Sci-Fi Films with Adopted Kids: A Cinematic Journey

Description: In this animated gem, Hogarth Hughes, a young boy, befriends a giant robot from space. Their bond explores themes of friendship, identity, and what it means to be a family, even if it's not by traditional means.

Fact: The film was directed by Brad Bird, who later directed "The Incredibles." It was initially a box office disappointment but has since become a cult classic.

Description: Two siblings find mysterious toys from the future that give them extraordinary abilities. Their journey to understand these gifts and save humanity is guided by their adopted parents, highlighting the bond between adoptive families and the power of love.

Fact: The film was inspired by a short story by Henry Kuttner and C.L. Moore. The name "Mimzy" comes from a poem in the story, which is a play on "mimsy" from Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky."

Description: Klaatu, an alien visitor, arrives on Earth with a warning about humanity's destructive behavior. His relationship with a young boy, Jacob, who has lost his father, explores themes of adoption, redemption, and the potential for humans to change.

Fact: This is a remake of the 1951 film of the same name. The original film was one of the first to use the theme of alien visitation to comment on Cold War tensions.

Description: In a post-apocalyptic world, Eli, a wanderer, carries a book that holds the key to humanity's survival. Along his journey, he encounters Solara, a young woman who becomes his companion, forming a bond that mirrors an adoptive relationship, showcasing themes of guidance and legacy.

Fact: The film was directed by the Hughes brothers, known for their work on "Menace II Society." The book Eli carries is revealed to be a Bible, symbolizing hope and faith in a desolate world.

Description: In a world where Earth has been taken over by an alien species, Melanie Stryder, one of the last human survivors, is captured and implanted with a "Soul" named Wanderer. However, Melanie's consciousness fights back, leading to an internal struggle and an eventual quest to find her adopted brother, Jamie, showcasing the bond of family in the face of alien invasion.

Fact: The film is based on Stephenie Meyer's novel, known for her "Twilight" series. The movie's setting in the desert was chosen to reflect the harsh, alien environment.

Description: Max Da Costa, an orphan, grows up in a dystopian Earth where the rich live on a space station called Elysium. His journey to reach Elysium and save his adopted daughter, Frey, showcases themes of social inequality and the lengths one goes for family.

Fact: The film was directed by Neill Blomkamp, who also directed "District

Description: While not directly about adoption, Major William Cage, after being killed in battle, relives the same day repeatedly, forming a bond with Sergeant Rita Vrataski, who becomes a mentor figure akin to a parental role, exploring themes of mentorship and chosen family.

Fact: The film was based on the Japanese novel "All You Need Is Kill." Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, including a scene where he jumps into a helicopter.

Description: Casey Newton, a teenage girl with a passion for science, discovers a mysterious pin that transports her to Tomorrowland, a utopian city from the future. Here, she meets Athena, an android who has been watching over her, revealing Casey's unique role in saving the world, highlighting themes of destiny and the importance of family, even if it's not by blood.

Fact: The film was directed by Brad Bird, who also directed "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille." The iconic "It's a Small World" ride at Disney parks was used as a filming location.

Description: Gardner Elliot, the first human born on Mars, comes to Earth to find his biological mother and discovers the concept of family through his adopted friend, Tulsa. This film explores the emotional and physical journey of an adopted child in an extraordinary setting.

Fact: The film was shot in various locations including New Mexico, which doubled for Mars' landscapes. The title refers to both the physical distance between Earth and Mars and the emotional distance between characters.

Description: In a dystopian future, children develop superpowers after a mysterious illness. Ruby, one of these children, is adopted by a couple who hide her abilities. As she escapes from a government camp, Ruby's journey is about finding her place in the world and the family she chooses, exploring themes of adoption and self-discovery.

Fact: The film is based on the first book of a young adult series by Alexandra Bracken. The character Ruby's power to control minds was inspired by the concept of telepathy.