You know best how challenging parenting an autistic child can be. When you’re focused on routines, behavior, and communication, a movie night might be just what you need. Movies about autism can help you through some of your most challenging days.
Sometimes, movies tell our stories when we fail to do so. They can help us feel less lonely through the many struggles that we experience. Because of that, this article will cover 10 movies about autism that you want to add to your “to-watch” list.
1. Rain Man (1988)
Rain Man is a groundbreaking and one of the most iconic autism movies that has left an incredible mark on portraying ASD in cinema.
Released in 1988, this critically acclaimed drama stars Tom Cruise as Charlie Babbitt and Dustin Hoffman as Raymond Babbitt, Charlie’s older brother. In the movie, Raymond is portrayed as an individual with autism.
The film tells the story of Charlie, a self-centered and materialistic young man. He discovers the existence of his estranged brother Raymond when their father passes away and leaves his substantial fortune to Raymond.
Initially driven by financial motives, Charlie embarks on a road trip with Raymond. During the trip, he discovers the depths of his brother’s condition and the extraordinary capabilities that accompany it.
2. Temple Grandin (2010)
As one of the most prominent and famous figures in the autism community, it’s a no-brainer that the movie based on Temple Grandin’s life is one of the best movies about autism.
The film is based on the life of a young autistic woman who overcomes the limitations and barriers facing her due to her diagnosis.
We discover that she only learned to speak at four, and how she struggled through high school. Yet she went on to graduate with a Ph.D., become an expert in her field of animal husbandry, and make significant strides within the autism community.
If you’re looking for movies about autism based on a true story, Temple Grandin (2010) is a perfect choice for you.
This heartwarming tale is a great pick-me-up film that celebrates diversity and overcoming challenges. You watch as Temple learns to focus on what she can do rather than on what she can’t.
3. Jack of the Red Hearts (2015)
Jack of the Red Hearts depicts the journey of Jack (short for Jacqueline). To keep her sister from being placed in foster care, she cons her way into a job as a therapist and companion for an 11-year-old girl with autism.
As you watch Glory learn communication skills and make it into a great school, you also watch as Jack transforms, grows, and learns how to communicate.
Jack hides behind her lies and rebellious views of the world to keep her safe, but it is all stripped away by the end of the movie.
It is an excellent tale of how struggling through the adversities of autism impacts and transforms not only the individuals with the diagnosis but also the family members.
If you’re looking for movies with autistic characters, we suggest adding Jack of the Red Hearts to your list. This is the perfect movie to watch as a family, as it has something that every family member can relate to.
4. Miracle Run (2004)
Miracle Run is a tear-jerker that many parents whose kids have been diagnosed with autism can relate to. The story follows Corrine Morgan-Thomas, mother of twins, who receives a diagnosis for her sons that she refuses to accept.
She’s in disbelief after visiting a specialist who tells her that her sons have a neurodevelopmental disorder known as autism and will most likely spend their lives institutionalized.
We accompany Corrine on her emotional journey as she grapples with denial and disbelief. She must find the strength to persevere when her boyfriend leaves her, and her son’s school recommends their departure due to their diagnosis.
Fast forward to their teenage years, and we see the boys pushed past struggling with echolalia and being mute to thriving.
The great takeaway from Miracle Run is the realization that while autism provides challenges, it is not a life sentence.
5. Please Stand By (2017)
To Wendy, an independent autistic woman with a brilliant young mind, people are an indecipherable code, and the world is a perplexing place.
In Please Stand By, we watch as this young autistic woman runs away and goes on a road trip of a lifetime to enter a screenwriting competition.
Wendy wants nothing more than to connect to the world. In this film, we watch as she learns how, in a tale of self-discovery, independence, and acceptance.
This is a great, witty film to watch as a family. By the end, you’ll realize that we all must go on a “road trip” to discover how we connect with the world.
6. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is a movie about an autistic boy who goes on a journey to find one last letter following his father’s death in the 9/11 attack.
The film showcases Oskar’s incredible ways of seeing puzzles and the world, and how this gift, or his Asperger’s syndrome, leads him to connect with his father.
Although autism imposes limitations, this film will remind you that it also offers a powerful gift and that you can still find a way to connect.
7. The Other Sister (1999)
In The Other Sister, Carla Tate is the only child in the family who is on the spectrum. Following her return from a school for children with intellectual impairments, she finally comes home, only now she seeks to gain more independence.
This is a great film to watch as a family, as it portrays the highly stressful experience of learning to give your child independence. For most parents, seeing their kids go off to college and find love is a joyous moment.
For Carla’s mother, however, it is a very stressful time. Carla’s boyfriend Danny, also has autism, and they prove they can live a “normal” life together.
8. The Story of Luke (2012)
The Story of Luke is a 2012 film that delves into the dynamics of a family dealing with autism. The story revolves around Luke, a 25-year-old with autism, who has lived with his grandparents most of his life.
