and sentiment while exploring themes of intergenerational bonding and life after loss.
Relevance: Highly relevant, with widower themes at the forefront of the narrative.
29. Dear Viola (2014)
- Style: Sentimental and lighthearted with an emotional touch.
- Plot: Centers on advice-giving, hidden identities, and romance in a small-town setting.
- Widower Angle: The widower aspect is present but not the main focus. It complements the narrative of community relationships and budding love.
Relevance: Relevant, especially for those interested in light romance involving widower themes.
30. The Wishing Tree (2012)
Professor Evan Farnsworth, a widower and dedicated teacher, spends Christmas mentoring students left behind at a boarding school. The film follows his efforts to inspire them to believe in themselves and chase their dreams, all while grappling with his own grief. A heartwarming tale, The Wishing Tree celebrates the transformative power of compassion, mentorship, and the holiday spirit, underscored by themes of healing and renewal.
31. Christmas Getaway (2017)
- Style: Romantic and feel-good holiday story.
- Plot: Features a widower with a daughter finding love and meaning during the Christmas season. Themes of single parenthood, family values, and the magic of new beginnings stand out.
- Widower Angle: Integral to the story, as it drives the romantic and emotional arcs.
Relevance: Highly relevant, with the widower dynamic as a key element.
32. Cake (2014)
This drama offers a raw portrayal of Claire Bennett, a woman grappling with chronic pain and unresolved grief after a traumatic accident.
When a fellow support group member dies by suicide, Claire’s obsession with the woman’s widower provides an unflinching look at depression, mental illness, and addiction.
With a deeply emotional and introspective approach, Cake examines the complexities of healing and human connection. Jennifer Aniston’s transformative performance anchors the film, making it a powerful yet heart-wrenching narrative.
33. Wild About Harry (2009)
Set in 1973 Cape Cod, this coming-of-age family drama follows widower Harry Goodhart and his teenage daughters as they navigate life after loss. The plot thickens when Harry’s closeted homosexuality becomes a focal point, challenging societal norms and his daughters’ understanding of their father. The film sensitively portrays family dynamics, acceptance, and the struggle for authenticity in a time of rigid social expectations.
34. Just to Be Sure (2017)
This French comedy-drama follows Erwan, a widower and de-mining expert, whose life turns upside down when he learns the man who raised him is not his biological father. His search for his real parent uncovers unexpected truths, including romantic complications with a woman connected to his past. With its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, the film explores themes of identity, family, and self-discovery, delivering a thoughtful and captivating narrative.
35. The Final Journey (2017)
This German road movie delves into the emotional journey of Eduard, a former Wehrmacht officer who embarks on a train trip with his granddaughter to Ukraine. His mission: to find a woman he once loved during World War II. The story weaves together past and present, tackling themes of love, regret, and reconciliation. With a backdrop of historical trauma, the film offers a poignant exploration of family ties, generational understanding, and confronting one’s past.
36. The Matchmakers (2023)
- Style: Romantic comedy set in the Joseon Dynasty.
- Plot: Follows the humorous and heartfelt journey of a widow and a widower helping others find love while navigating their own connection.
- Widower Angle: Central to the plot, showcasing both historical and emotional depth.
Relevance: Highly relevant, focusing on widower relationships and matchmaking in a historical setting.
37. Black or White (2014)
- Style: Touching and compassionate family drama.
- Plot: A grieving widower is at the center of a custody battle over his granddaughter, exploring racial and cultural themes alongside personal struggles.
- Widower Angle: Core to the narrative, driving the emotional weight of the story.
38. Ma Ma (2015)
- Style: Sincere, touching, and occasionally melancholic.
- Plot: While the story focuses on a woman battling cancer, the widower dynamic is part of the supporting narrative that adds emotional complexity.
- Widower Angle: Present but secondary to the protagonist’s personal journey
39. The Bachelors (2017)
- Style: Light, touching, feel-good, with romantic comedy elements.
- Plot: A widower and his son rebuild their lives after moving, finding love and purpose through relationships with two women. Themes of grief, personal growth, and family are central.
- Widower Angle: Integral, focusing on both the father’s and son’s emotional recovery and adaptation.
Relevance: Highly relevant, as widower themes and family dynamics drive the narrative.
40. Armored (2019)
- Style: Suspenseful and intense.
- Plot: A widower grapples with guilt and depression following the loss of his wife and daughter in a tragic accident, leading to a transformative journey.
- Widower Angle: Central, exploring grief, guilt, and coping mechanisms.
Relevance: Highly relevant, particularly for its deep dive into a widower’s struggle with loss and redemption.
41. Da 5 Bloods (2020)
- Style: Inspirational, historical, and dramatic.
- Plot: Four Vietnam veterans, including a widower, return to Vietnam for closure and treasure. Themes of PTSD, camaraderie, and the effects of war are explored.
- Widower Angle: Present but not central; the widower aspect is part of a larger ensemble narrative.
42. Louder Than Bombs (2015)
- Style: Sincere, melancholic, and touching.
- Plot: A widower navigates parenting his teenage son while coping with grief, triggered by an exhibition of his late wife’s work. Themes of family, loss, and reconciliation are explored.
- Widower Angle: Core to the story, focusing on the emotional aftermath of the wife’s death.
43. Judas Goat (2014)
- Style: Gothic, psychological, and disturbing.
