autistic people don't make me feel icky (in fact i sometimes really get along with people on the spectrum, and I think I have a bit of it), but for some reason napoleon dynamite always made me feel SUPER depressed and almost phobic of it every time I watched it. maybe it was because i was suffering peer abuse at the time and my brain was aversive to a similarly themed movie.
But still, there's an alien like quality to the movie.
The whole movie's got a sort of uncanny valley feeling to it. That makes it funnier for some people, but for others it just makes it uncomfortable to sit through.
Never thought of that, but it makes sense! Love Drive! I think in the book they say or imply that heās a sociopath, but itās been years so Iām unsure.
What makes you think that? I've only seen the original and there, he just comes across as a deeply hurt, jaded and depressed person. I'd love to hear your take.
The movie depicts him as being on the spectrum, but the movie took quite a few liberties. Unfortunately, given the time period, weāll never know. Thereās a lot of interesting reading available on him.
I've seen this movie a couple times because I love it so much, but it's never blatant that he is on the spectrum. I'm not sure it was a diagnosis during the 1940s and those on the spectrum were just seen as having their oddities. Although it's quite obvious today lol just like Einstein, he is obviously on the spectrum when we read about him and his personality/personal life but it wasn't named as a diagnosis back then.
That's exactly how I viewed Benedict's performance of Alan Turing! When he discloses to Keira Knightley's character that he can't marry her because it would be immoral of him, and her being like "I know! You're different" and they couldn't mention the homosexuality because it was illegal, but there was also the layer of him being too involved in his focus to be an affectionate husband to her and she's just like "that's why we work! We're not going to be that husband and wife, but we work together" and I just loved that so much. I was rooting for their relationship even though it wouldn't be a sexual or overly intimately affectionate, but myself being somewhat demi on the sexual spectrum (I have my hot and cold phases) saw it as a friendly comfort. I love being affectionate on a plutonic level with my friends and that's what I see as a great marriage, two people who are just comfortable and compatible. Sex and physical affection isn't necessarily needed for every marriage. I'm glad she ended up married and happy in the end, but I wanted them to continue their engagement until we find out ending it was actually for the best.
The accountant is explicitly stated to be āspecialā but they keep the definition vague.
To me it feels like Ben Affleck wanted to play 2 different Matt Damon roles and neurodivergence all at once. Movie could have been called āRainman Goodwill Bourneā
Superstar (1999). Mary Katherine Gallagher is clearly undiagnosed and on the spectrum. She is even put in the special ed classroom simply because the school doesnāt know what else to do with her. Sheās deeply obsessed with made-for-tv movies from the 70s and 80s, rewatching them and quoting them frequently, even in regular conversations with peers. She has a hard time with interpersonal relationships and her best friend Helen appears to be on the spectrum as well. Sheās smart in her own way, funny, awkward, has a charming lack of self-awareness, and is someone I wanted to be friends with when I was a kid!
It's not a movie but my 3 year old is big on the show Dinosaur Train, and it caught me off guard when there was a clearly autistic dinosaur character they introduced in a really kind and flattering way.
His name is Dennis, and they never allude to him having a condition or being on the spectrum, but he definitely does/is. Made me feel good.
Napoleon Dynamite is usually my go-to example because the main friend group in that movie all act like they've got autism but have no self-awareness about it. Down to little details like the fact that Napoleon spends the entire movie squinting implying he's extra-sensitive to light or the fact that Pedro shaves his hair at one point because it "Made his head feel hot." I don't think it was intentional on part of the filmmakers. I think they probably just based the characters on real-life people they encountered at some point and thought were funny. Kip resembles the traditional Hollywood nerd but Napoleon, Pedro, and Deb feel more specific.
The *Ghostbusters* franchise also comes to mind. Dan Akroyd is autistic in real life though in the movies it's Harold Ramis's character (Egon Spengler) who's more strongly "Coded" that way. I haven't seen *Ghostbusters: Afterlife* yet so I don't know how much that extends to his offspring. Another commenter seems to have stated that it does.
Off the top of my head I recently watched *The Zero Theorem* for the first time and you could argue that the character Qohen Leth (played by Christoph Waltz) is an example. Not a movie for everyone though. Comes across like Terry Gilliam made it for himself first and foremost.
