They say there's nothing stronger than maternal instinct — mums will do anything to keep their kids happy and safe.
But in Hollywood, this could mean anything from destroying your enemies to fleeing a psychopathic killer — or even rescuing 101 Dalmatians!
With Mother's Day around the corner, we've taken a look at some of the most kick-ass mothers from the movie world.
1. Sarah Connor in Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Not even shape-shifting killer robots from the future can stop this mother from protecting her son. Gun-toting Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) raises her son John to take his role as leader of the human resistance against Skynet, escapes a mental hospital, and teams up with The Terminator to save her son — and the future of mankind.
2. Erin Brockovich
Being broke, desperate and a single mother to three children would test most women, and understandably so. But Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) demands respect in a world that's shown her none, and goes the extra mile to provide for her children and stand up for the little man in a world of corporate giants.
3. Florence 'Rusty' Dennis in Mask
While Florence 'Rusty' Dennis may have her own dramas to deal with in 1985 film Mask, she's determined to make life as normal as possible for her son Rocky, who was born with a skull deformity. Sure, she did not always make the right decisions — but her love for her son and her fight to give him a life free from prejudice was inspiring.
4. Perdita in 101 Dalmatians
What do you do when an evil fashion designer steals your newborn puppies to turn them into a fur coat? Jolly well rescue them, that's what. Frustrated by the lack of police progress in the search for her 15 children, Perdita sets off into the night with Pongo to find her puppies. And when she discovers 15 has become 99, she doesn't hesitate in becoming mum to the others too. Take that Cruella.
5. Beatrix 'Black Mamba' Kiddo in Kill Bill
This mum is the definition of a kick-ass mother, spending two films destroying her enemies and seeking revenge before rescuing her daughter B.B from assassin Bill — who is actually B.B's father, but kind of blotted his copybook after shooting Beatrix's fiance and loved ones dead). Don't mess with a former Deadly Viper member when it comes to revenge — and her daughter.
6. Tess Coleman in Freaky Friday
What better way to deal with mother and teenage daughter drama than walk a mile in each other's shoes. Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) may be appalled to find herself in her daughter Anna's (Lindsay Lohan) body at first (well, wouldn't you be?!) but after spending some time living the teenage life, she uses the body swap to help both her daughter and their relationship. (Plus, who wouldn't want Jamie Lee Curtis as a mum!)
7. Helen Parr/Elastigirl in The Incredibles
Pick up the kids from school, do the laundy, make dinner, save the world. All in a day's work for The Incredibles' Helen Parr, whose alter ego Elastigirl makes her one of the most kick ass mothers on this list. After he's captured by the evil Syndrome, it's Helen who has to save her husband Bob (Mr Incredible) — then teams up with the whole family to defeat the bad guys and save the city. Supermum indeed.
8. Mollie in Look Who's Talking & Look Who's Talking Too
Rocking single parenthood, a demanding career and some fabulous eighties fashions, Mollie from the Look Who's Talking films is a matriarch not to be messed with. Despite the fact that her entire life falls apart just before she gives birth to baby Mikey, she throws herself into motherhood and will only accept the best when it comes to daddy figures for her child.
9. Wendy Torrance in The Shining
Wendy Torrance (Shelley Duvall) may spend most of The Shining either screaming in terror or giving her husband Jack (Jack Nicholson) puppy dog eyes, but when the going gets tough, mother bear instincts kick in and her only focus is to save her son Danny and escape from her crazed husband. Wendy and Danny flee into the hedge maze and eventually escape the snowy nightmare — Jack's freezes to death. Good work, mum.
10. Stifler's Mom in American Pie
OK, so she's hardly mother of the year, but Stifler's Mom (Jennifer Coolidge) makes the list for being a 'cool mum'. She lets the kids use her home for their graduation party, makes herself scarce, and even makes Finch's dreams come true with an unexpected basement rendezvous. We'll never forget Stifler's face when he realises what's gone on.
11. Molly Weasley in the Harry Potter series
Molly Weasley (Julie Walters) is a no-nonsense mum — she'll do anything for her brood of seven, but if they step out of line, you can bet there's a Howler on the way to them. Molly won the hearts of Potter fans with her terrible knitted jumpers and her motherly relationship with Harry, but her defining moment as a kick-ass mum came during the Battle of Hiogwarts in the final Harry Potter film. Defending her daughter Ginny, Molly takes on the terrifying Bellatrix Lestrange in a duel to the death — and wins. Go Molly.
Who is your favourite move mother? Have we missed anyone off this list?
Let us know in the comments below.
Are you ready for Mother's Day? Here's 10 easy DIY gift ideas to treat your kick-ass mum!
