In the Media

Representation matters. This collection spotlights TV shows, movies, and media where characters with limb differences and amputations are part of the story. From groundbreaking roles to everyday visibility, these examples highlight how diverse experiences are being shared on screen and beyond.

Documentaries

Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (PG) Portrayal of Bethany Hamilton's experiences after losing her arm to a shark attack and goals of becoming a professional surfer. Spoiler alert: she succeeded!

Emmanuel's Gift (G) Portrayal of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah's life growing up in Ghana and becoming a cyclist

Never Been Done Portrayal of Jon Comer, skateboarder with a leg amputation

Out on a Limb (PG) Explores the evolution of prosthetics

Rising Phoenix (PG-13) History of the Paralympic Games

Film

127 Hours (R) Character with an amputation

Finding Nemo (G) Character with a fin difference

Finding Dory (G) Character with a fin difference

Furiosa (R) Character with an amputation

How to train your Dragon (PG) Character with an amputation

Mad Max Fury Road (R) Character with an amputation

Men of Honor (R) Character with an amputation

Star Wars: Episode V- The Empire Strikes Back (PG) Character with an amputation

Stronger (R) Character with an amputation (based on a true story)

Unstoppable (PG-13) Character with limb difference (based on a true story)

Television

Robo Gobo (Disney) TV: Y Character Dax has a limb difference

Dexter: New Blood (Showtime) TV: MA Actress Katy Sullivan is a bilateral leg prosthetic user

Mayan's MC (FX & Hulu) TV: MA Actor Alex Barone has a limb difference

Toxic Town (Netflix) TV: MA Portrayal of characters with limb differences

Game of Thrones TV: MA Character Jaime Lannister loses hand

Grey's Anatomy TV: 14 Character Arizona Robbins loses leg

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine TV: PG Character Nog loses leg

Full Metal Alchemist TV: PG Character Edward Elric loses arm

The Walking Dead TV: MA Character Merle Dixon loses hand

Bucky Barnes AKA Winter Soldier: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Ant-Man (post-credits scene), Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home (picture), Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts, Avengers: Doomsday (unreleased), Avengers: Secret Wars (unreleased), The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Series)

Short Films

Deeper than Water Featuring Lizzi Smith, athlete

This Body is a Shell Actors Kelsey Amari, Cherie, Celia Flores, Zoey Nuzzo Characters with limb loss or limb differences

Upstream Commercial Featuring Jessica Long, athlete

A Documentary About Limb Difference featuring Phillip Bruce

An Almost Christmas Story (Disney) The character uses a leg prosthetic

*work in progress - check back for updates!

These resources are shared for informational purposes only. The Limb Difference Collective Foundation is not affiliated with or endorsing the organizations, productions, or media listed unless specifically noted. We’ve gathered this public information to make it easier for families and individuals to explore what’s available, based on what we’ve found meaningful in our own journey. Viewer discretion is advised, as some programs may not be appropriate for younger audiences.