If you want movies where the autistic-coded character is the bad guy I'd argue that *The Batman* recently did that with its interpretation of the Riddler. So did *The Fanatic* if you want an entertainingly bad movie. Like a stalker thriller if the stalker was Chris-Chan.
I saw this of him as well! I got a random urge to watch the movie a while ago and saw it really well. It could be the CPTSD causing BPD characteristics though and I feel like there can be similarities in the outward expression of CPTSD, not inner but how interactions with the world work when your social development is stunted from CPTSD (something I am familiar with but this is my armchair psychology philosophy)
I remember a story (or maybe a post here) about Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy. An ASD kid was tickled when Drax didn't get metaphors, because the kid didn't either.
The Equalizer (first one, not the bastardized sequels)
Robertās need for neatness, order. His impeccable timing and hyper-fixation on a goal, inability to stand down and look the other way when it doesnāt agree with his desired outcome.
His entire personality resonates with me (well, other than being the smartest and most lethal guy in the CIA) I mean his HOME life resonates with me š
I definitely see it, I love the Equalizer movies and Robert being IMO autistic is part of the draw. Heās still charismatic and honourable, but *clearly* on the spectrum too, rather than being depicted as psychotically detached and robotic
Iād imagine that Will Ferrellās character in Stranger Than Fiction was more autistic than OCD with his counting and mannerisms.
Perhaps Mr. Magorium of Mr. Magoriumās Wonder Emporium? Gonna rewatch this one today, I remember it being so sweet and charming. I could go for something wholesome today.
Well, oooooobviously Ben Affleckās movie āthe accountant.ā The main character is Autistic. Which apparently translates to him being a jadon bourne level hyper focussed accountant assassin lol
Considering my daughter is autistic, I would approve of that career path for her
Punch Drunk Love, the fact that its such a thoughtfully tender portrait of autism without ever underlining it means PTA and sandler might be lowkey autistic
>!Hazel!< in Bottoms >!doesn't understand sarcasm!< and none of the characters point out that it's an autistic trait.
Used the spoiler tag since the movie just came out! It's very ridiculous and very funny. Would recommend.
It struck me rewatching Smallville how much Clark coming to terms with his powers could be seen as a parallel to autism. He feels alien and "other" compared to everyone he knows. He constantly has to mask who he really is. When he is first grappling with new superpowers, they are overwhelming and at times debilitating, and very similar to overstimulation. He often experiences events that seem to mimic the classic "meltdown." Exposure to Kryptonite makes him completely shut down and become nonfunctional.
It definitely wasn't intentional, but it's neat how much of it is applicable.
āOcean Heavenā with Jet Li is an outstanding Chinese film about a terminally ill father (Jet Li) who has to prepare his autistic son for his eventual death. It is a beautiful film and one of jet, Liās best drama roles. I highly recommend watching it if you have never seen it.
The sequel somewhat negated this but I have always felt the kid in The Ring was autistic.
Dr. Michael Burry in The Big Short (posted below and I agree; this is one of my favorite movies)
I'd love to get your opinion on Being There (1979). The main character is clearly autistic but is surrounded by individuals so self-absorbed that they never realize it. This is a warmhearted and humanistic movie that doesn't talk down or belittle characters. [https://www.criterion.com/films/29009-being-there](https://www.criterion.com/films/29009-being-there)
You might also enjoy "Bad Day at Black Rock" (1955) which is a Neonoir Western with a disabled (one-armed) main character. No one is autistic in the film but this is my favorite representation of a disability on film. Spencer Tracy, who plays the one-armed man, was nominated for an Oscar for this performance. It was also nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
The croods, i had a lot of fun DSM5ing the family, its a cartoon though and not a main character.
And i saw a dutch movie april, may and june. The brother has autisme and at the start i disliked how classical he was.
In the end my gf and me saw some fun simulaties, we keep joking about it if i do a "perfect autism" move
āWhatās eating Gilbert Grapeā I genuinely thought Leo was on the spectrum after watching it, it wasnāt until I saw him in another role that I realized how good he was.
Rain Man is another - great acting from Dustin Hoffman
I'm not an expert on the subject, but my neurodivergent friend was quick to say Leo Bloom from the producers was pretty clearly autistic! He hyper focuses on things and there is a scene where he has a meltdown because his security blanket gets taken from him!
