This curated list of films focuses on the lives of street children, showcasing their resilience, struggles, and the harsh realities they face. These movies not only entertain but also educate viewers about the challenges faced by these young individuals, often highlighting themes of survival, hope, and the quest for a better life. Each film in this collection provides a window into different cultural contexts and the universal human spirit.

Pixote (1981)
Description: This Brazilian film follows the life of Pixote, a young boy who escapes from a juvenile detention center and lives on the streets, engaging in crime to survive.
Fact: The film was controversial for its depiction of child prostitution and violence, leading to its ban in several countries.


Streetwise (1984)
Description: A documentary that follows the lives of several homeless and runaway teenagers living on the streets of Seattle, providing an unvarnished look at their daily struggles.
Fact: The film inspired the book "Streetwise" by Mary Ellen Mark, who also photographed the subjects.


City of God (2002)
Description: Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, this Brazilian film explores the lives of two boys growing up in the violent environment, one becoming a photographer and the other a drug dealer. It's a raw depiction of street life and gang culture.
Fact: The film was shot in real locations in Rio's favelas, using many non-professional actors from those communities.


The Kite Runner (2007)
Description: Based on Khaled Hosseini's novel, this film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's turbulent history, with scenes involving street children and their lives.
Fact: The film was shot in China due to safety concerns in Afghanistan.


Salaam Bombay! (1988)
Description: This film follows Krishna, a young boy who ends up in Bombay after being sent away by his mother. He navigates life on the streets, encountering various characters and facing numerous challenges.
Fact: It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.


The War Zone (1999)
Description: While not exclusively about street kids, this film deals with family dynamics and includes scenes where the protagonist, Tom, interacts with street children, highlighting their vulnerability.
Fact: The film was Tim Roth's directorial debut.


Oliver Twist (2005)
Description: This adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel follows the journey of Oliver, an orphan who falls in with a gang of pickpockets in Victorian London. It's a poignant look at the life of a street child in the 19th century.
Fact: The film was directed by Roman Polanski, who himself experienced life as a street child during World War II.


Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Description: This film tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai, who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" It's a tale of survival, love, and the harsh realities of slum life.
Fact: The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The White Balloon (1995)
Description: An Iranian film where a young girl's quest to buy a goldfish for the New Year leads her through the streets of Tehran, encountering various characters, including street children.
Fact: It won the Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for best first feature film.


The Children of Heaven (1997)
Description: This Iranian film tells the story of a brother and sister who share a single pair of shoes due to their family's poverty, leading to encounters with street life and the kindness of strangers.
Fact: It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
