Rating: PG | Runtime: 102 minutes | Released:
July 15, 1994
A heartwarming tale about Roger, a foster child who prays
for a family and believes real angels help his favorite baseball team win
games. The movie touchingly portrays a child's longing for stability and family
while in foster care. Roger's journey reminds us that hope can appear in
unexpected places, even a baseball field.
Stream on Disney+, Apple TV, or Google Play
Trailer:
Awards: Young Artist Award nomination
Martian Child (2007)
Rating: PG | Runtime: 106 minutes | Released:
November 2, 2007
Based on a true story, this emotional film follows a widowed
science fiction writer who adopts a boy convinced he's from Mars. The movie
beautifully captures the challenges and joys of adopting a child with trauma
history, showing how patience and unconditional love can help a child find
belonging on Earth.
Stream on Amazon Prime, hoopla, tubi
Trailer:
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 129 minutes | Released:
November 20, 2009
This powerful true story follows Michael Oher, a homeless
teen taken in by the Tuohy family who later became an NFL star. The film
honestly portrays how guardianship can transform lives when someone believes in
a child's potential. A moving testament to the impact of caring adults on
vulnerable youth.
Stream on HBO Max, Netflix, Apple TV
Trailer:
Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress (Sandra
Bullock), Oscar nomination for Best Picture
Rating: PG | Runtime: 118 minutes | Released:
December 19, 2014
This modern adaptation of the beloved musical follows foster
child Annie as she's temporarily taken in by a wealthy businessman. The film
highlights foster care challenges while maintaining a hopeful message about
finding family in unexpected places. Annie's resilience despite difficult
circumstances inspires foster children everywhere.
Stream on Netflix
Trailer: https://youtu.be/nasLuiP-1E0?si=HeFCRr4outVHn4Gw
Awards: Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress (Quvenzhané Wallis)
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 118 minutes | Released:
November 25, 2016
Based on a remarkable true story, Lion follows Saroo, who
gets lost as a child in India, is adopted by an Australian couple, and later
searches for his birth family using Google Earth. This emotional journey
powerfully illustrates the complex emotions adoptees experience while honoring
both birth and adoptive families. Stream on Netflix
Trailer: https://youtu.be/-RNI9o06vqo?si=4faBBxR5ES5XYQNB
Awards: Six Oscar nominations including Best Picture,
four BAFTA awards
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 105 minutes | Released:
September 30, 1994
A touching drama about a middle-aged Welsh postmaster who
adopts a troubled 10-year-old boy. The film honestly portrays the challenges of
forming bonds with children who've experienced trauma and rejection. Its
authentic depiction of adoption's difficulties and rewards resonates deeply
with foster and adoptive parents. Stream on Apple TV and Prime
Trailer: https://youtu.be/mJNjXDI1RVc?si=ccVmS3rPsW20SnkC
Rating: G | Runtime: 95 minutes | Released:
March 30, 2007
This heartwarming animated film follows Lewis, an orphan
inventor searching for his birth mother while unexpectedly finding a future
family. The movie beautifully captures an orphan's yearning for belonging and
the message that "keep moving forward" resonates with children
waiting for permanent homes. Stream on Disney+, Prime, Apple TV, Hulu, or Youtube
Trailer: https://youtu.be/3EWQ4tNm-6s?si=oz69atdRfTNe1K2Z
Losing Isaiah (1995)
Rating: R | Runtime: 111 minutes | Released:
March 17, 1995
This thought-provoking drama tackles a custody battle
between a recovering birth mother and the white family who adopted her Black
son. The film confronts difficult questions about race, birth family
connections, and what truly determines a child's best interests. A challenging
but important watch for foster/adoptive parents. Watch on Paramount+, Apple TV, Google Play
https://youtu.be/X5i-SK8I8-w?si=PHUawfK6s7JLZVgQ
Rating: PG | Runtime: 95 minutes | Released:
July 9, 2010
In this heartwarming animated comedy, supervillain Gru
adopts three orphan girls as part of an evil plan but unexpectedly finds
himself transformed by fatherhood. The film touchingly shows how children in
need of families can change even the most unlikely guardian's heart. Stream on
Netflix
Trailer: https://youtu.be/sUkZFetWYY0?si=lEbWuuC8I3E_pNcc
Awards: BAFTA nomination for Best Animated Film
Rating: PG | Runtime: 84 minutes | Released:
December 17, 1999
This charming family film follows the Little family who
adopt Stuart, a talking mouse, from an orphanage. Despite his differences, the
Littles embrace Stuart as their son. The movie beautifully illustrates how
adoptive families can embrace differences and find strength through
unconventional bonds. Stream on Apple TV and Google Play
Trailer: https://youtu.be/Wlo-sYrADlw?si=ttpH6EX-en0dPL1a
Rating: TV-14 | Runtime: 45 minutes/episode | 5
Seasons
This groundbreaking series follows a lesbian couple raising
biological, adopted, and foster children together. The show realistically
portrays the foster care system's complexities while celebrating diverse family
structures. "The Fosters" honestly addresses trauma, identity, and
the meaning of family in ways rarely seen on television. Stream on Hulu, Apple TV, or Google Play
Promo: https://youtu.be/syj4YAuwxoc?si=jrdWMuZ9_6mzHMzC
Awards: GLAAD Media Award, Television Academy Honors
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Rating: R | Runtime: 137 minutes | Released:
December 16, 2016
This powerful drama follows Lee, who unexpectedly becomes
guardian to his teenage nephew after his brother's death. The film confronts
the painful reality that not everyone is equipped for guardianship due to their
own unresolved trauma. A sobering but important perspective on family
responsibility. Stream on Prime
Trailer: https://youtu.be/gsVoD0pTge0?si=ecWlymSdu4O8DqhB
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Actor (Casey Affleck)
and Best Original Screenplay
White Oleander (2002)
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 109 minutes | Released:
October 11, 2002
This emotional film follows Astrid's journey through
multiple foster homes after her mother is imprisoned. The movie unflinchingly
portrays foster care's instability and how different placements shape a child's
identity. A powerful reminder of the impact foster parents have on vulnerable
youth. Stream on Apple TV or Google Play
Trailer: https://youtu.be/T_EoHSczOj0?si=4tVyBUogjiH4_QjL
Secrets & Lies (1996)
Rating: R | Runtime: 136 minutes | Released:
May 24, 1996
This critically acclaimed drama follows a Black woman who,
after her adoptive parents' death, searches for her birth mother and discovers
she's white. The film sensitively explores how adoption secrets affect both
adoptees and birth families. A profound examination of race, class, and the
meaning of motherhood.
