My Favourite Mental Health Films of All-Time

Mental illness is often depicted in memorable movies. Since the 1970’s, movies have often captured individuals with mental disabilities. Whether it’s mathematicians, traumatized teenagers or psychotic killers, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about mental illness that deserve to be celebrated.

1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Mental institutions have shaped my personality. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing emotional damage. I remember visiting mental institutions that gave me valuable tips on how to overcome disorders. A hopeless location, the institution housed patients with mental conditions. It was fascinating observing the way the institution functioned taking care of patients with mental illness experiencing a price to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured mental disorders affecting people’s abilities to rest as powerfully as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Ever since its release in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about mental health. Forman has always had an aptitude for capturing lives of individuals with mental disorders, and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which McMurphy is given an electric shock after refusing to obey orders of his mental institution causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a psychotic patient of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” my favourite mental health film of all-time is its message. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. It delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about rebellious men breaking rules of a mental institution without rest, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which have stood the test of time as the best.

2. Rain Main

Intellectual disability shaped my identity. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with a disease causing damage. Being Autistic affected my abilities to form a strong relationship with my brother. I remember finding it hard to interact with my brother due to my intellectual disorder. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how Autism can affect relationships with family as powerfully as “Rain Man”. Ever since its release in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic about Autism. Released at a time when Autism wasn’t understood, the film changed the way in which mental disabilities were perceived in Hollywood. For instance, the scene in which Raymond faces a nervous breakdown hearing noises of the smoke alarm causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the mental health genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodied a complicated mental condition. Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about bonds between brothers that would resonate with everyone. An awe-inspiring portrait of Autism, it’s an astonishing reminder about a genre making unforgettable movies achieving stardom.

3. Silver Linings Playbook

Bipolar is a devastating disease that impacted my aunt’s identity. Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. Afflicted with illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease affecting her happiness. No matter hard she tried, my aunt couldn’t cope with a disorder leaving her terrified. As someone treasuring an aunt with Bipolar that adopted a negative life outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie captured the impact of mental illness on a dysfunctional family. Drawing from his personal experience as a father raising a son with Bipolar, Russell created an authentic depiction of the disorder. For instance, the scene in which Pat has a nervous breakdown after he can’t find his wedding video causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Bradley Cooper, who captures the complex nature of Bipolar disorder. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of hope that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of mental illness causing romantic relationships to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences appreciate.

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. My anxiety first began in high school when I faced intense pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced nervous breakdowns affecting my success. I felt humiliated having breakdowns in front of teachers that I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured anxiety faced by wallflower teenagers as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie honoured a beloved book about mental health. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” stand out is its strong depiction of teenagers. Chbosky beautifully adapted his own book about anxious teens. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a tense nervous breakdown after bidding farewell to his friends causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Logan Lerman, who captures an anxiety-ridden teenager. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a great movie about mental health is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teenager, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies audiences treasure.

5. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He sought to educate students about an illness causing lives to deteriorate. As someone treasuring a teacher that was fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s beautiful masterpiece captured the Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard uses stunning unreliable narration to capture the mind of a mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash experiences a nerve-wracking breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing mathematician that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a beautiful masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy behind.

6. Taxi Driver

Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaking with a lasting legacy. Since the 1970’s, Scorsese has often made memorable movies about mental health. In 1976, Scorsese showcased his strength as a filmmaker capturing mental illness in his movie “Taxi Driver”. Way ahead of its time, the film forever changed the art of Cinema through its depiction of taxi drivers facing trauma. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Taxi Driver” stand out is its voice-over narration. Scorsese uses engaging narration to capture the mind of a troubled taxi driver facing destruction. Assisted by Robert De Niro who is sensational in the lead role, Scorsese captured troubled taxi drivers facing sorrow. A powerful portrait of lonely taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies audiences love dearly.

7. The Sixth Sense

Mental illness is a common theme that’s often explored in horror movies. The horror genre has often told stories of mentally ill individuals facing trauma. The intense struggles faced by mentally ill individuals is evident in the horror film “The Sixth Sense”. Released in 1999, M. Night Shyamalan’s movie depicted mentally ill children facing a decline. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Sixth Sense” stand out is its sensitive depiction of children. Shyamalan uses foreshadowing to capture a child seeing visions of dead people that are frightening. Assisted by Haley Joel Osment who is superb in the lead role, Shyamalan created a compelling horror movie about mental illness. As strong as Cole’s visions of dead people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies audiences consider special.

8. Manchester by the Sea

It’s challenging facing the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family lost a loved one causing sorrow. Left emotionally devastated, my family mourned loss of a relative we appreciated. As someone haunted by loss of a relative causing family tragedy, I appreciated “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured families facing tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” stand out is its sensitive depiction of grief. Lonergan uses engaging flashbacks to capture obstacles a grieving janitor is facing. Assisted by Casey Affleck who is amazing in the lead role, Lonergan created a portrait of grief that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of grief tearing families apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that creates precious art with power to mend a broken heart.

9. As Good as it Gets

OCD is a debilitating disease rarely depicted in movies accurately. Hollywood has struggled to tell stories about a mental illness that’s misunderstood. As someone with OCD, I have often believed movies rarely capture the disease accurately. In an industry avoiding OCD, it’s worth praising “As Good as it Gets”. Released in 1997, James L. Brooks’ iconic movie captured a disorder that’s true to reality. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “As Good as it Gets” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Brooks uses sharp humour to capture the life of a man with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is amazing in the lead role, Brooks created a compelling portrait of the condition. As strong as Melvin’s obsession, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which deserve celebration.

10. Joker

Few villains in popular culture are as beloved as the Joker. With his maniacal grin, charismatic personality and humour, the Joker has become an icon. In 2019, Todd Phillips reimagined the character in his movie “Joker”. Phillips used unreliable narration to capture the mental health issues of a comedian. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is amazing in the lead role, Phillips honoured a comic-book villain. Although “Joker” is entertaining, it’s problematic. The film’s depiction of mental illness doesn’t entirely succeed. Nevertheless, it remains an engaging addition to the genre. As strong as the Joker’s desire to change the city of Gotham, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies with wisdom tackling the problem of mental health which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.