Movies About Diversity And Inclusion

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic historical period drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. It is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a Sudeten German businessman, who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as SS officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. Set in German-occupied Kraków, Poland in 1939, the film begins with the hiring of Jewish workers by the Sudeten German businessman Oskar Schindler to work in his enamelware and ammunitions factory. It then delves into the brutalities of the Nazi regime, as well as Schindler's efforts to save his Jewish workers from the Holocaust. The film culminates with the liberation of the factory by the Red Army and Schindler's emotional farewell to his workers.

From Claude Lanzmann, starring Simon Srebnik, Michael Podchlebnik, Motke Zaïdl, Hanna Zaïdl
Rated Not Rated

Shoah (1985) is a nine-and-a-half hour documentary film directed by Claude Lanzmann. It is a powerful, moving and deeply personal account of the Holocaust and its survivors, perpetrators and bystanders. The film documents the testimonies of survivors and witnesses, as well as visits to former concentration camps, places of deportation and execution sites. The film does not contain any archival footage or historical reenactments. Instead, Lanzmann relies on interviews and personal accounts to bring the stories of those affected by the Holocaust to life. Shoah is an unflinching examination of the horrors of the Nazi extermination of six million Jews and its lasting effects on survivors and their families.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 cult classic film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the 1962 novel by Anthony Burgess. The story follows the main protagonist Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a violent, delinquent teenager in an oppressive future society. After Alex and his 'droogs' commit a series of crimes, he is caught and sentenced to prison for 14 years. As part of his rehabilitation, he is forced to undergo an experimental treatment which strips him of his free will and remakes him into a harmless, subservient citizen. However, his transformation from a violent thug to a docile, obedient citizen brings with it the loss of his freedom and identity. The film examines the morality of free will and state control, as well as the psychological effects of extreme behaviour modification. A Clockwork Orange continues to be a classic, praised for its innovative visual style, provocative themes, and iconic soundtrack.

From Florian Zeller, starring Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss, Olivia Williams
Rated PG-13

The Father is a 2020 French-British drama film written and directed by Florian Zeller, based on his play of the same name. It stars Anthony Hopkins as Anthony, an elderly man dealing with the onset of dementia, who gradually begins to lose his grasp on reality. The film follows the story of Anthony and his daughter Anne (Olivia Colman) as they attempt to cope with his illness and its effects on the family. As his condition worsens, Anne is forced to decide between her commitment to her father and her own desires. In the end, the film illustrates the power of love and the devastation caused by mental illness.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders, Judith Anderson
Rated Approved

Rebecca is a 1940 romantic psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. The film stars Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine as a newly married couple, who move into his sprawling estate, Manderley. However, the shadow of Rebecca, the previous wife of Maxim de Winter (Olivier), still looms large over the new couple. As the new Mrs. de Winter tries to make a place for herself, she is haunted by Rebecca's memory and by her dour housekeeper Mrs. Danvers, who seems to have a strange connection to her predecessor. The film follows the new Mrs. de Winter as she navigates the secrets of Manderley and unravels the mystery of Rebecca's death.

From William Friedkin, starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb
Rated R

The Exorcist (1973) is a horror film written and directed by William Friedkin and based on the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty. Set in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., the film follows a young girl named Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) who is possessed by a demonic entity. Her mother Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) seeks the help of two priests, Damien Karras (Jason Miller) and Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow). The priests battle with the demon for Regan's soul in a tumultuous night, culminating in a final confrontation with the ultimate evil. The Exorcist was a critical and commercial success upon its release and has since become one of the most iconic horror films in cinema history.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Ben Kingsley, John Gielgud, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth
Rated PG

Gandhi (1982) is a biographical drama directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Ben Kingsley as the titular figure, Mahatma Gandhi. The film follows Gandhi’s life from his early years in South Africa to his eventual assassination in 1948. Along the way, Gandhi comes to embrace a philosophy of non-violent resistance, which he uses to protest the oppressive British rule over India. He becomes a leader of the Indian Independence Movement, leading boycotts and marches, and eventually succeeds in helping India to gain its freedom. The movie portrays Gandhi as a complex figure, showing both his greatness and flaws, and ultimately paints a picture of a man who was able to use his principles to bring about lasting change.

