25 Essential Movies About Pregnancy to Watch at Every Stage
Discover 25 movies about pregnancy—spanning laugh-out-loud comedies, heartfelt dramas, and eye-opening documentaries—for every mood and trimester.
There’s something universally compelling about stories of pregnancy on film. Whether you’re looking for side-splitting laughs, emotional resonance, or simply curious about the range of pregnancy experiences depicted on screen, this list of 25 movies about pregnancy covers all bases. From outrageous comedies to spine-chilling thrillers and insightful documentaries, these films explore the joys, fears, challenges, and surprises inherent in the journey to parenthood.
- Knocked Up (2007)
- Juno (2007)
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012)
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
- Junior (1994)
- Baby Mama (2008)
- The Business of Being Born (2008)
- Waitress (2007)
- The Object of My Affection (1998)
- Nine Months (1995)
- 40 Weeks (2014)
- Tully (2018)
- The Back-up Plan (2010)
- The Beginning of Life (2016)
- Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016)
- Angie (1994)
- Fools Rush In (1997)
- Junebug (2005)
- For Keeps (1988)
- She’s Having a Baby (1988)
- Babies (2010)
- Swallow (2019)
- Look Who’s Talking (1989)
- Boss Baby (2017)
- Pieces of a Woman (2020)
1. Knocked Up (2007)
Run time: 133 minutes
This wild comedy follows Alison, an ambitious reporter, and Ben, a carefree slacker, who face an unexpected pregnancy after a one-night stand. Their awkward attempts to prepare for parenthood result in countless laughs, heartfelt moments, and a surprisingly authentic portrayal of what it means to grow up—fast. Ideal for: Anyone seeking both humor and touching realism about the chaos of new beginnings.
2. Juno (2007)
Run time: 96 minutes
Lauded for its witty screenplay and unconventional lead character, this Oscar-winning film centers on Juno, a whip-smart teen who navigates pregnancy with equal parts sarcasm and sincerity. Her search for adoptive parents is filled with both comic mishaps and tender wisdom. Ideal for: Teens, families, and anyone loving offbeat coming-of-age stories.
3. What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012)
Run time: 110 minutes
Inspired by the bestselling guidebook, this ensemble comedy follows five couples as they prepare for their babies. The intersecting storylines showcase different approaches to pregnancy—planned and unplanned, biological and adoptive—with a dash of slapstick and plenty of relatable moments. Ideal for: Anyone looking for a lighthearted, star-studded comedy.
4. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Run time: 136 minutes
A true classic in the horror genre, this psychological thriller chronicles Rosemary’s increasing paranoia about the mysterious pregnancy growing inside her. With chilling atmosphere and iconic visuals, it explores fears about bodily autonomy and the unknown. Ideal for: Fans of horror, suspense, and psychological dramas.
5. Junior (1994)
Run time: 109 minutes
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito reunite in this madcap comedy about a fertility scientist who becomes pregnant after experimenting on himself. It’s an undeniably silly premise, but the gender-flipped story delivers unexpected laughs and charm. Ideal for: Comedy lovers—and anyone who’s ever wondered, “What if men got pregnant?”
6. Baby Mama (2008)
Run time: 99 minutes
High-powered businesswoman Kate (Tina Fey) hires free-spirited Angie (Amy Poehler) as her surrogate, only to find herself entangled in nonstop shenanigans. This comedy thrives on the chemistry between its two leads and pokes fun at modern fertility (mis)adventures. Ideal for: Fans of buddy comedies and anyone considering surrogacy.
7. The Business of Being Born (2008)
Run time: 87 minutes
This eye-opening documentary, produced by Ricki Lake, investigates childbirth in the U.S.—from hospital interventions to the benefits of midwives and home births. It’s an invaluable resource for parents-to-be, challenging conventional wisdom and exploring what’s truly best for baby and mother. Ideal for: Expectant parents and those interested in birth advocacy.
