Movies with Characters Who Have Learning and Attention Issues and Developmental Disabilities

Watching movies about characters with learning and attention issues and developmental disabilities can give kids a chance to see relatable characters on-screen and help build understanding, compassion, and inclusivity. We have other inclusive/engaging picks on our Movies with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities and Books with Characters on the Autism Spectrum lists.

Filter by:

MOVIE

Eleanor's Secret

age 5+

Reading saves the day in charming, mildly perilous tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)

See full review

MOVIE

Finding Dory

age 6+

Delightful sequel promotes teamwork; some sadness, scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)

See full review

A silhouetted figure in a wheelchair is poised in the wings to enter a ballet performance.

MOVIE

Everybody Dance

age 8+

Sweet docu follows kids with disabilities at ballet school.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)

See full review

MOVIE

A Mile in His Shoes

age 8+

Inspirational baseball tale about a pitcher with autism.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)

See full review

MOVIE

The Speed Cubers

age 8+

Inspiring short docu about competition and friendship.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)

See full review

MOVIE

Un Disfraz para Nicolas (A Costume for Nicolas)

age 8+

Animated movie about imaginative boy with Down syndrome.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)

See full review

MOVIE

Far from the Tree

age 10+

Touching docu about parents raising uniquely different kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)

See full review

MOVIE

The Reason I Jump

age 10+

Powerful, insightful docu about people with autism.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)

See full review

MOVIE

Rudy

age 11+

Inspiring sports film about a real-life underdog.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)

See full review

MOVIE

Swim Team

age 11+

Inspiring documentary about young athletes with autism.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)

See full review

MOVIE

How to Dance in Ohio

age 12+

Inspirational, heartwarming doc about living with autism.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)

See full review

MOVIE

Life, Animated

age 12+

Unforgettable doc about autism, communication, Disney.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)

See full review

MOVIE

Where Hope Grows

age 12+

Moving faith-based friendship drama not just for believers.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)

See full review

MOVIE

Adam

age 13+

Surprisingly fresh romance upends your assumptions.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)

See full review

MOVIE

Asperger's Are Us

age 13+

Young men with ASD prep for comedy show in smart docu.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)

See full review

MOVIE

A Brilliant Young Mind

age 13+

Affecting drama about math whiz tackles loss, special needs.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)

See full review

MOVIE

Like Stars on Earth

age 13+

Drama about a boy's struggles with dyslexia; some violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)

See full review

MOVIE

My Feral Heart

age 13+

British drama about healing and connection; strong language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)

See full review

MOVIE

The Peanut Butter Falcon

age 13+

Edgy but surprisingly sweet, compassionate dramedy.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)

See full review

MOVIE

Still Alice

age 13+

Moore turns Alzheimer's drama into acting master class.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)

See full review

"Best of" Lists

"Best of" Lists

Movies with Characters Who Have Learning and Attention Issues and Developmental Disabilities

Other great lists from our editors

Articles