To a lot of people, ADHD looks like an excuse for a kid to not sit down. But in reality, it’s a lot more. The list of TV shows and movies for people with ADHD is tailor-made to help you find neurodivergent characters to relate to!
The media needs to do better when it comes to showing how vastly different everyone else’s brain function is compared to others. If we could find a way to allow everyone else in this world access to “download” other people’s brains, maybe there would be less hate and judgements circulating around as much as they are now.
Some of these movies or TV shows aren’t explicitly about having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, they’re ADHD friendly as each character in it is unique and often possess traits and quirks that resonate to those who are neurodivergent.
Let’s take a look at some of the best movies for people with ADHD. Are you ready?
Good Movies For People With ADHD
1. Juno (2007)
7.5/10 IMDb
Juno MacGuff, the witty and confident protagonist, navigates the complexities of an unplanned teenage pregnancy. Despite ADHD not being explicitly mentioned in the plot, many individuals with ADHD find resonance in Juno’s actions and thoughts.
Her impulsivity and emotional dysregulation mirror classic ADHD symptoms, providing a refreshing perspective on how the condition can manifest in girls and women. This is one of the ADHD friendly movies that subtly showcases the overlooked struggles of a person with a special condition.
2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Pat Solitano Jr. is a character that fights with bipolar disorder and likely ADHD. When it comes to capturing the obstacles of impulsivity and emotional regulation, Bradley Cooper does an amazing job as Pat, watching him will warm your heart.
With elements that resonate with the ADHD experience, this movie tells a beautiful story while making you think about those in similar situations.
3. Finding Nemo (2003)
Even though this is just a cartoon but this is one of the good movies for people with ADHD, as one of the character named Dory who’s symptoms feel directly related to this condition. She forgets things easily and is also really impulsive which makes her super relatable to people who have ADHD.
One of the good movies for people with ADHD and it uses these traits as part of Dory’s journey, giving us all an entertaining representation of mental health challenges.
Read more here: 11 Introverted Cartoon Characters You’ll Relate To On A Deep Level
4. Julie & Julia (2009)
Though the movie doesn’t speak directly on ADHD, Julie Powell’s difficulties with balancing her life out evenly is enough to tell us. Looking deeper at character flaws, Julie tends to start but then not finish projects, hyper-focus on cooking, and not pay attention to anything else around her indicate subtle signs of ADHD traits.
It’s light-heartedness inspired viewers by showing them how hyper focusing on something can open doors if you have support even when dealing with symptoms that come from managing ADHD.
5. Percy Jackson & The Olympians (2010)
Percy Jackson, diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, embarks on a mythological journey. The film creatively links Percy’s unique abilities, influenced by his neurodivergence, to his success in facing challenges.
This narrative approach emphasizes the strengths that can emerge from neurodiversity, encouraging children and adolescents facing difficulties.
6. Charlie Bartlett (2007)
In this coming-of-age film, Charlie Bartlett, a teen diagnosed with ADHD, turns to acting as a psychiatrist in his school. The movie delves into Charlie’s struggles with fitting in, academic performance and mood fluctuations, shedding light on the day-to-day challenges faced by those with ADHD.
While it’s a Hollywood interpretation, this is one of the highlights the real challenges young people with ADHD encounter.
7. Finding Dory (2016)
This is a sequel to 2003’s “Finding Nemo.” The movie features the same lovable, forgetful blue fish as the main character. This time around, she’s been portrayed as an animated character with traits resembling inattentive ADHD.
Dory’s forgetfulness and short attention span are relatable to many people living with ADHD. In a light-hearted way, this film fosters understanding and empathy for those with the disorder.
8. The Disruptors (2022)
“The Disruptors” presents viewers with stories of successful people who have ADHD alongside their problems when they were younger due to their condition. By doing so, it shows that there is no one-size-fits-all neurotype for someone living with ADHD.
Helping viewers embrace their strengths and challenge what society thinks about their shortcomings
9. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
“Mrs. Doubtfire” is primarily a comedy, but it does depict some of the impulsive and unreliable behavior that comes with ADHD through Daniel Hillard, a devoted father who loves his children more than anything in the world.
In an effort to spend more time with them during his custody battle, he disguises himself as their nanny, Mrs. Doubtfire — highlighting how impulsivity can lead to both hilarious and tragic scenarios alike.
ADHD Friendly TV Shows To Watch
10. ’30 Rock’ (2006 – 2013)
Tracy Jordan adds humor to “30 Rock,” playing a character based on Tracy Morgan’s own life experiences. He creates unpredictable comedy with his impulsive behavior that mirrors symptoms of ADHD in real life — raising awareness by making light of them.
11. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013 – 2021)
The main character Jake Peralta — played by Andy Samberg — is impulsive and hyperactive as a detective in this TV show; while not explicitly stated throughout the series, many viewers have noticed traits similar to those associated with ADHD in Jakes quirky antics.
12. Ms. Marvel (2022)
Kamala is a huge fan of superheroes, but can’t find her place in school or even sometimes at home. That is until she takes on the powers of her heroes.
Most fans are excited to see what looks like another amazing show from marvel, although some are also looking forward for Marvel finally including a hero with ADHD in their show to help bring awareness, acceptance and break stereotypes of ADHD.
Read more here: 10 Best Comedy Movies On Netflix That Will Have You In Fits Of Laughter
So, these were some of the best movies for people with ADHD to watch and relate to. Did you find them interesting? Share your thoughts on ADHD friendly movies and tv shows in the comments below!
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