Movies with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities

Physical limitations can make life more challenging. But these movies show characters with disabilities finding ways to live the lives they want. Stories about characters with physical difficulties can help build understanding, compassion, and tolerance among viewers who don't face those challenges -- and give those who do a chance to see relatable people on-screen. Families will learn about courage, empathy, and perseverance as they watch and discuss these inspiring stories. Check out our Books with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities and Movies with Characters Who Have Learning and Attention Issues and Developmental Disabilities lists too.

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Finding Nemo Poster Image
MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars Poster Image
MOVIE

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

age 6+

Sweet, inspiring tale about a girl reaching for her dreams.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
Finding Dory Poster Image
MOVIE

Finding Dory

age 6+

Delightful sequel promotes teamwork; some sadness, scares.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Dolphin Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

Dolphin Tale

age 7+

Heartwarming tale is sweet, inspiring for kids and tweens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie

age 7+

Well-meaning drama about being deaf in a hearing world.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
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)
Going to the Mat Poster Image
MOVIE

Going to the Mat

age 8+

Sports drama has positive representations; some bullying.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2004)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) Poster Image
MOVIE

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

age 8+

Touching but dark Disney tale cheers on the outcasts.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1996)
The Secret Garden Poster Image
MOVIE

The Secret Garden

age 8+

'90s adaptation of classic book has some heavy themes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)
23 Blast Poster Image
MOVIE

23 Blast

age 10+

Inspiring true-life tale about blind football player.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
The Miracle Worker Poster Image
MOVIE

The Miracle Worker

age 10+

Outstanding movie based on life of Helen Keller.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1962)
Rainbow movie poster: A young Indian brother and sister walk hand in hand in the desert
MOVIE

Rainbow (Dhanak)

age 10+

Upbeat Bollywood sibling drama has mild language and peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Simon Birch Poster Image
MOVIE

Simon Birch

age 10+

Tearjerker is touching but too intense for younger kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
Soul Surfer Poster Image
MOVIE

Soul Surfer

age 10+

Earnest sports biopic tugs at heart despite clichés.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
Wonder Movie Poster: Auggie stands against a blue background holding astronaut's helmet, which is the O in the title "Wonder"
MOVIE

Wonder

age 10+

Earnest, emotional book adaptation has strong messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
David Holmes -- The Boy Who Lived movie poster: Daniel Radcliffe stands next to his stunt double David Holmes who is sitting in a wheelchair.
MOVIE

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived

age 11+

Docu about paralyzed Potter stuntman is full of positivity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
A Space in Time Poster Image
MOVIE

A Space in Time

age 11+

Candid docu captures family impacted by muscular dystrophy.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
The Best of Men Poster Image
MOVIE

The Best of Men

age 12+

British WWII drama has positive messages, trauma, language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Breathe Poster Image
MOVIE

Breathe

age 12+

Feel-good romance tackles serious themes, disability rights.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
CinemAbility:  The Art of Inclusion Poster Image
MOVIE

CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion

age 12+

Earnest Hollywood docu argues for disability inclusion.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)