Movies That Celebrate the Immigrant Experience

Last updated: February 24, 2026

Every day, immigrants contribute to the diversity, vibrancy, and resilience of our communities. The movies featured in this collection pay homage to the particular challenges and joys of the immigrant experience. Some are snapshots of daily life, with an eye toward the complex intertwining of family, culture, and identity; others shed light on the systemic struggles that immigrants face. Use this list to start conversations with your kids about the importance of compassion and empathy for their friends, classmates, and neighbors who come from a range of different backgrounds. And if you're looking for more movies that will encourage your kids to welcome the unique perspectives and experiences of others, check out our list of 50 Movies to Help You Raise a Kind Kid.

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Animated mouse in red jacket and blue hat, city skyline in background.
MOVIE

An American Tail

age 5+

Heartwarming tale of immigrant mouse has some peril.

November 21, 1986 1986 G (81 minutes)
Encanto Poster Image
MOVIE

Encanto

age 6+

Vibrant visuals, catchy songs, moving messages.

November 24, 2021 2021 PG (99 minutes)
Paddington Movie Poster: Paddington, in a blue coat and red hat, holds a marmalade sandwich
MOVIE

Paddington

age 6+

Charming story about beloved bear has some scares.

January 16, 2015 2015 PG (95 minutes)
Paddington 2 Poster Image
MOVIE

Paddington 2

age 6+

Charming, heartfelt sequel entertains, inspires compassion.

January 12, 2018 2018 PG (103 minutes)
Paddington in Peru movie poster: Paddington, wearing a blue jacket and red hat, hangs off the side of a boat from an umbrella
MOVIE

Paddington in Peru

age 6+

Light scares and mild threat in jungle-set threequel.

February 14, 2025 2025 PG (106 minutes)
After Yang Movie Poster
MOVIE

After Yang

age 10+

Nuanced, touching futuristic drama about a family's android.

March 4, 2022 2022 PG (96 minutes)
My Big Fat Greek Wedding Movie Poster: Toula stands in a wedding dress, Ian leaning in close to her and her large family behind her back
MOVIE

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

age 10+

Iconic culture-clash romcom has innuendo, mild language.

April 19, 2002 2002 PG (95 minutes)
The Tiger Hunter Poster Image
MOVIE

The Tiger Hunter

age 10+

Tame comedy's well-worn plot saved by likable characters.

September 22, 2017 2017 NR (93 minutes)
Turning Red Poster Image
MOVIE

Turning Red

age 10+

Pixar coming-of-age tale explores puberty and parent issues.

May 3, 2022 2022 PG (100 minutes)
Underwater Dreams Poster Image
MOVIE

Underwater Dreams

age 10+

Inspiring story about an underdog high school robotics team.

July 11, 2014 2014 NR (85 minutes)
Hester Street movie poster: A framed photo of Steven Keats and Carol Kane in late 19th-century dress
MOVIE

Hester Street

age 11+

Celebrated drama about the Jewish immigrant experience.

October 19, 1975 1975 PG (89 minutes)
Saint Judy Poster Image
MOVIE

Saint Judy

age 11+

Emotionally powerful biopic about crusading attorney.

March 1, 2019 2019 PG-13 (106 minutes)
The Farewell Poster Image
MOVIE

The Farewell

age 11+

Awkwafina shines in excellent dramedy about family, culture.

July 12, 2019 2019 PG (98 minutes)
West Side Story Poster Image
MOVIE

West Side Story

age 11+

Musical masterpiece tackles race, with some violence.

December 23, 1961 1961 NR (152 minutes)
An American Pickle Poster Image
MOVIE

An American Pickle

age 13+

Rogen's double performance saves low-key comedy.

June 28, 2022 2022 PG-13 (90 minutes)
Avalon Movie Poster
MOVIE

Avalon

age 13+

Character-driven Jewish family drama tackles mature themes.

October 5, 1990 1990 PG (126 minutes)
Bend It Like Beckham Movie Poster: Jess and Jules hug, cheering, with a soccer ball and the movie's title behind them
MOVIE

Bend It Like Beckham

age 13+

Superb tale of a British Indian girl's fight for her dreams.

March 12, 2003 2003 PG-13 (112 minutes)
Blinded by the Light Poster Image
MOVIE

Blinded by the Light

age 13+

Charming comedy celebrates family ties and The Boss.

August 16, 2019 2019 PG-13 (114 minutes)
Crazy Rich Asians Poster Image
MOVIE

Crazy Rich Asians

age 13+

Messages, role models stand out in culture-clash romcom.

August 15, 2018 2018 PG-13 (121 minutes)
First Cow Poster Image
MOVIE

First Cow

age 13+

Beautiful, slow-moving story of friendship and America.

March 6, 2020 2020 PG-13 (122 minutes)
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