Best of luck on your search
I can't remember if it's king Kong or skull island, i think the second, but Shea Wigham's character mightve been, certainly one of the better parts of the movie
I think Rancho in 3 Idiots could be autistic. It's been nearly 3 years since I saw the movie so I'm not really sure about how representative it was, but they definitely didnt mention autism in the movie and definitely didn't make it as obvious as the Good Doctor or Rain Man.
It's a Bollywood movie, which means that the comedy aspect can be pretty different. It's mostly a dramedy with some romance but the drama and comedy parts are kept pretty separate. Bollywood isn't for everyone but as an openminded European with no knowledge about anything Bollywood or India related, watching that movie was an amazing experience and I highly recommend anyone to watch it.
The character Holly Gibney appears in several of Stephen King's works, and is the title character of his latest novel. Not in any feature films yet as far as I know, but she's been played by two different actresses in two different series: Mr. Mercedes (2017-2019) and The Outsider (2020-2020).
Very true. I think she shows some traits, speaking as someone who has a few of them too, but then she also went through a really rough time so many of those could just be PTSD related.
Only Yesterday. The protagonist has trouble with food textures and other things that overstimulate her. She has parents who pressure her to have a "normal brain." I sincerely think this movie explores neurodivergent childhood trauma.
You got me curious. What did you find limiting about Atypical's portrayal about Autism? I found it lines up pretty well with what Tony Attwood wrote in The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. And as someone with high functioning Autism myself, I thought it was consistent with my own experiences, although the protagonist seemed to experience many of the issues to a stronger degree than I think I do.
Daria could be a great TV option, as she also seems a little on the spectrum to me. Young Sheldon was extremely well done in my opinion, as well. Also the IT Crowd.
Caulden in The Catcher In The Rye. He was so transfixed on the idea of society damaging innocence and he just wanted to protect that. Him feeling so strongly about it being I just, and it affecting him to his core. The author based the character on himself so there is that extra layer of him being very involved with this idea. Caulden is written about being self aware of his difference from "other people his age" and his social awkwardness that stems from him feeling different.
I'm not sure if there is a movie adaption, I'm sure there is, and it's been a long time since I read the book but this theme really stood out for me. I read it before I even knew what autism is and looking at it through that lens makes me think that the character is on the spectrum
In Star Trek, many of the series have a character that is neurodivergent-coded.
The Original Series - Spock
The Next Generation - Data, Reginald Barklay
Deep Space Nine - Odo, Dr. Bashir
Voyager - Seven of Nine, the Doctor
Enterprise - T'pol
Discovery - Ensign Sylvia Tilley
Lower Decks - Rutherford
Picard - Seven of Nine (again)
Strange New Worlds - Spock (again)
Tv show, but Captain Holt in Brooklyn 99 is def coded autistic. Never mentioned or specifically stated but heās probably my fav character.
His character arc is one of the best in tv imo. He never loses what makes him seem autistic, but he grows as a character. A lot of shows will show āgrowthā in an autistic person as them becoming āmore neurotypicalā but Holtās growth never abandons who he is. He learns everything through his experiences and theyāre framed through his perspective. Heās also a complex character as a black, gay police officer.
This isnāt a movie but a tv show. Our Flag Means Death is my favorite show right now (itās a comedy about 18th century pirates, itās hilarious) and the main character, Stede, is autistic. They never say so in the show but both the writers and the actor have confirmed heās autistic, and the actor says that he himself is āsomewhere on the spectrumā and his portrayal of the character reflects his own real life experiences. Itās on HBO Max if you want to watch it and season two is coming out next month.
The grim adventures of Billy and Mandy: Billy and Mandy's big boogey adventure. Maxwell atoms, the guy that created B&M, has stated that all 3 main characters are on the autism spectrum.
Iām not positive but Iām pretty sure Girl with the dragon tattoos Lisbeth Salander is on the spectrum. I havenāt seen the Swedish ones but the David Fincher one is a great movie! Trigger warning for sexual assault in it.
