Movies About People With Disabilities

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. The film is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom and stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, and Sally Field. It tells the story of Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind-hearted, good-natured, and athletically prodigious man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century in the United States. Throughout the film, Forrest recounts his life story to a stranger while waiting at a bus stop, with the narrative revealing how he, despite his low intelligence, has been able to observe, participate, and affect some of the most pivotal events in recent US history. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges due to his intellectual disability, but his strength of character and optimism enable him to triumph over them. The film was a massive critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor for Tom Hanks, and Best Director for Zemeckis.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 American drama film directed by David Fincher, based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. The film stars Edward Norton as an unreliable narrator who is discontented with his white-collar job. He forms a "fight club" with soap salesman Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt, and becomes embroiled in a nihilistic underground movement. The narrator's mental stability deteriorates as he struggles to cope with his new identity and the chaos that ensues. The film addresses issues such as consumerism, masculinity, and anti-establishment ideals. It has been acclaimed for its realism, dark humor, and provocative themes.

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 Miloš Forman, based on the 1962 novel by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who is sent to a mental institution for evaluation after pleading insanity in court. McMurphy quickly clashes with his authoritarian nurse, Nurse Ratched, and the other patients, who are all under her control. With the help of the other patients, McMurphy takes on the oppressive Nurse Ratched and attempts to free the inmates from her authority. The film examines themes of oppression and rebellion in a mental institution, as well as the power of kindness, friendship, and courage. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Nicholson, and Best Director for Forman.

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 written and directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The film follows the story of Philippe, a wealthy paraplegic man, and his caretaker, Driss, who is a recently released convict from the projects of Paris. After a tumultuous first meeting, Philippe and Driss form an unlikely bond that changes their lives forever. As Driss’ carefree attitude helps Philippe to face life with a newfound sense of hope, the two men begin a journey of self-discovery and mutual respect. Along the way, they learn that life can be enjoyed regardless of one’s circumstances, and that friendship can be found in even the most unlikely of places.

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

A Beautiful Mind is a 2001 American biographical drama film directed by Ron Howard and written by Akiva Goldsman. It is based on the life of the Nobel Prize–winning mathematician John Nash (played by Russell Crowe), and his struggle with paranoid schizophrenia. The film also stars Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Paul Bettany, Adam Goldberg, Judd Hirsch, and Christopher Plummer. The film follows Nash's mathematical genius and his struggle with schizophrenia, which impacts his life and work. After a difficult childhood, Nash enrolls in Princeton University, where he meets his future wife, Alicia, and becomes involved in the burgeoning field of game theory. He eventually rises to the top of the field, and is offered a prestigious position at MIT. However, his mental illness begins to take hold, leading to delusions, paranoia, and erratic behavior. Despite his deteriorating state, Nash manages to secure a Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics. With the help of his wife and friends, Nash eventually comes to terms with his illness and regains control of his life.

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

Scent of a Woman follows the story of Charlie Simms (Chris O'Donnell), a prep school student from a working-class background who is hired to look after retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade (Al Pacino) over the Thanksgiving weekend. Despite their initial differences, the two men gradually build a strong bond as Charlie learns about Frank’s life as a war hero and his struggles with blindness. As the weekend progresses, Frank reveals to Charlie his plans to commit suicide due to his deteriorating condition and his lack of will to live. When Charlie discovers this, he takes it upon himself to help Frank escape his bleak situation. With the help of a few of Frank’s old friends, the two embark on a journey that tests their limits and ultimately leads to a heartwarming conclusion.

From Morten Tyldum, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
Rated PG-13

The Imitation Game is a 2014 biographical drama film directed by Morten Tyldum and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. The film focuses on the life of Alan Turing, the British mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst and pioneering computer scientist who helped crack the German Enigma code during World War II. The film follows Turing's journey as he leads a motley group of scholars, linguists, chess champions, and intelligence officers in cracking the impenetrable Nazi code. Turing's team must work against time, as Nazi U-boats are sinking Allied ships. Turing also must overcome the personal and professional challenges of his unique identity, which includes his homosexuality and his attempts to keep it hidden from the oppressive British government. The film ultimately celebrates Turing's legacy and his importance in helping to end the war.

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

Rain Man is a 1988 American drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by 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 whom Charlie never knew existed. In search of a better life, Charlie forms an unlikely bond with Raymond and the two embark on a cross-country journey. Along the way, Charlie learns valuable life lessons from his brother and begins to appreciate his brother's gift. It was the highest grossing film of 1988 and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Actor for Hoffman.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder
Rated R

Black Swan is a psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky that follows the story of a prima ballerina, Nina, as she strives for perfection in a prestigious New York City ballet company. Nina is under immense pressure to be perfect, from her demanding dance instructor, Thomas, and her overbearing mother. As she prepares to take on the lead role in a production of Swan Lake, she finds herself in a downward spiral of paranoia, self-doubt, and obsession as she battles with her dark alter ego. She must confront her fears in order to find her own inner strength and power to combat her inner demons in order to become the perfect swan queen.

