Inspiring Biopics: The Stories of Adopted Children

Description: While not exclusively about adoption, this film includes a subplot where the protagonist, Homer Wells, an orphan, adopts a child, exploring themes of family and choice.

Fact: Michael Caine won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dr. Larch.

Description: This heartwarming film recounts the story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who is taken in by a caring family. His journey from the streets to becoming an NFL star is both inspiring and touching.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy. The real Michael Oher was involved in the film's production.

Description: While not a biopic, 'Orphan' explores the darker side of adoption with a family adopting a 9-year-old girl who turns out to have a sinister past. It's a psychological thriller that delves into the fears associated with adoption.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a remake of the 1956 film 'The Bad Seed' but evolved into its own story.

Description: This film tells the story of Philomena Lee, an Irish woman who searches for her son, given up for adoption when she was a teenager. Her journey with a journalist uncovers the harsh realities of the Magdalene laundries.

Fact: Philomena Lee attended the premiere of the film at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Best Screenplay award.

Description: Based on the true story of Saroo Brierley, 'Lion' follows a young Indian boy who gets lost on a train, ending up thousands of miles from home. Adopted by an Australian couple, he later uses Google Earth to find his way back to his birth family.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The real Saroo Brierley made a cameo appearance in the film.

Description: This film tells the true story of the Iowa City West High School volleyball team, who, after losing their star player and captain, rally together under the guidance of their coach, who had adopted her.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life events and was supported by the actual team members and coach.

Description: Inspired by the real-life experiences of director Sean Anders and his wife, this comedy-drama follows a couple who decide to foster and adopt three siblings, exploring the challenges and rewards of instant parenthood.

Fact: The film includes real foster care experts and former foster children in its cast to provide authenticity.

Description: This French-Israeli film tells the story of two young men, one Israeli and one Palestinian, who discover they were accidentally switched at birth. It's a poignant exploration of identity, nationality, and adoption.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life cases of baby switches in hospitals, highlighting the emotional and cultural complexities involved.

Description: This film follows a private detective, himself an adoptee, as he searches for a missing child, uncovering layers of his own past in the process. It's a poignant look at the impact of adoption on identity.

Fact: The film was directed by Chris Menges, a two-time Academy Award winner for cinematography.

Description: This film adaptation of Alison Lurie's novel explores the life of a professor whose marriage falls apart, leading to the adoption of a child by his wife, delving into themes of identity and family dynamics.

Fact: The film was one of the first to explore the complexities of adoption in a mainstream context.