10 Movies & Shows Like Recovery (2016)

Description: While a sci-fi film, it explores themes of overcoming physical limitations in a society that values genetic perfection. The protagonist battles against his 'inferior' genetic makeup to achieve his dreams, mirroring struggles with physical disability.

Fact: The film's title is composed entirely of letters used to label the nucleotide bases of DNA (G, A, T, C). Many of the futuristic buildings shown were actual locations at the Marin County Civic Center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Description: A visually stunning portrayal of locked-in syndrome, showing the world through the eyes of a paralyzed man who communicates only by blinking one eye. It shares themes of confinement, communication, and the power of imagination.

Fact: The film is based on the memoir of Jean-Dominique Bauby, who dictated the entire book by blinking his left eyelid. Much of the film is shot from the protagonist's first-person perspective.

Description: A powerful drama about an underdog boxer whose life takes a tragic turn, exploring themes of physical limitation, dignity, and the complex relationships between caregivers and patients.

Fact: Clint Eastwood insisted on shooting the film in chronological order, which is unusual for movie productions. The boxing scenes were choreographed by former professional boxer Joe Cortez.

Description: A heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caretaker from the projects. It highlights themes of overcoming adversity, the transformative power of companionship, and finding joy in life despite physical limitations.

Fact: The film is inspired by the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caretaker Abdel Sellou. It became the highest-grossing non-English language film in many countries.

Description: A poignant story about a man in an iron lung seeking to lose his virginity, exploring themes of disability, sexuality, and human connection. It addresses the universal need for intimacy and the challenges faced by those with physical limitations.

Fact: The film is based on the autobiographical writings of Mark O'Brien, a poet and journalist who lived most of his life in an iron lung due to polio. The real-life sex surrogate portrayed in the film consulted on the production.

Description: A raw and emotional story about physical and emotional recovery after a tragic accident, focusing on the relationship between two damaged individuals. It explores themes of resilience, adaptation to disability, and unconventional healing.

Fact: Marion Cotillard performed all of her character's underwater scenes herself after extensive training. The film uses actual footage of orca whales from marine parks for key scenes.

Description: A touching story about young love and living with serious illness, focusing on making the most of limited time. It shares themes of medical challenges, the search for meaning, and the importance of human connection in difficult circumstances.

Fact: Author John Green based parts of the story on his experience as a chaplain at a children's hospital. The film's title comes from a line in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

Description: This emotional drama deals with themes of life-altering injuries, the right to choose one's fate, and the impact of love and caregiving on personal growth. It portrays the challenges of adjusting to a new reality after a traumatic event.

Fact: The film is based on Jojo Moyes' bestselling novel of the same name. Moyes also wrote the screenplay, ensuring the adaptation stayed true to the book's emotional core.

Description: This film explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of physical limitations, focusing on a brilliant mind trapped by a debilitating illness. It shares themes of personal struggle, adaptation, and the power of love and support.

Fact: The film is based on the memoir of Jane Hawking, which details her life with Stephen Hawking. Eddie Redmayne spent months studying ALS and meeting with patients to prepare for his role.

Description: A biographical drama about a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing, focusing on his physical and emotional recovery. It shares themes of trauma, rehabilitation, and the challenges of returning to normal life after catastrophic injury.

Fact: The film is based on Jeff Bauman's memoir of the same name. Bauman's real-life prosthetic legs were used in some scenes for authenticity.