- Plot: A dark exploration of urban myths and monsters, seen through the lens of their human servants, including a widower grappling with depression and supernatural elements.
- Widower Angle: Present, but the focus is more on horror and fantasy than widower themes.
44. Bleach (2018)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Plot: Follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student with supernatural abilities, who navigates a world of ghosts and soul reapers.
- Widower Connection: Although the protagonist’s mother is deceased, the widower theme isn’t central to the storyline but rather part of the background.
- Relevance: Not relevant. The widower angle is minimal and overshadowed by supernatural action elements.
45. The Equalizer 2 (2018)
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
- Plot: A vigilante delivers justice while protecting those he cares about, delving deeper into personal stakes.
- Widower Connection: While not explicitly centered on a widower, themes of loss and vengeance resonate, albeit indirectly.
- Relevance: Moderately relevant. The film deals with loss and redemption but doesn’t focus on a widower’s journey.
46. Harvest Moon (2015)
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
- Plot: A city girl adapts to country life to save her family’s pumpkin farm, encountering a widower along the way.
- Widower Connection: The widower aspect plays a key role in the romantic subplot, blending personal transformation and relationships.
- Relevance: Highly relevant, as the widower dynamic is crucial to the story’s emotional and romantic depth.
47. Dean (2016)
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Plot: A man struggles with grief and personal change after his mother’s death.
- Widower Connection: While grief and loss are major themes, the widower angle isn’t the primary focus.
- Relevance: Not relevant. The storyline focuses more on a son coping with his mother’s death rather than a widower’s journey.
48. The Water Diviner (2014)
- Genre: Drama, History, War
- Plot: A grieving father searches for his sons in post-WWI Turkey, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and healing.
- Widower Connection: As a widower, the protagonist’s grief and quest for closure are pivotal.
- Relevance: Highly relevant, with widower themes intricately woven into the narrative.
49. Dying Eye (2019)
- Genre: Mystery
- Plot: A bartender with memory loss unravels his role in a mysterious death.
- Widower Connection: The widower aspect is minor and secondary to the mystery.
- Relevance: Not relevant, as the widower theme doesn’t significantly drive the story.
50. The Butterfly Tree (2017)
- Genre: Drama
- Plot: A single father and his son confront old wounds and romantic competition after the mother’s death.
- Widower Connection: The father’s status as a widower is central to the narrative, impacting relationships and emotions.
- Relevance: Highly relevant, with widower themes at the heart of the story.
51. Heart Parade (2022)
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Plot: A career-focused woman falls for a widower and his son while on a professional trip.
- Widower Connection: The widower dynamic is central to the romantic and family elements of the plot.
- Relevance: Highly relevant, as it revolves around the widower’s family and relationships.
52. The Bad Seed (2018)
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
- Plot: A widower faces a shocking revelation about his daughter’s dark side.
- Widower Connection: The protagonist’s widower status significantly affects the storyline and his parental struggles.
- Relevance: Highly relevant, with the widower dynamic driving the narrative tension.
53. Acts of Vengeance (2017)
- Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
- Plot: A man seeks justice for his wife and daughter’s murder.
- Widower Connection: The protagonist’s grief and pursuit of vengeance as a widower are central.
- Relevance: Highly relevant, with widower themes underpinning the entire story.
54. Voice from the Stone (2017)
- Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Plot: A nurse helps a mute boy whose mother recently passed away, uncovering dark secrets.
- Widower Connection: The widower dynamic is subtle, serving as a background rather than the focus.
- Relevance: Moderately relevant, as widower themes are present but not dominant.
55. Out Stealing Horses (2019)
- Genre: Drama, Mystery
- Plot: A widower reflects on his past, grappling with grief and memory.
- Widower Connection: The widower aspect is central to the emotional depth and themes of loss and introspection.
- Relevance: Highly relevant, with the widower journey being a significant theme.
56. Moving On (2022)
- Genre: Comedy
- Plot: Two friends seek revenge on a widower who wronged them in the past.
- Widower Connection: The widower serves as a key plot point, though not explored deeply.
- Relevance: Moderately relevant, as the widower aspect is a backdrop for the revenge plot.
57. Upgrade (2018)
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Plot: A man avenges his wife’s murder using advanced AI.
- Widower Connection: Grief over his wife’s death drives the protagonist’s actions, but the focus is on sci-fi and revenge.
- Relevance: Moderately relevant, with widower themes influencing but not dominating the story.
58. Yonder (2022)
- Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
- Plot: A grieving widower explores a mysterious realm to reconnect with his late wife.
- Widower Connection: The widower’s grief and longing are central to the story.
- Relevance: Highly relevant, as it deeply explores a widower’s emotional and spiritual journey.
Conclusion
Movies about widowers explore some of the most complex emotional terrains—grief, healing, and the courage to move forward after a profound loss.
From overcoming heartbreak to navigating the challenges of single parenthood, these films offer raw and moving portrayals of what it means to live through loss and rediscover purpose.
The stories we’ve shared provide a glimpse into the strength and resilience of widowers, each dealing with their own personal journey of sorrow and recovery.
Now that you’ve gone through these summaries, it’s time to pick the one that resonates with you the most. Search for the movie titles on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Disney+ to dive deeper into these captivating narratives. You might just find the perfect story to watch next!
Lastly, we’d love to hear from you! Is there a widower character—whether from a movie, TV show, or even real life—that you think should have been included in this list? Drop their name in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
