10 Heartfelt Biopics About Children Facing Illness

Description: This film depicts the early life of Helen Keller, who was blind, deaf, and mute, and her relationship with her teacher, Annie Sullivan, who helps her break through her isolation.

Fact: Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke both won Academy Awards for their roles as Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller, respectively.

Description: This film follows the true story of the Odones, who fight against time to find a treatment for their son Lorenzo's rare and fatal disease, Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Lorenzo Odone, whose parents developed a treatment that extended his life significantly.

Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film tells the story of two brothers dealing with an abusive stepfather, with one brother suffering from a rare blood disease. It's a tale of childhood resilience and imagination.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of writer David M. Evans, though it's not a direct biography.

Description: Based on the novel "Freak the Mighty," this film tells the story of two boys, one with a spinal condition and the other with learning difficulties, who form an unbreakable bond.

Fact: The film was adapted from Rodman Philbrick's novel, which itself was inspired by real-life stories of children with disabilities.

Description: While not exclusively about a child, this film includes scenes from John Nash's childhood, showing early signs of his schizophrenia. It's a compelling narrative of genius, struggle, and recovery.

Fact: Russell Crowe was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as John Nash. The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture.

Description: Based on the memoir by Jean-Dominique Bauby, this film captures his life after a massive stroke leaves him with locked-in syndrome, able to communicate only through blinking one eye. It's a poignant look at the inner life of someone trapped in their own body.

Fact: The film was shot from the perspective of Bauby, with the camera often positioned to mimic his limited field of vision. It won the Best Director award at Cannes Film Festival.

Description: This biopic focuses on Stephen Hawking's early life, including his diagnosis with motor neuron disease at a young age, and his subsequent achievements in theoretical physics.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.

Description: The story of Joseph Merrick, a man with severe deformities, who was treated as a sideshow attraction before being rescued by a compassionate doctor. While not a child, his story begins in childhood.

Fact: John Hurt's performance as Merrick was critically acclaimed, earning him a BAFTA nomination. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

Description: Based on the life of Rocky Dennis, who suffered from craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, this film showcases his life, his mother's love, and his struggle to live a normal teenage life.

Fact: Eric Stoltz, who played Rocky, wore heavy makeup and prosthetics for his role, which took hours to apply each day.

Description: This film tells the story of Christy Brown, born with cerebral palsy, who learns to paint and write with his left foot, defying all odds. It's a powerful tale of overcoming adversity through sheer determination.

Fact: Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Christy Brown. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.