A list of the best Aspergers movies
Here is our list of the best movies on Aspergers Syndrome and Autism.
These are all movies we have enjoyed watching in the past and have found many of them very moving and inspirational. Many of these films feature adults and children with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome.
We hope you enjoy them too and please let us know if there are any that we have missed out. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Adam – Rated PG13
Adam is a brilliant love story that debuted in 2009 and takes place in bustling New York City. The movie is about Adam’s life as a shy and lonesome man with Asperger’s Syndrome. Actor Hugh Dancy stars as Adam and his keen abilities as a performer shine through as he portrays Adam with very real and believable Asperger’s mannerisms. Dancy’s performance draws the viewer in to understand Adam’s plight as he meets and develops a friendship with his new neighbor, a pretty kindergarten teacher named Beth played by Rose Byrne. Adam struggles to communicate with Beth and often finds it easier to recite interesting facts that he knows about various subjects, including his favorite, space exploration. Adam knows everything about astronomy in detail and his knowledge intrigues Beth. Through their many awkward and often comical moments, a meaningful relationship unfolds between Adam and Beth.
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My Name is Khan – Not Rated
The movie, “My Name is Khan” is a story that becomes undone after September 11, 2001. The United States changed rapidly after the terrorist assault, and much of the country became fearful of Muslim people. Rizvan Khan, played by actor Shah Rukh Khan, is originally a Muslim from India. He is a gentle person who endures the difficulties caused by Asperger’s Syndrome. Until that fateful day, Rizvan lives a somewhat normal life in America. He meets and marries a Hindu woman named Mandira played by Kajol Devgan. They create a good life together, but once Mandira’s son becomes a victim of an attack on Muslims, she sends Rizvan away. The remainder of the movie finds Rizvan on a quest to make things right and win back his wife. My Name Is Khan sends a message of open-mindedness to the world and sheds some light on understanding both the difficulties of Asperger’s and the sometimes ominous Muslim ways.
Mozart and the Whale – Rated PG13
The movie Mozart & The Whale is based on the book about the lives of Jerry and Mary Newport, two adults who fell in love and are each affected with Asperger’s Disorder. In the movie, the couple is Donald played by Josh Hartnett and Isabella played by Radha Mitchell. The two become acquainted through a group Donald creates for autistic adults to interact with each other and to help prevent the loneliness that often occurs for people with Asperger’s. As the two become a couple, they grapple with their differences in daily social situations and learn various coping methods. Donald and Isabella each possess unique talents, but the difficulties of their pasts give them something in common that helps create a strong bond between them.
The actors do an excellent job of portraying the couple. The story is well written, believable and at the same time, it gives the audience a new understanding of the fact that everyone faces challenges in life. “Mozart and the Whale” was filmed in 2004 in the heart of Spokane, Washington. The movie highlights the beauty of the city and its special attractions. It is a must see movie for anyone interested in Asperger’s Disorder.
Mozart & The Whale (Widescreen)
Temple Grandin Rated PG
This movie is the real life story of Temple Grandin. It illustrates Temple Grandins’ struggle with autism and her subsequent achievements in life. Not only did Temple find a way to overcome the emotional distress, but she also gained a Phd in animal science and became an internationally recognized speaker in the Autistic community. Inspired by generations of people diagnosed with Autism Temple Grandin is truly an example to us all.
Little Man Tate – Rated PG
Little Man Tate came out in 1991. It is about a young genius who has some Asperger’s traits and his single, loving, hard-working, and very protective mother. The child is Fred Tate played by Adam Hann-Byrd. He has the ability to solve complex math problems in his mind and is an expert piano player. Fred gets nervous when too many adults give him attention and he depends on the sheltering of his mom Dede, played by actress and the “Little Man Tate” director, Jodie Foster.
As Fred’s obvious talents gain more attention, a child psychologist who owns a school for gifted children enters the picture. She pressures Dede to enroll Fred in her school but Dede struggles because she knows her child and puts major importance on Fred’s life being lived as normal as possible.
Little Man Tate is a story about triumph over adversity. The characters learn wonderful things about themselves and each other. The movie looks at the life of a young child prodigy and determines how to find a healthy balance in a world that can sometimes be less than kind to those who are different.
