If you’re looking for movies about foster care and adoption, this list has you covered! Some of these might encourage parents, and others might be a way to open up a dialogue with your foster child.
It’s a good idea to watch the movie (or at least read the plot) before screening it with your child, just to be aware of any information or storylines that could be triggering for them.
Instant Family
This heartwarming movie follows the journey of a couple who decides to consider foster care and adoption as a way to grow their family. When they’re placed with three children (a teenager and two younger children) you can see exactly what it’s like to be a foster parent. This movie is great for older kids but the storyline might not be appropriate for little ones.
The Martian Child
A man decides he wants to adopt a child and he connects with a young boy who believes he’s a martian. It’s a great way to show the way that a child may have unique needs or challenges and it’s interesting to watch the main character navigate these quirks.
Shazam!
The main character is a foster child who is searching for his mother. He makes a new friend in his foster home and he discovers he has super powers. On his quest to defeat his enemy, he learns about the powers from his birth family.
Angels in the Outfield
A young boy has lost his mother and his father isn’t really in his life. His two dreams are to have a “real” family and to see the Angels win the Pennant. Angels unexpectedly show up to make things happen, and this goofy comedy has a sweet story to tell. It’s has a relatively happy ending, but parts of the movie could be triggering, such as the dad showing up but not staying.
Juno
While not directly about foster care or adoption, this film portrays the emotional journey of a teenage girl navigating an unplanned pregnancy and making decisions about the future. It can spark meaningful discussions about responsibility, choices, and support systems.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Based on a true story, this film depicts a struggling father’s journey to provide a better life for his son through hard work and determination. It showcases the resilience and dedication required in challenging circumstances.
Little Miss Sunshine
This dark comedy-drama follows a dysfunctional family as they travel cross-country for a beauty pageant. It delves into the importance of supporting each other through challenges and the idea that families come in all shapes and sizes. This could be a good option for foster families with teenagers.
These movies can provide opportunities for foster parents and their foster children to engage in discussions about family dynamics, feelings of belonging, coping with challenges, empathy, and the importance of open communication. Watching these films together can help foster children feel understood and encourage meaningful conversations about their own experiences.
Just remember to consider the age and emotional maturity of the children before selecting a movie, as some themes might be more suitable for older audiences. If you have a suggestion, leave it in the comments below!