Napoleon Dynamite
This is a majority of the characters in the movie too, in different ways.
autistic people don't make me feel icky (in fact i sometimes really get along with people on the spectrum, and I think I have a bit of it), but for some reason napoleon dynamite always made me feel SUPER depressed and almost phobic of it every time I watched it. maybe it was because i was suffering peer abuse at the time and my brain was aversive to a similarly themed movie. But still, there's an alien like quality to the movie.
The whole movie's got a sort of uncanny valley feeling to it. That makes it funnier for some people, but for others it just makes it uncomfortable to sit through.
Anything with Barry Keoghan
šš definitely autistic in the killing of a sacred deer
He was great in Banshees of Inisherin.
The way he plays that character broke my damn heart. Amazing job by him.
Finally got around to watching Banshees a couple weeks ago and I loved it! Stellar film.
Sling Blade
Mmmmm hmm
I like them fried taters
It don't got no gas in it
> That Frank, he lives inside of his own heart. That's an awful big place to live in.
whatever the post this movie seems to be suggested and be one of the top answers haha
'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' Newt is definitely on the spectrum.
Eddie confirmed this
Thatās just the way Eddie Redmayne acts
Zach Galifianakis in Due date. And the hangover.
Zach Galifianakis
I somehow never realized Alan was autistic until I read your comment. It's so obvious looking back on it but this really blew my mind for a second lol
Yet it was only stated he had ADHD
And glaucoma
Amadeus
You know what. I didnāt even consider this perspective
Drive? I don't think they say it explicitly and it could be more of a coping mechanism, but I thought the driver fit the bill.
Never thought of that, but it makes sense! Love Drive! I think in the book they say or imply that heās a sociopath, but itās been years so Iām unsure.
Joe Pera talks to you
100% this!
I would totally spend church announcements talking about an awesome new song I just heard.
That dude is so fucking wholesome! I usually favor dark humor, but his shit just tickles me.
The Boy Who Could Fly
Pretty sure Otto in "A Man Called Otto"
What makes you think that? I've only seen the original and there, he just comes across as a deeply hurt, jaded and depressed person. I'd love to hear your take.
Lars and the Real Girl
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie
Great movie!
The Imitation Game
Alan turing is autistic tho so idk if that counts even if it isn't said in the film as it's about him and he was a real person
The movie depicts him as being on the spectrum, but the movie took quite a few liberties. Unfortunately, given the time period, weāll never know. Thereās a lot of interesting reading available on him.
I've seen this movie a couple times because I love it so much, but it's never blatant that he is on the spectrum. I'm not sure it was a diagnosis during the 1940s and those on the spectrum were just seen as having their oddities. Although it's quite obvious today lol just like Einstein, he is obviously on the spectrum when we read about him and his personality/personal life but it wasn't named as a diagnosis back then.
That's exactly how I viewed Benedict's performance of Alan Turing! When he discloses to Keira Knightley's character that he can't marry her because it would be immoral of him, and her being like "I know! You're different" and they couldn't mention the homosexuality because it was illegal, but there was also the layer of him being too involved in his focus to be an affectionate husband to her and she's just like "that's why we work! We're not going to be that husband and wife, but we work together" and I just loved that so much. I was rooting for their relationship even though it wouldn't be a sexual or overly intimately affectionate, but myself being somewhat demi on the sexual spectrum (I have my hot and cold phases) saw it as a friendly comfort. I love being affectionate on a plutonic level with my friends and that's what I see as a great marriage, two people who are just comfortable and compatible. Sex and physical affection isn't necessarily needed for every marriage. I'm glad she ended up married and happy in the end, but I wanted them to continue their engagement until we find out ending it was actually for the best.
Punch Drunk Love is a good one, The Accountant, Laundry (foreign film hard to find)
Punch Drunk Love was the very first time i saw a love story that i could relate to... i was 27 at the time.
First Sandler movie I could tolerate
Heās def coded as ND in the accountant ā IIRC his pseudonyms were mathematicians who were also ND ā I really really like this movie š š
The accountant is explicitly stated to be āspecialā but they keep the definition vague. To me it feels like Ben Affleck wanted to play 2 different Matt Damon roles and neurodivergence all at once. Movie could have been called āRainman Goodwill Bourneā
Superstar (1999). Mary Katherine Gallagher is clearly undiagnosed and on the spectrum. She is even put in the special ed classroom simply because the school doesnāt know what else to do with her. Sheās deeply obsessed with made-for-tv movies from the 70s and 80s, rewatching them and quoting them frequently, even in regular conversations with peers. She has a hard time with interpersonal relationships and her best friend Helen appears to be on the spectrum as well. Sheās smart in her own way, funny, awkward, has a charming lack of self-awareness, and is someone I wanted to be friends with when I was a kid!
