Growing up is all about discovering who you are and where you belong. Movies and TV shows can help teens explore friendship, identity and inclusion, while celebrating what makes each person unique.
Here are eight must-watch picks that challenge stereotypes and remind us that everyone deserves to feel accepted, valued and included.
1. Heartbreak High (TV Series, MA15+)
This Australian series follows a diverse group of teenagers as they navigate friendships, relationships and growing up. It features authentic autistic representation through Quinni, played by autistic actor Chloé Hayden, and explores identity, acceptance and belonging.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Bob’s Burgers (TV Series, PG)
Funny, heartfelt and refreshingly different, Bob’s Burgers celebrates a family who love and support each other exactly as they are. Many viewers see the Belchers as a neurodivergent family, with each character bringing their own strengths and unique ways of seeing the world.
Where to watch: Disney+
3. Out of My Mind (Movie, PG)
Out of My Mind follows Melody, a 12-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who uses a communication device. Thoughtful and uplifting, it challenges assumptions about disability, communication, and connection.
Better still, Melody is played by actor Phoebe-Rae Taylor, who has cerebral palsy herself.
Where to watch: Disney+
4. The Healing Powers of Dude (TV Series, PG)
The Healing Powers of Dude follows Noah, an 11-year-old with social anxiety disorder, as he starts middle school with the support of his emotional support dog, Dude. Funny and heartfelt, the series celebrates friendship and being yourself.
The show also features several actors with disability, including wheelchair user Sophie Kim, bringing authentic representation to the screen.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. Heartstopper (TV Series, M)
This uplifting coming-of-age series follows Charlie and Nick as they navigate friendship, first love and growing up. With its diverse cast and positive LGBTQIA+ representation, Heartstopper celebrates kindness, acceptance and belonging.
Where to watch: Netflix
6. Turning Red (Movie, PG)
Turning Red follows Mei as she balances family expectations, friendships and growing up. Celebrating Chinese culture alongside the challenges of adolescence, it’s a heartfelt reminder that embracing every part of who you are is something to be proud of.
Where to watch: Disney+
7. The Peanut Butter Falcon (Movie, M)
Zak, a young man with Down syndrome, sets out on an adventure to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Starring actor Zack Gottsagen, who has Down syndrome, the film celebrates friendship, independence and following your own path.
Where to watch: Prime Video
8. Crip Camp (Documentary, M)
For older teenagers, Crip Camp tells the true story of a summer camp that helped spark the disability rights movement. Featuring people with disability sharing their own stories, it’s a reminder that inclusion is about rights, leadership and creating a world where everyone belongs.
Where to watch: Netflix and YouTube
Stories have the power to help us see the world through different perspectives and celebrate what makes each person unique.
At Aruma, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and included. Our supports are built around each person’s goals, choices and interests, helping people with disability connect with their communities and live life their way.
