Drama Movies About Adoption

From Garth Davis, starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, Sunny Pawar
Rated PG-13

Lion is a 2016 drama film directed by Garth Davis and starring Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman, and Sunny Pawar. It tells the true story of Saroo Brierley, a five-year-old Indian boy who, after being separated from his family, is adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, Saroo embarks on an emotional journey to find his lost family and his roots. Along the way, he discovers a new understanding of himself and his family's past. With help from Google Earth, Saroo reconnects with his birth mother and discovers the family he never knew. The film is a powerful story of family, identity, and the love that binds us together.

From Mike Leigh, starring Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Phyllis Logan, Claire Rushbrook
Rated R

Secrets & Lies is a 1996 British drama film written and directed by Mike Leigh. It stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Phyllis Logan, and Claire Rushbrook. It tells the story of Hortense, a successful black optometrist, who tracks down her biological mother, Cynthia, who had given her up for adoption as a baby. The two form an unlikely relationship, but Hortense soon discovers that her mother is hiding some major secrets from her which threatens to tear the two apart. The film follows their story as they grapple with the truths of their past and the relationships that form in the present. The film was critically acclaimed upon release, winning numerous awards and earning Leigh an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

From Destin Daniel Cretton, starring Brie Larson, Frantz Turner, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever
Rated R

Short Term 12 is a 2013 American drama film written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The film stars Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever, and Rami Malek. The film follows Grace, a twenty-something supervisor at a foster care facility for at-risk teenagers, as she navigates her troubled past while teaching and mentoring the kids under her guidance. Through her interactions with the kids, who come from difficult backgrounds, Grace is reminded of her own troubled childhood, and how one caring adult can make all the difference in the world. The film is an exploration of the power of human connection and unconditional love, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges and difficult life circumstances.

From Kenneth Lonergan, starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges
Rated R

Manchester by the Sea is a 2016 American drama film written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan and starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, and Lucas Hedges. The film follows Lee Chandler (Affleck), a depressed janitor in Boston, who is suddenly made the legal guardian of his teenage nephew Patrick (Hedges). After his older brother Joe (Chandler) dies, Lee must face up to a past that changed his life and deal with the present and its difficulties. Through the course of the story, Lee's complex emotions and difficult past are revealed, and he is forced to confront a tragedy that changed him forever.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond
Rated PG-13

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is a 2008 American fantasy romantic drama film directed by David Fincher, based on the 1922 short story of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The film tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who is born in his eighties and ages backward. Throughout his life, Benjamin experiences unusual adventures, such as fighting in World War I, falling in love, and coping with an ever-changing lifespan. As he ages in reverse, Benjamin discovers the bittersweet nature of time and life. The film stars Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, and Taraji P. Henson, and was nominated for thirteen Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Stephen Frears, starring Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Mare Winningham
Rated PG-13

Philomena is a 2013 biographical drama directed by Stephen Frears. It follows the story of Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), an Irish woman who was forced to give up the son she had out of wedlock as a teenager in 1952. Years later, she teams up with a BBC journalist, Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), to find her son and discover the truth behind his disappearance. As they search, they uncover a heartbreaking story of how the Catholic Church forced her to sign away her rights to her son and then sent him to America to be adopted. The film follows Philomena's quest to find her son, as well as Martin's transformation from a cynical, jaded journalist to a man inspired by Philomena's resilience and optimism. Ultimately, Philomena and Martin find her son, but the discovery is bittersweet as it brings closure, yet brings up feelings of loss and regret.

From Directors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, starring Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews
Rated PG

Despicable Me is a 2010 computer-animated comedy film directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud and written by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio. The film stars Steve Carell as Gru, a criminal mastermind who is determined to become the world's greatest villain. In order to achieve his goal, Gru devises a plan to steal the moon from the sky. To do so, he recruits three orphan girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, and enlists the help of his mischievous yellow minions. As Gru starts to warm up to the girls, he finds himself torn between his criminal ambitions and his newfound parental instincts. With the help of the minions and his partner-in-crime Dr. Nefario, Gru must decide between fulfilling his dream of stealing the moon or embracing the newfound joys of fatherhood.