I Am Sam – Rated PG13
“I Am Sam” is an emotionally powerful movie about the love between a parent and his child. Actor Sean Penn is Sam Dawson, a developmentally disabled single father who is raising his little daughter Lucy, played by Dakota Fanning. The child’s mother abandoned them shortly after Lucy’s birth, but Sam has done an excellent job of loving and caring for his daughter. Sam also has a marvelous support group of mentally challenged friends and a neighbor woman that help him care for Lucy.
As Lucy gets older and is attending school, she begins to realize that her Daddy is different from the other Daddies and she understands that he has learning disabilities. The other children tease her, but Lucy and Sam have a strong and loving bond that is unshakable. The authorities enter the picture and eventually move Lucy to a foster home where they feel she will receive better care, but Sam and Lucy will not have it.
As Sam prepares to fight for custody of his daughter, he seeks help from attorney Rita Harrison, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. Each of the actors delivers exceptional performances and “I Am Sam” sends out an overwhelming message of the power of unconditional love. The music soundtrack that is comprised of favorite Beatles tunes, offers a delightful addition for moviegoers.
If there are any movies that you think should be on the list but aren’t, leave us a comment below
Great list … we just watched Nancy Drew tonight and my Aspie recongnized Nancy as an Aspie! Great movie you may want to add to your list (rated PG)
Yes, Max and Mary should be on the list. Amazing animation and a very bittersweet story. I related too well to the character of Max, who has Aspergers. Following Max’s life it is easy to see some of the many difficulties that Aspies face in the world, and in maintaining relationships.
http://www.maryandmax.com/
Max and Mary is one of the absolute best portrayals of Aspergers.
Not every Aspie is exactly like Max, but that’s only because no two Aspies are exactly alike. He is a far more believable portrayal than almost any other character.
This movie portrays the painful aspects of Aspergers, and yet shows how Max does not feel deficient, and feels proud to be an Aspie.
And the movie’s treatment of him, and of Mary, is touching.
Forest gump has no place on this list
In Forest Gump the book he is 100% Asperger’s. Unfortunately the movie went off in a different direction. I still love this movie, it is an inspiration to all of us.
“Snowcake” with Sigorney Weaver was quite good. She was more Autistic, though.
One good film I know of is Simple Simon, a Swedish film about a guy with Aspergers who accidentally makes his brother’s girlfriend dump him, and then tries to find his brother a new girlfriend. It should be easy to find an English subbed version
Yes… it was brilliant… funny and real.
While not a movie, the television show “Bones” (available on Netflix) does an excellent job showing how someone with Asperger’s traits can be successful. The title character, a brilliant anthropologist, often shows lack of empathy, inability to read other people’s intentions, and takes everything literally. Her friends are always showing her how to read people better and understand society’s ways.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is about a boy who has symptoms of Asperger’s.
Yeah it’s a really good movie for portraying some aspey traits and tells the story of how a father attempts to prepare his son to live in the big wide world in spite some of his aspey hang ups.
There’s a charming Australian film from 1986 called Malcolm that should be on this list. It’s about a boy with Aspergers (in a time before there was such a designation) who is obsessed with streetcars/trams and builds electronic devices. He takes in a pair of bank robbers, who end up befriending him. Worth hunting down, if you can find it. It’s quite irrepressible.
Clay Marzo just add water, real life story of Clay Marzo, a professional surfer with aspergers. Great film, great guy.
Please add Ben X to your list. Its a Belgian film about this Asperger teen having a hard time with bullies but who eventually manages to shame them in public. Its very heart wrenching to watch him suffer so much and it made me want to hug him so badly.
I second that, although it is very hard to watch if you were bullied at school, even if it weren’t as vicious or as humiliating as what Ben experiences.
The anime series Death Note has a lead detective “L” who is a shoe-in for a brilliant (though socially clueless; and emotionally detached) genius.
(sorry, I should have been more complete in my description about “L” in Death Note. I strongly suspect the character was modeled after an Aspie. He hides away from the public. One of his traits is that he is never seen (until the case of the anime series.) He has strange eating habits and postures; can not empathize, and fails miserably when he tries to emulate normal social interactions. But he is a great and brilliant character.
There were live action films made as well as the anime and Manga, but they didn’t capture the feel as well.
Nice list. I saw ‘Adam” in the cinema and liked it. I thought it was a positive portrayal of Asperger’s.
