10 Movies & Shows Similar to Rain Man (1988)

Description: Similar to 'Rain Man', this film features a protagonist with cognitive differences who navigates the world in his own unique way. Both characters have a childlike innocence that contrasts with their surprising capabilities. The films share themes of acceptance, the value of unconventional perspectives, and how society often underestimates people who are different.

Fact: Tom Hanks based Forrest's voice on a young boy with braces. The film won six Academy Awards. The bench scenes were filmed in Savannah, Georgia, where the bench now resides in a museum.

Description: This film shares with 'Rain Man' the theme of an undiscovered genius whose talents are recognized and nurtured by others. Both stories involve transformative relationships that help the protagonists grow emotionally. The contrast between intellectual brilliance and emotional challenges is a key similarity, as is the exploration of how society values different kinds of intelligence.

Fact: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the screenplay together. Robin Williams' performance earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The famous 'It's not your fault' scene was largely improvised.

Description: Like 'Rain Man', this biographical drama portrays a brilliant mind grappling with mental health challenges. Both films showcase extraordinary intellectual abilities while sensitively depicting the protagonists' struggles with their conditions. The theme of human connection overcoming adversity is central to both stories, as is the exploration of how society views and treats those who are different.

Fact: Russell Crowe spent months studying John Nash's mannerisms and speech patterns. The film takes some creative liberties with Nash's actual life story. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Like 'Rain Man', this film explores the challenges faced by an individual with cognitive differences, particularly in relation to family and societal expectations. Both films sensitively portray the protagonists' unique worldviews while addressing themes of parental love, legal rights, and societal perceptions of disability.

Fact: Sean Penn studied for a year to prepare for his role. The film features numerous Beatles song covers by contemporary artists. It sparked discussions about parenting rights for people with intellectual disabilities.

Description: This film shares with 'Rain Man' the theme of an unlikely friendship between a neurotypical individual and someone with mental health challenges. Both explore how such relationships can be transformative for both parties. The portrayal of musical genius amidst personal struggles creates another parallel to Raymond's character.

Fact: Based on a true story and a series of Los Angeles Times articles. Jamie Foxx learned to play cello for the role. The film highlights issues of homelessness and mental health care.

Description: This romantic drama shares with 'Rain Man' a sensitive portrayal of autism spectrum disorder. Both films explore the challenges of relationships when one partner processes the world differently. The theme of acceptance and understanding runs through both stories, as does the portrayal of autism's impact on daily life.

Fact: Writer-director Max Mayer consulted with autism experts. The film won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at Sundance. It's one of the few films to depict an autistic adult in a romantic relationship.

Description: Like 'Rain Man', this biographical film portrays an autistic individual who turns their unique perspective into an asset. Both films challenge stereotypes about autism and showcase how different ways of thinking can lead to innovation. The emphasis on visual thinking and sensory experiences creates another similarity.

Fact: Claire Danes consulted extensively with Temple Grandin. The film won multiple Emmy Awards. Grandin's designs revolutionized livestock handling systems.

Description: This biographical film shares with 'Rain Man' the portrayal of a brilliant but socially awkward protagonist whose unique way of thinking leads to groundbreaking achievements. Both films explore themes of societal misunderstanding, the value of neurodiversity, and the personal costs of genius. The historical context adds another layer to the protagonist's challenges.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch learned to solve complex math problems for the role. The film's title refers to Turing's famous test for machine intelligence. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: Similar to 'Rain Man', 'The Accountant' features a protagonist with high-functioning autism who possesses extraordinary abilities, particularly in mathematics and problem-solving. Both films explore themes of isolation, family relationships, and the challenges of navigating a neurotypical world. The protagonists' unique perspectives and skills drive the narrative, much like Raymond's savant abilities in 'Rain Man'.

Fact: Ben Affleck trained extensively to portray the character's autism accurately, consulting with individuals on the spectrum. The film's action sequences were choreographed to reflect the protagonist's precise, methodical nature. It was inspired by real-life accounts of autistic individuals working in high-stakes professions.

Description: Similar to 'Rain Man', this biographical film portrays an extraordinary mind constrained by physical limitations. Both films explore themes of human resilience, the power of relationships, and how society accommodates (or fails to accommodate) differently-abled individuals. The focus on personal relationships amidst professional achievements is another shared element.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne met with Stephen Hawking several times to prepare. The film is based on Jane Hawking's memoir. Redmayne won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance.