The 10 Best Movies About Mental Health
- Joao Nsita
- 11 minutes ago
- 18 min read
It’s a Tuesday afternoon in late September, and a new, more reflective mood is beginning to settle over London. The sun is dipping below the skyline a little earlier each day, and the crisp, cool air of autumn invites a turn towards stories that are not just entertaining, but are also deeply, profoundly human. In a world that is finally beginning to embrace open and honest conversations about mental health, cinema has emerged as one of the most powerful and empathetic tools for exploring the complexities of the human mind.
The way we talk about mental health is changing, and this is beautifully reflected in the stories we are choosing to celebrate. On platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the conversation is a vibrant and ongoing one. We see creators sharing lists of their favourite "comfort films," aesthetic video edits dedicated to characters who are navigating their own mental health journeys, and heartfelt testimonials about the films that have made them feel seen and understood. The trend is clear: audiences are hungry for stories that are not just dramatic, but are also authentic, compassionate, and stigma-shattering.
To rank the ten “best” movies about mental health is to navigate a landscape of incredibly brave, powerful, and often very difficult films. This is not a list of movies that use mental illness as a cheap, sensationalist plot device. It is a curated celebration of the films that have approached this complex and deeply personal subject with the nuance, the respect, and the artistry it deserves. These are the stories that have started conversations, that have fostered empathy, and that have, in their own powerful way, helped to make the world a little less lonely for those who are struggling.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the essential viewing for anyone who believes in the power of film to illuminate the human condition. We will take a deep dive into each of these ten cinematic masterpieces, presented in descending order, exploring not just their plots, but the specific, powerful ways in which they tackle the subject of mental health. From heart-wrenching dramas to surprisingly funny and life-affirming comedies, these are the ten films that are changing the conversation, one frame at a time.
Enjoyed what you read? If you find this article insightful and it helps you discover a film that resonates with you, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
10. To the Bone (2017)
The Vibe: A raw, unflinching, and deeply personal look at a young woman's struggle with anorexia, a film that is as difficult to watch as it is important.
The Premise: This Netflix drama, written and directed by Marti Noxon and based on her own experiences, follows the story of Ellen, a 20-year-old artist who has spent most of her teenage years in various recovery programs for her severe anorexia. After her latest stint fails, her dysfunctional but loving family sends her to an unconventional, in-patient home for a group of young people with eating disorders. The home is run by a brilliant but unorthodox doctor (played by Keanu Reeves), and the film follows Ellen's difficult and non-linear journey as she confronts her illness and begins to tentatively choose life.
Why It's an Important Film: To the Bone is a brave and necessary film that tackles the subject of eating disorders with a raw and unflinching honesty. The film, and Lily Collins's powerful and committed performance, does not shy away from the devastating physical and psychological realities of the illness. But it is also a film that is full of a surprising amount of dark humour and a deep, abiding sense of hope. It is a powerful exploration of a disease that is often misunderstood and a vital and important conversation-starter. For those seeking help or information, the UK-based charity Beat is an incredible resource.
The Mental Health Focus: The film is a deep dive into the complex psychology of anorexia nervosa. It masterfully illustrates that an eating disorder is not about vanity, but is a complex mental illness that is often rooted in a desperate need for control. The film's group-home setting allows it to explore the different ways the illness manifests and the powerful, supportive, and sometimes competitive dynamics that can form in a recovery environment. The show’s complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream To the Bone exclusively on Netflix.
9. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The Vibe: A deeply empathetic, nostalgic, and beautifully heartfelt coming-of-age story that is a powerful and sensitive exploration of teenage depression, trauma, and the life-saving power of friendship.
The Premise: Based on the beloved cult classic novel by Stephen Chbosky (who also wrote and directed the film), the story follows Charlie, a shy, intelligent, and socially awkward freshman who is terrified of starting high school. He is taken under the wing of two charismatic seniors, the free-spirited Sam and her flamboyant, gay stepbrother, Patrick. They introduce him to a world of first dates, high school dances, and the iconic, unifying power of a great mixtape. But as Charlie begins to experience the joys of friendship and first love, he is also forced to confront a deep, repressed trauma from his childhood.
