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. Based on a true story, it follows the journey of a five-year-old Indian boy, Saroo, who is separated from his family while travelling on a train and eventually adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, Saroo (Dev Patel) sets out on a journey to find his lost family, using only a handful of memories and Google Earth. Along the way, he must grapple with his past, present, and future in order to reunite with his mother and brother. With the help of his girlfriend (Rooney Mara) and adoptive family, Saroo embarks on a powerful and emotional journey to discover the truth about his past and his place in the world.

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. The film follows Hortense, a middle-class African-Caribbean woman, who discovers that her mother Cynthia, who had abandoned her as a baby, is still alive. Hortense sets out to make contact with her biological mother and in the process, she uncovers a web of lies and secrets that have been kept from her all her life. The film explores the themes of identity, family, and broken relationships, and has been widely praised for its sensitive, powerful, and honest portrayal of working-class characters.

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

Short Term 12 is an emotionally powerful drama based on Destin Daniel Cretton's 2008 short film of the same name. The film follows the story of Grace, a supervisor at a foster care facility for at-risk teenagers. Despite her strong exterior, Grace struggles with her own inner demons as she confronts the daily challenges of her job. With the help of her colleague, Mason, and her supportive boyfriend, her experiences working with the troubled youth provide her with an unexpected chance to heal her own wounds. The film is a raw and honest look at how the lives of both Grace and her charges are forever changed by their shared journey of understanding and growth.

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

Manchester by the Sea tells the story of Lee Chandler, a lonely, reclusive man living in Boston, who is suddenly made the sole guardian of his teenage nephew, Patrick, when his brother Joe dies. Lee is forced to confront the tragic events of his past that led to his current life and grapple with the responsibility of caring for Patrick. Along the way, Lee learns the power of forgiveness and discovers the potential for a new beginning in his life. The film is a dramatic exploration of the human experience, exploring the highs and lows of life and the way that tragedy can shape us.

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 and written by Eric Roth. The film stars Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas, and Julia Ormond. The film follows the story of Benjamin Button, a man who was born in his eighties and ages backward. He meets and falls in love with Daisy, a woman who stays the same age as Benjamin ages. Throughout the film, Benjamin experiences different stages of life, and ultimately experiences the joys and pains of a life lived in reverse. Along the way, he deals with the consequences of his unusual aging, including a broken engagement and the death of his father. The film ends with Benjamin and Daisy meeting again in their eighties and reuniting after a lifetime of separation.

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

Philomena is a 2013 British-Irish drama film directed by Stephen Frears, based on the 2009 book "The Lost Child of Philomena Lee" by journalist Martin Sixsmith. The film stars Judi Dench as Philomena Lee, an elderly Irish woman who enlists the help of Sixsmith, a former BBC reporter (played by Steve Coogan), to help her find the son she was forced to give up for adoption as a teenager. The film follows their journey as they travel to the United States in search of her son, uncovering secrets from Philomena's past along the way. Ultimately, Philomena and Sixsmith form an unlikely friendship and find closure as they come to terms with Philomena's past and her son's choices.

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

Despicable Me is an animated comedy film directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. The film follows the story of Gru, a super villain who is determined to become the world's greatest villain. In order to do so, he decides to steal the moon. However, his plans are disrupted when he is charged with the responsibility of taking care of three orphaned girls. Through a series of comical misadventures, Gru learns the value of family, love, and friendship and ultimately decides to use his super-villain powers for good. The film features an all-star cast of voice actors, including Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, and Miranda Cosgrove. Despicable Me has achieved both critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and grossing over $543 million worldwide.

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

The Blind Side is a 2009 drama film directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, and Quinton Aaron. The film follows the life of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher’s presence in the Touhys’ lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Through a number of life experiences, both Oher and the Touhys gain a greater understanding of the importance of family, community and believing in yourself. The Blind Side was a critical and commercial success, with Bullock winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

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

I Am Sam is a 2001 drama film directed by Jessie Nelson, starring Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer. The film follows the story of Sam Dawson, a mentally challenged father raising his daughter Lucy with the help of a unique group of friends. Sam's life is thrown into chaos when his daughter is taken away from him and he must fight an uphill battle to win her back. Along the way, he is faced with navigating the complex legal system, learning to trust the people around him, and coming to terms with his own limitations. Through his love for his daughter, Sam ultimately finds the strength to prove he is a capable and loving father.

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

The Book Thief is a 2013 drama directed by Brian Percival, based on the 2005 novel of the same name by Markus Zusak. The story follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany during World War II who is taken in by a foster family. As Liesel begins to learn to read, she discovers the power of words and begins to steal books from Nazi book-burnings and elsewhere. Her life is further complicated when her foster father hides a Jewish man in their basement. Through the power of literature, Liesel discovers the strength to confront the realities of the Nazi regime and build a unique bond with her foster family.

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

Juno is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that follows the story of a spunky and sharp-tongued teenage girl (played by Ellen Page) who unexpectedly becomes pregnant. Despite strong admonishment from her parents, Juno decides to carry the baby to term and give it up for adoption, resulting in her embarking on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Along the way, she develops a strong friendship with the prospective adoptive parents, Mark and Vanessa (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner). Juno's relationship with her best friend, Leah (Olivia Thirlby), is also tested, as Leah struggles to come to terms with the pregnancy. Ultimately, Juno learns to find the courage to make her own decisions, find her own path in life, and learn to accept the consequences of her actions.

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