My Favourite Films About Orphans of All-Time

Not many characters in movies have earned appreciation of the orphan. Since the 1980’s, orphans have appeared in great movies. Whether it’s magical school teachers, Indian millionaires or gifted children, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about orphans that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Star Wars: A New Hope

Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise my teacher always loved dearly. Years ago, I developed relationships with a teacher appreciating the franchise. Star Wars was a franchise my English teacher would cherish. A force to be reckoned with, he acknowledged great movies impacting his identity. He appreciated franchises about lukewarm orphans making him feel happy. My teacher’s lifelong love of franchises giving him hope first began when he watched “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Ever since its release in 1977, George Lucas’ movie has stood test of time as the greatest film ever made about orphans. With the greatest film of his career, Lucas used innovative cinematic techniques capturing orphans experiencing heavy burden to bear. Lucas is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at world-building, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Star Wars: A New Hope”. For instance, the scene in which Luke becomes aware of his parents’ death that made him an orphan causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Mark Hamill, who portrayed an orphan seeking to discover his identity in the galaxy. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: A New Hope” my favourite film about orphans of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with a message that remains commemorated. Nearly 40 years following introduction of a sci-fi series created a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost abilities to blow audiences away by manufacturing unforgettable movies about the lives of orphans that definitely deserve to be celebrated today.

2. Short Term 12

It’s challenging for orphans to overcome childhood trauma. Several years ago, I formed close bonds with an intelligent orphan experiencing abuse causing sorrow. Born in an orphanage, he was separated from his parents at an early age. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from a past that left him terrified. As someone treasuring memories of an orphan that endured short-term trauma, I adored “Short Term 12”.  Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured foster care workers taking care of youth in mental institutions. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between social workers and youth in a mental hospital that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Grace opens up about her traumatic past revealing she was sexually abused causing a dilemma in mental hospitals is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a masterpiece is its all-encompassing appeal. Despite focusing on teenagers in an American mental hospital, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens experiencing despair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing movies about which audiences care.

3. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens is a legendary author whose literature impressed my mother. I remember a mother that adored the author’s literature. She had great expectations from an author she grew up to appreciate. Orphans have always played a crucial role in books published by the legendary author.  In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the author whose stories have appealed in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Iannucci used captivating montages capturing hardships that an orphan growing up in poverty is facing. For instance, the scene in which David Copperfield has a tense argument with Uriah causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who portrayed an orphan that’s successful. Ultimately, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Charles Dickens adaptations, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Charles Dickens’ literature to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about importance of finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as David Copperfield’s desire to become an author, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies which audiences treasure.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. Orphans have always been a pivotal part of the series that’s well-known, and they are most evident in the first film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Released in 2001, Christopher Columbus’ movie introduced the magical franchise about orphans on the big-screen. Columbus used captivating montages capturing the hardships that an orphan with magical abilities is facing. For instance, the scene in which Harry discovers the truth about his parents’ death from Hagrid causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied one of the most iconic orphans in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Harry Potter movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the fantasy book series to appreciate it. A spellbinding beginning of a famous fantasy series about wizards that are magical, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the lives of powerful orphans which audiences consider special.

5. Batman Begins

Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother always appreciated. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother admiring a superhero with courage. I remember my brother was once a huge fan of the caped crusader whom he would treasure. A comic-book nerd, he would always speak fondly about an orphan that made him feel heard. In 2005, Christopher Nolan honoured the iconic orphan superhero in his movie “Batman Begins”. Nolan used captivating flashbacks capturing the troubled childhood of a hero losing his parents at an early age. For instance, the scene in which Bruce witnesses his parents getting shot in an alleyway causing lifelong trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Christian Bale, who embodied an iconic orphan superhero. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Begins” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Batman movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards a caped superhero, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing great movies giving audiences dreams to follow.

6. Slumdog Millionaire

Orphans that face trauma are commonly found in India. India has built an image of being a country where children are commonly born in an orphanage. The heavy burden faced by orphans that experience despair in India is beautifully depicted in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie depicted the lives of orphans in India.Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating real-life locations in India to capture a country where orphans face adversity. Assisted by Dev Patel who is amazing in the lead role, Boyle created a powerful portrait of trauma. A profound portrait of trauma faced by orphans in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

7. Matilda

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about orphans facing a dilemma, it’s worth discussing Matilda. Since its publication in 1988, Roald Dahl’s book has become a literary classic. With its compelling story, colourful characters and strong themes, the book earned a huge following. In 1996, Danny DeVito honoured the book about orphans facing trauma in his movie “Matilda”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Matilda” stand out is its depiction of gifted children. DeVito uses captivating voice-over narration to capture the struggles faced by an orphan girl with special abilities. Assisted by Mara Wilson who is amazing in the lead role, DeVito created a compelling orphan drama. As strong as Matilda’s love for Miss Honey, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences love dearly.

8. The Lion King

Animation is a great genre that has often told compelling stories of orphans facing trauma. The hardships faced by orphans that are conflicted are often depicted in movies that are animated. The frightening tensions faced by orphans in animated movies are beautifully depicted in the movie “The Lion King”. Released in 1994, Rob Minkoff’s animated movie captured orphan lions. Minkoff used captivating musical numbers to capture the tensions faced by an orphaned lion seeking to become a king. Assisted by Matthew Broderick who is amazing in the lead role, Minkoff created a compelling animated movie about orphans. As strong as Simba’s desire to become a king, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about emotionally disturbed orphans which are definitely worth celebrating.

9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Narnia is a beloved book series that shaped my persona. I grew up to adore a book series about magical lions caring for orphans with a loud roar. Orphans have always played a pivotal role in the book series. In 2005, Andrew Adamson honoured the series about a magical wardrobe in his movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Chronicles of Narnia” stand out is its depiction of siblings. Adamson used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphaned siblings in a magical world are experiencing. Assisted by Tilda Swinton who is amazing in the lead role, Adamson honoured a beloved children’s book about orphans. As strong as Aslan’s roar, it’s a riveting reminder of commemorated genre making great movies which audiences adore.

10. Beasts of No Nation

Few movies ever made about orphans without a nation are as beloved as “Beasts of Nation”. Released in 2015, Cary Joji Fukunaga’s movie captured child soldiers in African countries. Fukunaga used captivating montages capturing hardships that orphan African children are facing. Assisted by Idris Elba who is exceptional in the lead role, Fukunaga captured orphaned children in Africa. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s exaggerated depiction of orphans that become victims of genocide atrocity in African countries has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as guns used by Agu, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies about hardships orphans go through which I will forever value for inspiring me to make my film criticism dreams come true.