Movies About Blind People

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers
Rated G

City Lights (1931), directed by Charles Chaplin, is a romantic comedy about a poor, yet kind-hearted and optimistic tramp (played by Chaplin himself) as he falls in love with a beautiful blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill). The tramp is determined to make enough money to pay for the flower girl's eye operation so that she can see, and his efforts lead him into a number of comedic, and often dangerous, situations. Along the way, he meets a wealthy, yet drunken millionaire (Harry Myers) who mistakes the tramp for a millionaire and befriends him. In the end, the tramp is able to give the flower girl the money she needs to get her operation, and she is able to see. The film is considered a classic and is lauded as one of Chaplin's best works.

From Majid Majidi, starring Hossein Mahjoub, Mohsen Ramezani, Salameh Feyzi, Farahnaz Safari
Rated PG

The Color of Paradise is a 1999 Iranian drama film directed by Majid Majidi. It follows the story of a blind Iranian boy named Mohammad, who is sent away by his widowed father to a school for the blind. As the summer approaches, his father is faced with the dilemma of deciding whether or not to keep Mohammad with him on his rural land, or to send him away to a school for the blind. Through this journey, Mohammad discovers the beauty of the world, the kindness of strangers, and the power of faith and the human spirit. The film is a touching story about the power of love, faith, and resilience in the face of adversity.

From Arthur Penn, starring Anne Bancroft, Patty Duke, Victor Jory, Inga Swenson
Rated Approved

The Miracle Worker is a 1962 American biographical film directed by Arthur Penn. Based on William Gibson’s 1959 play of the same name, which was based on Helen Keller’s autobiography, the film tells the story of Anne Sullivan (Anne Bancroft), a teacher who is hired to help a young girl, Helen Keller (Patty Duke), who is blind, deaf, and mute. Anne works diligently to teach Helen how to communicate, and their relationship develops as Anne is able to slowly unlock Helen’s world and give her the tools she needs to better understand the language and environment around her. The film received multiple awards and nominations, including five Academy Award nominations, with Anne Bancroft winning for Best Actress.

From Martin Brest, starring Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar
Rated R

Scent of a Woman is a 1992 American drama film directed by Martin Brest and starring Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell. The film follows the story of a prep school student's experiences with an irascible, blind retired Army officer over a weekend. Charlie Simms (played by O'Donnell) is a student at a private preparatory school who is asked to take care of Lt. Col. Frank Slade (played by Pacino), a retired army officer, during the Thanksgiving weekend. Although initially intimidated, Charlie quickly learns that Frank is a gruff, but honorable man. Frank has a plan to go to New York City and confront a former business partner who has betrayed him, but his trip is complicated when Charlie learns of Frank's plan and tries to talk him out of it. In the end, Charlie helps Frank confront his past and face the realities of his blindness. Throughout the film, Frank's resilience and strength of character bring out the best in Charlie, and the two ultimately bond.

From Guy Green, starring Sidney Poitier, Shelley Winters, Elizabeth Hartman, Wallace Ford
Rated Unrated

A Patch of Blue is a 1965 drama film directed by Guy Green and starring Sidney Poitier, Shelley Winters, and Elizabeth Hartman. The film tells the story of an 18-year-old blind girl, Selina D'Arcey (Elizabeth Hartman), who is a victim of child abuse and neglect by her mother, Rose-Ann (Shelley Winters). She meets a good-hearted Black man, Gordon Ralfe (Sidney Poitier), who befriends her and encourages her to seek a more independent life. As their relationship develops, Gordon helps Selina to gain the confidence to stand up for herself and pursue a better future. With his help and support, she is able to break free from her oppressive environment and live a life of dignity and self-respect. A Patch of Blue is a powerful story of courage, hope, and friendship that speaks to the power of the human spirit.