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

My Left Foot is a 1989 drama film directed by Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan and Fiona Shaw. The film tells the true story of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy, who could control only his left foot. Despite his physical disability, Christy goes on to become a writer, artist and poet. With the help of his family and a determined doctor, Christy uses his left foot to write and paint, inspiring those around him. Through Christy's determination and courage, he overcomes his physical limitations and realizes his dreams.

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 and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the lead roles. The film follows an Indian Muslim man called Rizwan Khan (Khan) with Asperger syndrome who embarks on a journey across America to win back the love of his wife, Mandira (Kajol). Throughout his journey, Rizwan faces numerous obstacles, including discrimination and misunderstanding due to his religion and condition. Despite the odds, his unwavering determination and courage eventually help him find his place in society and restore his relationship with his wife.

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

Silver Linings Playbook is a 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by David O. Russell. The film stars Bradley Cooper as Pat Solatano, a young man who is released from a psychiatric hospital and moves back in with his parents, played by Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver. He meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious young woman with problems of her own, and the two form an unlikely bond. Together, they attempt to put their lives back on track and find a silver lining in the midst of their struggles. Along the way, they are challenged by Pat's parents, his former wife, and his own inner demons. In the end, they must rely on each other to fight their way through the chaos of their lives and find true love.

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 romantic comedy-drama film directed by James L. Brooks, starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear. It tells the story of Melvin Udall, an obsessive-compulsive novelist who is forced to confront his biggest fear, confronting other people, when his neighbor, Carol Connelly, a single mother and waitress, needs his help. With the help of a kind doctor, Melvin begins to confront his fears and change his life for the better. As his friendship with Carol grows, he finds himself fighting to protect her from her abusive boyfriend and trying to win her affections. The film has been widely praised for its humorous yet heartfelt story and for its strong performances from its leads.

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

I Am Sam tells the story of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a mentally-challenged father raising his seven-year-old daughter, Lucy (Dakota Fanning). After Lucy is taken away from him by social services, Sam must battle the legal system to get her back. With the help of Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer), a lawyer who is assigned to his case, Sam is able to prove that he is a capable father who deserves to have his daughter back. Along the way, he learns to accept love and friendship from those around him, and discovers the power of unconditional love.

From Mary Harron, starring Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Bill Sage
Rated R

American Psycho is a darkly comedic film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. It follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy, materialistic, and emotionally vacant Wall Street executive who harbors a secret dark side. By day, Patrick is all smiles to his peers, colleagues and family, but by night he descends into a frenzy of sex, drugs, and murder. As he descends deeper into a psychosis, Patrick's life spirals out of control as he loses his grip on reality and struggles to stay ahead of the authorities. As his secrets come to light, the film offers a twisted glimpse into the mind of a disturbed serial killer.

From Petter Næss, starring Per Christian Ellefsen, Sven Nordin, Marit Pia Jacobsen, Jørgen Langhelle
Rated R

Elling is a Norwegian comedy-drama film released in 2001 and directed by Petter Næss. It tells the story of two mental patients, Elling and Kjell Bjarne, as they move from the confinement of an institution into a flat of their own in Oslo, Norway. Initially, Elling and Kjell Bjarne struggle to adjust to the new “freedom” of living outside the institution. They find it difficult to keep their apartment clean, shop for groceries, and socialize with others. With the help of a psychiatric nurse and their own gradual progress, they eventually learn to live independently and even make a few friends. Ultimately, Elling and Kjell Bjarne learn to overcome their anxieties and live normal, fulfilling lives. By the end of the movie, they have both found love and have accepted themselves for who they are. Elling was a box office success in Norway and received several awards, including an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. The film has since become a cult classic and is praised for its honest portrayal of mental illness and its thoughtful exploration of friendship and courage.

From James Mangold, starring Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy
Rated R

From Craig Gillespie, starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, R.D. Reid
Rated PG-13

From Agnieszka Holland, starring Kate Maberly, Maggie Smith, Heydon Prowse, Andrew Knott
Rated G

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Cher, Eric Stoltz, Sam Elliott, Estelle Getty
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, starring Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts, Dana DeVestern
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore, starring Michael Rapaport, Paul Blackthorne, Josh Peck, Robert Baker
Rated R

From Peter Stebbings, starring Woody Harrelson, Kat Dennings, Sandra Oh, Elias Koteas
Rated R

From Nicholas Tomnay, starring David Hyde Pierce, Clayne Crawford, Nathaniel Parker, Tyrees Allen
Rated R

From Richard Donner, starring Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart
Rated R