The arrival of a nanny in a home provides endless inspiration for screenwriters, leading to family comedies, chilling horror films, and even action movies. We’ve compiled a list of 7 classic films about nannies that are truly worth your attention.
Content
- Chanson douce
- Mary Poppins
- Twin Sitters
- Mary Poppins Returns
- Mrs. Doubtfire
- Nanny McPhee
- The Pacifier
Chanson douce
IMDb: 6.0/10
2019, Crime, Drama
France, PG-13
Director: Lucie Borleteau
Top cast: Karin Viard, Leïla Bekhti, Antoine Reinartz
Finding a good nanny for children is no easy task. Miriam knows this well, but after the birth of her second child, she is determined to return to work. After a long and exhausting search, she finally finds the perfect candidate—a middle-aged Frenchwoman named Louise. Louise has an excellent resume, impeccable manners, and a remarkable talent for connecting with even the most difficult children. On the surface, the new nanny seems kind and attentive, so the parents don’t notice anything unusual about her behavior. However, their five-year-old daughter almost immediately begins to suspect something is wrong. The plot of ‘Chanson douce’ is based on Leïla Slimani’s book. Director Lucie Borleteau has skillfully adapted the novel for the big screen.
Mary Poppins
IMDb: 7.8/10
1964, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical
USA, G
Director: Robert Stevenson
Top cast: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson
Mary Poppins’ is a beloved family fairy tale produced by Disney in 1964, based on the literary series by P. L. Travers. The action takes place in the rich Banks' family estate. The father, George, spends at the bank, and his wife, Winifred, at suffragette meetings. They prefer to leave the care of their children to a nanny. They prefer to leave their children in the hands of a nanny for treatment. But even the best nannies in London can’t manage Jane and Michael. Everything changes when a new nanny called Mary Poppins comes to the Banks' home.
Twin Sitters
IMDb: 6.7/10
1994, Comedy, Family, Thriller
USA, PG-13
Director: John Paragon
Top cast: Peter Paul, David Paul, Christian Cousins
Any person who grew up in the late 1990s remembers ‘Twin Sitters’. The film is about two bodybuilder nannies who are supposedly in charge of a set of evil twins. What starts as a comic film turns out to be quite serious with the owner of a big corporation who has been getting death threats from an unknown person. He hires the services of two fearless bodybuilders to protect his two nephews. Even these robust fellows have a hard time keeping up with the two little scallywags.The situation escalates when the mysterious blackmailers move from threats to action and kidnap the children.
Mary Poppins Returns
IMDb: 6.7/10
2018, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical
USA, UK, Denmark, Australia, Canada, India, PG
Director: Rob Marshall
Top cast: Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw
Mary Poppins Returns’ is the sequel to the legendary hit by Robert Stevenson mentioned earlier. The plot takes place during the Great Depression. Because of the economic crisis, the citizens, even the wealthy ones, are facing severe money shortages and drowning in debt. Michael Banksworks at some nasty job for a very small salary. Recently, he lost his wife and remained all alone raising two children. Struggling with the responsibilities of parenthood, the widower turns to the perfect nanny from his childhood for help.
Mrs. Doubtfire
IMDb: 7.1/10
1993, Comedy, Drama USA, PG-13
Director: Chris Columbus
Top cast: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
Mrs. Doubtfire’ is a Hollywood comedy that has charmed audiences worldwide. It features the standout performances of Robin Williams, who masterfully captures the mannerisms, walk, gestures, and speech of an elderly woman. The story centers on Daniel Hillard, a fun-loving man who lives for the moment. After losing yet another job, his wife, Miranda, files for divorce. To make matters worse, the court strips him of custody of his three beloved children, with whom he used to spend all free time. Determined not to be separated from his kids, Daniel embarks on a daring adventure. Using makeup and his acting skills, he transforms himself into an elderly woman named Mrs. Doubtfire. He then gets hired as a caregiver in his former wife’s home.
Nanny McPhee
IMDb: 6.7/10
2005, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
UK, USA, France, PG
Director: Kirk Jones
Top cast: Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury
Nanny McPhee’ is based on the children’s book series and adapted by Christianna Brand by Emma Thompson, who also stars in the lead role. The story revolves around Cedric Brown, a dedicated family man and an incurable workaholic who is always at work. When his beloved wife passes away, Cedric finds himself in a difficult situation, raising seven unruly children who need constant supervision. Cedric tries to find a caring nanny, but none can handle the kids. However, when a scruffy woman appears at the Browns' doorstep, everything changes. The kids are sure they can send her packing, but this eighteenth nanny proves to be a tough nut to crack.
The Pacifier
IMDb: 5.6/10
2005, Action, Comedy, Drama, Family
USA, PG
Director: Adam Shankman
Top cast: Vin Diesel, Brittany Snow, Max Thieriot
An unflappable action hero takes on a comedic role as Vin Diesel becomes a babysitter. During the storyline, Shane Wolfe, is a former Marine who has served in some of the most dangerous parts of the world. He can handle an entire armed squad single-handedly, but this time he must manage the five children of a kidnapped scientist. What seems like an easy task turns out to be quite challenging. ‘The Pacifier’ is a simple and predictable film, but it effectively fulfills its entertainment purpose.