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 and 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 whom Charlie never knew existed. Charlie is left with only his father's car and collection of rose bushes. Initially, Charlie is determined to gain control over the estate and use it to his own advantage. Along the way, however, he begins to connect with his brother and to understand the significance of the bond they share. The road trip takes them from Los Angeles to San Francisco to Las Vegas and ultimately, to Cincinnati, Ohio. Along the way, Raymond's unique abilities prove to be both a blessing and a challenge for Charlie and the two brothers form a unique bond as they travel across the country. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor for Hoffman's performance. It is considered to be one of the best films of the 1980s and

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

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a 2007 biographical drama film directed by Julian Schnabel based on the memoir of the same name by Jean-Dominique Bauby. It tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a French Elle magazine editor-in-chief who suffers a complete paralyzing stroke and can only communicate through blinking his left eye – an effort that, with the help of his speech therapist, ultimately enables him to write his memoir with his eye alone. As he struggles to adapt to his new life, Bauby also finds joy and beauty in the world around him, ultimately regaining his zest for life despite his condition. The film stars Mathieu Amalric as Jean-Dominique Bauby and features an ensemble cast that includes Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze and Anne Consigny.

From Hal Ashby, starring Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack
Rated PG

Harold and Maude is a 1971 black comedy-drama directed by Hal Ashby and starring Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon. The film follows the story of Harold, a young man obsessed with death, and Maude, an eccentric elderly woman, who meet at a funeral and develop an unlikely but beautiful friendship. Harold is initially repulsed by Maude's free-spirited and rebellious nature, but he slowly finds himself drawn to her. With Maude's guidance, Harold begins to embrace life and discover the joys of living. The film is a subtle commentary on the idea of life and mortality, as Harold and Maude come to terms with their own mortality through their relationship.

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

My Left Foot is a biographical drama directed by Jim Sheridan and based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Christy Brown. The film tells the story of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy, who is able to control only his left foot. Despite being severely handicapped, Christy learns to paint and write with the help of his family and the unconventional Dr. Eileen Cole. With the encouragement of his mother, Christy is able to overcome his condition and lead an independent life, although he continues to struggle with his physical limitations. The film earned Daniel Day-Lewis an Academy Award for Best Actor, and Brenda Fricker a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film is a story of determination, courage, and love, as Christy triumphs over his physical limitations and proves himself to be a talented artist and writer.

From Matthew Warchus, starring Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Paddy Considine
Rated R

Pride is a 2014 British comedy-drama film directed by Matthew Warchus. It is based on the true story of a group of lesbian and gay activists in London who raised money to support the families of striking miners in 1984-85. The film follows the struggle of the activist group as they come up against social and political opposition and try to enlist the support of the local mining community. Along the way, they confront homophobic prejudice and form unlikely friendships with some of the miners they are trying to help. The film stars Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott, Dominic West, and Paddy Considine.

From William Wyler, starring Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine, James Garner, Miriam Hopkins
Rated Not Rated

The Children's Hour is a 1961 American drama film directed by William Wyler, starring Shirley MacLaine, Audrey Hepburn, and James Garner. The screenplay by John Michael Hayes is based on Lillian Hellman's 1934 play of the same name. The film is about two women who run a private school for girls. When a student's lie about an affair between the two women spreads and causes a scandal, the two women must confront the difficulties of being caught in the middle of a lie. As the lie grows and spreads, the women's reputations are ruined and their lives fall apart. In the end, they must find a way to rebuild their lives, their relationships, and their reputations.

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

Freaks is a 1932 horror film directed by Tod Browning and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film follows a group of carnival sideshow performers with physical abnormalities. They are eventually betrayed by a beautiful trapeze artist and her strongman lover, resulting in a gruesome revenge. Freaks is now considered a classic horror film, but was initially controversial for its sympathetic portrayal of people with physical deformities. The film stars Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Harry Earles, Daisy Earles, and Roscoe Ates.

From Bob Fosse, starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Helmut Griem, Joel Grey
Rated PG

Cabaret is a 1972 American musical drama film directed by Bob Fosse. The film is set in Berlin, Germany during the early 1930s, when the Nazis were beginning to gain power in the country. It follows the relationship between a British cabaret singer, Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli), and a young American writer, Brian Roberts (Michael York), who is trying to find his place in the world. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Joel Grey as the enigmatic Emcee, and Helmut Griem as the wealthy and mysterious Maximilian Von Heune. The film focuses on the lives of Sally and Brian in the decadent cabaret scene in 1930s Berlin. The movie is a stark reminder of the changing times in Germany as the Nazis slowly take power, as well as a commentary on the human experience, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and the power of art in times of darkness. Cabaret won 8 Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Minnelli, Best Supporting Actor for Grey, and Best Director for Fosse.

