7 Best Films about Mental Illness

Written By:

Aarti Yadav

Last updated on August 27th, 2024 at 11:22 pm

Films about Mental Illness | Best Movies about Mental Illness | Mental Disorders in Movies | Movies about Mental Disorders

Are you someone who likes to explore the mental ability as either a blessing or a curse, ? If yes, this blog post might interest you. I am going to share some of the films about mental illness. They will give an insight you have never known.

Films are the best way to understand mental concepts as audio visuals are easy to understand. In addition, it’s a good way to spread awareness about many mental health challenges that people are still unaware of.

Movies are a great gateway to understand the mind’s complexity and develop empathy and insights. In this blog post, I will share some movies about mental disorders. These disorders sometimes feel like blessings and curses as well.

Films about Mental Illness

1. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

As the name says this movie, if you haven’t watched yet, will take your breath away. It’s a beautiful movie based on a true story. The lead character, who was a genius mathematics student, developed a mental illness.

His struggle with his imagination caused Him challenges that’s really painful to see. Once He realized the truth, He overcame it. They say a genius can take over the mind if worked in the right direction.

The movie “A Beautiful Mind” gives a deep insight about an illness named schizophrenia. It shows its effect on people and their loved ones’ lives. 

On a positive side, it’s one of the films about mental illness. It gives us the insight to understand the concept of our thoughts and beliefs. Whatever you can believe in your mind, you can become real by watching this movie.

Also Read about Faith Based Movies Amazon Prime

2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

The movie starring Bradly Cooper and Jenifer Lawrence is notable. It represents another mental health challenge in human beings. The movie is all about a man’s love and desire for his family even while having mental illness.

In this movie the lead character “Pat” has Bipolar disorder. This condition caused him to lose his job and wife. After spending time in a mental health facility, he fights to reconnect with his wife. During this struggle, he meets Jennifer Lawrence who is struggling with another mental struggle.

It’s one of those Films about Mental Illness. It helps us to understand a person’s mental health challenge and their pain. It also supports them as a family and friends.

3. Girl, Interrupted (1999)

The movie “Girl Interrupted” is a movie based on a real story of Susanna Kaysen. The film starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie is about a woman in a mental hospital in the 1960s.

The movie explains how it feels going into a mental hospital, living around other people with different mental health conditions. Angelina Jolie got awards for her awesome performance in this movie.

The Girl Interrupted is one of those Films about Mental Illness. It not only gives insight into a person’s struggle but also the experience of living with other patients. It details the psychiatric facilities.

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

This movie is about one of the most common health challenges called depression. A young age movie whose story plays around a high school freshman dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.

The book is based on Stephen Chosky’s novel called Follow Charlie. If you can observe around yourself, most teenagers are going through the same mental disorder.

It’s one of the Films about Mental Illness that is intended to spread about teens’ emotional and mental state. It’s a reality guiding towards healing and self acceptance. It’s a must watch for all age groups.

5. Black Swan (2010)

Black Swan is a popular movie among those who are passionate about belly dancing. The story of the movie centers around the black swan, Natalie Portman. Her hunger for perfection took her beyond the limitation.

The film portrays the character’s descent into paranoia and psychosis as she strives for perfection. The movie is interesting to watch. You will understand how normal things get bad. This is especially true when it’s on a mental level.

Black Swan is one of the Films about Mental Illness. It provides a gripping picture of the pressure to become the best in this world. The message I learnt from this film is that too much mental pressure can result in mental health struggle.

6 . The Skeleton Twins (2014)

The skeleton Twins is a heartfelt movie that represents today’s reality, at least I felt so. The following two siblings Maggie and Milo. They both met each other after a long time , carrying a burden of personal issues.

The film represents the situation where two people, even born twins, can have different life crises and go through depression. It’s painful to see their suffering but a happy feeling to see how family is key to healing.

The Skeleton Twins is one of the Films about Mental Illness. It confirms that a supportive family has the power to heal a person emotionally and mentally.

Also Read about 5 Best Psychological Thrillers on Netflix 

7. It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

Another Movie that feels so real in the modern world as it represents the mental situation of today’s teenagers. The movie is based on the Ned VIzzini’z novel. The Film has caught the real problem and solutions of today’s generation.

The story is about a teenage named Craig who was struggling with suicidal thoughts. After his admission in a Psychiatric ward he explored different perspectives of life.

“It’s kind of a funny story” It is one of those movies that represent honesty in a different way. It aims to gain the attention of viewers. If you are interested in knowing what today’s teen is going through inside their mind, it’s a must watch film.

1- What Disney characters have mental disorders?

I believe some of the movies in the series have done a great job spreading awareness about mental disorders. Disney characters such as Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore are some of the great characters who have mental illness.

Yes, they are fun to watch. Every movie has a hidden message. These messages spread awareness about some of the society issues that need our attention.

2- What movie is about depression?

The movie, “Little Miss Sunshine,” is a dark comedy film that demonstrates how depression can be caused by family matters. It’s not always but the movie represents a family where every member was going through depression.

Depression arises in many forms and this movie is a perfect example of it. In order to understand the root, I believe, it’s a must watch Films about Mental Illness.

Final Words: Watching movies needs to be fun. However, it’s a great way to raise awareness in society about growing mental health challenges. Spending three hours in the theater or at home means gaining something out of it.

Understanding today’s mental health challenges make a person wiser, kinder and helpful towards others. If you found these movie lists worth exploring, please like this article. Share it with someone who might be interested in it.

Also, make sure to bookmark this page. It contains more informative articles such as “Films about Mental Illness.” This will provide instant access in the future.

Stay Healthy, Stay Blessed

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