Movies About Disabilities On Netflix

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Milos Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who is sent to a mental institution for evaluation. There, he meets a variety of people, all of whom have their own unique personalities, and forms a bond with them. He soon begins to challenge the authoritarian rule of Nurse Ratched, and ultimately leads his patients in a revolt against her. In the process, McMurphy learns about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and freedom. The film ultimately ends with a powerful and enduring message about the power of the individual against an oppressive system.

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables is a 2011 French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The film stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy. It tells the story of a wealthy, paralyzed French aristocrat, Philippe (Cluzet) who hires a young ex-convict, Driss (Sy) as his caretaker. Despite their disparate backgrounds, their bond grows, and they form a friendship that will challenge the world's expectations of them. The film takes place in Paris and celebrates the power of friendship, love, and the strength of the human spirit. The film was an international box office success and received critical acclaim, winning numerous awards, including the César Award for Best Actor for Sy and the César Award for Best Original Screenplay.

From David Lynch, starring Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud
Rated PG

The Elephant Man is a 1980 biographical drama film directed by David Lynch and starring John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, and Anne Bancroft. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, The Elephant Man tells the poignant story of a physically deformed man who is mistreated by those who do not understand him. Rejected by society and living in a London hospital, Merrick is befriended by a kind doctor who helps him discover his humanity and courage. The film examines the dark side of Victorian society and its attitude towards physical deformity and offers a devastating portrait of a man whose life is a tragedy of misunderstanding.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind is an Oscar-winning biopic about Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash. After years of struggle, Nash overcomes his struggles with schizophrenia to become a professor at Princeton University. His journey is one of great courage, determination, and perseverance. Along the way, he is helped by his wife Alicia and a compassionate doctor. In the end, Nash triumphs over his illness and goes on to receive the Nobel Prize in Economics. The film is a powerful and inspiring story of overcoming adversity and finding meaning in life.

From Naoko Yamada, starring Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yûki, Kenshô Ono
Rated Not Rated

A Silent Voice: The Movie is a 2016 animated drama film directed by Naoko Yamada and distributed by Kyoto Animation. The film follows Shōya Ishida, a school bully who regrets his past actions and attempts to make amends with the deaf girl he once mocked. With the help of his teacher and friends, he attempts to understand sign language and reach out to her. As he learns to accept and be accepted, both Shōya and Shōko learn the importance of communication, friendship, and understanding.

From John Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, Peter Falk, Fred Draper, Lady Rowlands
Rated R

A Woman Under the Influence tells the story of Mabel Longhetti, a housewife in an Italian-American working-class neighborhood of Los Angeles, who is struggling with mental illness. With her husband Nick, Mabel has a love-hate relationship which is characterized by extreme emotional swings and frequent arguments. Although Nick loves and cares for Mabel, he is frustrated by her emotional instability and lack of control over her behavior and outbursts. Nick eventually reaches his breaking point and is forced to ask his mother for advice. She recommends that Nick institutionalize Mabel as a way of providing her with professional help. Nick reluctantly agrees and arranges for Mabel to be committed. The film follows Mabel's journey through her commitment and her eventual recovery. Through its emotionally raw and honest depiction of a woman battling mental health issues, A Woman Under the Influence serves as a powerful and thought-provoking examination of mental illness and its impact on families.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman. The film follows a struggling boxing trainer, Frankie Dunn (Eastwood), who reluctantly takes on an underdog female boxer, Maggie Fitzgerald (Swank). With the help of his mentor, Scrap (Freeman), Frankie helps Maggie train and fight to reach the top of the boxing world. Along the journey, Frankie and Maggie develop a father-daughter relationship, and Frankie eventually comes to accept her as a daughter. Ultimately, Maggie wins the championship, but tragedy strikes in the form of an accident in the ring, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down. Despite the odds, Maggie refuses to give up hope, and Frankie is determined to help her pursue her dream of owning a horse farm. The film ultimately demonstrates the power of resilience, friendship, and unconditional love.

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

The Miracle Worker is a biographical drama film directed by Arthur Penn and based on William Gibson's 1957 play of the same name. The film follows the story of Helen Keller, a deaf and blind girl who is isolated in her own world until a young Anne Sullivan arrives to teach her how to communicate. Through patience and determination, Anne helps Helen learn how to communicate with the world around her and to cope with the obstacles life throws at her. Despite the odds and societal prejudices, Anne helps Helen find her voice and become the extraordinary woman she was destined to be.

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

Scent of a Woman is an Academy Award-winning 1992 American drama film directed by Martin Brest and starring Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell. The story follows a prep school student (O'Donnell) who takes a job to serve as an assistant to a retired, irascible colonel (Pacino) over a weekend. The colonel, who is blind and suffering from depression, wants to go out for a grand night on the town. Through the course of the weekend, the student learns about life, love, and friendship from the colonel. In the end, the colonel helps him realize the importance of standing up for himself and for what he believes in.

