Top Films Featuring Neurodiverse Characters: Acclaimed Films and Popular Picks

The absurdist action-adventure film that this article concerns does not hold back in wildness, exploring the multiverse in a frenzy of time and space bending. The core themes focus around family dynamics, the immigrant experience and what it's like to live as a human in the present day. The protagonist, Evelyn, played by Michelle Yeoh, is a harried laundromat owner and mother who unexpectedly finds herself in the position of a hero. She is tasked with saving the world from an array of peculiar characters.

The film's co-director, Daniel Kwan, spoke about how his research into ADHD as a part of Evelyn's character development led to him discovering his own ADHD. In many ways, the film pays tribute to the ADHD psyche, mirrored in its packed and vivid nature.

The opinion of viewers include:

“This depiction of ADHD in women is quite interesting, tackling our issues in an unusual manner. It features some unpredicted, enlightening and highly relatable scenes.” —Lisa, Arizona

“The representation of the multiverse by the Daniels echoes how I contemplate the varying outcomes of decisions I make in my life, although theirs' involves more action and absurdity.” — Catherine, Canada

Due to the charming, humorous, and positive character of Dory (“Just keep swimming!”) in Finding Nemo, and her appeal to the audience, Pixar decided to base the sequel around her. This sequel follows Dory's journey to find her parents, from whom she was separated from years ago, which is made challenging by her short-term memory loss. On her journey she encounters a variety of heartwarming and funny aquatic creatures, many who have disabilities, and learns- that her memory loss is not a setback but rather a distinctive trait. This is a significant takeaway for many neurodivergent viewers.

The opinion of viewers include:

“Our three wonderfully complicated and complex neurodivergent children have always felt a strong connection to Dory- it was the first time we experienced accurate representation” — Harmony, New Hampshire

Claire Danes gives an authentic representation of Temple Grandin's life in a biopic about the highly recognized scientist and animal advocate. Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism during her childhood, exploited her distinctive perspective to introduce more humane methods of handling cattle, effectively changing the standard for controlling livestock. Her narrative of succeeding against substantial sexism and ableism provides an uplifting portrayal of neurodivergent individuals and their potential to effect change.

The opinion of viewers include:

“As an educator of students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia, the response to her story from my students has been very strong.” — An ADDitude Reader

The screen is lit up by a stellar cast in this humorous and emotional love story of Pat (played by Bradley Cooper), a man with bipolar disorder who moves in with his parents (Robert DeNiro) after being discharged from a psychiatric institution. He meets a young widow named Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who asks him to accompany her in an approaching dance competition. The relationship they form while training for the competition echoes deeply with various neurodivergent viewers due to its complexity.

The opinion of viewers include:

“Although it portrays a lot of mental distress, it remains hopeful and light-hearted concurrently.” —Tonya, Alabama

The 8-year-old, Ishaan, perceived widely to be a mischief maker, finds school perpetually hard. However, when he shifts to a boarding school, he meets an empathetic art teacher who comprehends that Ishaan would achieve if he could, and embarks on a mission to uncover what is hindering his success. Many viewers who took too long to get a diagnosis of their learning differences and neurodivergence find the storyline poignantly familiar.

The opinion of viewers include:

“The movie spectacularly shows us that learning differences can be a gift rather than a deficiency.” — Abby, Michigan

Chris Columbus, well known for directing Harry Potter films, translates the chartbuster bestseller into a film teeming with action, adventure, and fantasy. The plot begins with Percy, a 16-year-old grappling with dyslexia and ADHD at school, and relational complications at home. His life takes a turn when he finds out that he's Poseidon's son, causing him to understand that what he perceived as quirks were actually superpowers that had the potential to save the world.

The opinion of viewers include:

“Percy's ADHD and dyslexia are traits that my students can relate to.” — Helen, Canada

The fundamental message of the documentary The Disruptors is reflected in these words from rapper will.i.am: “For kids that have ADHD, there’s nothing wrong with you. There’s something wrong with the world.” The documentary dives into the daily lives of five different households with kids who have ADHD, exploring the realities — both challenging and joyful — of parenting neurodivergent children. It’s something the director, Nancy Armstrong, knows well as the parent of children with ADHD. Along the way, there are appearances from many celebrities with ADHD, including Terry Bradshaw, Howie Mandel, and Paris Hilton, as well as interviews with leading experts from Russell Barkley, Ph.D., to Ned Hallowell, M.D.

Readers say:

“It shows successful people with ADHD, and current brain research on ADHD and on medications. Also, it was clearly produced in a way to maintain the interest of the ADHD mind.” — Kim, California

Based on the childhood experiences of filmmaker Maya Forbes, Infinitely Polar Bear follows Cam, a father with bipolar disease, trying to repair his relationship with his two daughters. Not long after being released from a hospital for a manic breakdown, Cam becomes the primary caregiver for his daughters, while his wife completes her MBA in another city. What follows is a journey of trial and error, plenty of laughs, and maybe some tears, too, as the film explores the many ways bipolar disorder can impact a family.

Readers say:

“A beautiful movie showing the struggles of a person living with bipolar disorder, and his family.” — Nat, Australia

[How 'Frozen' Gave My Daughter Hope]

The whimsical world of Amélie and its charming, quirky, and totally lovable protagonist took the world by storm when it was released in 2001. In it, a shy young woman living in Paris finds the cure for her isolation when she hatches schemes to improve the lives of people in her community, anonymously. While it’s never stated that Amélie is neurodivergent, since the movie’s release many audience-goers have theorized that her sensory hyper-sensitivities and difficulty with social cues suggest she may be neurodiverse.

Readers say:

“It's the best depiction of the inside of my ADHD brain and my internal monologues and mental rabbit-hole-exploring.” — Claudia

Robin Williams portrays the quintessential absent-minded professor in this sci-fi action adventure film about a mad scientist, Phillip Brainard, who invents a new super-bouncy, uber-rubbery compound called Flubber. The movie doesn’t explicitly state that Brainard has ADHD, but his character, who forgets his wedding three times because of his hyperfocus on his research, exhibits many classic symptoms of ADHD in a way that is both funny and endearing.

Readers say:

“Robin Williams is all over the place and makes me laugh and feel that I'm not the only one like that.” — Stephen, Maine

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