Mental illness is a common theme in movies. Although not all representations of mental illness are positive—and Hollywood surely abuses the subject in harmful ways—probing a protagonist's complicated mind has resulted in some true masterpieces.
This list is littered with true stories and Oscar-winning performances, displaying some of cinema's most beloved psychological films. These films are about extremely real and difficult circumstances.
We couldn't possibly include them all on this list, but here are a few of the greatest.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)
This is a more contemporary portrayal of a high school student's anxiousness. Charlie, a kid who is nervous about beginning high school, is the protagonist of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. He soon finds a group of pals who make him happy. However, their happiness is short-lived as they prepare to leave for college. Viewers discover more about his anxieties and mental health as the video proceeds. It's a genuine coming-of-age novel that shows the highs and lows of growing up with a mental condition effectively.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Donnie Darko, now considered one of the greatest cult films of all time, launched Jake Gyllenhaal's career with his portrayal of the mentally ill adolescent Donnie. Richard Kelly wrote and directed the sci-fi thriller, which has similar apocalyptic themes as take Shelter. Donnie is promised that the world would end in exactly 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds until he encounters a huge hallucinating rabbit named Frank. Donnie, who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, regularly loses touch with reality and acts irrationally.
Donnie Darko has caused a stir since its premiere, with moviegoers still discussing the film's ending. Time travel, mental illness, and various universes are just a few of the conspiracy theories surrounding the film and what the explanation of Donnie Darko is truly about.
Inside Out (2015)
When it was released in 2015, this funny and enjoyable animated film about the various emotions in a little girl's psyche created waves. The film Inside Out is about the emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, and their efforts to assist Riley and her family after they relocate to San Francisco. Riley's emotions learn to cooperate in order to help him deal with the changes. Inside Out is a touching, smart, and fascinating look at how our emotions interact.
Joker (2019)
Despite being the origin tale of the legendary DC supervillain The Joker, Joker is a stand-alone film, free of the trappings and clichés of Hollywood blockbusters.
In an Oscar-winning performance, Joaquin Phoenix depicts The Joker before he started crime. Arthur Fleck is a miserable middle-aged guy who scrapes by as a party clown, still living with his demanding mother. His despair, mocked and disregarded, develops into something dark and deadly, resulting in street rioting. As he takes control of his ailment (Pseudobulbar affect) and is invited on a talk show...much to the host's demise...his frail, anxious temperament changes into something more akin to Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
It’s Kind Of A Funny Story (2010)
You wouldn't think there would be so many comedies about mental illness, but there are, and it's number five on our list of the best mental illness movies. It's Kind Of A Funny Story follows a 16-year-old who enters a mental health program to get treatment for his sadness and suicidal ideas. Because the youth wing is under construction, he has to remain in the adult wing. He meets other patients who are also undergoing mental health therapy throughout his stay there. The stigma of lunacy and craziness that is often associated with patients is dispelled, allowing the gravity of these disorders and the sincerity of rehabilitation to come through.
