10 Movies That Make You Want to Go Home, Presenting Meaningful Family Stories

Kapanlagi.com - The longing for home and family often becomes an eternal theme that touches the hearts of many. This is also portrayed in various cinematic works, presenting meaningful stories that often make viewers want to return home. Through film, we are invited to explore various dramas that stir emotions, reminding us of the value of family bonds and our place of origin.

This article summarizes 10 movies that make you want to go home. This lineup of films presents a unique perspective on the meaning of homecoming, ranging from personal dilemmas, parental struggles, to the search for identity.

1. Others May Disappear as Long as You Don't (2026)

Film Others May Disappear as Long as You Don't/Photo: imdb.com

The drama film titled "Others May Disappear as Long as You Don't" has officially premiered in cinemas across Indonesia starting May 13, 2026. This work tells the dilemma of a student named Kesha, played by Yasmin Napper. She must choose between pursuing her dream of continuing her education abroad or returning home to take care of her mother, Yuke Yolanda (Lulu Tobing), who is beginning to experience memory loss due to Alzheimer's.

This film highlights the importance of family roles, especially husbands and children, in supporting and being the guardians of memories for sick family members. In addition to Yasmin Napper and Lulu Tobing, this film also stars Ibnu Jamil as Mr. Aldo, Yuke Yolanda's husband.

2. Don't Abandon Mom (2026)

Film Don't Throw Away Mom/Photo: imdb.com

The film "Don't Abandon Mom," which premiered on June 25, 2026, raises the story of the struggles and sadness of parents in old age. This film depicts the condition when parents start to fall ill, while their children are busy with life away from home.

This story is very emotional and serves as a valuable reminder to take the time to visit parents. The film features a lineup of famous actors such as Nirina Zubir as Ristiana, Refal Hady as Tama, Amanda Manopo as Dewi, Basmalah Gralind, and Saputra Kori as Tria.

3. Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens (2021)

Film Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens/Photo: imdb.com

Released on June 17, 2021, on Netflix, the film "Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens" tells the story of Ali (Iqbaal Ramadhan), a 19-year-old teenager who goes to New York to find his mother (Marissa Anita). His mother left him when he was young to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. In Queens, Ali meets four female immigrants from Indonesia, Party (Nirina Zubir), Biyah (Asri Welas), Ance (Tika Panggabean), and Chinta (Happy Salma), who still deeply miss their hometown. Through the warmth they provide, Ali and the audience are invited to understand that longing for home and family can arise anywhere, even in a city as far away as New York. The film also stars Aurora Ribero and Ibnu Jamil.

4. Homecoming (2020)

Film Mudik/Photo: imdb.com

The film "Mudik," which premiered on August 28, 2020, on Mola TV, tells the story of a married couple, Firman (Ibnu Jamil) and Aida (Putri Ayudya), who are experiencing marital conflict. They decide to return to their hometown in Yogyakarta just before Eid.

In the midst of their journey, an accident they encounter opens old wounds and leads them on a spiritual journey to rediscover the meaning of home, both literally and emotionally. This 90-minute film is directed by Adriyanto Dewo and also stars Asmara Abigail as Santi and Yoga Pratama.

5. Later We Will Tell Stories About Today (2020)

Film Nanti Kita Cerita Tentang Hari Ini / Photo: imdb.com

The film "Later We Will Tell Stories About Today" (NKCTHI) premiered on January 2, 2020. The story centers on three siblings, Angkasa (Rio Dewanto), Aurora (Sheila Dara), and Awan (Rachel Amanda), who grow up in a seemingly happy family. However, after Awan experiences a major failure and meets a new figure in her life, secrets and traumas that their family has kept hidden begin to unravel.

This film shows that home is not just a physical place to return to, but also a place for honesty and openness. In addition to the main cast, the film is supported by Donny Damara, Susan Bachtiar, and Ardhito Pramono as Kale.

