Movies and TV Shows with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters

For kids who are deaf or hard of hearing, seeing characters like them represented on-screen can have a powerful impact on their self-esteem. And watching movies about characters who experience hearing loss can help build understanding, compassion, and inclusivity among hearing viewers. These movies and TV shows feature characters with some sort of hearing loss, whether they communicate by speaking or using American Sign Language (ASL). We also have more great picks on our lists of Movies with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities and Books That Promote Diversity and Inclusion.

No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

No Ordinary Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie

age 7+

Well-meaning drama about being deaf in a hearing world.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
El Deafo Poster Image
TV

El Deafo

age 8+

Poignant reflection on life as a kid with hearing loss.

Network: Apple TV+ (2022)
Wonderstruck Poster Image
MOVIE

Wonderstruck

age 9+

Thoughtful, arty take on excellent Selznick novel.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
The Miracle Worker Poster Image
MOVIE

The Miracle Worker

age 10+

Outstanding movie based on life of Helen Keller.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1962)
Mr. Holland's Opus Poster Image
MOVIE

Mr. Holland's Opus

age 10+

'90s drama about inspiring teacher has some cursing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)
Hawkeye Poster Image
TV

Hawkeye

age 11+

Intriguing new Marvel duo's adventures have violence.

Network: Disney+ (2021)
Marie's Story Poster Image
MOVIE

Marie's Story

age 12+

Inspirational subtitled film is emotionally intense.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
CODA Poster Image
MOVIE

CODA

age 13+

Heartwarming, salty story about hearing teen in deaf family.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Creed Movie Poster Image: Creed and Rocky in the ring
MOVIE

Creed

age 13+

Feel-good Black-led film continues Rocky saga; has violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Creed II Poster Image: Characters face off, with angry looks on their faces
MOVIE

Creed II

age 13+

Strong sequel has boxing violence, language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Dear Frankie Poster Image
MOVIE

Dear Frankie

age 13+

Moody but uplifting tale of deaf boy. Get your tissues!

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2004)
A Silent Voice: The Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

A Silent Voice: The Movie

age 13+

Bullying, suicide attempts in excellent coming-of-age anime.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Audible Poster Image
MOVIE

Audible

age 14+

Poignant short docu has language, teen suicide.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
The Silence Poster Image
MOVIE

The Silence

age 14+

Suspenseful dystopian horror movie has violence, cursing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
The Society Poster Image
TV

The Society

age 14+

Language, violence, substance abuse in dark teen mystery.

Network: Netflix (2019)
Switched at Birth Poster Image
TV

Switched at Birth

age 14+

Family drama's responsible messages are good for teens.

Network: Freeform (2011)
A Quiet Place Poster Image
MOVIE

A Quiet Place

age 14+

Gripping monster movie has lots of tension, some blood.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Children of a Lesser God Poster Image
MOVIE

Children of a Lesser God

age 15+

'80s love story has some strong language, sex.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
The Family Stone Poster Image
MOVIE

The Family Stone

age 15+

Bittersweet story won't appeal to younger teens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2005)
Sound of Metal Poster Image
MOVIE

Sound of Metal

age 15+

Powerful, emotional drama about deafness has salty language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)