I watched OC87 the other day on Netflix and loved it! Director Bud Clayman documents his struggle with OCD and Asperger’s Syndrome and how it derailed his plan to become a filmmaker.
Here’s a link to the film’s website:
http://oc87.com/home
Also, while Ken Burns’ documentary about Thomas Jefferson (also available on Netflix) isn’t about Asperger’s, I noticed that he seemed to have a lot of traits. 🙂
“Doc Martin” series – aired on PBS, Netflix & Hulu.
Netflix: “Crippled by a sudden fear of blood, a curmudgeonly surgeon leaves his city practice to be a country doc in a seaside village populated by eccentrics.”
I really enjoyed the quirky humor of Doc Martin; Aspergers behaviors are quite evident as he is abrupt and his attempts to connect with others are strained at best.
Yes Doc Martin is an Awesome series. Most enjoyable and memorable. There is a documentry online comparing his behaviours to AS. Very funny and nice production. Series 1 to 5, with series 6 coming soon.
McLeod’s Daughters
Netflix: Two long-lost sisters reunite and hire a group of tough, hardworking women to bring their late father’s financially troubled farm back to life.
This series addresses relationships, communication, death, compassion, solutions and in a rural setting. Interesting to notice the patterns of the writer, every now and then an unexpected twist – especially the ending of series 3. This series leans more towards Highly Sensitive Personality / autistic.
Ally McBeal
Netflix:Ally McBeal, an unlucky-in-love attorney, takes on peculiar cases while resisting feelings for her ex-boyfriend, who still works at her firm.
This series has Ally moving in and out of relationships attempting to find happiness, filled with quirky humor and drama, drama, drama; her character is reflected throughout the others within the firm. There are many messages woven in this series; to tap into the mind of an autistic/ apsergers person – David E. Kelley’s writing is excellent.
I know it’s not a movie but the game To The Moon by Freebird Games is incredible. Two characters in the game have some form of PDD with one diagnosed in early childhood while the other wasn’t diagnosed until around her 20’s-30’s you can try it for free or buy it for $10. I totally recommend it myself, having pdd-nos that is very close to aspies.
My all-time favorite example of a fellow Aspie is Daniel Jackson on Stargate SG-1 as portrayed by Michael Shanks. I swear, if I was the paranoid type, I would’ve thought someone was following me around, taking notes, and then writing the entirety of my personality… the good, the bad, and the ugly of it… into his character while the show was airing. X-) I find the character development of Daniel Jackson over the course of the series to be a very positive example of what we actually are, and gunfights with aliens aside, what we can really be capable of… it’s as inspiring as it is revealing. 🙂 So I recommend Stargate SG-1 very highly. 🙂
Rainman, excellent movie which shows a ‘normal’ brother dealing with disabled bother, and his amazing memory. The scenes where they have physical interactions show how aspies deal with physical touch. If you have an aspie in your life the scene where the brothers hug with make your eyes water.
and what about Big bang theory, american new sitcom, mainly charakter named Sheldon, but there are more more or less aspergers 🙂
One of my favorite films is “Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic” a documentary by filmmaker Todd Drezner. It is not specifically about Asperger’s but about the Autism Spectrum in general. Todd has a son who is Autistic, and he discusses the whole idea of Neurodiversity as he interviews people with Autism. Well made film.
There’s another film That I know of. Ben X.
Ben X is a 2007 Belgian drama film based on the novel Nothing Was All He Said by Nic Balthazar, who also directed the film. The film is about a boy with Asperger syndrome (played by Greg Timmermans) who retreats into the fantasy world of the MMORPG ArchLord to escape bullying. The film’s title is a reference to the leet version of the Dutch phrase “(ik) ben niks”, meaning “(I) am nothing”. The novel was inspired by the true story of a boy with autism who committed suicide because of bullying.
the movie ” Mercury Rising” with Bruce Willis – 1994.. with a young autistic boy who’s parents get shot in front of him…it’s a great story.
“Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a 2011 British romantic comedy and drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Ewan McGregor (Aspie rol), Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas and Amr Waked. Based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Paul Torday.
