empathetic backdrop

Movies with empathetic vibe

Vera Drake

1. Vera Drake

Drama Tragic Drama
7.6
20042h 5min

Overview

Abortionist Vera Drake finds her beliefs and practices clash with the mores of 1950s Britain – a conflict that leads to tragedy for her family.

Themes

Class inequality, Moral duty vs legality, Secrecy and risk, Poverty and family obligations, Women's agency under pressure, Punishment as deterrent

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Sea Inside

2. The Sea Inside

Drama Tragic Drama
8.0
20042h 6min

Overview

Ramón Sampedro is a ship mechanic and part-time poet left a quadriplegic following a diving accident. Ramón fought for 30 years for the legal right to end his own life. He develops close relationships with his long-term lawyer Julia and his friend Rosa, who tries to convince him that his life is worth living. Despite his situation, Ramón manages to inspire those around him to live life to the fullest.

Themes

Dignity in disability, Family vs autonomy, Right to die, Advocacy and law, Romance and support, Memoir as testimony

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Freaky Friday

3. Freaky Friday

Family Fantasy Comedy Romance Parent-Child Family
6.4
20031h 37min

Overview

Mother and daughter bicker over everything -- what Anna wears, whom she likes and what she wants to do when she's older. In turn, Anna detests Tess's fiancé. When a magical fortune cookie switches their personalities, they each get a peek at how the other person feels, thinks and lives.

Themes

Generational role reversal, Family expectations and autonomy, Premature adulthood pressure, Selfless acts, Family bonding under stress, Parent child empathy

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Antwone Fisher

4. Antwone Fisher

Drama History Romance Psychological Drama
7.3
20022h

Overview

A sailor prone to violent outbursts is sent to a naval psychiatrist for help. Refusing at first to open up, the young man eventually breaks down and reveals a horrific childhood. Through the guidance of his doctor, he confronts his painful past and begins a quest to find the family he never knew.

Themes

Trauma and resilience, Search for belonging, Care system tensions, Identity through family ties, Guidance versus resistance, Healing through confrontation

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

I Am Sam

5. I Am Sam

Drama Family Drama
7.6
20012h 12min

Overview

Sam, a neurodivergent man, has a daughter with a homeless woman who abandons them when they leave the hospital, leaving Sam to raise Lucy on his own. But as Lucy grows up, Sam's limitations as a parent start to become a problem and the authorities take her away. Sam convinces high-priced lawyer Rita to take his case pro bono and in turn teaches her the value of love and family.

Themes

Family resilience under pressure, Disability and parenting, Parental advocacy and custody, Foster care dynamics, Pro bono legal ethics, Neurodiversity and care

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.