My Favourite Films About Loneliness of All-Time

Not many genres have gained business of loneliness. Since the 1970’s, lonely people have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, lonely taxi drivers or technology users, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite movies about loneliness which deserve to be celebrated.

1. Taxi Driver

Loneliness has impacted by personality. As far as I can remember, I have always been a lonely person. Being an Autistic person, I’ve often found social interactions in life challenging. I have always preferred to engage in independent activities such as writing that require little social interaction. Due to my preferences for spending time alone, I have always struggled to make friendships that are long-lasting. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture my feelings of loneliness as powerfully as “Taxi Driver”. Ever since its release in 1976, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about loneliness. With the most thought-provoking film of his career, Scorsese used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the life of a lonely taxi driver facing despair. Scorsese has always had an aptitude for making movies about lonely characters, and “Taxi Driver” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of a lonely taxi driver facing mental health deterioration.  For instance, the scene in which Travis Bickle talks to himself in front of a mirror preparing for an assassination causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robert De Niro, who portrayed a lonely taxi driver facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Taxi Driver” my favourite film about loneliness of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of isolation which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about lonely taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City whose lives deteriorate, it’s a commemorated reminder about a genre that has always produced unforgettable movies which audiences appreciate.

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. This anxiety first began in high school when I faced grim pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to cope with stress, I faced a nervous breakdown that impacted my academic success. As someone that experienced anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about lonely teenagers. With the most personal film of his career, Chbosky captured lonely teenagers afflicted with anxiety causing despair. For instance, the scene in which Charlie has a nervous breakdown after bidding sad 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 portrays a lonely teenager facing conflicted emotion. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a commemorated masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teenager, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made timeless films which audiences treasure.

3. Her

Technology has always been a part of my identity. As far as I can remember, I’ve been a heavy technology user. In an attempt to feel less alone, I’ve often used my phone. My addiction to technology is fuelled by a simple desire for connection I can’t find in reality. As someone that has always been a heavy technology user, I appreciated “Her”. Released in 2013, Spike Jonze’s movie captured a lonely writer forming a romantic relationship with his phone. Despite the strange concept of seeing a man falling in love with a phone, it surprisingly works extremely well. Jonze uses stunning montages capturing a lonely writer addicted to technology. For instance, the scene in which Theodore faces a breakdown after he discovers Samantha is leaving him causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Joaquin Phoenix, who portrays a lonely writer addicted to his phone. Ultimately, what makes “Her” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of technology addiction which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Theodore’s love for his phone, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced well-known movies in a league of their own.

4. Cast Away

Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my life changed when my family experienced a bombing causing damage. I recall with nostalgia memories of a bombing in Saudi Arabia. Through my parent’s drive to survive, I made it out of the bombing without a scratch alive. As someone haunted by a bombing that left my family cast away, I adored “Cast Away”. Released in 2000, Robert Zemeckis’ movie captured loneliness faced by a man stranded on an island without human contact. Zemeckis effectively uses silence to capture loneliness of a man stranded on an island. For instance, the scene in which Chuck Noland faces silence when he first lands on the island following the plane crash causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Tom Hanks, who portrays a man seeking to overcome loneliness on an island. Ultimately, what makes “Cast Away” a classic is its message. The film delivers a message about survival resonating with everyone. A captivating portrait of courageous men surviving on islands that are cast away, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

5. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. I have faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with original ideas as a writer. Preferring to spend time writing, I have often found social interactions in life to be challenging. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships isolated screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter struggling to have social interactions. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating profusely being unable to communicate with a pretty publisher causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Nicolas Cage, who portrays a lonely screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about writing process which would resonate with everyone. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies which audiences cherish.

6. Requiem for a Dream

Drug addicts often lead lives that are lonely. During my childhood, I formed a friendship with a kid addicted to drugs. A lonely kid, his addiction to drugs affected his ability to make friendships. The lonely lives of drug addicts struggling to achieve a dream are depicted in the movie “Requiem for a Dream”. Released in 2000, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured loneliness faced by drug users. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Requiem for a Dream” stand out is its depiction of drug use. Aronofsky uses captivating montages capturing drug addicts. Assisted by Jared Leto who is amazing in the lead role, Aronofsky created a portrait of drug users facing sorrow. A devastating depiction of lonely people facing drug abuse, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies making headline news.

7. Moonlight

Bullying is a damaging activity that causes loneliness. In high school, I was often picked on by bullies which were cruel. Feeling lonely, I struggled to cope with bullying that impacted by mental health adversely. As someone recalling memories of bullies I had to fight, I adored “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ movie captured a lonely gay black man facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Moonlight” stand out is its depiction of bullying. Jenkins uses scenes of silence to capture a lonely black teenager facing bullying. Assisted by Ashton Sanders who is amazing in the lead role, Jenkins created a powerful portrait of loneliness. A breathtaking portrait of bullies that black queer teenagers fight, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that has made timeless movies achieving spotlight.

8. Manchester by the Sea

It’s challenging facing the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my family lost a beloved uncle causing sorrow. Left 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 a lonely janitor mourning family tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” stand out is its depiction of grief. Lonergan uses flashbacks to capture loneliness a grieving janitor is facing. Assisted by Casey Affleck who is amazing in the lead role, Lonergan created a portrait of loneliness that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of loneliness tearing families apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that creates precious art with power to mend a broken heart.

9. Life of Pi

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about loneliness that satisfy, it’s worth discussing Life of Pi. Since its publication in 2001, Yann Martel’s book has become a literary classic. In 2012, Ang Lee celebrated the book about tigers that terrify in his movie “Life of Pi”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Life of Pi” stand out is its stunning special effects. It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved book about loneliness but Lee succeeded immensely. Lee uses practical effects to capture the bond between a lonely teenager and tiger. Assisted by Suraj Sharma who is superb in the lead role, Lee created a powerful adaptation of a book. An awe-inspiring adaptation of a book about lonely Indian teenagers facing tigers that terrify, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced strong movies which satisfy.

10. Joker

Few villains in popular culture facing loneliness are as beloved as the Joker. With his maniacal grin, personality and humour, the Joker has become an icon. In 2019, Todd Phillips reimagined the comic-book character in his movie “Joker”. Phillips used unreliable narration to capture a lonely comedian. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is amazing in the lead role, Phillips honoured a villain. Although I adore movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of loneliness causing violence has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as the Joker’s desire to become a stand-up comedian, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has produced meaningful movies about lonely people seeking human connection which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.