There are movies that entertain us, movies that challenge us, and movies that change us. Champions and The Peanut Butter Falcon fall into that last category. These films offer a glimpse into a world that many of us rarely engage with directly, and yet, when we do, it has the power to reshape our understanding of inclusivity, identity, and the everyday struggles faced by people with Down syndrome and their families.

A Slice of Reality That Stays With You

Having had rare but impactful encounters with people with Down syndrome in my own life, I can say that the emotions these movies stirred in me weren’t just cinematic—it felt real. While no film can fully encapsulate the complexities of living with a developmental disability, Champions and The Peanut Butter Falcon get close enough to rattle the viewer’s sense of what matters. They made me reconsider my own priorities, my personal stresses, and how much we take for granted. Watching these films, I felt the same kind of energy, joy, and occasional discomfort I’ve felt in real-life encounters with these communities.

Feel-Good Films That Don’t Exploit Their Characters

One of the strongest aspects of both films is that they make you feel happy, inspired, and energized—without doing so at the expense of their protagonists. The characters aren’t there for pity; they’re there to live, to grow, to challenge those around them. Whether it’s Zack’s determination to become a professional wrestler in The Peanut Butter Falcon or the basketball team in Champions proving they are more than just their disabilities, the narrative centers on capability, not limitation. These aren’t movies that ask for sympathy; they demand recognition of humanity, joy, and the right to dream.

A Must-Watch for Families, Teens, and Friends

If you’re looking for a movie to watch with your kids, your teenagers, or your friends, these are excellent choices. They’re not just entertaining—they’re conversation starters. At the end of either movie, you should simply ask: What message do you take from this? You might be surprised at the answers.

These movies also serve as a mirror, making you reflect on your own worldviews. Have you ever been uncomfortable in an interaction because you didn’t know what to say? Have you ever underestimated someone based on their condition? Champions and The Peanut Butter Falcon invite us to sit with these questions.

The Need for More Representation

Diversity in media is still lacking, especially when it comes to people with disabilities. These films are a step forward, but they also highlight how much is still missing. A personal example: while sitting in a waiting room with a young person, a group of young people with Down syndrome waved at us, eager to connect. I recognized one of them from years ago but chose not to interrupt their moment with their friends. The young person with me, at first, seemed unsure how to react to their enthusiasm but also visibly moved by their warmth. This was a teachable moment—one we talked about long after. It was a reminder that visibility matters, and that the more we see diversity in film, in public spaces, and in everyday life, the more natural and inclusive our interactions become.

Realism, Depth, and Strong Character Development

Both Champions and The Peanut Butter Falcon feel deeply realistic, tackling real-life issues head-on, including topics that many shy away from—such as sexuality. They don’t sugarcoat reality, yet they balance emotional weight with an uplifting spirit. The main characters go through intense personal development, making identification with them not only possible but inevitable. You find yourself rooting for them wholeheartedly.

These movies are incredibly smooth to watch; while you don’t necessarily need to focus on every detail, they are the kind of cinematic gems that feel like a rare gift. Their authenticity, storytelling, and the performances of their leads make them stand out. In my first draft, I was intent on highlighting the work of Woody Harrelson and Shia LaBeouf, but I realized that I should instead do what I felt from the movies and highlight the performance of all the main actors, including Kaitlin Olson, Zack Gottsagen, Dakota Johnson, Madison Tevlin, Kevin Iannucci, Casey Metcalfe, Matthew Von Der Ahe, Ernie Hudson, Bradley Edens, James Day Keith, Alex Hintz, Joshua Felder, Ashton Gunning, Matt Cook and so many more.

Each of them brought depth, authenticity, and heart to their roles, making these films as impactful as they are.

Final Thoughts

These films are not just stories; they are lessons in empathy, representation, and human connection. They remind us that inclusion is not just about making space for others but about acknowledging their right to take up space without question. Champions and The Peanut Butter Falcon are movies I want the whole world to see—not just because they are great films, but because the world would be a better place if more people did. What movies would you like the whole world to watch?

Watch Champions on Netflix here, and watch The Peanut Butter Falcon on Netflix here.