The movie The Hedge Hog.
my 22 year old son with asperger’s syndrome shed tears when he watched I Am Sam. Great movie and very inspirational
Wondering whether the British BBC drama ‘Sherlock’ could be portraying a character with asberger traits? Benedict Cumberpatch plays an interesting interpretation/portrayal of the fictitious character Sherlock Holmes. A brilliant but ‘troubled’ mind, a ‘difficult’ person to those working with him. I guess it makes for great tension in drama, and this is a fast paced, lively, ‘fantastical’ drama. See if you agree…
Surprised to not see Punch Drunk Love mentioned yet. Always thought people were saying Barry (played by Adam Sandler, my fave performance of his by far) had Aspie traits. Though I’m a possible undiagnosed Aspie myself, so I can’t say for sure. Just that I saw some traits in him I related to. Pretty dark movie and painful but also with streaks of hope. Not like the usual Hollywood fare, much more “honest” IMO, so it was a breath of fresh air at the time, to see a character resemble me so much. Oh, and I just watched Adam – loved it (related to many of his traits as well).
Lars and the Real Girl, and Punch Drunk Love. How have these not been mentioned??
The Norwegian movie “Elling”
Napoleon Dynamite may not intentionally be an Aspergers character, but he shows all the signs. Great movie.
I think the T.V. series Elementary could be a useful addition to the list. The main character, Sherlock, seems to have quite a lot of the traits associated with Asperger’s syndrome. He is a highly motivated, passionate detective, but whose social skills lack empathy and understanding of another person’s point of view. He is very blunt and uncompromising. It is interesting to see the relationship with his companion, Dr Watson (who is a woman) blossom, as Sherlock begins to respect her insight and considers her of value in his fight to bring criminals to justice.
Cosa piove dal cielo? (Un cuento chino) di Sebastián Borensztein
The Danish movie Superbror is a sort of magic realism fantasy film. The main thrust of the film is that ten year old Anton is fed up being responsible for his fourteen year old autistic brother Buller and wishes that he had a ‘normal’ older brother who’d look after and protect him just like he thinks older brothers are supposed to do. It’s a heart warming story and both boys do an excellent job of playing the roles. Some of Buller’s ‘quirks’ definitely struck chords with me.
Atticus Shaffer as youngest son Brick in the US TV series The Middle has enough aspey traits to fill an encyclopedia. He manages the difficult task of being both amusing and quirky without being condescending or offensive towards genuine aspeys. Actually as he’s mentioned several times in interviews that in reality he shares many of his character’s traits he probably is on the autistic spectrum.
The Boy Who Could Fly…an 80’s film. The boy is more
low-functioning than an Aspie, but still a sweet movie!
Great list and comments…
I’m sure we can add the TV series HOUSE to this list over,
Dr House has loads of Aspie traits..
The truth about Luke
What about “extremely loud and incredibly close.”
“Griff the Invisible”. 2010
http://www.grifftheinvisible.com
Though just described ass “socially awkward”, the two main characters seem to have Aspergers to me. I love the lines “What were you like as a kid?” “Small”.
The main characters of Griff the Invisible are definitely both Aspies. Better protrayals than some or most of the characters on the above list. I also like Lars in Lars and the Real Girl.
Yes, The main characters of Griff the Invisible are definitely both Aspies. Better protrayals than some or most of the characters on the above list. I also like Lars in Lars and the Real Girl.
Shouldn’t Bones, Dr. Temperance Brennan by on the Aspie list too?
The TV show “Bones” is a perfect example of this –
I would like to recommend the movie White Frog
one of the best crime series I have ever seen is the Swedish-Danish serie ‘The Bridge’, in which Saga Norén plays an authistic female detective in a splendid way.
Saga Norén is the character, Sofia Helin is the actress, but I agree with you about including The Bridge
The character Saga Norén in the The Bridge (SE), was how I discovered I had Aspergers. Great series.
“Extremely loud and incredibly close” great film!
Isn’t Ross Geller (Friends)
Asperger?
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How about Christian Slater’s character in the 1993 film Untamed Heart?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108451/
Movie named “Mary and Max” should definately be on the list. It’s wicked good, touching, hilarious and a great example of aspergers. Beautiful animation movie.
Aspergers are the best.
Peace.
The newest I know is a Korean Drama titled Good Doctor. It’s not a movie, it’s a drama tv with 20 episodes. The story is about an autis savant who becomes genius pediatric surgeon
Aspergers the Movie. This documentary came out about a week ago and it’s great for getting a solid understanding about Aspergers.
http://aspergersthemovie.com/videos/
Love this thread. Thank you all for your suggestions. My girlfriend has Aspergers and she likes watching movies with “off” characters, as well as reading books about strange syndromes. This list really gives me clues to movies we can watch together.
