My Favourite Films About Disabilities of All-Time

Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as disability. Since the 1970’s, the disability genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s traumatized soldiers, disturbed professors or forgetful fathers, the genre has created many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about disabilities that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Rain Man

Intellectual disability has impacted my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing emotional damage. I remember experiencing terror when I was diagnosed with dangerous disabilities placing my life in danger. Autism affected my abilities to succeed in a competitive school system. Nevertheless, my brother’s inspiring words of wisdom gave me motivation to overcome Autism. Few films I’ve seen have captured how Autism can destroy relationships between families as powerfully as “Rain Man”. Following its release in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film made about disability. With the greatest film of his career Levinson used innovative cinematic techniques capturing an Autistic savant facing despair. The film marked a significant breakthrough because it was the first major Hollywood movie demonstrating hardships Autistic people went through. Levinson has always excelled at capturing disabilities putting lives of people in danger, and “Rain Man” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Raymond experiences a nervous breakdown when the noise of the smoke alarm starts ringing causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Dustin Hoffman, who created a powerful portrait of an Autistic savant. Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” my favourite film about disabilities of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about intellectual disabilities which are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about relationships between siblings which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about salesmen seeking to care for brothers with Autism, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has achieved stardom manufacturing unforgettable movies offering wisdom about disabilities causing a problem.

2. Silver Linings Playbook

Bipolar is a devastating disease that impacted my aunt’s identity. Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. Afflicted with illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease affecting her happiness. As someone treasuring an aunt with Bipolar that adopted a negative outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s Oscar-winning movie captured the negative impact of Bipolar disorder on a dysfunctional family. With the most personal film of his career, O. Russell drew from his personal experiences as a father of a Bipolar son to create an authentic portrait of a disability causing despair. For instance, the scene in which Pat experiences a manic episode after he can’t find his wedding video causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Bradley Cooper, who embodied Bipolar disorder. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a disability masterpiece is its message. It delivers a positive message about importance of finding silver linings in life which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of mental illness which causes romantic relationships to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about disabilities which audiences appreciate.

3. Forrest Gump

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared a strong relationship with a mother I treasure. A hard-working woman, she has been a source of inspiration guiding my life in the right direction. Through her inspiring words of wisdom, I was able to cope with the challenges posed by Autism. As someone treasuring a mother that helped me cope with a disability causing a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an authentic portrait of intellectual disability. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Forrest Gump” stand out is its compassionate voice-over narration. Zemeckis effectively uses voice-over narration to capture individuals with intellectual disabilities facing tension. For instance, the scene in which Forrest recounts with nostalgia memories of Alabama is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Hanks, who created one of the most iconic characters in the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about intellectual disabilities which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s memories of Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making iconic movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

4. The Elephant Man

Facial deformities shaped my classmate’s identity. Several years ago, I witnessed a poor classmate in school suffering from severe facial deformities which caused sorrow.  Due to his disturbing appearance, he was an easy target for mean school bullies that would ruin self-confidence. He would often be humiliated for his public appearance which left people devastated. As someone that saw how facial deformities can ruin a person’s life, I appreciated “The Elephant Man”. Released in 1980, David Lynch’s movie captured the life of a man with severe facial deformities. Lynch uses stunning black-and-white visuals to capture the frightening obstacles a man with facial deformities is facing. For instance, the scene in which John Merrick protests against crowds of people humiliating him in public by saying that he is a human causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by John Hurt, who embodied a man with severe facial deformities. Ultimately, what makes “The Elephant Man” a classic is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that remain relevant today. A captivating portrait of men with deformities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which are worth celebrating.

5. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He sought to educate students about an illness causing lives to deteriorate. As someone recalling a teacher fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”.  Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s biopic depicted the life of Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard used stunning unreliable narration to capture the anxiety faced by a troubled mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing mathematician that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a beautiful masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy behind.

6. As Good as it Gets

OCD is rarely depicted in movies accurately. Hollywood has struggled to tell stories about a mental illness that’s misunderstood. As someone with OCD, I have often believed movies rarely capture the disease accurately. In an industry where OCD rarely gets portrayed accurately, it’s worth praising “As Good as it Gets”. Released in 1997, James L. Brooks’ movie offered a powerful portrait of OCD that’s true to reality. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “As Good as it Gets” stand out is its humour. Brooks uses sharp humour to capture a man with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is amazing in the lead role, Brooks created a compelling movie about OCD. A powerful portrait of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences treasure.

7. CODA

Stories of deaf communities are rarely told in movies. Hollywood has always declined hard-of-hearing communities a quiet place in the industry. In an industry that has always ignored deaf communities facing trauma, it’s worth praising “CODA”. Released in 2021, Sian Heder’s Oscar-winning drama celebrated the deaf community. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “CODA” stand out is its disabled casting. Heder’s decision to cast real-life deaf actors lends a strong sense of authenticity to the film that’s missing from most disability movies. Assisted by Emilia Jones who is exceptional in the lead role, Heder honoured the deaf community. A powerful portrait of challenging hardships that deaf families face, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always produced meaningful movies which audiences embrace.

8. The Father

Dementia is a devastating disease that impacted my family. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that suffered from Dementia. As someone that witnessed my grandmother suffer memory loss, I was deeply moved by “The Father”. Released in 2020, Florian Zeller’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Dementia. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Father” stand out is its depiction of memory loss. Zeller uses captivating unreliable narration to capture a frustrated father whose memory is declining. Assisted by Anthony Hopkins who is extraordinary in the lead role, Zeller created a powerful Dementia drama. A devastating depiction of memory loss affecting fathers that are forgetful, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies audiences consider special.

9. Short Term 12

Mental institutions have shaped my identity. When I was diagnosed with Autism, I visited mental institutions. It was fascinating observing the way facilities functioned. As someone treasuring memories of short-term mental institutions, I appreciated “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured mental institution facilities. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Short Term 12” stand out is its depiction of institutions. Cretton uses montages capturing teenagers attending institutions that are caring. Assisted by Brie Larson who is amazing in the lead role, Cretton created a compelling mental institution drama. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teenagers facing despair, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about which audiences care.

10. Scent of a Woman

Few movies ever made about disabled blind men have earned recognition of “Scent of a Woman”. Released in 1992, Martin Brest’s movie captured hardships blind veterans go through. Brest used captivating montages capturing hardships that a blind veteran is facing. Assisted by Al Pacino who is extraordinary in the lead role, Brest created a bold disability drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a blind man that becomes victim of his disability has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Charlie’s desire to care for a colonel that’s blind, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced one-of-a-kind movies about disabilities affecting the mind which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema that has never declined.