Year: 2016
Runtime: 109 min
Language: english
Director: Patricia Riggen
Budget: $13M
When her daughter Anna is diagnosed with a rare and debilitating illness, mother Christy desperately seeks a cure. After a dramatic accident and an unexpected recovery, Anna's case becomes a medical mystery, seemingly defying explanation. As word spreads, the family finds themselves at the center of attention, grappling with questions of faith, healing, and the possibility of a miracle, profoundly impacting their lives and the community around them.
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The Beam family, consisting of Kevin (Martin Henderson), Christy (Jennifer Garner), and their daughters Abbie (Brighton Sharbino), Annabel (Kylie Rogers), and Adelynn (Courtney Fansler), lead a seemingly normal life in Burleson, Texas. Their Sundays are often spent at church, where Pastor Reverend Scott ([John Carroll Lynch]) delivers a heartfelt sermon on the importance of maintaining faith during tumultuous times.
As Kevin prepares to launch a new business venture, something unsettling occurs: Anna begins experiencing mysterious health issues that leave her constantly nauseated. Concerned parents, Christy and Kevin, consult doctors, who initially suggest that Anna might be lactose intolerant. However, Christy’s maternal instincts compel her to insist on further testing, leading to a harrowing diagnosis of a serious intestinal disorder that jeopardizes Anna’s health.
Anna’s condition worsens, causing her to miss an exciting school trip to the aquarium. During her moments in the library, she finds solace in the company of a boy, yet the weight of her illness looms heavily on her family. At church, Christy experiences dismissive comments from fellow congregants, suggesting that Anna’s suffering could be a reflection of their family’s sins, prompting her to question her faith.
Despite her challenges, Christy is determined. She tirelessly works to reach Dr. Samuel Nurko ([Eugenio Derbez]), a gastroenterologist whose schedule seems impenetrable. After being placed on a waiting list, Christy takes a leap of faith, bringing Anna to Boston without an appointment. In an emotional plea, she implores the receptionist to assist them, her desperation evident as she seeks hope for her ailing daughter.
In an act of kindness, they meet Angela ([Queen Latifah]), a welcoming waitress who offers to show them around Boston. Their journey includes a visit to the aquarium, bringing Anna joy amid her struggles, followed by a trip to an art museum that lightens their spirits.
Finally, Dr. Nurko evaluates Anna, delivering a sobering update about her condition that leaves Christy feeling increasingly isolated from her faith. A conversation with Reverend Scott provides a glimmer of light, reminding her to hold onto hope even amidst despair.
During their hospital stay, Anna befriends a brave girl named Haley ([Hannah Alligood]), who battles leukemia. They share a bond built on encouragement and comfort as Anna offers reassurances about faith in the face of adversity. Yet, the gravity of Anna’s situation weighs heavily, leading her to dark thoughts about giving up.
Amidst family visits, a tragic accident occurs when Anna falls from a tree while playing with Abbie. Paramedics rush to the scene, and in a moment of desperation, Christy prays fervently for her daughter’s safety. Miraculously, Anna survives the fall with only a mild concussion.
As their lives return to a semblance of normalcy, Christy notices a remarkable change in Anna—she appears more vibrant and full of life than ever before. A return visit to Dr. Nurko reveals an astonishing outcome: Anna’s disorder has inexplicably vanished. Overcome with gratitude, Christy thanks those who supported them during their trials.
In a heartfelt moment, Anna expresses her wish to call Angela “Aunt Angela,” solidifying the bond formed through her ordeal. She shares with her parents an extraordinary experience during her fall, claiming she felt an out-of-body moment and encountered a butterfly in Heaven, where she spoke with God. Although she knows her story may be met with skepticism, she embraces it as her truth.
The Beams rekindle their connection to faith, with Christy sharing her testimony at church about the miraculous events they endured. Among the audience is Ben, who acknowledges Anna’s impact on his daughter Haley, providing a bittersweet closure to their stories. As the family enjoys a pizza dinner beneath the stars, Christy’s reflections convey that each day is a precious miracle, echoing their journey of faith and healing.
In a moving conclusion, a video diary reveals Anna, now a healthy, joyful seventh grader. The tree that once posed a threat to her life has been removed, and she shares her story, filled with hope and resilience.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 17:33
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where families find strength and hope while facing a devastating illness.If you were moved by Miracles from Heaven, explore other movies like it that focus on families overcoming a medical crisis. These similar drama films feature heartfelt stories of illness and healing, strong family bonds, and uplifting, faith-based journeys that inspire hope.
These narratives typically follow a linear path from a shattering diagnosis, through a period of struggle and doubt, toward a pivotal moment—be it a medical breakthrough, a miraculous recovery, or a profound acceptance—that leads to a positive resolution. The central conflict is often internal, grappling with faith and despair, as much as it is external, battling the illness itself.
They are grouped by their shared emotional core: a heavy subject matter handled with a hopeful tone, a steady pacing that allows for emotional depth, and a straightforward narrative that prioritizes the human experience over complex plotting. The journey from darkness into light is a unifying arc.
Real-life stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges with resilience.Fans of the inspiring true story in Miracles from Heaven will enjoy these similar movies. This list features other drama films based on real events, focusing on overcoming adversity, community support, and uplifting journeys that celebrate the human spirit.
The narrative pattern follows the real-life sequence of events, often starting with a normal life disrupted by a challenge. The plot documents the struggle, the key turning points, and the eventual outcome that made the story noteworthy. The focus is on authenticity and emotional truth, celebrating the real people involved.
These films share a specific credibility and emotional impact derived from their basis in fact. They blend a dramatic presentation with a documentary-like respect for the source material, resulting in a viewing experience that is both entertaining and deeply moving, often leaving the audience feeling inspired and grateful.
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