I kinda didn’t get much love during childhood, so I kinda get obsessed about it. I recently watched Spy x Family and holy hell, I get so jealous of the wholesomeness of their family dynamic, I cried. I need more of that.
You didn’t ask for a video game, but the first piece of media I thought of was, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2. They literally made me cry at some scenes because of how wholesome parts of them are. He kinda adopts a little girl, and starts an orphanage. There’s even a section of the game where you just walk around town holding her hand. Although the game has a lot of mature elements and is not entirely about this.
I can’t really think of many parent/child wholesome media, but Mr Rodgers is something I enjoy watching with my daughter.
Edit, I just remembered, I Love Lucy is pretty wholesome with a parent child relationship
Watch Bluey! It’s a kids show, but everyone should watch it.
Seconded.
Bluey is indeed wholesome!
I’ll admit that this does sound kind of like a joke suggestion, but I’m serious, after a hard day, sit down, suck up your pride and put an episode or two of Bluey on. It’s a warm blanket on a cold day.
I hope I didn’t come across as joking. Bluey models probably the most wholesome parent-child relationships on television. Yes it’s acted out by cartoon dogs; but the scenarios hit home.
I’m a father of two; watching (and often emulating) Bluey has absolutely made me a better parent. It’s not all “go 100% with your kids all the time”; sometimes it’s “we have to stop playing so I can go to work” or “mom and dad are tired, let’s play a game where we don’t have to leave the couch” or “it seems we’re spending too much time watching TV or screens, how do we reconnect to the real world”. Yes, the irony of a TV show covering that last topic isn’t lost on me :P
Yeah bluey is 100% a show anyone can watch and get something out of, I’ve cried watching it and I’m a 39 year old dude, good stories are good stories regardless of their target audience.
Long Story Short - it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, but a realistic family working to get by.
Modern Family - Antics of an extended family. Since it’s a comedy it’s usually pretty wholesome and each family unit brings something different to the table.
While there are definitely more out there, I figured these would be good suggestions as they really focus on family dynamics.
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity
It’s a new anime and it’s more focused on the kids, but the relationship the main has with his family is so good. Honestly all of the characters are just so darn good. They’re all so wholesome and just good.
Movie: instructions not included.
Nichijou! It’s wacky, funny, and out-of-the ordinary slice of life anime. Anyone can watch it.
We should setup a watch party thing around some kind of FOSS friendly deal. At a minimum we could watch and discuss for a day+ of open conversation. It might be fun?
PeerTube stream?
Sid the Science Kid
Addams family (Movies)
Malcolm in the Middle(dysfunctional, but deep down concern)
The Mummy (movies)
Usagi drop is an adorable movie.
Word of caution, do NOT read the original manga. It’s kind of infamous for the incredibly controversial direction the story goes in the second half, which the anime thankfully omits.
Awww, that’s disappointing. The anime seemed very wholesome and hit a lot of the challenges of parenting and just felt real. Definitely won’t ruin the experience with the manga then.
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It’s kinda mainstream, but I’ve enjoyed Modern Family quite a bit. Sure, there is some friction, but it all works out in the end, so perhaps that fits what you’re looking for.
Anime: Bleach has a good family dynamic. It’s probably not cry worthy but is good
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Except for scenes with Worf or Keiko
Worf let’s you see what a shitty father looks like, Keiko is just Keiko and I don’t want to end up in a transporter malfunction so she’s good.
Steven Universe, from beginning to the end. The last (fifth?) season was called Steven Universe Future; it’s a timeskip several years into the future.
Future is a separate show, set after the movie, not another season of the first show. It’s tonally very different.
Medalist is an anime about figure skating and the relationship between the young skater and her coach is wholesome as fuck. Not a parent per se but similar vibes. I particularly like how they both help each other; adults have problems too and kids are smarter than we adults often give them credit for, and the show captures that very well. If you like the dynamic in Spy X Family you’ll probably like it.
Also the skating is beautifully animated and the sports anime structure keeps the plot moving along. One of my favorite shows of all time.
