Top 10 Detective Films Featuring Characters with Autism

Description: Adam, a young man with Asperger's syndrome, navigates life's complexities with a detective-like approach to understanding social cues and relationships, making his journey a unique exploration of human interaction.

Fact: The film was well-received for its portrayal of Asperger's syndrome, with Hugh Dancy's performance being particularly praised.

Description: This film centers on a young doctor with autism who uses his unique observational skills to solve medical mysteries, akin to detective work in a hospital setting.

Fact: The film's title was later used for a TV series with a similar premise but different characters.

Description: While not about autism, the film features characters with Asperger-like traits who use their analytical skills to predict the 2008 financial crisis, showcasing a detective-like approach to uncovering economic fraud.

Fact: The film breaks the fourth wall to explain complex financial concepts, making it both educational and entertaining.

Description: Alan Turing, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, uses his exceptional mind to crack the German Enigma code during WWII. His autism-like traits contribute to his genius in codebreaking, akin to detective work.

Fact: Turing's story was kept secret for many years, and his work was only declassified in

Description: Ben Affleck stars as Christian Wolff, an accountant with high-functioning autism who also works as a forensic accountant for criminal organizations. His meticulous nature and ability to notice patterns make him an exceptional detective in his own right.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life accountants who have worked for criminal organizations. The character's autism was portrayed with input from autism consultants to ensure accuracy.

Description: While not strictly a detective film, this movie follows Nathan, a teenage math prodigy with autism, who uses his unique problem-solving skills in a way that parallels detective work, focusing on patterns and logic.

Fact: The film was inspired by the life of Daniel Lightwing, a real-life autistic math genius.

Description: This Swedish-Danish series features a detective with Asperger's syndrome, whose unique perspective aids in solving cross-border crimes, showcasing how autism can be an asset in detective work.

Fact: The series was remade in the U.S. as "The Bridge," but the original is often considered superior for its nuanced portrayal of the characters.

Description: Although not explicitly stated, Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, exhibits traits that could be interpreted as Asperger's, using his exceptional observation and deduction skills to solve crimes.

Fact: The series modernizes the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, setting them in contemporary London.

Description: While not explicitly about autism, the character of Raymond "Red" Reddington displays traits that could be interpreted as Asperger's, using his encyclopedic knowledge and pattern recognition to assist in FBI investigations.

Fact: The series has been praised for its complex storytelling and character development.

Description: Based on the novel, this film follows Christopher, a 15-year-old with autism, as he investigates the mysterious death of a neighbor's dog, employing his unique perspective to unravel the truth.

Fact: The story was originally a novel by Mark Haddon, which became a best-seller and was adapted into a successful stage play before this TV movie.