A film selection with a focus on Autism
Jason Wright looks at a curated film selection that would appeal to additional needs children.
Growing up with autism, like myself, can present a unique perspective on the world, and for some, the magic of film and animation can be an escape into new, imaginative worlds.
Whether it’s battling dragons as a Viking, saving the day with imagination as a tiny minifigure, or a singing troll bringing happiness, there’s something for everyone. It got me thinking, if I had an autistic child, what would be the top films I’d share with them?
So here is my list of top movies to put on for autistic kids, with some firm favourites available across streaming services.
10. Gnomeo and Juliet (2011)
This colourful take on Shakespeare’s play simplifies the famous story, making it easier for children to understand without being too graphic. With music from Elton John, it’s a great option for any child studying the original play, providing an accessible and fun way to grasp the narrative.
Currently on Prime Video and Apple TV
9. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
This film tells the story of Hiccup, a young Viking who is an outsider and struggles with communication, a feeling many autistic children can relate to. He forms an unlikely friendship with a dragon, and the story explores themes of being different and finding acceptance, all set against a backdrop of Vikings and dragons.
Currently on Apple TV
8. Finding Nemo (2003)
A heartfelt and emotional film, Finding Nemo is valuable for its representation of disabilities. The main characters, Nemo and Dory, have a small fin and short-term memory loss respectively. The movie’s focus on the sea and its creatures also makes it a popular choice, as many autistic children enjoy underwater worlds.
Currently on Disney+ and Apple TV
7. Home (2015)
Home is a simple and touching story about two unlikely friends, an alien named Oh and a human girl named Tip, who bond while travelling the world. It’s a gentle film about companionship and trust, similar to a human-and-pet dynamic, but with a sci-fi twist.
Currently on Apple TV
6. Tangled (2010)
A retelling of the classic fairy tale, Tangled is full of beautiful songs and memorable characters. It follows Rapunzel, trapped in a tower, as she finds a way to see the floating lanterns that appear annually on her birthday. The stunning visuals and relatable characters make it a captivating watch.
Currently on Disney+ and Apple TV
5. The Toy Story Franchise
Answering the age-old question of what toys do when their owners aren’t looking, the Toy Story movies follow the adventures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. With four films, each offers a mix of comedy and heart, conveying a wonderful message about friendship and accepting others who are different. The original film holds a special place in history as the first fully computer-animated movie.
Currently on Disney+ and Apple TV
4. The Cars Franchise
The Cars series follows Lightning McQueen’s quest to become a top NASCAR racer. While some may disagree on the merits of each film, they successfully blend action and racing, which appeals to many children, especially boys. Cars 2 famously took a detour into a spy genre, showing the versatility of the franchise.
Currently on Disney+ and Apple TV
3. The Peanuts Movie (2015)
Based on Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip, this movie tells the story of Charlie Brown’s attempts to impress the new girl at school. The visuals are a highlight, blending 2D and 3D animation, and the film maintains the charm of the original characters. It’s a charming and visually distinct movie that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.
Currently on Apple TV and Disney+
2. The LEGO Movie (2014)
This film proves that a movie based on a toy can be a true work of art. The LEGO Movie follows Emmet, a regular construction worker mistaken for a saviour, on his mission to stop Lord Business from gluing the world together. The movie, which many autistic children will love, is a heartfelt ode to creativity and accepting people for who they are.
Currently on Apple TV
1. Trolls (2016)
Coming in at number one is a film bursting with colour and creativity. Trolls follows Princess Poppy and the grumpy Troll Branch on a mission to rescue their friends from the Burgains. The animation has a unique scrapbook feel, and the songs are both memorable and catchy. It’s a fun, vibrant, and uplifting movie.
Currently on Apple TV, Prime Video or Watch now for free on itv-X https://www.itv.com/watch/trolls/10a4007