From Julian Schnabel, starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny
Rated PG-13

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a biographical drama that tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric), a former editor of French Elle magazine who is left completely paralyzed with "locked-in syndrome" after a stroke. With only his left eye functioning, he begins to communicate by blinking out letters of the alphabet that spell out his thoughts. Despite his condition, Bauby finds a way to live life to the fullest and express himself through his writing. Through the help of his physical therapist (Marie-Josée Croze), friends, family, and an editor (Emmanuelle Seigner), Bauby manages to finish an autobiographical memoir about his experience entitled The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. In the end, the film celebrates Bauby’s courage, strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Rated R

Rain Man is a 1988 American road comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. It tells the story of an abrasive, selfish young wheeler-dealer, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), an autistic savant, of whose existence Charlie was unaware. Charlie is left with only his father's car and the $3,000 in cash that he finds inside. After an initial period of hostility between the two brothers, Charlie learns that Raymond has savant syndrome and is able to recall every detail of his life, including every past address he ever lived at, every license plate he ever saw, and the Bible. Charlie takes Raymond on a cross-country trip to Los Angeles in an attempt to gain control of the money left to his brother in his father's will. Along the way, Charlie learns to understand and connect with Raymond, and Charlie's outlook on life is forever changed. In the end, the brothers reunite with their father and come to terms with their past.

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller set in 1988. The story follows a troubled teenager, Donnie, who is visited by a mysterious figure wearing a rabbit costume and claiming to be a time-traveling demon. Through a series of bizarre events, Donnie learns that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. In order to save the world, he must uncover the mysterious and dark secrets of his life. Along the way, he is challenged by his peers, family and the local community, who fear his mental illness. He also has to confront his own inner demons and battle his own mortality. In the end, Donnie must make an ultimate choice between his own salvation and the salvation of the world.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan
Rated R

My Left Foot is a powerful drama based on the true story of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy. Despite being confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak or control his body, Christy manages to develop tremendous strength and determination. Through his left foot, Christy learns to express himself artistically and write his autobiography. His story is one of courage and inspiration, showing how even the most difficult of circumstances can be overcome with the power of the human spirit.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic, Julia Roberts
Rated PG

Wonder is a 2017 drama directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of a 10-year-old boy named August Pullman, who was born with a facial deformity that has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. With the support of his family, his teacher, and the whole community, August finally gets the chance to attend a private school and make friends. Throughout the film, August must learn to face his fears, find courage, and prove to the world that he is more than just his appearance. As he does, the viewer is taken on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and acceptance in the face of adversity.

From Karan Johar, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Sheetal Menon, Katie Amanda Keane
Rated PG-13

My Name Is Khan is a 2010 Indian drama film directed by Karan Johar. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles, as well as Jimmy Shergill and Zarina Wahab in supporting roles. The story revolves around Rizwan Khan, an autistic Muslim man living in India, and his journey to meet the President of the United States in order to clear his name after being accused of being a terrorist. Along the way, he faces discrimination due to his religion and must constantly prove his innocence. Through the course of the film, Rizwan overcomes his troubles with the help of a single mother named Mandira and her son, Sam. The film ultimately shows that love and understanding can conquer fear and prejudice.

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

The Way He Looks is a 2014 Brazilian romantic comedy-drama directed by Daniel Ribeiro. The film follows Leonardo, a blind teenaged student who longs for independence. With the help of his best friend, Giovana, and new classmate, Gabriel, Leonardo embarks on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Along the way, Leonardo and Giovana come to terms with their changing friendship, while Gabriel helps Leonardo to confront his feelings. Ultimately, the trio navigates their way through adolescent insecurities, while discovering the beauty of friendship, love and acceptance.

From Josh Aronson, starring Jaime Leigh Allen, Jemma Braham, Freeda Cat, Scott Davidson
Rated Not Rated

Sound and Fury is a 2000 American documentary film directed by Josh Aronson. The film follows the Artinian family, a family with deaf members who have differing views on a potential medical solution to deafness. The film explores the divide between those who are deaf and use sign language and those who are deaf but choose to use a cochlear implant, a device that electrically stimulates the auditory nerve and allows for a greater ability to hear. The film follows the family as they grapple with the issues and make difficult decisions about their children's futures. The film also looks at the wider implications of this technology and the larger debate about deaf identity. Ultimately, the film is a powerful examination of family, identity, and the power of choice.

From Tod Browning, starring Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Roscoe Ates
Rated Not Rated

Freaks (1932) is a horror film directed by Tod Browning and starring Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, and Harry Earles. It tells the story of a traveling circus that is home to a group of people with deformities and disabilities, known as "freaks". The circus is lead by a scheming trapeze artist who attempts to exploit and humiliate the freaks by seducing and marrying one of them, a midget named Hans, for his inheritance. The other freaks band together to protect their own and ultimately exact revenge on the trapeze artist, who is transformed into a freak herself. The film is a unique blend of horror, drama, and dark comedy, and is considered to be a cult classic.