8. Waitress (2007)
Run time: 104 minutes
This beloved indie comedy follows a brilliant pie-maker whose unexpected pregnancy shakes up her already challenging life. As she navigates a difficult marriage and finds hope in new connections, the film delivers sweetness, wit, and a delicious dose of hope. Ideal for: Fans of quirky dramedy and foodies alike.
9. The Object of My Affection (1998)
Run time: 112 minutes
When Nina, newly pregnant, turns to her gay best friend for support, their unconventional living situation becomes complicated. This rom-com explores friendship, family, and love in unexpected forms. Ideal for: Viewers open to non-traditional relationship stories.
10. Nine Months (1995)
Run time: 106 minutes
This madcap comedy stars Hugh Grant as a man terrified of impending fatherhood. His journey from commitment-phobe to devoted dad is filled with classic ‘90s slapstick and heart. Ideal for: Couples facing (or fearing) big changes.
11. 40 Weeks (2014)
Run time: 111 minutes
This documentary provides a week-by-week account of real women’s experiences through pregnancy. With candid interviews and stunning visuals, it demystifies the ups and downs, reminding viewers that every journey to motherhood is unique. Ideal for: Those looking for real, unscripted stories.
12. Tully (2018)
Run time: 96 minutes
Charlize Theron stars as a mother overwhelmed by the demands of newborn care, until a mysterious night nanny brings relief (and revelations). The film offers a raw, unfiltered view of postpartum struggles and the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Ideal for: Parents—and anyone craving honest, modern storytelling about motherhood.
13. The Back-up Plan (2010)
Run time: 106 minutes
Jennifer Lopez shines as Zoe, a single woman who conceives twins via artificial insemination, only to meet Mr. Right on the same day. Comedy ensues as she navigates romantic and parental expectations. Ideal for: Rom-com fans, especially those facing surprise life changes.
14. The Beginning of Life (2016)
Run time: 96 minutes
Filmed across eight countries, this compelling documentary explores how early childhood environments impact mental and physical development. With science and warmth, it highlights the universal importance of nurturing care. Ideal for: Expectant parents and educators.
15. Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016)
Run time: 118 minutes
Everyone’s favorite singleton is back—now unexpectedly expecting. Bridget’s pregnancy brings back old flames, a classic love triangle, and plenty of British wit. Ideal for: Rom-com lovers and fans of the original series.
16. Angie (1994)
Run time: 107 minutes
Geena Davis plays Angie, a woman determined to carve her own path after learning she’s pregnant. The film balances comedy and sincerity in its celebration of self-discovery. Ideal for: Anyone facing crossroads or craving stories of female empowerment.
17. Fools Rush In (1997)
Run time: 109 minutes
This romantic comedy sees a whirlwind Vegas romance, a surprise pregnancy, and two very different cultures colliding. Can love bridge the gap between impulsive choices and responsible adulthood? Ideal for: Fans of culture-clash rom-coms and fresh starts.
18. Junebug (2005)
Run time: 107 minutes
This indie drama delicately portrays family, ambition, and the challenges of belonging as a big-city art dealer returns to her small-town roots, where her sister-in-law is expecting. Ideal for: Viewers who appreciate nuanced, character-driven storytelling.
19. For Keeps (1988)
Run time: 98 minutes
A heartfelt drama about teen pregnancy, starring Molly Ringwald as a high schooler whose future takes an unexpected turn. Its honest look at the joys and hardships of young parenthood is poignant and timeless. Ideal for: Teens, their parents, and 1980s cinema fans.
20. She’s Having a Baby (1988)
Run time: 106 minutes
This John Hughes comedy follows a newlywed couple’s bumpy road from first love to first baby, with all the anxieties and misunderstandings along the way. Ideal for: Newlyweds, and anyone preparing for big life changes.
21. Babies (2010)
Run time: 79 minutes
This globe-trotting documentary follows four babies from birth to first steps in Namibia, Japan, Mongolia, and the U.S., revealing both the universal and unique aspects of early life. Ideal for: New parents and anyone keen on anthropology and childhood development.
