Friendship Day 2023: 10 onscreen mother-daughter duos who always had each other's backs

These moms aren't ordinary, they're uber-cool! Shows like Gilmore Girls and Schitt’s Creek have showcased memorable mother-daughter pairs. Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, are among the most iconic. After seven seasons (2000-2007), they made a seamless comeback in Netflix's 2016 revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life - it was like they had never left, either the screen or our hearts. The visual medium is a great space to explore the complexities of family, love and intergenerationality - whether it be a loving or even a strained, flawed dynamic. Take a look at these ten unforgettable mother-daughter duos who were as much friends as they were family -

Updated On: 2023-07-26 06:49 PM IST

Compiled by : Harshita Kale

Stills from Gilmore Girls (L) and Schitt's Creek (R)

Lorelai and Rory in Gilmore Girls

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore are the OG mother-daughter duo! Lorelai Gilmore is born into a wealthy household, but her rebellious streak is at odds with the rules of the prim and proper Gilmores. Lorelai finds this life pretentious, and runs away with her daughter, Rory to neighbouring small town, Stars Hollow after getting pregnant at 16

The show follows the grown-up mother and daughter as they lead their lives in the quaint town. More friends than mother and daughter, Lorelai gives Rory the life she couldn't have - including her love for coffee, junk food, eclectic music tastes and most importantly her quick tongue and free spirit. As Rory says during her graduation valedictorian speech, "My mother, the dazzling woman who gave me her life's blood and name - she filled out house with love, laughter, books and music - I would not be who I am without her." Through their fights and flaws, Lorelai and Rory's bond will move you to tears - we know it did for us

Jane and Xiomara Villanueva in Jane the Virgin

Jane Villanueva's life is turned upside down when she is accidentally artificially inseminated. The most ironic part? She's a virgin! After all her plans come to a standstill, Jane's mother is her true pillar of support as the young writer navigates heartbreak, a pregnancy, work drama and villains in this heartfelt, entertaining telenovela

The girl power continues - Jane and Xiomara are further bolstered by Abuela - the wise grandmother and matriarch of the house. Their friendship and their unwavering love through fights, family drama and illness is definitely one to watch

Masaba and Neena Gupta in Masaba Masaba 

Masaba Masaba, a series based on real-life moments from fashion designer Masaba Gupta and her actress mother Neena Gupta's lives, beautifully explores the dynamics of their mother-daughter relationship

The show's highlights include the endearing banter and bickering between the duo and their unwavering mutual affection and support. The show is a true celebration of the love and friendship between mother and daughter

Sophie and Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia

The arrival of her daughter transformed the world for independent-minded Donna. Sophie deeply trusts her mother, who remains her guiding force through major life choices, even after she's gone

The relationship between Sophie and Donna Sheridan is a central element that gives the story its emotional core. Despite their generational differences, they share a deep, loving bond that transcends the traditional mother-daughter dynamic and extends into the realm of friendship. Donna, a spirited single mother, has raised Sophie on her own on a Greek island. Donna's guidance plays a crucial role in her life decisions, as seen in the storyline where Sophie seeks her mother's advice and support when planning her wedding

Mili and Manju in Khoobsurat

Mili and Manju share a rather eccentric bond, but like the unusual nature of the film itself. Mili is a vivacious physiotherapist in the film. Her no-nonsense loud Punjabi mother always has her back no matter what. She lets Mili call her by her name, dispenses crucial pieces of advice on everything from how to deal with the royals and also untangle her love life

After she was a Gilmore girl, Graham was a Braverman, who moved into her parents’ guesthouse with her two kids after a tumultuous split with her partner

Sarah, a single mother, has to face her own challenges while navigating her personal and professional life. She's a loving and supportive mother, but makes mistakes along the way - making her all the more relatable and endearing. Amber is presented as a rebellious teenager in the earlier seasons, often causing worry and stress for Sarah. Their relationship goes through its ups and downs, including moments of tension, disagreement, and misunderstanding. However, these two never give up on each other, which is what makes their relationship special. Lauren Graham is born to play great mothers on-screen!

Katherine and Carol Wendelson in 'Great News'

This NBC show was short-lived, but in just two seasons, viewers fell in love with the quirky and memorable Wendelson women

The story revolves around Katie Wendelson, played by Briga Heelan, an ambitious news producer at 'The Breakdown," a fictional news show'. Her mother, Carol (played by Andrea Martin), decides to follow her dreams and lands an internship at Katie's news station, much to Katie's initial dismay. The show is noted for its witty dialogue, strong female characters, and the hilariously complicated but memorable relationship between Katie and Carol. Throughout its short run, "Great News" provides a fun and humorous commentary on the generational gaps and challenges in the workplace

Alexis and Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek

The transition to Schitt's Creek was challenging for the affluent Rose family, yet their adversity fostered unity. Alexis and Moira, each quirky, often disagree, but remain each other's staunchest supporters

Alexis is a happy-go-lucky, slightly eclectic girl (but endearingly so), while Moira is an unconventional mother in her own right, who designed the nursery to be in the opposite wing of the house! Yet, these two unerringly support each other and care for each other in their own ways

Lydia, played by Rita Moreno, is a vibrant and traditional Cuban grandmother who often contrasts with the more modern and independent Penelope. Their differing views on various topics often lead to humorous and heartwarming moments in the series. Despite their differences, both characters share a deep respect and love for each other - each woman's guidance and fierceness become a lighthouse for the other

Anna Coleman and Tess Coleman in 'Freaky Friday'

Anna and Tess Coleman are a mother-daughter duo who experience a lot of conflict and misunderstandings - Anna believes Tess is too controlling, while the latter believes that her daughter is rebellious, irresponsible and must be kept on a tight reign

Due to a mystical fortune cookie, they switch bodies and are forced to live each other's lives. This leads to many comedic situations as each struggles to navigate the other's life - but they also gain understanding, compassion and empathy for the other because of this experience

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