6 Best Orphanage and Foster Care Movies

By Vlad Zakh · April 11, 2026

The orphanage and the foster home have given cinema some of its most tender stories about found family and second chances. In The Blind Side (2009): A homeless teenager’s life is transformed after a wealthy family takes him into their home. Another standout is Philomena (2013): A woman searches for the son taken from her decades earlier at an Irish convent home.

Instant Family (2018)

TMDB ★ 7.4

A couple's decision to foster three siblings tests their patience and transforms their lives.

Directed by Sean Anders · 1h 58m · Rated PG-13

Where to watch

Stream: Starz, Starz Roku Premium Channel · Rent: JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home · Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Philomena (2013)

TMDB ★ 7.6

A woman searches for the son taken from her decades earlier at an Irish convent home.

Directed by Stephen Frears · 1h 38m · Rated PG-13

Where to watch

Stream: Britbox Apple TV channel, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel · Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand · Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Antwone Fisher (2002)

TMDB ★ 7.4

A troubled sailor confronts his traumatic childhood in foster care with the help of a Navy psychiatrist.

Directed by Denzel Washington · 2h 00m · Rated PG-13

Where to watch

Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

The Blind Side (2009)

TMDB ★ 7.7

A homeless teenager's life is transformed after a wealthy family takes him into their home.

Directed by John Lee Hancock · 2h 09m · Rated PG-13

Where to watch

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand · Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Annie (1982)

IMDb ★ 6.6 RT 50% Metacritic 39

A spirited orphan's life changes forever when she is taken in by a wealthy, lonely businessman.

Directed by John Huston · 2h 07m · Rated PG

Nominated for 2 Oscars3 wins & 13 nominations

Where to watch

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand · Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Boys Town (1938)

TMDB ★ 7.3

A dedicated priest builds a self-governing community to give troubled boys a second chance.

Directed by Norman Taurog · 1h 36m · Rated NR

Where to watch

Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd

Streaming availability data from JustWatch, via TMDB. Availability changes often, so check the service before you plan a movie night.

Vlad Zakh

Founder, Movieix

Founder of Movieix, built to fix a specific annoyance: most recommendation sites are just algorithm-driven noise. Our lists are researched and organized by who's in a film, where it's from, and the mood you're actually in tonight.

6 Best Orphanage and Foster Care Movies

Instant Family (2018)

Philomena (2013)

Antwone Fisher (2002)

The Blind Side (2009)

Annie (1982)

Boys Town (1938)

You might also like

6 Best Adoption and Birth Family Movies

6 Best Empty Nest and Parenting Transition Movies

7 Best Spencer Tracy Movies

8 Best Lily Collins Movies

6 Best Oscar Best Actress Winners of the 2000s

6 Best Adoption and Search for Birth Parents Movies