TV Shows and Movies for Migrants That Will Make You Feel Seen
Migration is much more than moving to another country—it's a deep transformation filled with challenges, nostalgia, and new beginnings. For those who have lived it, finding stories that reflect those emotions can be a powerful way to feel less alone.
Here’s a selection of TV shows and movies about migration available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max. These stories will resonate with migrants and highlight the courage it takes to cross borders in search of a better future.
Must-Watch Migration Movies:
Brooklyn – HBO Max
Brooklyn tells the story of Eilis, a young Irish woman who migrates to the U.S. in the 1950s. The film explores universal feelings like homesickness, the search for belonging, and the tension between the past and the future. A perfect pick if you’re looking for emotional migration movies that truly connect.
Under the Same Moon (La misma luna) – Amazon Prime Video
This touching film follows Carlitos, a young boy who crosses the border from Mexico to reunite with his mother. It highlights the emotional toll of family separation—an all-too-common experience for many migrants around the world.
Minari – Amazon Prime Video
Minari portrays a Korean family's move to rural America in pursuit of their version of the American Dream. It's an honest portrayal of survival, cultural clashes, and love for one’s roots.
TV Shows That Resonate with Migrants:
Gentefied – Netflix
This series follows three Mexican-American cousins trying to keep their family’s taco shop afloat in Los Angeles. Gentefied explores identity, language, and adaptation—key themes in every migrant’s life.
Stateless (2020) – Netflix
Based on true events, Stateless sheds light on Australia’s migrant detention centers. A moving and powerful series that unveils one of the most difficult aspects of the migration journey.
Little America – Apple TV+
Though not on every mainstream platform, Little America deserves a mention. Each episode tells a real-life story of a migrant in the U.S., highlighting resilience, hope, and daily challenges.
Migration Documentaries You Can’t Miss:
Living Undocumented – Netflix
Produced by Selena Gomez, this series shares the stories of eight undocumented families living in the U.S. It reveals the constant fear of deportation and the emotional toll of life in limbo.
Human Flow – Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Ai Weiwei, Human Flow is a stunning, global look at today’s major migration crises. It’s a reminder that migration is a global issue that must be met with empathy and understanding.
Why Watch Movies and Shows About Migration?
Migration stories in film and TV give us a mirror to see ourselves, process complex emotions, and most importantly—feel less alone.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), art is a key tool for integration and emotional well-being among migrant communities. These narratives also help raise awareness in host societies by revealing the human side behind every migration journey.
If these stories touched your heart, it's because you understand what it means to start over in a new country. Amid that experience, one thing connects millions of migrants: the desire to stay close to their loved ones, even from afar. That’s why Retorna exists—an app that makes international money transfers fast, secure, and affordable. Whether you’re sending money from Spain, Italy, Portugal, Chile, or Colombia, Retorna lets you transfer funds to countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and more.
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