From John Lee Hancock, starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head
Rated PG-13

The Blind Side is a 2009 American biographical sports drama film directed by John Lee Hancock. The film tells the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American student who is taken in by the Touhy family, who eventually become his legal guardians. The film follows Michael's journey from his impoverished upbringing in Memphis, Tennessee to his success in attendance at Wingate Christian School and later as an offensive lineman at the University of Mississippi. His newfound family, the Touhys, help him succeed in academics and football, ultimately leading him to the NFL. Through the support of the family and a close bond with Leigh Anne Tuohy, Michael is guided to success and eventually drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. The movie stars Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher, and Tim McGraw as Sean Tuohy. The film was released to strong critical and commercial success, earning Bullock a Best Actress Academy Award.

From Jessie Nelson, starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Dianne Wiest
Rated PG-13

"I Am Sam" follows the story of Sam, a mentally-challenged single father raising his daughter Lucy on his own. Despite his disability, Sam loves his daughter and strives to provide the best life he can for her. When social services threatens to take Lucy away, Sam must fight an uphill legal battle to keep her with him. With the help of his friends, a pro bono lawyer, and an understanding judge, Sam proves that love is the greatest gift a parent can give.

From Brian Percival, starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer
Rated PG-13

The Book Thief is a 2013 historical war drama film directed by Brian Percival and based on the novel of the same name by Markus Zusak. Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, the story follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who is sent to live with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, on Himmel Street. During her time with the Hubermanns, she develops a love of books and forms a close friendship with her new neighbor, the Jewish refugee Max Vandenburg. As the Nazi regime begins to take its toll on the people of Germany, Liesel begins to steal books from Nazis to share her newfound passion with her neighbors. Along the way, she faces many obstacles and learns important lessons about courage and friendship. The film culminates with a powerful and emotional ending that pays tribute to the power of literature and the strength of the human spirit.

From Jason Reitman, starring Elliot Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman
Rated PG-13

Juno is a comedy-drama about a 16-year-old girl named Juno MacGuff, who becomes unexpectedly pregnant and decides to give the child up for adoption. She turns to family and friends for support as she attempts to navigate the emotional complexity of her situation. With the help of her best friend, Leah, and her father and stepmother, Juno comes to terms with her difficult decision, finds a loving adoptive family, and discovers a newfound maturity within herself.

From Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, starring Thomas Doret, Cécile de France, Jérémie Renier, Fabrizio Rongione
Rated PG-13

From Kirsten Sheridan, starring Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Rated PG

From Lasse Hallström, starring Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Michael Caine, Delroy Lindo
Rated PG-13

From Lee Daniels, starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey
Rated R

From Rodrigo García, starring Naomi Watts, Annette Bening, Kerry Washington, Alexandria M. Salling
Rated R

From Vic Sarin, starring Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell, Jack Gleeson
Rated PG

From Peter Kosminsky, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Renée Zellweger, Robin Wright, Alison Lohman
Rated PG-13

From Norman Taurog, starring Cary Grant, Betsy Drake, Lurene Tuttle, Randy Stuart
Rated Approved

From Bruce Beresford, starring Pierce Brosnan, Julianna Margulies, Aidan Quinn, Sophie Vavasseur
Rated PG

From Alison Eastwood, starring Kevin Bacon, Marcia Gay Harden, Miles Heizer, Marin Hinkle
Rated PG-13

From Menno Meyjes, starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Bobby Coleman, Sophie Okonedo
Rated PG

From Wiebke von Carolsfeld, starring Molly Parker, Rebecca Jenkins, Stacy Smith, Marguerite McNeil
Rated Unrated

From Mike Binder, starring Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Gillian Jacobs, Anthony Mackie
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, starring Rachel Hendrix, Jason Burkey, John Schneider, Jasmine Guy
Rated PG-13