If you’re like us, some days are just made for laying around the house and watching a movie or binge-watching tv. The same goes for our amazing teammates who often find themselves needing to rest, and a good movie or tv show can not only be relaxing, but also inspirational!
Here are six of our favorite movies and tv shows, and our families’ and teammates’ have found them to be super inspirational in our fight against childhood cancer.
1. Miracles from Heaven (2016)
Miracles from Heaven is based on the book and true story of Anna Beam; a little girl who lived with a rare and incurable disorder, and her amazing story of a visit to heaven. This movie recounts the Beam family’s journey to helping their daughter after her diagnosis, and the unimaginable amount of faith and strength that they showed.
Overall, this story is incredibly beautiful, moving, and shocking all at the same time. It brought us to tears, made us laugh, and in the end warmed our hearts. It is a family movie night must-watch!
Rated: PG
Where You Can Watch It: Netflix
2. Letters to God (2010)
This Christian drama is based on the true story of Tyler Doherty. His daily note writings to God not only helps him to cope with cancer, but also is what bonds him, his family, and a troubled mailman.
Letters to God is full of faith, love, friendship, and tear-jerking moments. It was emotional but full of hope. After watching, we felt inspired to get involved in the community, find comfort in the little things, and ask “What would Jesus do?”.
Rated: PG
Where You Can Watch It: Amazon Prime, YouTube
3. Alexa & Katie (2018-2020)
This three-season sitcom about friendship focuses on lifelong best friends Alexa and Katie at the start of their high school journey. Throughout the show, Alexa and Katie navigate daily teenage challenges, along with Alexa’s cancer diagnosis and treatment together.
This show is fun, light-hearted, and overall a touching story of friendship that can overcome any obstacle. We can’t get enough of these two best friends and the way that they support and love each other with everything they have. This show is what we would call a “Netflix Gem”!
Rated: 11+
Where You Can Watch It: Netflix
This heartfelt family movie, based on the novel by R.J. Palacio, is about the journey of Auggie, who was born with facial differences, and his journey to discover acceptance and compassion among himself and others.
Wonder highlights the idea that differences are what make you extraordinary, and that there is no shame in that. We found this movie to be inspiring for all ages, as it exemplifies pure self-acceptance and family support. Our hearts were touched by this movie!
Rated: PG
Where You Can Watch It: IMDb
5. Clouds (2020)
This musical drama is based on the true story of Zach Sobiech; a teen with Osteosarcoma who forms a music group with his friend and follows his musical dreams to record an inspirational hit single.
Clouds is an uplifting musical film that tackles loss, pain, passion, family, and much more. Although sad at parts throughout, we thoroughly enjoyed this movie and left feeling more full of faith, music, and love. We highly recommend you add this to the top of your watch list!
Rated: PG-13
Where You Can Watch It: Disney+
6. Patch Adams (1998)
This movie is based on the real story of Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams. It walks viewers through his journey dealing with his own mental health, becoming a doctor, and his unique way of treating cancer patients; with joy and laughter.
It is filled with many highs and lows that make you cry and then laugh. It touches on some very sensitive topics, such as mental health, death, suicide, etc. Ultimately, this movie changed our view on life as it shows you that sometimes finding the light in the dark brings a new and sometimes better perspective. We highly recommend this movie!
Rated: PG-13
Where You Can Watch It: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, AppleTV
Whether you are looking to binge-watch a new show or watch an inspiring true story of life, love, and family, these top movies and tv show picks are perfect for a family night in! Wrap up in your favorite Cancer Kickers gear, grab some popcorn, and enjoy!