Why It's an Important Film: This is one of the most beloved and realistic portrayals of teenage mental health in modern cinema. The film is a beautiful and poignant exploration of what it feels like to be an outsider, and the incredible, life-affirming power of finding your "tribe." The performances from the three young leads—Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller—are absolutely phenomenal. It’s a film that is both a joyful, nostalgic celebration of youth and a deeply sensitive and honest look at the lasting impact of trauma. For more on the film's incredible soundtrack, Pitchfork has a great retrospective.
The Mental Health Focus: The film masterfully portrays the experience of living with clinical depression and PTSD. Charlie's journey is not a simple story of being "cured" by friendship; it is a realistic depiction of the non-linear nature of healing. The film is a powerful and important reminder that even when you are surrounded by love and support, the journey of confronting and processing trauma is a deeply personal one. The show’s focus on a powerful friendship is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Friendship.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Perks of Being a Wallflower on platforms like Netflix, or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
8. Melancholia (2011)
The Vibe: A breathtakingly beautiful, deeply unsettling, and profoundly moving art-house masterpiece that uses a science fiction premise as a powerful and stunning metaphor for clinical depression.
The Premise: From the visionary and often controversial director Lars von Trier, the film is told in two parts and follows two sisters. The first part focuses on Justine, who is suffering from a crippling and debilitating depression on the night of her own lavish and beautiful wedding. The second part follows her sister, Claire, who, in the days following the wedding, is consumed by anxiety as a rogue planet, named Melancholia, is on a collision course with Earth. As the apocalypse looms, the two sisters find their roles reversed: the "healthy" Claire is consumed by fear, while the deeply depressed Justine finds a strange and profound sense of calm.
Why It's an Important Film: Melancholia is arguably the most artistically brilliant and accurate cinematic depiction of what it feels like to live with clinical depression. Kirsten Dunst gives a career-best, Cannes-winning performance as Justine, a performance of incredible depth and vulnerability. The film's stunning, operatic visuals and its use of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" on the soundtrack create a sense of beautiful, apocalyptic dread. It is a film that is not for everyone, but for those who have experienced depression, it is a profoundly moving and deeply validating work of art.
The Mental Health Focus: The film is a masterpiece of metaphorical storytelling. The approaching planet, Melancholia, is a perfect, external representation of the internal, all-consuming weight of depression. The film brilliantly captures the isolating and immobilizing nature of the illness. It is a difficult, but essential, watch that offers a unique and powerful insight into the subjective experience of a major depressive episode. The show’s complex and often fiery relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Marriages.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Melancholia on MUBI or the BFI Player in the UK, or rent on major platforms.
7. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
The Vibe: An inspiring, powerful, and deeply moving biographical drama based on the incredible true story of a brilliant mind battling a devastating illness.
The Premise: This multi-Oscar-winning film, directed by Ron Howard, tells the life story of the brilliant and eccentric mathematician, John Nash. The film follows his journey from his early days as a promising graduate student at Princeton, where he makes an astonishing mathematical discovery, to his secret work for the Pentagon and his descent into paranoid schizophrenia. The story is a powerful testament to his resilience and the unwavering love of his wife, Alicia, who helps him to eventually find a way to live with his illness and go on to win the Nobel Prize.
Why It's an Important Film: A Beautiful Mind was a landmark film that brought the subject of schizophrenia to a massive, mainstream global audience. Russell Crowe gives a phenomenal, Oscar-nominated performance as John Nash, a performance that is both a brilliant portrayal of a unique mind and a deeply sensitive and humanizing look at the terrifying and confusing reality of living with schizophrenia. The film is a powerful and ultimately hopeful story about the power of love, of resilience, and of the human spirit.
The Mental Health Focus: The film is famous for its brilliant and effective use of a major plot twist to put the audience directly into the subjective experience of paranoid schizophrenia. For a large portion of the film, we, like Nash, believe that his secret-agent world is real. The revelation that some of the film's key characters are, in fact, hallucinations is a shocking and powerful moment that creates a deep sense of empathy for the protagonist. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Biopics of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream A Beautiful Mind on NOW and Sky Cinema in the UK, or purchase on major platforms.