22. Swallow (2019)
Run time: 94 minutes
In this dark psychological thriller, a newly pregnant woman develops pica and begins swallowing dangerous objects. The film uses pregnancy as a lens for exploring control, autonomy, and the pressures of domestic life. Ideal for: Avid fans of psychological drama and unconventional storytelling.
23. Look Who’s Talking (1989)
Run time: 93 minutes
This classic comedy—with its famous talking baby voiceover (Bruce Willis)—follows single mom Mollie and her quest for love. Ideal for: Anyone needing a laugh, or looking for a lighthearted take on single parenthood.
24. Boss Baby (2017)
Run time: 97 minutes
This animated comedy might appeal more to kids, but adults will relate to its sly portrayal of babies ruling the house. Any parent will recognize the chaos and humor of new arrivals. Ideal for: Families and animation lovers alike.
25. Pieces of a Woman (2020)
Run time: 126 minutes
This gut-wrenching drama candidly chronicles the aftermath of a home birth gone tragically wrong, exploring grief, trauma, and the search for healing. Powerful performances and emotional honesty make it essential viewing. Ideal for: Mature audiences seeking raw drama.
Comparison Table: Pregnancy Movie Genres
| Movie | Genre | Notable Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Knocked Up | Comedy | Unplanned pregnancy, romance |
| Juno | Dramedy | Teen pregnancy, adoption |
| Rosemary’s Baby | Horror | Paranoia, bodily autonomy |
| Waitress | Drama/Comedy | Empowerment, escape |
| Baby Mama | Comedy | Surrogacy, friendship |
| The Business of Being Born | Documentary | |
| Swallow | Psychological Drama | Control, mental health |
| Bridget Jones’s Baby | Comedy | Love triangle, unexpected pregnancy |
| Pieces of a Woman | Drama | Grief, loss |
| Boss Baby | Animation | Family, sibling rivalry |
FAQs About Pregnancy Movies
What makes a movie about pregnancy so compelling?
Pregnancy movies highlight a time of emotional upheaval, growth, and transformation. They blend high stakes—physical, emotional, and relational—with universal questions about identity, readiness for parenthood, and the meanings of family, making them deeply resonant across audiences.
Are there pregnancy movies that show real experiences?
Absolutely. Documentaries like The Business of Being Born and 40 Weeks offer authentic snapshots of pregnancy and birth from a variety of perspectives, while films like Tully and Pieces of a Woman tackle postpartum life and loss with unsparing honesty.
Do any pregnancy movies focus on adoption or non-traditional families?
Yes. Juno centers on teenage pregnancy and the search for adoptive parents, while The Object of My Affection explores single parenthood with support from a non-romantic partner. These films broaden the lens beyond traditional narratives, reflecting the varied realities of modern families.
Are pregnancy movies suitable for all viewers?
While many are safe and suitable for all audiences—especially comedies and animated features—some dramas and thrillers (like Rosemary’s Baby or Pieces of a Woman) contain mature themes and may not be appropriate for younger or sensitive viewers. Always check content warnings and ratings before watching.
Which pregnancy movies are best for a group movie night?
- Knocked Up – Hilarious and relatable for a mixed-age crowd
- Juno – A witty, universally appealing comedy-drama
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting – Enjoyable ensemble cast
- Boss Baby – Fun for the whole family
- Baby Mama – Perfect for fans of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
Choosing the Right Pregnancy Movie for Your Mood
If you’re in need of laughter, try classics like Knocked Up, Nine Months, or Baby Mama. For more emotional, character-driven stories, check out Waitress, Tully, or Pieces of a Woman. Documentary fans will appreciate The Business of Being Born, Babies, or 40 Weeks. And for anyone wanting a good scare, Rosemary’s Baby delivers chills with a side of social commentary.
No matter your mood or where you are in life, these 25 movies about pregnancy promise empathy, laughter, and maybe even a few tears—perfect for your next movie night or quiet afternoon in.
