10 More Emotionally Charged Journeys
Joe Bell tells the story of a grieving father who walks across America to share the story of his teenage son Jadin, who tragically took his own life after he was bullied for being gay. It’s a heartbreaking tale and one that will surely resonate with many. If you can relate to any of the themes referred to in the film, you might also be interested in some of the following.
We’ve added a link to our full thoughts on each movie so you can check it out and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.
- Joe Bell
- The Lobster
- The Machinist
- Birdman
- Drive
- The Master
- The Hateful Eight
- Spotlight
- Nocturnal Animals
- The Disaster Artist
Prayers For Bobby (2009)
In 2009, Ryan Kelley starred in this TV movie about Bobby Griffith, a gay teen who committed suicide in 1983 because of his religious mother’s homophobia. The story is tragically true, but it also offers hope.
After coming to terms with her son’s death, Mary became a gay rights crusader and she battled hard to convince others to reconsider their stance on homosexuality. This very moving film received positive reviews and earned two Emmy nominations. It demands to be seen, especially by religious parents who are struggling to come to terms with the sexuality of their children. ..
The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
This article is about the negative effects that conversion therapy has on gay people and their families. There are many different types of conversion therapy, but it typically involves trying to change someone’s sexuality by using techniques like counseling, medication, and religious indoctrination. The goal of conversion therapy is usually not to help people become happy or healthy, but to force them into a lifestyle they do not want or cannot live with. This can be very harmful for both the person being treated and their family.
The film, “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” tells the story of a teenage girl who is sent away to a treatment center by her concerned mother. Unsurprisingly, conversion therapy proves to be ineffective for her and some of the other young people that she spends time with. ..
Boy Erased (2018)
When Lucas is sent away to a church-supported gay conversion program, his parents are understandably worried. Mercifully, their mother starts to soften during the course of the film and becomes more supportive of her son. This change in attitude may have been due in part to Lucas’s strong performance as a young boy who is forced to confront his sexuality.
This film is a powerful and emotional drama that should be required viewing for any church with backward views on homosexuality.
Love, Simon (2018)
This list includes films that are often tear-jerking, but Love, Simon is a much lighter affair. It doesn’t focus on the horrors of coming out at high school, but on teenage love. This showcases another side of what it means to grow up as gay. ..
Love, Victor is a warm and funny film that spawned a spin-off TV series, Love, Victor. The series is also worth watching.
A Fantastic Woman (2017)
A Fantastic Woman is a powerful and emotional film about Marina, a transgender woman living in Santiago, Chile. She may not be a teenager but she is still subjected to abuse by those who target her out for her sexuality, including the family of her deceased boyfriend. ..
This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the transgender community and the challenges they face. It sheds light on the abuses faced by those in this community and how it affects their lives.
Cowboys (2020)
Joe, a 10-year old trans boy, is forced to confront his true self as a transgender boy when his mother refuses to let him live his authentic self. This film follows Joe as he struggles with the challenges of being a transgender boy in today’s society.
Joe, a young trans boy, and his father run away from the State police in Montana in an attempt to live openly and freely. However, tragedy befalls them and Joe must face the consequences of his choices. Despite this, the film is still worth watching for Sasha Knight’s powerful performance as Joe. ..
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)
The real-life story of Brandon Teena is another example of how homophobia and hate crimes against trans people are on the rise. This story is about a trans man who was beaten, raped, and murdered by a group of male acquaintances. These crimes are terrible and need to be addressed.
After watching this film, you will never forget the injustice that was done to Brandon. However, hopefully the anger you feel will cause you to be more accepting of the people around you. Hilary Swank rightfully won an Oscar for her performance as Brandon. ..
Moonlight (2016)
This powerful and groundbreaking film tells the story of a young African-American man as he struggles with his sexual identity from childhood to young adulthood, in a crime-ridden neighbourhood where bullying and emotional neglect are a given. The all-black cast shines through in this stirring tale of self-discovery, and the Academy Awards® awarded it Best Picture.
The film is unique in that it takes a look at a character who is based off of a real-life person and the surrounding environment that affects him.
Bully (2011)
The documentary tells the stories of five American students who are affected by bullying from peers at their schools. These are real-life stories of teenagers who fail to receive the help they need and how, in some cases, even their teachers became the perpetrators of bullying. The documentary also tells the story of one teacher, who was caught up in the bullying and is now working to change his ways.
This documentary is a hard-hitting look at a very real issue that is happening in schools all over the country. Two of the students featured in the film killed themselves as a result of the bullying they received.
Ordinary People (1980)
Ordinary People is a heart-wrenching film that details the struggles of the Jarrett family after one of their sons accidentally dies and another son attempts suicide. Unlike some of the other films on this list, Ordinary People isn’t about bullying or homophobia, but it still details the lack of communication that can exist within families, which is a common theme throughout some of the other films we have featured here. ..
Joe and Ira Bell’s film tells the story of the father and son’s love, despite the challenges they face as they try to learn more about one another.
- Joe Bell
- The Lobster
- The Fault in Our Stars
- The Help
- The Help 2: A New Generation
- The Help 3: A New Generation 7.127 Hours 8.12 Years a Slave
- Life of Pi
- Beasts of No Nation
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