6. Good Will Hunting (1997)
The Vibe: A classic, heartfelt, and incredibly inspiring 90s drama about a troubled young genius who is forced to confront his past and embrace his future.
The Premise: The film, which won a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for its young stars, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, follows the story of Will Hunting, a self-taught, working-class genius from South Boston who works as a janitor at MIT. After he solves a complex, graduate-level math problem, he is taken under the wing of a brilliant professor. But as a condition of a deferred jail sentence, Will, who is a deeply troubled and angry young man, is forced to attend therapy sessions with a compassionate and unconventional therapist, Dr. Sean Maguire, played in an Oscar-winning performance by the legendary Robin Williams.
Why It's an Important Film: Good Will Hunting is one of the most beloved and enduring films of the 1990s. It is a powerful and deeply moving exploration of trauma, of class, and of the healing power of therapy. The therapy scenes between Will and Sean are the heart and soul of the film, a masterclass in acting and writing that are some of the most realistic and powerful portrayals of the therapeutic process in all of cinema. The film's famous line, "It's not your fault," is a moment of pure, cathartic, and unforgettable emotional power.
The Mental Health Focus: The film is a brilliant and sensitive exploration of how childhood trauma and abuse can manifest as anger, self-sabotage, and a deep-seated fear of intimacy. Will's journey is a powerful testament to the fact that you cannot heal from your past until you are willing to confront it. The film is a powerful and destigmatizing look at the importance of therapy and of finding a safe space to be vulnerable. The show’s focus on a powerful friendship is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of 5 Must-Watch Movies About Unlikely Friendships. For those seeking therapy, the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) is a fantastic resource for finding a qualified therapist in the UK.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Good Will Hunting on Netflix in the UK, or rent on major platforms.
5. Inside Out (2015)
The Vibe: A brilliantly clever, visually inventive, and profoundly moving animated masterpiece that is a perfect, accessible, and deeply insightful exploration of human emotion.
The Premise: This Pixar classic takes place almost entirely inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. Her life is guided by her five core emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger, who all live in "Headquarters," the control centre of her mind. When Riley's family moves to a new city, the emotional turmoil of the move causes Joy and Sadness to be accidentally swept away into the far reaches of her mind. They must embark on a perilous journey through Riley's long-term memory, her imagination, and her dreams to get back to Headquarters before Riley's personality completely collapses.
Why It's an Important Film: Inside Out is a work of pure, unadulterated genius. It is a film that is both a hilarious, fast-paced adventure and a deeply insightful and sophisticated exploration of emotional intelligence. The film is a powerful and important tool for families, as it provides a simple, visual, and accessible language for children and adults to talk about their feelings. It is a film that is not just beloved, but is genuinely important, a landmark achievement in animated storytelling that has had a profound and positive impact on the way we talk about mental health.
The Mental Health Focus: The film is a masterpiece of psychological storytelling. Its most profound and important message is about the importance of sadness. In a world that often tells us to "be happy," the film is a beautiful and moving argument for the necessity of all our emotions. It teaches us that sadness is not something to be avoided, but a vital part of healing, of connection, and of a rich and full emotional life. For more on the importance of emotional intelligence, the work of Dr. Marc Brackett at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence is a fantastic resource. The show’s focus on a powerful family is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Family Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Inside Out on Disney+.
4. Girl, Interrupted (1999)
The Vibe: A powerful, poignant, and incredibly well-acted drama based on a true story that is a deep and unflinching look at life inside a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s.
The Premise: Based on the memoir by Susanna Kaysen, the film tells the story of a young woman who, in 1967, after a suicide attempt, is admitted to a famous psychiatric hospital. There, she is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. The film follows her experiences on the ward and her relationships with the other young women who are patients, most notably the charismatic, rebellious, and dangerously alluring sociopath, Lisa Rowe, played in a stunning, Oscar-winning performance by Angelina Jolie.
Why It's an Important Film: Girl, Interrupted is a powerful and important film that offers a rare, female-centric look at the world of mental health institutions. The film is a brilliant and often devastating exploration of the blurry lines between "sanity" and "insanity," and a sharp critique of the way that women's mental health was often diagnosed and treated in the 1960s. The performances from Winona Ryder as Susanna and Angelina Jolie as Lisa are absolutely phenomenal.
The Mental Health Focus: The film is a deep and nuanced exploration of a variety of mental health conditions, from depression and eating disorders to sociopathy. It is a film that does not offer easy answers or simple cures. It is a powerful and authentic portrait of a group of young women who are all struggling to find their place in a world that has labelled them as "crazy." The show’s complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships. For more information and support on Borderline Personality Disorder, the UK-based charity Mind has some fantastic resources.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Girl, Interrupted on Netflix in the UK, or purchase on major platforms.
3. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
The Vibe: A powerful, iconic, and deeply rebellious masterpiece of American cinema that is a searing and unforgettable indictment of the dehumanizing nature of institutional power.
The Premise: This multi-Oscar-winning classic tells the story of Randle P. McMurphy, a charismatic and rebellious small-time criminal who, to avoid a prison sentence, pleads insanity and is sent to a state mental hospital. There, his anarchic, life-affirming spirit immediately puts him in direct conflict with the cold, tyrannical, and passively aggressive head nurse, the unforgettable Nurse Ratched. McMurphy's battle to inspire his fellow patients to reclaim their own individuality and to stand up against the oppressive, soul-crushing conformity of the institution becomes a legendary and ultimately tragic struggle.
Why It's an Important Film: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is one of the greatest and most important American films ever made. It is a powerful and enduring allegory for the individual's struggle against an oppressive system. The performances are legendary, with Jack Nicholson's iconic turn as McMurphy and Louise Fletcher's Oscar-winning portrayal of Nurse Ratched being two of the most famous in cinematic history. The film is a masterpiece of drama, a story that is by turns hilarious, triumphant, and utterly, completely devastating.
The Mental Health Focus: While the film is a product of its time and some of its portrayals are dated, it was a groundbreaking and incredibly powerful critique of the mental health system of the 1960s and 70s. It shone a harsh light on the often-brutal and dehumanizing treatments of the era, such as lobotomies and electroconvulsive therapy. It is a film that is not just about "mental illness," but about the very definition of sanity in an insane world. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Favorite Movie Anti-Heroes of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: You can purchase One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
The Vibe: A chaotic, funny, and deeply compassionate romantic dramedy that is a powerful and stigma-shattering exploration of mental health, family, and the healing power of connection.
The Premise: The film, from director David O. Russell, follows Pat Solitano Jr., a man with bipolar disorder who has just been released from a psychiatric hospital and is determined to win back his estranged wife. He moves back in with his parents and tries to get his life back on track. His carefully laid plans are completely upended when he meets Tiffany Maxwell, a young, recently widowed woman who is grappling with her own depression. The two form a reluctant, and incredibly volatile, bond as they agree to help each other, a partnership that culminates in them training for a local dance competition.
Why It's an Important Film: Silver Linings Playbook is a romantic comedy that is not afraid to be messy, to be loud, and to be deeply, profoundly real about the challenges of living with a mental illness. The film avoids all the classic, sentimental clichés. The relationship between Pat and Tiffany is not a magical "cure" for their conditions; it is a messy, complicated, and deeply supportive partnership between two people who see, understand, and accept each other's broken pieces.
What Makes It a Classic: The film was a massive critical and commercial success, earning eight Academy Award nominations and a Best Actress win for Jennifer Lawrence. It is a film that is celebrated for its powerful, authentic performances and its ability to balance a serious, important subject with a huge amount of humour and heart. It is a beautiful, hopeful, and ultimately life-affirming film that has had a huge impact on the way we talk about mental health in mainstream cinema. The show’s focus on a powerful romance is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Romantic Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Silver Linings Playbook on Netflix in the UK, or rent on major platforms.