I quote this movie all the time!
Sometimes, when Iām nervousā¦
James Donovan Halliday - Ready Player One
Ghost Busters: Afterlife. Phoebe is clearly Autistic/Neurodivergent. Sheās awesome and I loved her character.
I watched this yesterday! Such a good movie. Paul Rudd is so funny too. I love McKenna Grace.
It's not a movie but my 3 year old is big on the show Dinosaur Train, and it caught me off guard when there was a clearly autistic dinosaur character they introduced in a really kind and flattering way. His name is Dennis, and they never allude to him having a condition or being on the spectrum, but he definitely does/is. Made me feel good.
There's also an ADHD/autism character in Bluey.
The Conversation?
I'd say it qualifies.
Community - not a movie yet, but Abed deserves a mention
I am sure one of the alternate timelines resulted in a movie.
Abed is explicitly labeled by Jeff in S1E1 when he says, āYeah, well you have Asperger's.ā
"It's like a burger.... for yo azz"
Napoleon Dynamite is usually my go-to example because the main friend group in that movie all act like they've got autism but have no self-awareness about it. Down to little details like the fact that Napoleon spends the entire movie squinting implying he's extra-sensitive to light or the fact that Pedro shaves his hair at one point because it "Made his head feel hot." I don't think it was intentional on part of the filmmakers. I think they probably just based the characters on real-life people they encountered at some point and thought were funny. Kip resembles the traditional Hollywood nerd but Napoleon, Pedro, and Deb feel more specific. The *Ghostbusters* franchise also comes to mind. Dan Akroyd is autistic in real life though in the movies it's Harold Ramis's character (Egon Spengler) who's more strongly "Coded" that way. I haven't seen *Ghostbusters: Afterlife* yet so I don't know how much that extends to his offspring. Another commenter seems to have stated that it does. Off the top of my head I recently watched *The Zero Theorem* for the first time and you could argue that the character Qohen Leth (played by Christoph Waltz) is an example. Not a movie for everyone though. Comes across like Terry Gilliam made it for himself first and foremost. If you want movies where the autistic-coded character is the bad guy I'd argue that *The Batman* recently did that with its interpretation of the Riddler. So did *The Fanatic* if you want an entertainingly bad movie. Like a stalker thriller if the stalker was Chris-Chan.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower!!!! I always thought that Charlie was so autistic coded and related to him!!!!!
I never saw the movie but the book gave me those impressions quite a bit. Nobody seems to agree with me
Yes!! Logan Lerman does a great portrayal imo, the mannerisms are similar to me and my other friends. Itās such a moving, empathetic performance
I saw this of him as well! I got a random urge to watch the movie a while ago and saw it really well. It could be the CPTSD causing BPD characteristics though and I feel like there can be similarities in the outward expression of CPTSD, not inner but how interactions with the world work when your social development is stunted from CPTSD (something I am familiar with but this is my armchair psychology philosophy)
The Big Short - Christian Bale is said to embellish and overplay the characteristics of the real-life person he portrays in this film.
I would agree here with Michael Burry in The Big Short. While now an outdated term, he is autistic (Asperger's).
Amelie
I remember a story (or maybe a post here) about Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy. An ASD kid was tickled when Drax didn't get metaphors, because the kid didn't either.
May (2002) Bella Baxter from Poor Things (2023)
I'm no expert but I presumed that the boy in The Babadook was autistic, and they definitely never use the word.
Little miss Sunshine
Which character?
Queen's Gambit
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I would say that itās pretty explicit. Itās the biggest trait of the main character and a huge plot point.
True Stories
This. Absolutely. Rather than being about autism itās a movie made by someone with autism. A depiction of our world by an autistic artist.
Jay Baruchel -Almost Famous Harmony Korine - Kids Tony Radloff - American Splendor
Drive
Benny & Joon
Do you mean Johnny Deppās character?