From Damien O'Donnell, starring James McAvoy, Steven Robertson, Romola Garai, Alan King
Rated R

Rory O'Shea Was Here is a 2004 Irish-British drama film directed by Damien O'Donnell. The film stars James McAvoy and Steven Robertson as two young men with muscular dystrophy. Rory O'Shea (McAvoy) has been living in an institution for people with disabilities for quite some time, but decides to move into an apartment with his friend Michael Connolly (Robertson). Together, they experience the challenges and joys of life on their own, with Michael's caretaker Siobhan (Romola Garai) helping out. With the help of Siobhan, the two men discover new passions and interests, and ultimately gain the independence they both desire. With the backdrop of Dublin, the film is a heart-warming and inspiring story about friendship, self-discovery, and the strength of the human spirit.

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything is a 2014 biographical drama directed by James Marsh. It stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones as Stephen and Jane Hawking, a married couple whose relationship is tested by the physical and mental challenges of Stephen's ALS diagnosis. The film chronicles the personal and professional life of Stephen Hawking, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist. It follows his career from his early days as a Ph.D. student at Cambridge University to his rise to fame as one of the world's leading theoretical physicists. It details his struggle with ALS, a degenerative motor neuron disease, and his love story with Jane, his first wife. The film paints an intimate portrait of the Hawkings' relationship and of Stephen's battle against time, as he attempts to unlock the secrets of the universe. Despite the odds, he manages to accomplish some of the most important scientific discoveries of the twentieth century. The film also celebrates the strength of the couple's bond, their courage in the face of adversity, and the beauty of the human spirit.

From David O. Russell, starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver
Rated R

Silver Linings Playbook is a 2012 romantic comedy-drama film directed by David O. Russell and starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro. The film follows Pat Solitano (Cooper) as he struggles to rebuild his life after a stint in a mental institution. With the help of his friend, Ronnie (Lawrence) and the guidance of his doctor (De Niro), Pat embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads him to unexpected places and ultimately a chance at a new beginning. Along the way, he discovers the importance of family and friendship and learns to accept that things don't always go his way. He also finds love with the equally troubled Tiffany (Lawrence), who helps him to find the silver lining in his life.

From Lasse Hallström, starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen
Rated PG-13

What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a 1993 drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Juliette Lewis. The film tells the story of Gilbert Grape (Depp), a young man living in a small Iowa town with his mother and two younger sisters. His life is complicated by his brother Arnie (DiCaprio) who has a mental disability and requires constant care. Gilbert's responsibilities towards his brother, combined with his lack of ambition, have caused him to become increasingly frustrated and unhappy. After he meets a mysterious girl named Becky (Lewis), Gilbert begins to see his life in a different perspective and gradually begins to break free of his dead-end existence.

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

Ray is a 2004 biographical movie based on the life of the famous musician Ray Charles. Directed by Taylor Hackford, it follows Charles' rise from poverty and blindness to fame and fortune. It traces his journey from the 1940s, when he was a young boy living in the segregated South, through to the early 1960s, when he had become one of the most celebrated performers in the world. Along the way, Charles faces personal struggles, including his struggle to accept his disability, his addiction to drugs, and his complicated relationships with the people in his life. Despite these challenges, his drive and passion for music remain undiminished, and he continues to make a name for himself in the world of music. The film features an all-star cast, including Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, and Clifton Powell.

From Directors: Henry Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro, starring Joe Soares, Keith Cavill, Mark Zupan, Robert Soares
Rated R

Murderball is a 2005 documentary that follows the lives of several quadriplegic athletes as they take part in the sport of wheelchair rugby, also known as 'Murderball'. The film follows the USA team as they prepare for the Paralympic Games in Athens, as well as their Canadian counterparts. It focuses on the rivalry between the two teams, as well as delving into the personal lives of some of the players. The movie also contains interviews with other members of the USA and Canadian teams, as well as coaches, family members and referees. The film ultimately culminates in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, with both teams fighting for the gold medal.

From James L. Brooks, starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr.
Rated PG-13

As Good as It Gets is a 1997 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by James L. Brooks. The film stars Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear. It tells the story of a misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive novelist (Nicholson) and a single mother and waitress (Hunt) who form an unlikely friendship after the novelist's neighbor (Kinnear) is hospitalized. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $314 million worldwide, and winning numerous awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay at the 70th Academy Awards. The film follows Melvin Udall (Nicholson), an obsessive-compulsive novelist who suffers from panic disorder, and Carol Connelly (Hunt), a waitress whom Melvin develops an unlikely friendship with. Melvin's life is changed when his neighbor, Simon Bishop (Kinnear), is hospitalized and Carol agrees to stay with him while Simon is away. Through their relationship, Melvin learns to overcome his selfish ways and begin to empathize with others, while Carol learns to find joy in life again.