Best movies like Alex: The Life of a Child
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Based on true events, 'Alex: The Life of a Child' follows former 'Sports Illustrated' writer Frank Deford and his wife Carole when their happy, all-American family is rocked to the core when their baby daughter Alex is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. While CF sufferers were almost certainly doomed to an early death in the Seventies, Alex grew into a child who showed remarkable courage and strength in face of her illness. Her loving family were quick to rally around her, determined to show the same bravery as the little girl as they supported and cherished her through life and struggled to move on after her death at the tragically young age of eight.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 239
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags:
Best tv shows and movies like Alex: The Life of a Child (1986):
Similar in 85%
The Secret Path (1999)
Plot Summary:
A young girl stuck in a horrific cycle of familial violence finds the power to build her own future from the place she least suspected in an inspiring tale of friendship and devotion starring Ossie Davis and Della Reese, and directed by Bruce Pittman. For years Jo Ann Foley (Madeline Zima) has suffered under the cruel hand of her ruthless grandfather. A chance meeting with kindly neighbors Honey (Reese) and her husband Too Tall (Davis) finds things looking up, however, as the nurturing couple provides Jo Ann with the support needed to break free of her grandfather's tyrannical grip. As the future lies before her ready to be molded however she sees fit, Jo Ann must now find the courage to let go of the past and seek the redemption needed to start life anew.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 687
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic, gloomy, inspirational, spiritual
Similar in 84%
Who Will Love My Children? (1983)
Plot Summary:
Based on a true story of Iowa farm wife Lucile Fray. Ann-Margret plays a dying mother of ten whose last wish is to find loving families for her children.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 629
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: depressing
Similar in 80%
Sunshine (1973)
Plot Summary:
A young woman living in the woods with her husband, a struggling musician, and her daughter discover she has terminal cancer. She begins to tape-record a journal of the time she has left.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 627
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: sad, touching, serious, emotional, realistic, tv series pilot
Similar in 90%
A Short Stay in Switzerland (2009)
Plot Summary:
Just after losing her husband to a similar condition, Dr Anne Turner is diagnosed with a fatal neurological condition. So she plans to end her life herself. Based on a true story.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 601
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, suspense
Similar in 85%
The Switch (1993)
Plot Summary:
Larry McAfee is paralyzed from the neck down following a motorcycle accident. He gradually loses the will to live, in the meantime befriending a talk radio DJ over the phone. The two meet each other and become friends, though Larry still wishes to end his life. The DJ reluctantly has a switch installed on Larry's life support that Larry can activate at any time (via his mouth) to end his life.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 123
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 75%
Go Toward the Light (1988)
Plot Summary:
A young couple faces the realities of life with their child who is diagnosed with AIDS.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 572
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, gloomy
Similar in 79%
A Family Upside Down (1978)
Plot Summary:
An elderly married couple find that as their physical and mental health deteriorates, they find themselves dependent more and more upon their grown children.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 156
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 83%
Joni (1979)
Plot Summary:
Based on Joni Eareckson's autobiography. She becomes paralyzed after breaking her neck in a swimming accident at age 17. Trying to cope with her new life, she learns to paint using her mouth and finds strength in her new Christian faith.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 361
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 75 min
Plot tags: christian film, independent film
Similar in 81%
I'm Not Ashamed (2016)
Plot Summary:
Based on the inspiring and powerful true story and journal entries of Rachel Joy Scott- the first student killed in the Columbine high school shooting in 1999.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: christian film, disturbing, tense, thought provoking, captivating, suspense, exciting, inspirational, touching, sad
Similar in 80%
Stronger (2017)
Plot Summary:
A victim of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 helps the police track down the killers while struggling to recover from devastating trauma.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 49000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: inspirational, touching, emotional, suspenseful, disturbing, suspense, compassionate, feel good, sad, patriotic
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The Glass Castle (2017)
Plot Summary:
A young girl is raised in a dysfunctional family constantly on the run from the FBI. Living in poverty, she comes of age guided by her drunkard, ingenious father who distracts her with magical stories to keep her mind off the family's dire state, and her selfish, nonconformist mother who has no intention of raising a family, along with her younger brother and sister, and her other older sister. Together, they fend for each other as they mature in an unorthodox journey that is their family life.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 38000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 127 min
Plot tags: sentimental, thought provoking, emotional, sad, psychological, captivating, exciting, road movie, mind bending, dramatic
Similar in 76%
The Ryan White Story (1989)
Plot Summary:
The story of Ryan White, a 13-year-old haemophiliac who contracted AIDS from factor VIII, which was used to control this disorder.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 953
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, sincere, uplifting, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic
Similar in 75%
To Olivia (2021)
Plot Summary:
In 1962, Patricia Neal and Roald Dahl retreat to the English countryside to bring up their young family. The seemingly unlikely pair find their relationship put to the test by a tragic loss.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: psychological, suspense, disturbing, depressing
Similar in 81%
When Did You Last See Your Father? (2007)
Plot Summary:
The story of a son's conflicting memories of his dying father.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: UK, Ireland
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: sentimental, emotional, sincere, realistic, touching, captivating, independent film, serious, crying, light
Similar in 85%
Sophia Loren: Her Own Story (1980)
Plot Summary:
Dramatization of the life of Italian actress Sophia Loren who plays herself during adulthood and also that of her mother Romilda Villani.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 187
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 150 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 87%
Gods (2014)
