10 Movies and Shows Similar to Coda (1987)

Description: Like 'Coda (1987)', 'The Miracle Worker' explores the challenges and triumphs of communication, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Both films focus on the relationship between a teacher and a student, highlighting the transformative power of understanding and perseverance. The emotional depth and inspirational tone are also similar.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Patty Duke, who played Helen Keller, became the youngest person at the time to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The play and film were both written by William Gibson.

Description: This film shares with 'Coda (1987)' a focus on the deaf community and the complexities of communication between the hearing and non-hearing worlds. Both films delve into personal relationships and the emotional barriers that come with differing abilities, offering a poignant look at love and understanding.

Fact: Marlee Matlin, who is deaf in real life, won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role, making her the first deaf performer to win an Oscar. The film is based on a Tony Award-winning play of the same name. William Hurt, who plays the male lead, learned sign language for the role.

Description: While primarily about a music teacher, 'Mr. Holland's Opus' shares with 'Coda (1987)' a focus on the transformative power of teaching and the importance of understanding and communication. Both films highlight the impact of dedicated educators on their students' lives.

Fact: Richard Dreyfuss was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Mr. Holland. The film's title refers to the life's work of the protagonist, which is compared to a musical composition. The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of music teachers.

Description: 'Babel' shares with 'Coda (1987)' a focus on the challenges of communication across different cultures and languages. The film's interconnected stories highlight the universal human need for connection and understanding, much like the emotional journey in 'Coda'.

Fact: The film is part of Alejandro González Iñárritu's 'Death Trilogy', which also includes 'Amores Perros' and '21 Grams'. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett star in one of the film's storylines. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: This film, like 'Coda (1987)', tells a story that intertwines the lives of deaf and hearing characters. The use of silence and visual storytelling creates a unique narrative experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding and connection across different abilities.

Fact: The film is based on the novel of the same name by Brian Selznick. Director Todd Haynes used different film styles to distinguish between the two timelines in the movie. Millicent Simmonds, who is deaf in real life, plays a deaf character in the film.

Description: This film, like 'Coda (1987)', explores themes of otherness and communication. The protagonist, a mute woman, forms a deep connection with a non-human being, highlighting the power of non-verbal communication and empathy, similar to the themes in 'Coda'.

Fact: Guillermo del Toro won the Academy Award for Best Director for this film. The film won the Oscar for Best Picture in

Description: While 'A Quiet Place' is a horror film, it shares with 'Coda (1987)' a central theme of communication within a family where some members are deaf. The use of silence and sign language as primary means of communication creates a unique and emotional narrative, much like in 'Coda'.

Fact: John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, who are married in real life, star as the parents in the film. The film's sound design was critically acclaimed for its innovative use of silence. Millicent Simmonds, who plays the deaf daughter, is deaf in real life and helped the cast learn sign language.

Description: This short film, like 'Coda (1987)', focuses on a deaf child's struggle to communicate in a hearing world. The story highlights the importance of sign language and the emotional barriers faced by deaf individuals, offering a poignant and heartfelt narrative.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. The lead actress, Maisie Sly, is deaf in real life. The film was created to raise awareness about the challenges faced by deaf children in mainstream education.

Description: This documentary shares with 'Coda (1987)' a deep exploration of the deaf experience. It follows a deaf couple's decision to undergo cochlear implant surgery, offering a personal and emotional look at the complexities of hearing and communication.

Fact: The film won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Director Irene Taylor Brodsky is the daughter of the couple featured in the documentary. The film provides an intimate look at the personal and societal implications of cochlear implants.

Description: This TV movie, like 'Coda (1987)', deals with the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by families with deaf members. The story revolves around a hearing father and a deaf mother who must decide whether to give their deaf son a cochlear implant, highlighting themes of identity and communication.

Fact: The film stars Jeff Daniels and Marlee Matlin. It was written by Stephen Sachs, who is known for his work in deaf theater. The film was produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame.