Movies & Shows Like The Special for Dark Comedy Fans

Description: A groundbreaking film that delves into the relationship between two brothers, one of whom is autistic, exploring themes of family, acceptance, and personal growth.

Fact: The term 'Rain Man' was coined from the protagonist's misinterpretation of his own name, Raymond, showcasing his unique way of processing language.

Description: A poignant story about a young man caring for his intellectually disabled younger brother, focusing on themes of responsibility, family bonds, and small-town life.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as Arnie Grape earned him his first Academy Award nomination at the age of

Description: An epic tale of a man with a low IQ who inadvertently influences key historical events, emphasizing themes of perseverance, love, and the unpredictability of life.

Fact: The film's famous bench scenes were shot in Savannah, Georgia, and the bench is now displayed in the Savannah History Museum.

Description: A biographical drama about mathematician John Nash, focusing on his struggles with schizophrenia and his groundbreaking work in game theory, highlighting themes of genius and mental health.

Fact: The film's portrayal of Nash's hallucinations was carefully crafted to give viewers a sense of his subjective experience, blending reality and delusion seamlessly.

Description: A touching drama about a father with an intellectual disability fighting for custody of his daughter, highlighting themes of love, family, and societal perceptions of disability.

Fact: The soundtrack features Beatles covers by various artists, reflecting the protagonist's deep connection to the band's music.

Description: A visually stunning film about a man with locked-in syndrome who learns to communicate through blinking, exploring themes of creativity, resilience, and the human spirit.

Fact: The film is based on the memoir of Jean-Dominique Bauby, who wrote the book by blinking his left eyelid to dictate each letter.

Description: A uplifting story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic man and his caregiver from the projects, focusing on themes of camaraderie, humor, and overcoming adversity.

Fact: The film is based on the real-life relationship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver Abdel Sellou, and became a massive box office success in France.

Description: A heartfelt film about a man with polio who seeks the help of a sex surrogate to lose his virginity, exploring themes of intimacy, disability, and human connection.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of Mark O'Brien, a poet and journalist who wrote about his experiences in an article titled 'On Seeing a Sex Surrogate.'

Description: A biographical drama about physicist Stephen Hawking, focusing on his groundbreaking work and his life with ALS, highlighting themes of resilience and intellectual brilliance.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne spent months studying Hawking's life and even met with him to prepare for the role, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Description: A heartwarming adventure film that explores themes of friendship and self-discovery, featuring a protagonist with a developmental disability who embarks on a journey to fulfill his dreams.

Fact: The film was shot in just 31 days and features a largely improvised script, adding to its authentic and spontaneous feel.