Plot Summary:
Set in communist Poland of the 80s the movie depicts early career of cardio surgeon Zbigniew Religa.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: Poland
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, tense, sexy
Similar in 80%
The Pregnancy Pact (2010)
Plot Summary:
Inspired by the true story of teenagers at Gloucester (Mass.) High School who agreed to get pregnant at the same time.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, serious, realistic, captivating, teen, sentimental, ridiculous
Similar in 77%
Breakthrough (2019)
Plot Summary:
When he was 14, Smith drowned in Lake St. Louis and was dead for nearly an hour. According to reports at the time, CPR was performed 27 minutes to no avail. Then the youth's mother, Joyce Smith, entered the room, praying loudly. Suddenly, there was a pulse, and Smith came around.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 116 min
Plot tags: touching, christian film, sincere, biblical, sentimental, thought provoking, captivating, inspirational, sad, independent film
Similar in 87%
Brain on Fire (2016)
Plot Summary:
Susannah Cahalan, an up-and-coming journalist at the New York Post becomes plagued by voices in her head and seizures, causing a rapid descent into insanity.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 24000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA, Canada, Ireland
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: medical drama, thought provoking, realistic, suspenseful, neurotic, inspirational, touching, sad, cult classic
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Same Kind of Different as Me (2017)
Plot Summary:
International art dealer Ron Hall must befriend a dangerous homeless man in order to save his struggling marriage to his wife, a woman whose dreams will lead all three of them on the journey of their lives.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: touching, christian film, inspirational, sincere, captivating, motivational, philosophical, depressing, spiritual, sad
Similar in 88%
Noble (2014)
Plot Summary:
Christina Noble overcomes the harsh difficulties of her childhood in Ireland to discover her destiny on the streets of Saigon. A true story.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: UK, Vietnam
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: uplifting, touching, emotional, realistic, serious, gloomy
Similar in 77%
No Child of Mine (1993)
Plot Summary:
A woman attempts to stop her daughter signing away her down syndrome grandson for adoption. Based on a true story.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 170
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 75%
Angela's Ashes (1999)
Plot Summary:
Based on the best selling autobiography by Irish expat Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes follows the experiences of young Frankie and his family as they try against all odds to escape the poverty endemic in the slums of pre-war Limerick. The film opens with the family in Brooklyn, but following the death of one of Frankie's siblings, they return home, only to find the situation there even worse. Prejudice against Frankie's Northern Irish father makes his search for employment in the Republic difficult despite his having fought for the IRA, and when he does find money, he spends the money on drink.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 23000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA, UK, Ireland
Duration: 145 min
Plot tags: emotional, touching, depressing, sad, compassionate, serious, melancholic, sincere, gothic, epic
Similar in 82%
Mockingbird Don't Sing (2001)
Plot Summary:
On November 4, 1970 on The CBS Evening News, Walter Cronkite reported on a true, horrific story that was about to rock the country. A 13-year-old girl was discovered in the small Los Angeles suburb of Arcadia who was still in diapers, barely able to walk and unable to speak. Kept in severe isolation by her parents with virtually no human contact for more than 10 years, she was confined to her bedroom, tied to her potty-chair and left to fend for herself.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: psychological, uplifting, touching, realistic, sincere, thought provoking, depressing, dark drama, serious, emotional
Similar in 76%
Mommie Dearest (1981)
Plot Summary:
In this biographical film, glamorous yet lonely star Joan Crawford takes in two orphans, and at first their unconventional family seems happy. But after Joan's attempts at romantic fulfillment go sour and she is fired from her contract with MGM studios, her callous and abusive behavior towards her daughter Christina becomes even more pronounced. Christina leaves home and takes her first acting role, only to find her mother's presence still overshadowing her.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 18000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 129 min
Plot tags: disturbing, controversial, factual, talky, intense, psychological, tense, serious, rough, emotional
Similar in 84%
Miracles from Heaven (2016)
Plot Summary:
When Christy discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident and falls three stories, a miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 28000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: christian film, inspirational, thought provoking, sentimental, suspenseful, mystical, motivational, touching, sad, novela
Similar in 75%
Lorenzo's Oil (1992)
Plot Summary:
Lorenzo Odone was a normal child until the age of 7. After then, strange things began to happen to him: he would have blackouts, memory lapses, and other strange mental phemonenons. He is eventually diagnosed as suffering from ALD: an extremely rare incurable degenerative brain disorder. Frustrated at the failings of doctors and medicine in this area, the Odones begin to educate themselves.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 24000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA, Australia
Duration: 129 min
Plot tags: touching, sincere, emotional, inspirational, melancholic, serious, heartbreaking, sad, depressing, crying
Similar in 88%
Living Proof (2008)
Plot Summary:
Living Proof is a 2008 Lifetime Television movie, directed by Dan Ireland, starring Harry Connick, Jr. The film is based on the true life story of Dr. Dennis Slamon and the book HER-2: The Making of Herceptin, a Revolutionary Treatment for Breast Cancer by Robert Bazell. Vivienne Radkoff wrote the film script, and is also one of the film's executive producers. Renée Zellweger is another executive producer, together with Neil Meron and Craig Zadan. Tammy Blanchard, Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Coolidge, Angie Harmon, John Benjamin Hickey, Regina King, Swoosie Kurtz, Paula Cale Lisbe, Amy Madigan, Bernadette Peters, and Trudie Styler are featured in the supporting cast. The film premiered on October 18, 2008, for Lifetime's "Stop Breast Cancer for Life" public service and advocacy campaign, during the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 125 min
Plot tags: sincere, uplifting, touching, emotional, light, serious, realistic, experimental
Similar in 87%
Awakenings (1990)
Plot Summary:
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 155000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: inspirational, motivational, sentimental, sincere, uplifting, psychological, touching, serious, cerebral, emotional
Similar in 83%
Infinity (1996)
Plot Summary:
Story of the early life of genius and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: enigmatic, sincere, touching, serious, realistic, intellectual, period piece, emotional, independent film, romantic