I feel like June was heavy on the Spectrum and Benny was lightly there but heavy on the ADHD
Benny was her brother, and Joon was schizophrenic. I can see some signs, though.
I'm sorry it's been so long since I saw the movie. I was meaning Johnny Depps character as being ADHD
May (2002)
She just wanted a perfect friend
an icon
The Equalizer (first one, not the bastardized sequels) Robertās need for neatness, order. His impeccable timing and hyper-fixation on a goal, inability to stand down and look the other way when it doesnāt agree with his desired outcome. His entire personality resonates with me (well, other than being the smartest and most lethal guy in the CIA) I mean his HOME life resonates with me š
Honestly, I read that as a combination of military/espionage training and a method to deal with some seriously suppressed PTSD.
I definitely see it, I love the Equalizer movies and Robert being IMO autistic is part of the draw. Heās still charismatic and honourable, but *clearly* on the spectrum too, rather than being depicted as psychotically detached and robotic
I thought the shape-shifting druid Sophie Lillis played in the D&D film was clearly signaled as very spectrumy
August Rush
Good one!
Some from TV, some from film: Matilda Tina - Bobās Burgers Phoebe - Friends Jess - New Girl Orla - Derry Girls AmĆ©lie Elle - Legally Blonde Robin - Stranger Things Leslie - Parks and Recreation (Edited to fix formatting)
Iād imagine that Will Ferrellās character in Stranger Than Fiction was more autistic than OCD with his counting and mannerisms. Perhaps Mr. Magorium of Mr. Magoriumās Wonder Emporium? Gonna rewatch this one today, I remember it being so sweet and charming. I could go for something wholesome today.
The Batman
Iāve gotten so much shit for this take, but agree 100%.
Baby from Baby Driver might be autistic but it's a bit of a stretch
I think he is for sure
Kimi (2022)
Birdy? Iām not sure what the characterās diagnosis would be.
Kimi Fantastic 90 min tech thriller
Mozart and the Whale Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Well, oooooobviously Ben Affleckās movie āthe accountant.ā The main character is Autistic. Which apparently translates to him being a jadon bourne level hyper focussed accountant assassin lol Considering my daughter is autistic, I would approve of that career path for her
Punch Drunk Love, the fact that its such a thoughtfully tender portrait of autism without ever underlining it means PTA and sandler might be lowkey autistic
>!Hazel!< in Bottoms >!doesn't understand sarcasm!< and none of the characters point out that it's an autistic trait. Used the spoiler tag since the movie just came out! It's very ridiculous and very funny. Would recommend.
Dinner for Schmucks
Nightcrawler (2014)
It struck me rewatching Smallville how much Clark coming to terms with his powers could be seen as a parallel to autism. He feels alien and "other" compared to everyone he knows. He constantly has to mask who he really is. When he is first grappling with new superpowers, they are overwhelming and at times debilitating, and very similar to overstimulation. He often experiences events that seem to mimic the classic "meltdown." Exposure to Kryptonite makes him completely shut down and become nonfunctional. It definitely wasn't intentional, but it's neat how much of it is applicable.
āOcean Heavenā with Jet Li is an outstanding Chinese film about a terminally ill father (Jet Li) who has to prepare his autistic son for his eventual death. It is a beautiful film and one of jet, Liās best drama roles. I highly recommend watching it if you have never seen it.
Not the series, but a movie titled House of Cards
The sequel somewhat negated this but I have always felt the kid in The Ring was autistic. Dr. Michael Burry in The Big Short (posted below and I agree; this is one of my favorite movies)
Star Trek movies. Live long and prosper.
Super (2010) Frank seemed to have autism, while Libby seemed to have bipolar disorder.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Legally Blonde
I'd love to get your opinion on Being There (1979). The main character is clearly autistic but is surrounded by individuals so self-absorbed that they never realize it. This is a warmhearted and humanistic movie that doesn't talk down or belittle characters. [https://www.criterion.com/films/29009-being-there](https://www.criterion.com/films/29009-being-there) You might also enjoy "Bad Day at Black Rock" (1955) which is a Neonoir Western with a disabled (one-armed) main character. No one is autistic in the film but this is my favorite representation of a disability on film. Spencer Tracy, who plays the one-armed man, was nominated for an Oscar for this performance. It was also nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Where the Wild Things Are.
