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In recent years, the film industry has made significant advances in portraying diverse stories and characters, including those with disabilities. This shift towards more inclusive storytelling is not just a trend but a crucial step in fostering understanding and empathy.
Movies that feature characters with disabilities play a vital role in challenging stereotypes, promoting awareness, and providing representation for a community that has often been marginalized in the media.
This article highlights five impactful movies that center around characters with disabilities. These movies not only offer compelling narratives and performances but also underscore the importance of authentic representation.
- The Peanut Butter Falcon
A modern Mark Twain adventure story, The Peanut Butter Falcon follows a young man with Down Syndrome named Zak (Zach Gottsagen) who runs away from the nursing home where he lives to chase his dream of being a professional wrestler. He befriends Tyler (Shia Lebeouf) who, along the way, becomes an unlikely coach and ally.
Where to Watch: Netflix
- CODA
Winner of the 2022 Oscar award for Best Picture, CODA chronicles the life of Ruby Rossie (Emilia Jones) who, as the name implies, is a Child of Deaf Adults. As Ruby attempts to juggle the stress of school, social life and her father’s fishing business, it becomes clear that her true passion is singing – something her family may never truly understand.
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
- Finding Nemo
A beloved film for the entire family, Finding Nemo may not seem like a movie featuring awesome disability representation to the average viewer. But consider this! The story focuses on Nemo, a clown fish that has a “lucky fin” – a visible impairment that sometimes causes difficulty navigating his home and the world beyond. On his adventure, he is paired with Dory, who suffers from short-term memory loss and is often unable to focus or stay in one place for very long.
Where to Watch: Disney+
- Wonder
An adaptation of the New York Times Bestselling book written by R.J. Palacio, Wonder tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay). Auggie, who has facial differences, adapts to life in public school as his family, classmates, and community discover their compassion and learn to accept those who are different from themselves.
Where to Watch: Available to rent
- The Theory of Everything
Based on the real-life story of Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones), The Theory of Everything tells a beautiful love story. After being diagnosed with ALS and given just two years to live at 21 years old, Stephen Hawking evolves into one of the world’s most brilliant and celebrated physicists while navigating his marriage to Jane.
Where to Watch: Available to rent
For more insight into the disability community, visit soar365.org and follow SOAR365 on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.