The Top 12 Best Adoption Movies

There aren’t as many adoption movies out there as there are adoption books, but the ones that are out there are pretty amazing! There are so many different, prospective adoption scenarios and even more perspectives on adoption in general. This list of the top 12 best adoption movies includes a variety of possible situations as well as the perspective of all different sides of the adoption triad.

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It’s impossible to rank these adoption movies in quality order, but in our best effort to do so, here it is:

The Top 12 Best Adoption Movies:

#1 The Blind Side

The Blind Side is a true story about a child, Michael, adopted by a wealthy local family. Throughout the movie, Michael learns about family and confronts his past. The Tuohy’s (the adoptive family) come together to help Michael. They help him transition into his new life, and sort out/deal with his past. As a result, the newly formed family grows stronger.

#2 Annie (2014)

A re-make/new rendition of the original Annie features orphan Annie finally finding her forever family with New York City mayoral candidate Will Stacks. While her initial placement journey isn’t easy, Annie exemplifies how rewarding adoption can be when the placement is right.

#3 Lion

Lion dives into the adoptees’ perspective. Saroo Brierley, a young man who was adopted by an Australian couple, goes on a quest to find his birth parents. Lion is an incredible film about self discovery and love.  Lion was nominated for six Academy Awards.

#4 Juno

Juno tells the story of a teenager, after an accidental pregnancy, finds that placing her baby for adoption is actually a rewarding experience on so many levels. While it is a comical film at heart, there are several earnest moments highlighting the complicated reality of adoption, relationships and parenthood.

#5 Life As We Know It

Life As We Know It is another comical movie about adoption. It shows how bumpy the road can be to and through parenthood as the characters navigate the triumphs and challenges of raising a one-year-old girl, Sophie. The movie’s message is that life may not always go to plan, but love always wins.

#6 Private Life

Private Life is the story of Richard and Rachel, a couple struggling with infertility. The movie is raw about the anxiety and depression that couples feel facing infertility. It brings home a message of hope that things will turn out well in the end as they turn to adoption.

#7 Ideal Home

Ideal Home is a film about a couple whose lives are altered after an unexpected 10-year-old appears on their doorstep. Watching the couple, who is completely unready for a child, adapt to a new lifestyle is dramatic and hilarious. Ideal home is a great film about sacrifice, family, and parenthood.

#8 Matilda

Matilda is the story of a young girl, Matilda (Mara Wilson), with a very unloving and unaccepting family that finds out she has telekinetic powers. At school, she befriends her caring teacher, Miss Honey. Miss Honey is warm and loving. In the heart-warming end, Miss Honey adopts Matilda.

#9 The Light Between Oceans

The Light Between Oceans was not a huge box office success, but it was still a very thought-provoking story. The movie follows a couple who adopt an abandoned child, only to have the child’s birth mother come looking for the child years later. It is a heartbreaking story about love, pain, and life.

#10 Secondhand Lions

Secondhand Lions follows a young boy who is sent to live with his tough uncles. The unlikely trio learns that they are the perfect fit for each other after a series of crazy adventures and new revelations. Secondhand Lions has everything, including love, mystery, and comedy.

#11 Paper Dream

Paper Dream is a Christian film representing the adoptive family perspective. It is the story of a woman, Christy, who has longed to be a mother for years. She turns to adoption to fulfill her life-long desire for parenthood.

#12 Manchester By The Sea

Manchester By The Sea is a film about a broken man named Lee who must care for his nephew after the sudden death of Lee’s brother. An unexpected bond forms between Lee and his nephew as Lee tries to move through his severe depression. Lee must decide whether or not he will adopt his nephew in this captivating and emotional movie.

I hope you enjoyed this list of the top 12 best adoption movies! I hope that these adoption movies shed light on the reality of adoption for all those educating themselves on &/ considering being part of an adoption triad.

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