A Family Thing poster
FilmComedyDrama

A Family Thing (1996)

PG-13 · 1996-03-29 · 1h 49m · EN
63%
User score
54 votes
▶ Play trailerIMDb ↗
Sign in to build your library →

With family, everything is relative.

Earl Pilcher Jr., runs an equipment rental outfit in Arkansas, lives with his wife and kids and parents, and rarely takes off his gimme cap. His mother dies, leaving a letter explaining he's not her natural son, but the son of a Black woman who died in childbirth; plus, he has a half brother Ray, in Chicago, she wants him to visit. Earl makes the trip, initially receiving a cold welcome from Ray and Ray's son, Virgil. His birth mother's sister, Aunt T., an aged and blind matriarch, takes Earl in tow and insists that the family open up to him.

Read the A Family Thing feature →
Billy Bob ThorntonWriterTom EppersonWriterRichard PearceDirector

Where to watch A Family Thing

All countries & options →
Rent
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At Home
Buy
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At Home
Where to watch A Family Thing in your country →

Showing US. Availability data by JustWatch.

Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Robert DuvallRobert DuvallEarl Pilcher Jr.James Earl JonesJames Earl JonesRay MurdockMichael BeachMichael BeachVirgilIrma P. HallIrma P. HallAunt T.Grace ZabriskieGrace ZabriskieRubyRegina TaylorRegina TaylorAnnDavid KeithDavid KeithSonnyJacqueline WilliamsJacqueline WilliamsWoman at HospitalSylvester StalloneSylvester StalloneRocky Balboa (uncredited)Mary JacksonMary JacksonCarriePaula MarshallPaula MarshallKarenPhillip Edward Van LearPhillip Edward Van LearClub Manager

Keywords

BirthLetterArkansasBiracialMatriarchy

Movie DNA

Genre affinityComedy · DramaTheme affinityBirth · Letter · ArkansasDialogue densityComedy · DramaDirector preference258226Actor preference6902 · 55155 · 54212Country preferenceUs

More like this

More Comedy →
Wonka★ 7.2Viewing moment
Wonka
2023
Migration★ 7.7Viewing moment
Migration
2023
Anyone But You★ 7.4Viewing moment
Anyone But You
2023
Scary Movie★ 5.4Viewing moment
Scary Movie
2026
Elemental★ 7.7Viewing moment
Elemental
2023
Trolls Band Together★ 7.3Viewing moment
Trolls Band Together
2023
Barbie★ 7.1Viewing moment
Barbie
2023
Grumpy Christmas★ 7.8Viewing moment
Grumpy Christmas
2021
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie★ 7Viewing moment
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie
2023
The Super Mario Bros. Movie★ 7.7Viewing moment
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
2023
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse★ 8.4Viewing moment
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
2023
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation★ 7.2Viewing moment
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
1989

Frequently asked questions about A Family Thing

What is A Family Thing about?

Earl Pilcher Jr., runs an equipment rental outfit in Arkansas, lives with his wife and kids and parents, and rarely takes off his gimme cap. His mother dies, leaving a letter explaining he's not her natural son, but the son of a Black woman who died in childbirth; plus, he has a half brother Ray, in Chicago, she wants him to visit. Earl makes the trip, initially receiving a cold welcome from Ray and Ray's son, Virgil. His birth mother's sister, Aunt T., an aged and blind matriarch, takes Earl in tow and insists that the family open up to him.

How long is A Family Thing?

A Family Thing has a runtime of 109 minutes.

Where can I watch A Family Thing?

Open the Vlovu watch guide for current streaming, rental, and purchase options.