Inclusive Holiday Movies: A Guide to Films with Disability Representation and Diverse Narratives
The holiday season is a time for warmth, togetherness, and movies that bring joy and reflection. For those seeking representation in media, the usual Christmas classics may not always reflect the full spectrum of human experiences. To celebrate diversity this season, I’ve compiled a list of inclusive holiday movies that feature characters with disabilities, as well as films that touch on themes of compassion, resilience, and acceptance. Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romance, a heartfelt family story, or a classic tale with a twist, these films bring diverse perspectives to the holiday season.
Thanks to various sources, including Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix, Lifetime, and Hallmark Channel, you can stream these movies to enjoy over the holidays.
1. Carol of the Bells (2019)
Streaming On: Amazon Prime
This heartwarming film tells the story of a young man, played by RJ Mitte (who has cerebral palsy), as he reconnects with his biological mother, who has Down syndrome. His initial shock is beautifully transformed through a journey of acceptance and family healing, led in part by his wife. Carol of the Bells offers a sincere look at disability within a family setting and celebrates resilience and love.
2. Noelle (2019)
Streaming On: Disney+
Disney’s Noelle brings a touch of holiday cheer with an inclusive perspective. Anna Kendrick stars as Santa’s daughter, Noelle, who sets out to find her brother before Christmas. Along the way, she meets Michelle, a young deaf girl played by Shaylee Mansfield, who communicates using American Sign Language. While primarily lighthearted, the inclusion of a deaf character adds meaningful representation to this fun, family-friendly film.
3. Christmas Ever After (2020)
Streaming On: Lifetime, or Vudu for $0.99
Fans of cheesy holiday movies will love Christmas Ever After. Ali Stroker, a Tony-winning actress and wheelchair user, plays Izzi Simmons, a romance novelist with writer’s block who meets a handsome man that looks just like her book’s main character. As they engage in holiday festivities, sparks fly. Though I haven’t watched it yet, I can’t wait to enjoy this Lifetime holiday gem!
4. The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)
Streaming On: Disney+
The Muppets bring their unique charm to Charles Dickens' classic tale in The Muppets Christmas Carol, where Tiny Tim, a character with a disability, serves as a poignant symbol of kindness and compassion. Through his story, viewers are reminded of the importance of caring for others, particularly during the holiday season. This timeless adaptation, infused with humour and heart, is perfect for family viewing.
5. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Streaming On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and various cable networks during the holiday season.
This holiday classic follows George Bailey, a man who sacrifices his dreams to support his community and family, only to feel like a burden and question his own worth. In his moment of despair, a guardian angel shows him what life would have been like had he never existed. George, who is deaf in one ear from a childhood accident, learns that his life has deeply impacted others, despite his own limitations and sacrifices. It’s a Wonderful Life carries a powerful message that each life has inherent value, resonating with those who may feel burdened by their challenges.
6. Our Christmas Journey (2021)
Streaming On: Hallmark Channel
Hallmark’s Our Christmas Journey is one of the first holiday films to cast an actor with autism in a leading role. Starring Holly Robinson Peete and Nik Sanchez, it follows a mother and her teenage son as they navigate family, life, and love during the holidays. This story provides a refreshing perspective on autism and family dynamics, highlighting acceptance and growth during a season of togetherness.
7. Last Holiday (2006)
Streaming On: Showtime, DVD
Queen Latifah shines in Last Holiday, a story of self-discovery, joy, and living life to the fullest. After receiving a terminal diagnosis, her character, Georgia Byrd, decides to go on a whirlwind trip, embracing adventures, indulgences, and confidence along the way. While later revealed to be misdiagnosed, the film serves as an inspiring tale of self-love, courage, and holiday cheer.
8. Under the Christmas Sky (2023)
Streaming On: Hallmark Channel
In Under the Christmas Sky, Kat, an astrophysicist, faces an unexpected life change after an accident leaves her with a blind spot in her vision. Originally set to go on her first space mission, she’s now grounded and finding new purpose as she volunteers at a local planetarium. Alongside David, who helps her create a Christmas exhibit, she learns to adapt and find joy in her new reality. This heartwarming story emphasizes resilience, acceptance, and the holiday spirit.
9. Snow Cake (2006)
Streaming On: Amazon Prime
Snow Cake tells the story of an autistic woman, played by Sigourney Weaver, who forms a friendship with a man visiting her small town. Set against a snowy backdrop, this film offers a thoughtful portrayal of autism and relationships, making it a unique choice for winter viewing.
10. An American Christmas Carol (1979)
Streaming On: Amazon Prime, Tubi
An American Christmas Carol reimagines Charles Dickens’ tale in Depression-era New England, with Henry Winkler as a Scrooge-like character. Tiny Tim, a child with a disability, remains central to the story, reminding viewers of the importance of kindness and compassion, particularly for those facing physical challenges.
11. A Season for Miracles (1999)
Streaming On: Amazon Prime
This Hallmark film follows Emilie, who takes in her niece and nephew during a family crisis. One of the children has an unspecified disability, and the story focuses on kindness, community, and the holiday spirit. It’s a heartwarming story of support and inclusion, perfect for the season.
12. The Best Man Holiday (2013)
Streaming On: Peacock, Amazon Prime
This ensemble film brings friends together for Christmas and follows Mia, who is battling a terminal illness. The Best Man Holiday sensitively portrays her journey, and the love and support of her friends. It’s a moving story about friendship, resilience, and holiday joy.
13. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Streaming On: Disney+, Amazon Prime
In this holiday classic, Kris Kringle’s claims to be Santa Claus lead to his institutionalization, raising themes of mental health and compassion. While it doesn’t directly address disability, the story’s focus on belief, kindness, and understanding makes it a thoughtful addition to any holiday watchlist.
14. The Family Stone (2005)
Streaming On: Peacock, Amazon Prime
The Family Stone is a heartfelt family drama that centers on a holiday gathering full of unresolved tensions and personal dynamics. The story includes Thad, a deaf character played by a deaf actor, and incorporates American Sign Language into family interactions. The movie emphasizes the importance of acceptance, love, and understanding, making it a meaningful and inclusive holiday film.
15. The Most Colorful Time of the Year (2022)
Streaming On: Hallmark Channel
In The Most Colorful Time of the Year, Ryan, an elementary school teacher, learns he is colorblind. When Michelle, an optometrist and a parent of one of his students, helps him see colours for the first time, it brings a new perspective to his life. This Hallmark movie sheds light on colorblindness and the impact of inclusive technology, set against a heartwarming holiday backdrop.
16. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Streaming On: Various streaming platforms
This animated classic reflects the experience of being different, as Rudolph faces rejection for his red nose, mirroring the challenges faced by many people with disabilities.
17. A Christmas in New Hope
Streaming On: Amazon Prime, Tubi (Free)
An aspiring influencer and single mother of a girl living with Down syndrome, enters a home improvement competition in order to save her bungalow before Christmas. Complications arise as she falls for her "Texas-famous" musician neighbour.
Final Thoughts
These inclusive holiday movies offer something for everyone, from heartfelt family dramas to lighthearted rom-coms. They highlight stories of resilience, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Which inclusive holiday movie are you most excited to watch? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this guide to help others find holiday movies with diverse representation!