Where can these movies be purchased. Some I see are general and Netflix available, but not all. Lin
I loved Benny and June growing up. This started my infatuation with Johnny Depp, as I totally got his character in this movie. Honestly, he’s played several characters over the years that could fall on the spectrum. Now as an adult I’ve been diagnosed with Aspergers.
As Good As It Gets! Jack Nicholson’s character Melvin Udall in my opinion was spot on. Although he is diagnosed in the movie with OCD and not necessarily AS, he possesses all of the Aspire traits that I do – being blunt, needing routine, liking things a certain way, being rude and not understanding why. No matter what other movies or tv shows I’ve seen, As Good As It Gets is the only one that is familiar to me and I can relate to as a disagnosed Aspie.
I’ve been thinking on this and I think Kinsey would be an interesting addition. Note: this is an adult title, based on fact, about an entomologist who wishes to investigate what is “normal” sexual practice. His work is most remembered in the Kinsey Scale of hetero/homo sexual attraction. I would hazard to say that his meticulous attention to scientific method, his efforts to understand his own emotions, and his need to understand the unknown even if it means stepping over social convention and taboos, is typical of many people with Asperger’s. Just feels like an Aspie movie to me.
You should add White Frog (2012) on the list, it’s about how a teenage boy with Asperger’s deals with the loss of his brother. Also add The story of Luke (2012), which is about Asperger’s boy who has to learn to deal with the world outside his home which he’s not familiar with. Another good one would be Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. The character has had to be written with Asperger’s in mind for sure, it only doesn’t say it in the movie.
Good ideas, thanks for suggestions
Can the character ‘Monk’ from the series of the same name, played by Tony Shaloub, be considered an Aspergers character?
Lovely character and series, but I think it is more probable he has OCD…
I loved Salmon Fishing in Yemen (mentioned above)
also:
How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (very funny, produced by Toby Young who says he may have ASD)
American Beauty (the videographer may have AS)
A Zed and Two Noughts (and other Peter Greenaway movies)
A Clockwork Orange (The director Stanley Kubrick had AS appaently
I am looking for a movie for my 10 y/o son to watch so he can understand a little more about his behavior. Talking to him does not help but he loves movies and talking about them after.
Janelle:
The Simple Simon are a familyfilm.
It’s a family movie. The film is from Sweden and is about a young man who has Asperger’s Syndrome. The movie is comical. The character Simon is made with an extreme Asperger. In Sweden, called the film ” In heaven/space there is no emotion ,” I think that Simon has many emotions and shows it well. And we’ll see how important it is to practice and planning.
I think the film is really good and hope that the film might be something for your son to see.
Extremely Loud
Incredibly Close
It’s about a boy with Asperger’s who loses his father on 9/11. Tom Hanks plays the dad.
Try watching “On Golden Pond”. The leading man, Henry Fonda, plays Norman who strikes me as an aging aspie who’s also got a bit of alzheimers. Katherine Hepburn plays his wife who calls him “my knight in shining armor” when she thinks he’s dying, but an “old poop” around the house. Jane Fonda plays his daughter and their relationship is strained until she makes an attempt to confront him.
two films a very big one rain man and the story of Luke
Story of Luke I could relate to and it should be on top of the list.
The series Parenthood deals both with a child and his family dealing with his Aspergers but also with an adult friend who realizes that he shares some traits of Asp. with considerable changes to his life. They both are at diff point on the spectrum so I think it is very very good.
“mary and max” also should be on this list.
Jimmy (2013) starring Ian Colletti is pretty family friendly and the character who has Asperger’s is only 14
I liked “An Invisible Sign” (2010)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Amelié.
I have Asperger’s and this has been my fav film for 12 years, because I understood Amelié and I still am mesmerized by the beautiful film work. Amelié and her love interest are definitely both aspies.
Not many foreign movies (I am from the U.S.) move me so deeply that I will tackle the feat of trying to watch the movie and read the subtitles at the same time. Ameile was an exception. Sweet and funny film.
The film “The Rosie Project” is under production. I think it is going to be the best Aspie comedy ever!!! I devoured the book in one day…can’t wait for the movie. Yay yah.
