10 Films About Children Overcoming Life’s Challenges

Description: After losing her parents, Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in England. She discovers a hidden, neglected garden, which becomes a place of healing and transformation for her and others.

Fact: The film was shot in Yorkshire, England, where the story is set, providing a true-to-life setting.

Description: Akeelah, a young girl from South Los Angeles, enters a spelling bee to escape her troubled neighborhood, finding support from an unlikely mentor and discovering her own potential.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life National Spelling Bee competitions.

Description: This film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman, and his young son as they face homelessness while Chris pursues a better life through an unpaid internship. It's a testament to the bond between father and son and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith played father and son in real life, adding authenticity to their on-screen relationship. The film is based on a true story.

Description: Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy, is taken in by a wealthy family who help him realize his potential as an American football player, showcasing themes of family, support, and overcoming adversity.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Michael Oher, who went on to play in the NFL.

Description: Set during World War II, this film follows Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, who befriends Shmuel, a Jewish boy in a concentration camp. Their innocent friendship unfolds against the backdrop of the Holocaust.

Fact: The film was adapted from John Boyne's novel, which was inspired by a visit to Auschwitz.

Description: Hushpuppy, a six-year-old girl, lives with her father in a poor, isolated community called the Bathtub. When a storm threatens their home, she must navigate the harsh realities of survival and loss.

Fact: The film was shot in Louisiana with many local residents cast as extras, providing an authentic backdrop to the story.

Description: A mother and her son have been held captive in a small room for years. The film explores their escape and the challenges of adjusting to the outside world, highlighting the son's perspective on freedom and reality.

Fact: The film was adapted from Emma Donoghue's novel of the same name, which was inspired by real-life cases of captivity.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Saroo, who as a young boy gets lost on a train in India and ends up thousands of miles from home. Years later, he uses Google Earth to find his way back to his family.

Fact: The real Saroo Brierley was involved in the film's production, ensuring authenticity.

Description: Six-year-old Moonee and her friends spend their summer days in the shadow of Disney World, living in a budget motel with their struggling parents, offering a stark contrast to the magic of the nearby theme park.

Fact: The film was shot in real motels near Disney World, capturing the authentic environment of the characters' lives.

Description: This Iranian film tells the story of Mohammad, a blind boy, who is sent home from a special school for the summer. His father struggles with accepting his son's disability, leading to a poignant exploration of love, acceptance, and the beauty of life.

Fact: The film was banned in Iran for its critical portrayal of the father's attitude towards disability.