6. The Farewell (2019)

Film The Farewell / Photo: imdb.com

Released on July 12, 2019, the film "The Farewell" stars Awkwafina as Billi Wang, Tzi Ma as Haiyan Wang, Diana Lin as Jian Lu, and Zhao Shuzhen as Nai Nai. The film tells the story of Billi, a Chinese-American woman, who returns to her family's hometown in Changchun, China, after learning that her grandmother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

In order to keep the grandmother's hopes alive, the entire extended family agrees to keep the diagnosis a secret and holds a spontaneous wedding as an excuse to gather. The film depicts the complexities of family love when it must be wrapped in lies for the sake of the greater good.

7. Keluarga Cemara (2019)

Cemara Family Film/Photo: imdb.com

"Keluarga Cemara" premiered on January 3, 2019, in theaters. This film tells the story of Abah (Ringgo Agus Rahman) and his family after moving to his childhood home in a remote village in West Java. This move occurs after their home and all their belongings are seized to pay off the debts of his brother-in-law's company.

In this hometown, the family rediscovers warmth and learns that the most valuable treasure is not wealth, but family togetherness. In addition to Ringgo Agus Rahman, the film also stars Nirina Zubir as Emak, Zara JKT48 as Euis, and Widuri Puteri Sasono as Cemara.

8. Running to the Beach (2018)

Running to the Beach Film/Photo: imdb.com

The film "Running to the Beach" premiered on June 28, 2018. This film tells the story of Sam (Maisha Kanna), a beach child from Rote-NTT, and her mother, Uci (Marsha Timothy), who embark on a road trip from Jakarta to Banyuwangi to meet Sam's idol surfer. The journey, which was supposed to be just the two of them, becomes full of challenges when Sam's cousin, Happy (Lil'li Latisha), joins them. Along the way, they grow closer to family and discover more about the beauty of Indonesia. This film also stars Ibnu Jamil and Karina Suwandi as Kirana, Happy's mother.

9. Little Forest (2018)

Film Little Forest/Photo: mydramalist.com

The South Korean film "Little Forest," released on February 28, 2018, tells the story of Hye-won (Kim Tae-ri) who is tired of life in the big city after failing to pass the teacher certification exam. She then decides to return to her hometown. There, Hye-won heals her emotional wounds through time spent with an old friend, nature, and simple dishes made from her own garden.

This film has become one of the most popular films that makes people want to return to their hometown in Asia because it successfully captures the warmth and tranquility of life in the countryside through simple activities like cooking and gardening. In addition to Kim Tae-ri, the film also stars Ryu Jun-yeol as Lee Jae-ha, Moon So-ri as Hye-won's mother, and Jin Ki-joo as Joo Eun-sook.

10. Saturday with Father (2016)

Saturday Together with Father Movie/Photo: imdb.com

The film "Saturday with Father" premiered on July 5, 2016. The story centers around Gunawan (Abimana Aryasatya) who, before passing away due to illness, leaves behind a video recording containing life messages for his wife (Itje, played by Ira Wibowo) and his two children, Satya and Cakra. This recording is watched every Saturday. Years later, the messages continue to guide them in their household and careers, serving as a reminder of how important family is, even in absence.

This film illustrates the significance of family and the legacy of love from a father that continues to guide his children through life messages. Other cast members include Arifin Putra as adult Satya, Deva Mahenra as adult Cakra, Acha Septriasa as Rissa, Ernest Prakasa, and Sheila Dara Aisha.

11. Questions and Answers About Movies That Make You Want to Go Home

What is the main theme often raised in movies that make you want to go home?
The main theme often raised is the longing for home, family, and cultural roots, as well as the emotional journey to rediscover the meaning of togetherness and self-identity.

Which movie highlights the dilemma between pursuing personal dreams and family responsibilities?
The film "Yang Lain Boleh Hilang Asal Kau Jangan" (2026) highlights the dilemma of a female student who must choose between continuing her education abroad or returning home to care for her mother.

How does the movie "Mudik" (2020) depict the meaning of going home?
The movie "Mudik" depicts going home as a spiritual journey that opens old wounds and guides a married couple to rediscover the meaning of home, both literally and spiritually, amidst domestic conflicts.

What perspective does the South Korean film "Little Forest" (2018) offer about going home?
"Little Forest" offers a perspective on finding peace and healing inner wounds in the village through connection with nature, friends, and simple cooking, after being weary of city life.

(kpl/nti)