Movies with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities

Last updated: August 25, 2025

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.

May 30, 2003 2003 G (101 minutes)
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.

July 3, 2012 2012 NR (94 minutes)
Finding Dory movie poster: Blue tang Dory and friends in the ocean
MOVIE

Finding Dory

age 6+

Delightful sequel promotes teamwork; sadness, scares.

June 17, 2016 2016 PG (103 minutes)
Dolphin Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

Dolphin Tale

age 7+

Heartwarming tale is sweet, inspiring for kids and tweens.

September 23, 2011 2011 PG (113 minutes)
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.

January 4, 2013 2013 PG (78 minutes)
Blink movie poster: Four White children sit on top of a yellow van with a rainbow soaring up behind them
MOVIE

Blink

age 8+

Moving travel docu encourages kids to see the world.

October 4, 2024 2024 PG (84 minutes)
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.

October 7, 2022 2022 NR (85 minutes)
Going to the Mat Poster Image
MOVIE

Going to the Mat

age 8+

Sports drama has positive representations; some bullying.

March 19, 2004 2004 G (92 minutes)
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.

June 21, 1996 1996 G (91 minutes)
The Secret Garden Poster Image
MOVIE

The Secret Garden

age 8+

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

August 13, 1993 1993 G (101 minutes)
23 Blast Poster Image
MOVIE

23 Blast

age 10+

Inspiring true-life tale about blind football player.

October 24, 2014 2014 PG-13 (98 minutes)
Out of My Mind movie poster: Phoebe Rae-Taylor in a wheelchair in front of a blue sky.
MOVIE

Out of My Mind

age 10+

Strong emotions, positive messages in book adaptation.

November 22, 2024 2024 NR (107 minutes)
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.

June 17, 2016 2016 NR (106 minutes)
Simon Birch Poster Image
MOVIE

Simon Birch

age 10+

Tearjerker is touching but too intense for younger kids.

September 11, 1998 1998 PG (114 minutes)
Soul Surfer Poster Image
MOVIE

Soul Surfer

age 10+

Earnest sports biopic tugs at heart despite clichés.

April 8, 2011 2011 PG (105 minutes)
The Miracle Worker Poster Image
MOVIE

The Miracle Worker

age 10+

Outstanding movie based on life of Helen Keller.

May 23, 1962 1962 NR (107 minutes)
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.

November 17, 2017 2017 PG (113 minutes)
A Space in Time Poster Image
MOVIE

A Space in Time

age 11+

Candid docu captures family impacted by muscular dystrophy.

June 1, 2021 2021 NR (88 minutes)
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.

November 15, 2023 2023 NR (83 minutes)
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Movie Poster: An artist's portrayal of Christopher Reeve as Superman in close-up
MOVIE

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

age 11+

Moving, inspiring documentary about stardom and disability.

September 21, 2024 2024 PG-13 (104 minutes)
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