From Directors: James Lebrecht, Nicole Newnham, starring James Lebrecht, Lionel Je'Woodyard, Joseph O'Conor, Ann Cupolo Freeman
Rated R

Crip Camp is a 2020 documentary film directed by James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham. The film chronicles the history of Camp Jened, a summer camp for teens with disabilities in upstate New York, and its role in launching the disability rights movement in the United States. The film follows the stories of several of Camp Jened’s original campers, including Judy Heumann, who went on to become a leading disability rights activist and was appointed as the first assistant secretary of the Office of Disability in the United States Department of Education. The film uses archival footage, interviews, and animations to explore the power of shared experience, the importance of community, and the history of the disability rights movement in the United States. It serves as an inspiring portrait of how one camp in the 1970s set the stage for a revolution in civil rights.

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

The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama about the life of Stephen Hawking, the renowned physicist with motor neurone disease. The film follows Hawking from his early days as a Cambridge University student to later in life, when he is diagnosed with ALS. It explores the relationship between Hawking and his first wife, Jane, and covers his personal struggles, scientific breakthroughs, and the effects of his illness on his life. The film also touches on topics such as the nature of time, and Hawking's theories of space and time. Ultimately, the film is a celebration of Hawking's indomitable spirit, scientific genius, and his determination to live a full life despite his physical limitations.

From Basil Dearden, starring Dirk Bogarde, Sylvia Syms, Dennis Price, Anthony Nicholls
Rated Not Rated

Victim is a 1961 British crime drama film directed by Basil Dearden and starring Dirk Bogarde. The film revolves around a successful London barrister, who is blackmailed by a gang after befriending a young man who turns out to be a closeted homosexual. The barrister decides to take a stand against the blackmailers and their homophobic threats, leading him to be targeted by the police. As the barrister fights to clear his name, he discovers the true nature of the blackmailers’ evil scheme and finds himself forced to confront his own prejudices. In the end, the barrister learns to accept the young man for who he is and helps him escape the blackmailers’ clutches. Victim is a powerful exploration of homosexuality and homophobia in 1960s England, and is widely regarded as a landmark film in LGBT film history.

From John Cameron Mitchell, starring John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Stephen Trask, Theodore Liscinski
Rated R

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is an incredibly innovative, cult classic film released in 2001 written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell. The film tells the story of Hedwig, an East German transgender woman, and her quest for stardom and true love. After a botched gender-reassignment surgery, Hedwig is left with an "angry inch" and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love. Along the way, she forms a rock band and falls for the love of her life and bandmate, Tommy Gnosis. This cult classic is a story of love, identity and acceptance. It features an infectious soundtrack, colorful visuals, and a unique exploration of themes such as gender identity and love in a very unconventional way.

From Michael Caton-Jones, starring John Hurt, Hugh Dancy, Dominique Horwitz, Louis Mahoney
Rated R

Shooting Dogs (2005) is a harrowing drama directed by Michael Caton-Jones. Set during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, the film follows Father Christopher (John Hurt) and Joe Connor (Hugh Dancy) as they try to protect the children of a Catholic school from the violence of the Hutu militia. The school is a sanctuary for the children, but when the militia enters the compound, the two men must do whatever it takes to keep the children safe. The film is an emotionally intense and powerful exploration of the tragedy of genocide and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

From William Friedkin, starring Kenneth Nelson, Peter White, Leonard Frey, Frederick Combs
Rated R

The Boys in the Band is a 1970 American drama film directed by William Friedkin and released by Cinema Center Films. It is an adaptation of the 1968 stage play of the same name by Mart Crowley. The film revolves around a group of nine gay men who gather for a birthday party in New York City. Through conversations and arguments, the group explore their relationships and the different facets of their homosexuality. As the night progresses, the men become increasingly intoxicated and emotional, leading to a series of confrontations and revelations that threatens to tear the group apart. The film is notable for featuring an all-gay cast. It was one of the first mainstream films to explicitly depict homosexuality and was a critical and commercial success upon its release.

From Stephan Elliott, starring Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp, Rebel Penfold-Russell
Rated R

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film directed by Stephan Elliott. The film follows two drag queens, Mitzi (Hugo Weaving) and Adam (Guy Pearce), and a transgender woman, Bernadette (Terence Stamp), as they travel across the Australian Outback in their tour bus, Priscilla, to perform at a resort in Alice Springs. Along the way, they encounter various people and cultures, learn more about themselves and each other, and find acceptance and love.

From Michael Apted, starring Ioan Gruffudd, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Romola Garai
Rated PG

From Rob Burnett, starring Craig Roberts, Paul Rudd, Selena Gomez, Alex Huff
Rated TV-MA

From Steven Spielberg, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rated PG-13