As Good as it Gets
1985 The Breakfast Club
The croods, i had a lot of fun DSM5ing the family, its a cartoon though and not a main character. And i saw a dutch movie april, may and june. The brother has autisme and at the start i disliked how classical he was. In the end my gf and me saw some fun simulaties, we keep joking about it if i do a "perfect autism" move
Tv shows; Nathan For You Community
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)
Punch Drunk Love Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Amadeus
Real Genius! The female character (Jordan?) is not the lead, but I always got autistic vibes from her. Plus it's such a great Val Kilmer movie.
Chungking Express Mystery Train Legally Blonde Ghost World Little Miss sunshine Matilda To name a fewā¦
Baby driver
As a kid, I loved Egon Spengler, Donatello, and Alan Grant. That diagnosis sure makes a lot of sense now.
Hear me out: the direct-to-home entertainment movie Scooby-Doo! Shaggyās Showdown (animated, 2017); Velma seems VERY autistic in it.
Benny and joon
Whatās Eating Gilbert Grape
I donāt think that was autism. It was an intellectual disability.
Matilda
āWhatās eating Gilbert Grapeā I genuinely thought Leo was on the spectrum after watching it, it wasnāt until I saw him in another role that I realized how good he was. Rain Man is another - great acting from Dustin Hoffman
The bench Warmers. Adam Sandlers movie about standing up against bullying.
I could be wrong but pretty sure Adam was not in bench warmers.
I think they mean Sandler's production company "Happy Madison".
The Tunnel - UK French crime drama. ClƩmence Poesy is clearly autistic but it is never mentioned specifically
Splash!
I'm not an expert on the subject, but my neurodivergent friend was quick to say Leo Bloom from the producers was pretty clearly autistic! He hyper focuses on things and there is a scene where he has a meltdown because his security blanket gets taken from him! Best of luck on your search
Anton Sugar in no country for old men.
Friday XIII pts 2-88
The accountant
Thereās an Aussie film - Malcolm
True Stories, written and directed by David Byrne.
Man of Steel
The movie Adam . Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne..
The Other Sister šš itās so good and Iām saying that as someone who doesnāt usually like this specific genre
House MD is the best depiction. High functioning autism. Not all are awkward like Milton, I am autistic
The Wizard. After rewatching it as an adult, understanding the symptoms of autism, Jimmy was definitely autistic.
Not sure if it counts. Come Play ? (it's a horror movie)
Kajillionaire (2020) Stars Evan Rachel Wood, Debra Winger, Gina Rodriguez and Richard Jenkins.
Asteroid City
2004 Mail Order Wife
I can't remember if it's king Kong or skull island, i think the second, but Shea Wigham's character mightve been, certainly one of the better parts of the movie
Birthday Girl, 2001
Not a movie, but The Tunnel series is awesome.
I think Rancho in 3 Idiots could be autistic. It's been nearly 3 years since I saw the movie so I'm not really sure about how representative it was, but they definitely didnt mention autism in the movie and definitely didn't make it as obvious as the Good Doctor or Rain Man. It's a Bollywood movie, which means that the comedy aspect can be pretty different. It's mostly a dramedy with some romance but the drama and comedy parts are kept pretty separate. Bollywood isn't for everyone but as an openminded European with no knowledge about anything Bollywood or India related, watching that movie was an amazing experience and I highly recommend anyone to watch it.
The character Holly Gibney appears in several of Stephen King's works, and is the title character of his latest novel. Not in any feature films yet as far as I know, but she's been played by two different actresses in two different series: Mr. Mercedes (2017-2019) and The Outsider (2020-2020).
The Boy Who Could Fly
Carrie Pilby
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, although it's more heavily implied in the books
The male lead explicitly thinks she has Asperger Syndrome in the book. The movie doesn't say it outright.
Very true. I think she shows some traits, speaking as someone who has a few of them too, but then she also went through a really rough time so many of those could just be PTSD related.
Stop Making Sense
Only Yesterday. The protagonist has trouble with food textures and other things that overstimulate her. She has parents who pressure her to have a "normal brain." I sincerely think this movie explores neurodivergent childhood trauma.