From Daniel Ribeiro, starring Ghilherme Lobo, Fabio Audi, Tess Amorim, Lúcia Romano
Rated Not Rated

The Way He Looks is a 2014 Brazilian coming of age film directed by Daniel Ribeiro. The story follows Leonardo, a blind teenager who is struggling to find independence and acceptance from his overprotective parents. After meeting Gabriel, a new student in school, Leonardo develops a close friendship with him, and the two embark on a journey of self-discovery. As their relationship deepens, they both come to terms with their true feelings, while learning valuable lessons about friendship and identity. Along the way, they must also confront the disapproval of their peers, as well as their own insecurities. Ultimately, The Way He Looks celebrates the power of love and the importance of embracing one’s own individuality.

From Terence Young, starring Audrey Hepburn, Alan Arkin, Richard Crenna, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Rated Not Rated

Wait Until Dark is a 1967 psychological thriller film directed by Terence Young. Audrey Hepburn stars as Susy, a blind woman living in Greenwich Village who is left alone in her apartment while her husband is away on business. When three men, played by Alan Arkin, Richard Crenna, and Efrem Zimbalist Jr., come to her door claiming to be looking for a doll they believe her husband has in his possession, Susy finds herself in the middle of a deadly game of cat and mouse. As the men search her apartment and manipulate her with their lies, Susy must use her wit and courage to survive the night. In the end, Susy outsmarts her attackers and manages to turn the tables on them, ultimately thwarting their plan.

From Taylor Hackford, starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Clifton Powell
Rated PG-13

Ray is a biopic film released in 2004 and directed by Taylor Hackford. It stars Jamie Foxx in the leading role as Ray Charles, a blind and talented African-American musician, singer, and songwriter. The story follows Charles's life, from his difficult childhood in Georgia, living with his poor and deeply religious parents, to his travels as an adult pursuing his musical career. As Charles's music becomes popular, he is forced to confront personal demons, such as drug addiction and the heartbreaking death of his beloved brother. Despite the hardships he faces, Charles continues to make an impact on the music industry with his soulful, bluesy sound, becoming one of the most influential music figures of the 20th century.

From Isabel Coixet, starring Sarah Polley, Tim Robbins, Sverre Anker Ousdal, Javier Cámara
Rated Not Rated

From Robert Benton, starring Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan
Rated PG

From Jean-Pierre Améris, starring Isabelle Carré, Ariana Rivoire, Brigitte Catillon, Noémie Churlet
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Shonali Bose, Nilesh Maniyar, starring Kalki Koechlin, Revathi, Sayani Gupta, Hussain Dalal
Rated Not Rated

From Yôichi Sai, starring Kaoru Kobayashi, Kippei Shîna, Teruyuki Kagawa, Keiko Toda
Rated Not Rated

From Louis Leterrier, starring Jet Li, Bob Hoskins, Morgan Freeman, Kerry Condon
Rated R

From Scott Frank, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jeff Daniels, Matthew Goode, Isla Fisher
Rated R

From Joe Mantello, starring Jason Alexander, Stephen Spinella, Stephen Bogardus, Randy Becker
Rated R

From Arthur Hiller, starring Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder, Joan Severance, Kevin Spacey
Rated R

From James Ivory, starring Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave
Rated PG-13

From Donald Wrye, starring Lynn-Holly Johnson, Robby Benson, Colleen Dewhurst, Tom Skerritt
Rated PG

From Dylan Baker, starring Mark Hapka, Bram Hoover, Stephen Lang, Max Adler
Rated PG-13

From Phillip Noyce, starring Rutger Hauer, Terry O'Quinn, Brandon Call, Noble Willingham
Rated R

From Bruce Robinson, starring Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman, Lance Henriksen, Graham Beckel
Rated R

From Frederik Du Chau, starring Jessalyn Gilsig, Cary Elwes, Andrea Corr, Bryan White
Rated G

From Sophie Goodhart, starring Adam Scott, Nick Kroll, Greg Violand, Cherie McClain
Rated R

From Irwin Winkler, starring Val Kilmer, Mira Sorvino, Kelly McGillis, Steven Weber
Rated PG-13