When his grandmother passes away, Luke’s grandfather can no longer care for him, leading Luke to seek independence.
Luke’s journey to find a job and make friends becomes a heartwarming exploration of family dynamics. As he faces various challenges and forms meaningful connections, his unique perspective on the world helps his family members see life differently.
Through his innocence and determination, Luke inspires those around him to embrace individuality and find hope in their family bond.
9. Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Animated movies are a great way for children to understand autism better. Lilo and Stitch is a story about a young Hawaiian girl’s search for a friend as she feels misunderstood by her peers and struggles to communicate and deal with her emotions.
When she goes to adopt a dog, however, Lilo comes back with the galaxy’s most wanted extraterrestrial, Stitch. Through her faith, love, and unwavering belief in Ohana, Lilo teaches Stitch how to love, and together they form an unbreakable bond.
Although it is not explicitly stated that Lilo is autistic, there are small tell-tale signs that many individuals on the spectrum can relate to, and so have found great joy in watching.
For you as the parent, this is a great allegory for understanding how your child may feel in the world.
10. Mary and Max (2009)
Mary and Max is a touching animated film about the friendship between Mary Dinkle, a young Australian girl, and Max Horowitz, an older man from New York, both of whom live with autism.
Mary, an 8-year-old girl, starts a pen-pal relationship with Max after randomly picking his name from a phone book. Despite their differences and challenges, their friendship blossoms over the years.
The film explores how Mary and Max support each other through life’s difficulties, using humor and sensitivity to portray their struggles.
It ultimately conveys a powerful message about acceptance, understanding, and the profound impact of human connection, transcending barriers and stereotypes.
Movies about autism for connection and understanding
Feeling connected is the main thread throughout these movies. Ultimately, the most significant benefit of watching movies about autism is the realization that you’re not alone, or the connection felt through sharing a similar experience.
So, why is this so important to folks and families dealing with autism spectrum disorder? Feeling disconnected and overcoming feelings of isolation is a significant factor in dealing with this disorder, both for the parents and individuals on the spectrum.
Watching movies about someone’s struggles is a great way to connect with them and remind them that “Ohana means family, and family means no one is left behind or forgotten.”
FAQs
Q: What movie has the best representation of autism?
A: Rain Man is often praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of autism, particularly through Dustin Hoffman’s character. However, newer films like Atypical have been recognized for more nuanced and contemporary representations.
Q: Who is the most famous autistic person?
A: Temple Grandin is one of the most famous autistic individuals, known for her work as an animal scientist and autism advocate. Her story has inspired many through her achievements and increased public awareness of autism.
Q: What is the Netflix show about autism?
A: Atypical is a popular Netflix series that follows the life of a high school student on the autism spectrum navigating relationships and independence. It has been praised for its honest and empathetic portrayal of autism.
Q: Is Sherlock Holmes autistic?
A: Sherlock Holmes is not officially diagnosed as autistic in Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories, but many fans and modern interpretations speculate he exhibits traits consistent with autism. This interpretation is popular in contemporary adaptations, though it remains unofficial.
References
Kubrak T. Impact of Films: Changes in Young People’s Attitudes after Watching a Movie. Behav Sci (Basel). 2020 May 2;10(5):86. doi: 10.3390/bs10050086. PMID: 32370280; PMCID: PMC7288198. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7288198/
Sacilotto E, Salvato G, Villa F, Salvi F, Bottini G. Through the Looking Glass: A Scoping Review of Cinema and Video Therapy. Front Psychol. 2022 Jan 11;12:732246. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.732246. PMID: 35087441; PMCID: PMC8786706. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8786706/
PALOMO, RUBÉN1; BELINCHÓN, MERCEDES Ph.D.1; OZONOFF, SALLY Ph.D.2. Autism and Family Home Movies: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics 27(2):p S59-S68, April 2006. https://journals.lww.com/jrnldbp/abstract/2006/04002/autism_and_family_home_movies__a_comprehensive.3.aspx
Dan Aykroyd Says Being on the Spectrum Helped Him Make Ghostbusters https://childmind.org/blog/dan-aykroyd-says-being-on-the-spectrum-helped-him-make-ghostbusters/
Temple Grandin TED talk, The World Needs All Kinds of Minds https://www.ted.com/talks/temple_grandin_the_world_needs_all_kinds_of_minds?subtitle=en
The Importance of Autistic Representation in Film https://researchautism.org/blog/the-importance-of-autistic-representation-in-film/
PALOMO, RUBÉN1; BELINCHÓN, MERCEDES Ph.D.1; OZONOFF, SALLY Ph.D.2. Autism and Family Home Movies: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics 27(2):p S59-S68, April 2006. https://journals.lww.com/jrnldbp/abstract/2006/04002/autism_and_family_home_movies__a_comprehensive.3.aspx