Awards: Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival, Academy
Award nominations
Rating: NR | Runtime: 100 minutes | Released:
November 16, 2007
This Spanish comedy-drama follows a real estate agent who
tries to create a gay-friendly neighborhood by killing old ladies and selling
their apartments to gay couples, until one woman leaves her nephew in his care.
The film humorously but thoughtfully explores nontraditional family formation
and unexpected guardianship.
Awards: Two Goya Awards (Spanish Film Academy)
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 96 minutes | Released:
December 25, 2007
This witty, heartfelt film follows teenager Juno who makes
an adoption plan for her unborn child. The movie sensitively portrays open
adoption from a birth mother's perspective, showing the emotional complexity
and selflessness involved in choosing adoptive parents for your child.
Awards: Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay,
three other Oscar nominations
Cider House Rules (1999)
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 126 minutes | Released:
December 17, 1999
Set in an orphanage during the 1940s, this powerful drama
follows Homer, an orphan raised by the orphanage director. The film
thoughtfully examines ethical questions surrounding adoption, abortion, and
family formation while showcasing the profound impact caregivers have on
children without families.
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay
and Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine)
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Rating: PG | Runtime: 105 minutes | Released:
December 19, 1979
This groundbreaking drama portrays a custody battle between
divorcing parents. Though not directly about foster care, it revolutionized how
courts consider a child's best interests in custody decisions, influencing
modern foster care and adoption practices. A landmark film about parental
rights and responsibilities.
Awards: Five Academy Awards including Best Picture,
Best Actor, and Best Actress
The Tie That Binds (1995)
Rating: R | Runtime: 99 minutes | Released:
September 8, 1995
This thriller follows a couple who adopts a girl, unaware
her biological parents are dangerous criminals who want her back. The film
dramatically highlights adoption's legal vulnerabilities and the fierce
protective instinct of adoptive parents. A tense reminder of the emotional
bonds that can form quickly with adopted children.
I Am Sam (2001)
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 132 minutes | Released:
December 28, 2001
This moving drama follows Sam, a developmentally disabled
father fighting to retain custody of his daughter. The film powerfully
questions what makes someone fit to parent and challenges stereotypes about
disabilities. A thought-provoking exploration of parental rights and a child's
best interests.
Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Actor (Sean
Penn)
Problem Child (1990)
Rating: PG | Runtime: 81 minutes | Released:
July 27, 1990
This comedy follows a couple who adopt a boy unaware of his
troublemaking history. Though played for laughs, the film touches on real
issues like adoption disruption and the challenges of parenting children with
trauma histories. A reminder that all children need unconditional acceptance
despite behavioral challenges.
Antwone Fisher (2002)
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 120 minutes | Released:
December 19, 2002
Based on a true story, this powerful film follows a Navy
sailor confronting his painful past in foster care. Directed by Denzel
Washington, it honestly portrays foster care abuse while offering hope for
healing. The film movingly shows how mentorship and therapy can help foster
care survivors process trauma.
Awards: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion
Picture
Like Dandelion Dust (2009)
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 100 minutes | Released:
September 24, 2010
Based on Karen Kingsbury's novel, this emotional drama
centers on a custody battle when biological parents seek to reclaim their son
years after adoption. The film compassionately shows all perspectives—adoptive
parents, birth parents, and the child caught between—highlighting adoption's
legal and emotional complexities.
August Rush (2007)
Rating: PG | Runtime: 114 minutes | Released:
November 21, 2007
This magical musical drama follows a musically gifted orphan
searching for his birth parents. The film portrays foster care's institutional
side while celebrating the invisible connections that can exist between
separated family members. A hopeful story about the search for identity and
belonging that resonates with foster youth.
Awards: Young Artist Award, Grammy nomination for
Best Soundtrack
Rating: PG-13 | Runtime: 118 minutes | Released: November 16, 2018
A heartwarming comedy-drama starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne as Pete and Ellie, a couple who foster three siblings—Lizzy, Juan, and Lita—and navigate the chaotic, emotional journey of adoption. The film balances humor & heartfelt moments as the family faces challenges, bonding over time. The movie offers a relatable, uplifting depiction of the struggles and joys of fostering/adoption, highlighting the importance of patience, love, and support. It can spark meaningful conversations and reassure families they’re not alone in their experiences.
Can be streamed: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video (rent/purchase), Apple TV, and Vudu.
Awards: Nominated for a Teen Choice
Award & a People’s Choice Award.
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