Mental health has only been a topic of discussion in the recent past. And there are only a few movies that really delve deep into the issue of mental health. Here are ten movies that deal with topics related to mental health from suicide, and depression to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The movies listed here give us a glimpse into the lives of individuals who struggle on a daily basis. Biopics to adaptations are also part of the ten movies. These movies may not be thrilling or action-packed but it’s a realistic look into a significant aspect of our society which is often considered to be a stigma.
10 Movies On Mental Health
1. Silver Linings Playbook
Bradley Cooper plays Pat, who is seen coming out of a mental hospital as the movie opens. As he meets Tiffany played by Jennifer Lawrence, who is dealing with her mental illness, the movie takes the turn to become a romantic comedy. The realistic movie will surely touch your heart, especially when the duo accomplishes their goal.
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2. It’s Kind Of A Funny Story
Adapted from the novel of the same name, ‘It’s Kind of A Funny Story‘ focuses on a teenager who admits himself to the mental hospital after contemplating suicide. The film is light and funny. The cast includes Kier Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, Viola Davis, and Zach Galifianakis.
3. Girl, Interrupted
Starring Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder, ‘Girl. Interrupted’ was directed by James Mangold and released in 1999. The movie follows a young woman who is hospitalized after a suicide attempt. Set in the 1960s, the film gives a view of how mental health was being perceived during those days. The movie is based on the book of the same name by Susanna Kaysen.
4. A Beautiful Mind
Russell Crowe portrayed the paranoid schizophrenic mathematician John Nash in the movie ‘A Beautiful Mind’. Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, all experienced by Nash have been captured within the frames of the movie. The movie also shows how the prodigy’s life and career were affected by his mental illness.
5. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
Stephen Chobsky decided to turn his sensational novel ‘Perks of Being A Wallflower’ into a movie which was directed by the writer himself. The movie follows a bunch of high school students especially Charlie who is the lead character. Charlie is trying to cope with his friend’s suicide and his tumultuous past as he joins back in school.
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6. Inside Out
A must-watch, this movie is one that can make you laugh and think at the same time. This 2015 animated movie takes a peep into how emotions work inside your head. The movie revolves around 11-year-old Riley who has recently moved cities and is starting a new life. Five emotions- fear, anger, joy, disgust, and sadness have all assembled to help Riley cope with her new life.
7. All The Bright Places
The 2020 romance drama focuses on two teenagers, Theodore Finch and Violet Markey who are struggling with their mental health and traumatic pasts. The duo help each other through their struggles, trying to find happiness even in the ordinary of things. The movie is tender and subtle, giving you a different experience.
8. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
One of the classics that can boast to be dealing with the topic of mental health. This 1975 movie is from the screenwriter and filmmaker Milos Forman. Set in a mental asylum, the movie pans on a criminal, Randle Mc Murphy who pleaded insanity. With the inmates, he organizes an uprising against an abusive nurse.
9. Fight Club
Of all the movies on the list, ‘Fight Club’ is a bit different. Most of the movies till now were much jovial. But this cinematic masterpiece is dark and aggressive. Trauma, toxic masculinity, and suppressed pain are all part and parcel of what the movie focuses on. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt have given remarkable performances in this David Fincher movie.
10. Black Swan
The film clearly portrays the thin line between sanity and insanity. This 2010 psychological thriller was directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by Mark Heyman. The movie revolves around a ballerina who is competing for her rival’s role. The movie earned the lead actress, Natalie Portman an Academy Award.
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