Popcorn With Purpose: Movies That See Ability Differently

Here at D.E.S.I., we thought it would be fun to share a few movie recommendations to enjoy throughout the year. All of these films explore themes we think about often in our community. They’re kind, uplifting stories about people with special needs, all told with nuance and compassion. Do we sense an upcoming movie night series?!

Temple Grandin (2010)

Temple Grandin is an HBO biographical drama about an autistic woman who revolutionized the cattle industry by designing more humane systems. Claire Danes won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Temple Grandin. She spent significant time studying and meeting with Grandin to capture her mannerisms and perspective. It’s a thoughtful and respectful portrayal of autism—one that Temple Grandin herself approved of.

Mimi and Dona (2015)

This documentary tells the touching story of Mimi, a 92-year-old mother, and her 64-year-old daughter, Dona, who has special needs. Directed by Mimi’s granddaughter, the film gently explores their close relationship as Dona prepares to move into a care facility. It’s a beautiful and intimate look at love, aging, and letting go.

Ken Burns’s The Address(2014)

Ken Burns has been making documentaries about the American experience for more than 45 years, so many people know him from his series on the Civil War, Baseball, and Jazz. The Address is a lesser-known gem that follows a group of students with learning differences in Connecticut who are tasked with memorizing and reciting the Gettysburg Address. It’s a long-standing tradition at their school, and while the reason behind it is deeply meaningful, we’ll let you discover that for yourself.

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

This quirky indie film follows Zak (played by Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome) as he runs away from a care facility to chase his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. The movie was written specifically for Gottsagen, who also helped develop the character alongside the directors. What makes this film stand out is that Zak is truly the main character—his choices drive the story. He’s not there to teach anyone a lesson; he is the story, which is a refreshing change from how disabled characters have often been portrayed in the past.

Out of My Mind (2024)

Based on Sharon M. Draper’s bestselling novel, this film follows Melody Bates, a young girl with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair and cannot speak. Even though Melody can’t communicate verbally, the story is told entirely from her point of view. When she receives an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, she’s finally able to express herself in a way others can understand. The people around her begin to realize they’ve underestimated her for years. It’s a powerful reminder that just because someone can’t speak doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking.

Champions (2023)

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, Champions is a sports comedy about a minor-league baseball coach played by Woody Harrelson who ends up coaching a Special Olympics team. The team is made up of real people with intellectual disabilities, which gives the movie an authentic feel while still keeping it funny. It never laughs at the characters. Instead, it puts them front and center. These players want to be coached, not patronized.

My Left Foot (1989)

Older films don’t always handle disability with accuracy or sensitivity, but My Left Foot is a standout. This biographical drama tells the story of Christy Brown, an Irish writer and painter with cerebral palsy whose mother discovers that he can control only one part of his body—his left foot. This was Daniel Day-Lewis’s breakout role, and his immersive performance brought Christy’s story to a wide audience. Through his art and writing, Christy shows the world that he’s been misunderstood, something many of us can relate to.