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Why It's at the Top: While not explicitly about a diagnosed mental illness, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is, without a doubt, the greatest and most profound cinematic exploration of the internal landscapes of memory, grief, and the very nature of our own minds. It is a masterpiece that uses a science fiction premise to tell a deeply human and emotionally resonant story about the messy, beautiful, and often painful process of love and loss. It is a film that is not just about mental health, but about the very essence of what makes us who we are. For these reasons, it takes the top spot as the greatest film about our inner worlds.
The Premise: The story follows a shy, introverted man named Joel Barish who is devastated to discover that after a painful breakup, his impulsive and free-spirited ex-girlfriend, Clementine Kruczynski, has undergone a medical procedure to have all of her memories of him erased. In a fit of grief and spite, Joel decides to undergo the same procedure. The film takes place almost entirely inside Joel's mind during the erasure process, as he is forced to relive every memory of his relationship with Clementine. As the memories are being erased, he realizes he has made a terrible mistake and begins a desperate, subconscious battle to hold on to at least one memory of the woman he loved.
The Mental Health Focus: The film is a brilliant and powerful metaphor for the ways in which we try to deal with the pain of heartbreak and loss. It is a profound exploration of the nature of memory and its connection to our identity. The film asks a powerful question: would we be better off if we could simply erase our most painful memories? And its beautiful, hopeful, and deeply romantic answer is a resounding no. It is a film that argues that our heartbreaks, our mistakes, and our scars are not something to be erased; they are an integral and beautiful part of who we are. For a deep dive into the film's incredible legacy, The Ringer's retrospective article is an essential read.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on NOW and Sky Cinema in the UK, or purchase on major platforms.
Conclusion
In a world that is finally beginning to understand the profound importance of mental health, the ten films on this list are more than just entertainment; they are vital and powerful tools for empathy, for understanding, and for starting conversations. They are a testament to the incredible power of cinema to illuminate the darkest and most complex corners of the human experience with grace, with honesty, and with a deep, abiding sense of hope.
From the raw, unflinching reality of an eating disorder to the whimsical, animated landscape of a child's mind, these stories demonstrate the incredible breadth and depth of what a film about mental health can be. They are a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that the most compelling stories are often the ones that are the most deeply, profoundly, and beautifully human.
Enjoyed what you read? If you found this article insightful and it helps you discover a film that resonates with you, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
Related Articles from That Love Podcast:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the portrayals of mental illness in these films accurate? While all films take some creative liberties for the sake of drama, the movies on this list are widely praised for their commitment to a sensitive, nuanced, and psychologically authentic portrayal of mental health conditions.
2. I am struggling with my own mental health. Can watching these films help? For many people, seeing their own struggles reflected on screen can be an incredibly validating and powerful experience, helping them to feel less alone. However, it is important to be mindful of your own triggers. Some of these films contain very raw and intense depictions of mental illness that could be upsetting. Always prioritize your own well-being. For professional support, the UK-based charity Mind is an incredible resource.
3. What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? While both are mental health professionals, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. A psychologist typically focuses on psychotherapy and talk therapy.
4. Are any of these films based on true stories? Yes, A Beautiful Mind and Girl, Interrupted are both based on the real-life memoirs of their protagonists. To the Bone is also semi-autobiographical, based on the writer/director's own experiences.
5. What does "Bipolar Disorder" mean? Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Silver Linings Playbook features a protagonist with this condition.
6. Where can I find more resources to learn about mental health? Reputable charities like Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in the UK, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the US, have fantastic, evidence-based resources on their websites.
7. Are all these films very serious and depressing? Not at all. While many of the films deal with serious and difficult subject matter, films like Silver Linings Playbook and Good Will Hunting are also incredibly funny, hopeful, and life-affirming. Inside Out is a hilarious and joyful family film.
8. What is a "coming-of-age" story? A coming-of-age story, like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, is a genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood.
9. What is "anorexia nervosa"? Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder and mental health condition characterized by a distorted body image, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a restriction of food intake. To the Bone is a film that explores this illness.
10. What's the best way to watch these films if I am worried about being triggered? It can be helpful to watch with a trusted friend or family member who you can talk to afterwards. You can also read a detailed, spoiler-filled plot summary on a site like IMDb or Wikipedia beforehand, so you know what to expect from the more intense scenes.
More Related Articles to Explore:
Comments