10 Must See Movies about Refugees and Immigration

Grab some popcorn and get ready for a cinematic journey that will both inspire and enlighten. Refugee Hope Partners has curated a list of captivating films about immigrants and refugees that offer profound insights into the global refugee crisis and the immigrant experience. From tales of resilience to stories of courage, these movies provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees worldwide. By immersing yourself in these powerful narratives, you'll gain valuable insights and develop a greater sense of empathy and awareness. Join us on this enlightening journey and take a step towards becoming an advocate for refugees.

Please be aware that films about refugees and immigration may contain mature content, including depictions of violence, trauma, and sensitive themes related to displacement and persecution. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those who may find such content distressing or triggering. It is recommended to research the content of each film beforehand and approach viewing with sensitivity and awareness of the potential emotional impact.

“Free Burma Rangers is a documentary film exploring the extraordinary 20-year journey of missionaries Dave and Karen Eubank. The film follows Dave, Karen, and their three young children, as they venture into war zones where they are fighting to bring hope.

Dave Eubank is a rare hero of the faith. He is a former U.S. Special Forces soldier turned missionary to conflict zones. The film is a real life adventure movie. Viewers will follow the family into firefights, heroic rescues, and experience life-changing ministry. In the midst of this unprecedented journey, you will witness amazing lessons of faith from one of the most inspiring families in the world.” Rated PG-13

The Swimmers . “Sisters Yusra and Sarah Mardini fled their home country of Syria in 2015 when their house was destroyed during the civil war. They journeyed to Lebanon and then onto Turkey where they arranged to be smuggled into Greece on a dinghy. However, the refugees were in the middle of the Aegean Sea when the engine of the overcrowded dinghy cut out and the pair, plus two others who could swim, were responsible for saving the lives of those on board. Just a year after their harrowing experience Yusra competed in two swimming events at the Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic team.” Rated PG-13.

Human Flow. “Over 65 million people around the world have been forced from their homes to escape famine, climate change and war in the greatest human displacement since World War II. Human Flow, an epic film journey led by the internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei, gives a powerful visual expression to this massive human migration. The documentary elucidates both the staggering scale of the refugee crisis and its profoundly personal human impact. Captured over the course of an eventful year in 23 countries, the film follows a chain of urgent human stories that stretches across the globe in countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Germany, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, and Turkey.” Rated PG-13.

We Dare to Dream . “A compelling documentary that chronicles the inspiring journey of the Refugee Olympic Team, showcasing the extraordinary resilience and determination of athletes who have fled their home countries due to conflict and persecution. The film follows their rigorous training, personal sacrifices, and the emotional highs and lows as they strive to compete on the world stage. Through their stories, the documentary highlights the universal power of sports to bring hope, build bridges, and foster a sense of belonging and unity among displaced individuals.”

Midnight Traveler. “When the Taliban puts a bounty on Afghan director Hassan Fazili's head, he's forced to flee the country with his wife and young daughters. Capturing the family's uncertain journey firsthand, Fazili documents their harrowing trek across numerous borders revealing the danger and uncertainty facing refugees seeking asylum juxtaposed with the unbreakable love shared amongst the family on the run.” Rated 16+.

First They Killed My Father. “In the 1970's, a middle-class Cambodian girl sees her family's lives turning upside-down when the Khmer Rouge invades Cambodia. They leave their comfortable apartment and lifestyle to live in a primitive work camp. When her father, a former officer, is killed, the family splits to survive.” Rated TV-MA

The Good Lie. “Four Sudanese children orphaned after their village is massacred in the Second Sudanese Civil War make an arduous, dangerous trek through the plains, enduring hardship, death, and sacrifice all the way until they reach safety in a refugee camp in Kenya. Given the chance to resettle in the U.S., they arrive in Kansas City, Missouri, where their encounter with an employment agency counselor, played by Reese Witherspoon, forever changes all of their lives.” Rated PG-13.

The Kite Runner . “Based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Khaled Hosseini. It tells the story of Amir, a well-to-do boy from Kabul, who is tormented by the guilt of abandoning his friend Hassan. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of the monarchy in Afghanistan through the Soviet military intervention, the mass exodus of Afghan refugees to Pakistan and the United States, and the Taliban regime.” Rater PG-13.

The Donut King. “An immigrant story with a (glazed) twist, The Donut King follows the journey of Cambodian refugee Ted Ngoy, who fled escaped the brutal Khmer Rouge and arrived in California in the 1970s and, through a mixture of diligence and luck, built a multi-million dollar donut empire up and down the West Coast.

A documentary on immigration, assimilation, prejudice, and who gets access to the American Dream—and what happens when you achieve it—The Donut King is also about how the American Dream gets handed down and evolves from one generation to the next: the film includes the current generation of Cambodian donut shop owners and the ways they have been inspired by and diverged from their parents and grandparents before them.”

Refugee. “A harrowing account of Europe's migrant crisis. A family of Syrian refugees separated by the borders of Europe, fight to be reunited as they migrant from Syria to Germany.” Rated 16+