Barfi is a Hindi movie about a love triangle between a well-off able-bodied neuro-typical woman, a poor deaf man, and an autistic woman
Adam was a very good and painfully relate-able movie. Adam does have an extremely violent episode when his girlfriend doesn’t come home on time. It could have turned out deadly and Adam could have gone to jail as a result. I am an adult with Asperger’s autism who has experienced such violence in my own life. I liked the documentary Wretches and Jabberers which I found on Netflix. More low-functioning in terms of communication, but the interest one of the men in photography had I could relate to as I love photography. Though Rainman has drawn criticism as to accuracy, I still find it to be very funny and moving. One must realize that autistics with savant-ism represent a very small percentage. That is all.
For a touching story about a young female with autism “Under the Piano” starring Megan Fellowes. It really moved me, I have several members of my immediate family, and significant others on various parts of the autistic spectrum.
You should consider adding “The Square Root of 2” movie to this list. Pretty cool story about a father’s journey to discovering that his daughter has Asperger’s syndrome. http://thesquarerootof2movie.com/
Thanks for this pick. Small budget film but hit home with some things with me. And great nuance acting by the redhead from that show Scandal (I think).
-Dan R
Fantastic thread of posts and im scribnling all the suggestions down please keep them comming and love the inclusion of world cinema and forigne films which gives a perspective all of its own.
Could we please have a downloadable list of books and films and you tube clips or other sources please which is regularly added too.
Im also dyslexic so perfernce for visuals in movies – but recently bought a bunch of books on the subject also and seen some great yountube clips on dyslexic so would be fantastic to have some aspyie ones also.
Its helpful for me to understand but also for my family – it saved my relaionship with my partner whos lovely an wonderful but at time struggles with my aspyi trates and meltdowns or precularities.
Again thank you for a wonderful site and will think of a few films.
Their was one with Mel Gibson in his early years and about his relationship with an older woman. Might not be specificaly aspyies but was learning difficulties spectrum (term i hate but lack another) and touched on prejudice of age gap relationships to a nice mix of nuro typical older woman and nuro – innocence of a young man with learning difficulties and socities perceptions.
The bridge leading female looks at high functioning aspyie and attempts to connect with others with mixed responses.
House and Bones possible traits but big bang sheldo yes and things strated clicking for me there.
NASA or any other high profile organisation can you help with some inspirational media case studies of high achieving aspies and dyslexics – recently read you actively seek out these unique out of the box thinkers.
Thanks and happy new year
Steve
Film is Tim based on book by Colleen McCulloch, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080024/
I found it particularly poignant as it relates to my own inability to connect romantically. Piper Laurie is excellent as the older woman. It’s quite a showpiece for Mel Gibson. Really touching movie done sympathetically.
Hi
Recommend the Sundance and Cannes award winning film American Spendor.
This outatanding film depicting the autobiography of the writer Harvey Pekar as played Paul Giamatti and featuring Harvey also who depicts many aspyrgers traits and his equially inspirational friend.
Film also includes his comics of the same
Title, writings, TV footage of Harvey on the Letterman Show to relationships and friends with Harvey’s unique outlook on life and struggles with everyday problems we all face to his struggles witn cancer this is an endering film.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Splendor
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Pekar#
A very inspiraional film on a unqiue person, insightful philosopher who broke the mould and changed the world in his own sweet curmudgeon way.
faviourate Harvey Pekar quotes are:
“It makes you feel good to know there’s other people afflicted like you.”
“I realize that I’m pretty flawed, but you know – I haven’t killed anybody yet.”
“Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff.”
“Everybody’s like everybody else, and everybody’s different from everybody else.”
Enjoy the film and Harveys writings.
Stephen
Alan Turing in The Imitation Game comes across as being high functioning on the spectrum. He is brilliant but has absolutely no people skills at all. Mind you I think that Ben Cumberbatch who plays Turing is himself an aspie. He plays Sherlock Holmes as if he’s on a different planet.
For a movie involving children you can’t go passed “The Magnificent 7” starring Helena Bonham Carter. She plays a Mum with seven children, four boys and three girls. The three girls are NT’s, the four boys are each and every one somewhere on the spectrum. Christopher is my favourite, a 100% logical Aspie. Love him.