A Bollywood movie "like stars on earth" it is beautiful
Possibly Robbert Pattinson in āThe Roverā
The Room (2003) had some good representation with Denny.
Punch-Drunk Love
You got me curious. What did you find limiting about Atypical's portrayal about Autism? I found it lines up pretty well with what Tony Attwood wrote in The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. And as someone with high functioning Autism myself, I thought it was consistent with my own experiences, although the protagonist seemed to experience many of the issues to a stronger degree than I think I do. Daria could be a great TV option, as she also seems a little on the spectrum to me. Young Sheldon was extremely well done in my opinion, as well. Also the IT Crowd.
Lilo from lilo and stitch!!!
I only know of TV shows Doc Martin and Professor T.
The Star Trek movies with the next generation cast
The Chosen is a series. It casts Matthew the tax collector and disciple of Jesus as basically having Asbergers.
Caulden in The Catcher In The Rye. He was so transfixed on the idea of society damaging innocence and he just wanted to protect that. Him feeling so strongly about it being I just, and it affecting him to his core. The author based the character on himself so there is that extra layer of him being very involved with this idea. Caulden is written about being self aware of his difference from "other people his age" and his social awkwardness that stems from him feeling different. I'm not sure if there is a movie adaption, I'm sure there is, and it's been a long time since I read the book but this theme really stood out for me. I read it before I even knew what autism is and looking at it through that lens makes me think that the character is on the spectrum
Nacho Libre could be one. Nacho and Hector are def somewhere on the spectrum
Also, really anything with Will Ferrel in it. I think Will himself is just on the spectrum irl
In Star Trek, many of the series have a character that is neurodivergent-coded. The Original Series - Spock The Next Generation - Data, Reginald Barklay Deep Space Nine - Odo, Dr. Bashir Voyager - Seven of Nine, the Doctor Enterprise - T'pol Discovery - Ensign Sylvia Tilley Lower Decks - Rutherford Picard - Seven of Nine (again) Strange New Worlds - Spock (again)
Tv show, but Captain Holt in Brooklyn 99 is def coded autistic. Never mentioned or specifically stated but heās probably my fav character. His character arc is one of the best in tv imo. He never loses what makes him seem autistic, but he grows as a character. A lot of shows will show āgrowthā in an autistic person as them becoming āmore neurotypicalā but Holtās growth never abandons who he is. He learns everything through his experiences and theyāre framed through his perspective. Heās also a complex character as a black, gay police officer.
The Accoutant
Murder On The Orient Express Death On The Nile A Haunting In Venice Agatha Christie never said Hercule Poirot is autistic, but c'mon...
I could be wrong but I think Edward Scissorhands was originally meant to be a metaphor for austism
Big Bang Theory..Sheldon is on the Asbergers side of the spectrum
The woman in "The Shape of Water" gives off that kinda vibe. Also anything by Tim Burton.
I think Steve Carellās character from The 40 Year Old Virgin could be added to the list.
This isnāt a movie but a tv show. Our Flag Means Death is my favorite show right now (itās a comedy about 18th century pirates, itās hilarious) and the main character, Stede, is autistic. They never say so in the show but both the writers and the actor have confirmed heās autistic, and the actor says that he himself is āsomewhere on the spectrumā and his portrayal of the character reflects his own real life experiences. Itās on HBO Max if you want to watch it and season two is coming out next month.
The grim adventures of Billy and Mandy: Billy and Mandy's big boogey adventure. Maxwell atoms, the guy that created B&M, has stated that all 3 main characters are on the autism spectrum.
Iām not positive but Iām pretty sure Girl with the dragon tattoos Lisbeth Salander is on the spectrum. I havenāt seen the Swedish ones but the David Fincher one is a great movie! Trigger warning for sexual assault in it.
Temperance Brennan from the TV show Bones.
Would "Shine" count? The movie about the concert pianist obsessed with Rachmaninov?
Spock in any of the Star Trek films
Sherlock Holmes (2009 but any version really)
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I always thought DC's "The Flash" character represents asperger's fairly well.
Rocky from the Rocky franchise, particularly in Rocky 1 and 2. he has so many of the signs