Most of the movies with characters with aspergers or autism are male. I wish there were more movies with females asperger characters other than Temple Grandin.
Mozart and the Whale has a female with Aspergers. So does the movie Snowcake which has Sigourney Weaver in it.
check out Square Root of 2. Realistic movie about female aspie. -Doug
As for recent movies Dr. Michael Burry played by Christian Bale in The Big Short is an aspie. If you google Dr. Michael Burry he says that he’s has undiagnosed aspergers.
A Brilliant Young Mind.
Jane Wants A Boyfriend (2016) deals directly with AS and should be added to the main list.
I loved that movie….I cried because I loved it so much. I wish it could be played in school for children.
I know it’s not a film, but there is Swedish tv series “The Bridge” and the main character, detective Saga Noren has to deal with undiagnosed AS. Highly recommend.
“Dear John” with Channing Tatum has Richard Jenkins playing the father who clearly has Aspergers.
Lars and the real girl
The Odd Way Home
About a Boy
2002
Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult
Excellent Aspergers film
I think I should be in this Asperger’s site and I am looking for someplace that does late testing in grownups I was never tested for any other disability other then A.d.h.d or A.d.d as the doctors call it
I have not gone through the whole list of Comments.
But I recommend The Black Balloon.
It is a great movie dealing with siblings of those on the spectrum.
Truly touching and how my children related.
Please bare in mind the Acting is not the best. but the story is amazing.
Another movie is “Young Einstein”, from Yahoo Serious
Just watched “THE ACCOUNTANT.” The main character played by Ben Affleck has aspergers.
Has anyone mentioned the movie “Good Will Hunting” Mat Damon role might be an exaggeration like Rain Man, but Robin Williams is a much more realistic case.
Molly by John Duigan.
Snow Cake (2006)
The 1980’s science fiction film Gattaca should be included in this list. The premise of the movie is that everyone is genetically engineered to be super human, while the lead character is born normal as a love child without the engineering. This is very much the story of living with an intellectual disorder. Everyone else appears super human compared with your own abilities, and you have to work 3 times as hard to achieve a result that ordinary people deem as a normal outcome.
Two documentaries: Normal People Scare Me and Autism: The Musical
A very sweet and delicate 2015 French romance film is ‘The Sense of Wonder’ (original title: Le Goût des merveilles). It gives me a heartwarming view on the aspi’s world, talents, challenges, communication, love. The beauty of people, the beauty of nature, innocence, light, hope.
i would highly recommend the 2001 Oscar-winning Ron Howard film ‘A Beautiful Mind’ starring Russell Crowe as the late mathematician and co-recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences (1994) John F. Nash Jr. (13 June 1928 – 23 May 2015). One of my favorite scenes is where the pick-up attempt literally blows up in his face. This scene truly underscores the fact that John F. Nash Jr. might have been afflicted with Asperger Syndrome in addition to schizophrenia.
What about a film like West Side Story? West Side Story is a famous late 1950’s-early 1960’s musical based on Romeo and Juliet, with a great musical score by Leonard Bernstein, great dancing that’s beautifully choreographed by the late Jerome Robbins, beautiful, richly-colored costumes and cinematography, a great cast, and a wonderful story about love and romance that develops amid conflict between two warring street gangs on the West Side of 1950’s-1960’s New York City, with a wonderful message overall.
The Imitation Game
How does one broach the subject of AS with a 20 yo death metal bass player, super talented but such low self esteem. My son has had mental health issues since I believe at age 4. But dealing with husband/ father who believes anyone with MH issues(such as myself and my extended family) should just ” snap out of it ” or ” man up”. He refuses meds (believes that me having him take Zoloft in 11th grade ruined his life).
I think I should be in this Asperger’s site and I am looking for someplace that does late testing in grownups I was never tested for any other disability other then A.d.h.d or A.d.d as the doctors call it
I found this book helpful. A “layperson” who found that adult testing later in life was not very accessible, etc- her research into her own aspergers…
“I Think I Might Be Autistic” by Cynthia Kim
I recommend the book, “Very Late Diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome (autism spectrum disorder)” by Philip Wylie. It includes suggested self tests etc
Has the movie ‘Shine’ (1996) been mentioned?
Pianist David Helfgott, driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.
Director: Scott Hicks
Writers: Jan Sardi (screenplay), Scott Hicks (story)
Stars: Geoffrey Rush, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Justin Braine
Yes!! Thank you!
I was going to add that also – it’s a great film!
There is a movie on Netflix called “A mile in his shoes” about a young man who has Asperger’s Syndrome that gets drafted into a minor league baseball team. It is fantastic. I highly recommend it!
There’s a series on Netflix called Atypical.
Thanks!
I saw a Mickey Rooney short TV film recently, The Dick Powell Theatre from 1961. Somebody’s Waiting. The main character has a lot of Aspergers traits.
Forest Gump???
1.) Life Animated
2.) Rain Man
3.) A Boy Called P.o.
4.) Roaming
5.) NightLight
6.) My Guardian Angel
Rain Man
It appears these movies show victory over difficulty and the corresponding good feelings.
Are there any movies which reveal the cruelty of people who reject aspberger persons?
Because that’s been my son’s experience with jobs and women. Life seems like a cruel joke and as a father I have a front row seat to a tragedy unfolding in slow motion.
Having depression myself I would be thinking suicide by this time and wouldn’t be so forgiving either as he is.
Ben X. A true story about an aspie horrifically bullied,lonely and diagnosed later in his teen years. Not for childern.
August Rush
The Boy who could fly
Imitation Game is a good one.
“My Life As a Dog”, directed by Lasse Hallström. While it’s not explicit that young Ingemar has Asperger’s, it is clear that he is about 15° out-of-sync with the world around him, and frequently betrayed by well-meaning but clueless adults.
The Accountant with Ben Afleck
Extremely Loud Incredibly Close
Tom Hanks
“Jane wants a boyfriend” and “Please Stand By”.
Benny and June
Whats Eating Gilbert Grape
Radio
There is also a book about a little boy who solves the murder of a neighbor’s dog. He has autism/aspergers. It shows everything in his life. It can help adults and children understand. Its called
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Novel by Mark Haddon
I saw the staged version of Curious Incident with the Tony-winning cast – very hopeful it will become a feature film.
The Conservation Harry Caul is a surveillance expert who runs his own company in San Francisco. Caul is obsessed with his own privacy; his apartment is almost bare behind its triple-locked door and burglar alarm, he uses pay phones to make calls, claims to have no home telephone and his office is enclosed in wire mesh in a corner of a much larger warehouse. He has no friends, his mistress Amy knows nothing about him, and his one hobby is playing along to jazz records on a tenor saxophone in the privacy of his apartment.
Have you considered the TV movie Miracle Run for this list? It’s also a true story of brothers on the spectrum. Well acted by Mary-Louise Parker, Aidan Quinn and Zac Efron.
Even though most of the ASD community doesn’t embrace it, I still believe Rainman is the gold standard. If you’ve ever met any of the individuals upon whom the Raymond character is based, you immediately see Kim Peek in his performance, as well as Bernard Rimland’s son. The performance everyone forgets is Tom Cruise: he was nominated for an Oscar as well remember. I’ve seen myself in so many of his “underwear is underwear no matter where you buy it” moments, and how he and Raymond move in lockstep, almost like a ballet, at the end in an effort to preserve his routine. Yes its eggagerated, and yet it’s not. Most people have a problem with Charlie using Raymond’s gift of card counting for profit, but look at the larger message: everyone has something to contribute. Throughout the film, Charlie has to deal with being out of his depth, making hard choices along the way, and doing what it takes to get through the day. That’s a message that resonates with everyone who struggles with a family member on the spectrum.
the movie “The Accountant” is one of the best I have seen my image in it, although it is described as High-Functioning Autism not Asperger’s.
I haven’t had such severe breakdowns and aggression at childhood, and it seemed to me a bit of exaggeration of the real state of a person such as christian (especially as he had Autism not Asperger’s). but similar to his abilities and much more functioning I had since I began walking (as my parents told me).
hence, it is one of my favorite movies just because I found someone like myself in it.
As Good As It Gets
Roman J. Israel, Esq.
With Denzel Washington
It was whilst watching Bernard Cumberbatch as Sherloch Holmes (I don’t remember which scene) and my boyfriend said “He’s like me” that a lot of attitude and behaviour felt explicable. An absolute ‘ah ha’ moment
The accountant
Snow cake. A brilliant film with Alan Rickman in it.