The Best Movies Made About Anxiety Ranked

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that makes for memorable movies. Since the 1970’s, emotions of anxiety have been depicted in engaging movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, taxi drivers or technology users, the genre has created many 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 anxiety that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Ordinary People

It’s challenging facing the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit crushing lows when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper experienced murder. Her devastating death left my family mourning. Riddled with excruciating anxiety, my family couldn’t overcome traumatic tragedy. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how painful emotions of anxiety impact ordinary people are powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Ever since its release in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about anxiety. With the greatest film of his career, Redford used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an anxious teenager facing despair. Redford is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for making movies about anxiety, and “Ordinary People” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker clearly. Redford effectively used flashbacks to capture an anxious family haunted by memories of a tragedy. For instance, the final scene in which Calvin has a moment of silence with his son Conrad grieving loss of a loved one causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Donald Sutherland, who portrayed an anxiety-ridden father struggling to cope with a tragic loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” my favourite film about anxiety of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a profound message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of ordinary people impacted by heartbreaking passings of family members that are painful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has manufactured meaningful movies about anxiety which audiences consider special.

2. Silver Linings Playbook

Bipolar is a devastating disorder that changed my aunt’s life forever.  Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. Facing illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease affecting her happiness. 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 anxiety faced by a man with Bipolar disorder. Drawing from personal experience as a father of a son with Bipolar, David O. Russell created a powerful portrait of a disorder. For instance, the scene in which Pat has a nervous breakdown after he can’t find his wedding video causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Bradley Cooper, who portrayed an anxious man with a Bipolar. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of mental illness causing romantic relationships to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies about the emotions of anxiety which audiences appreciate.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. As far as I remember, I’ve always been an anxious person. My anxiety first began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced a nervous breakdown affecting my success. I felt humiliated having a nervous breakdown in front of teachers I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the anxiety faced by wallflower teenagers as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about anxious teenagers. Chbosky used stunning montages to capture an anxious teenager struggling to cope with trauma. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a tense nervous breakdown after he bids farewell to his longtime companions causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, who embodied a teenager under pressure. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teen, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies which deserve to be seen.

4. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex 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 always sought to educate students about an illness causing lives to deteriorate. As someone recalling a teacher fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s biopic depicted the life of Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard used stunning unreliable narration to capture the anxiety faced by a troubled mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a 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 heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy behind.

5. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes anxiety. 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. This inability to write effectively has often caused me to experience severe anxiety. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships that anxious screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter with heavy anxiety struggling to create compelling stories causing frustration. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating profusely 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 portrayed a screenwriter with anxiety. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about the writing process which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles relatable themes everyone can relate to. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies which audiences cherish.

6. Whiplash

Teachers impacted my identity. In elementary school, I formed strong bonds with a music teacher abusing students in ways which were cruel. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how teachers cause students to face anxiety as powerfully as “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazlle’s movie depicted a strict jazz instructor causing students to face anxiety. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Whiplash” stand out is its depiction of teachers. Chazelle uses captivating musical montages capturing a jazz musician under pressure to please his band instructor. Assisted by J.K. Simmons who is amazing in the lead role, Chazelle created a portrait of teachers that’s compelling. As strong as Fletcher’s love for jazz music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has made iconic movies captivating the public.

7. Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade is a stressful time in life that gave me great anxiety. I remember being a socially awkward teenager struggling to fit in with peers. It was a tense time marked by complicated emotions. As someone recalling fond memories of being an anxious teenager in eighth grade, I adored “Eighth Grade”. Released in 2018, Bo Burnham’s movie captured stressed teenagers in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its sharp humour. Bo Burnham uses sharp humour to capture a teenage girl with anxiety facing tension. Assisted by Elsie Fisher who is excellent in the lead role, Burnham creates a powerful portrait of teenagers. An extraordinary portrait of teenage girls that are afraid in eighth grade, it’s an excellent reminder of a genre in which interest has rarely ever begun to fade.

8. Inside Out 2

Anxiety is an emotion that’s commonly depicted in animation. Animated movies have often captured an emotion that leaves kids feeling conflicted. The power of animated movies that capture hardships anxious teenagers go through is evident in “Inside Out 2”. Released in 2024, Pixar’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting teen anxiety. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Inside Out 2” stand out is its animation. Kelsey Mann uses stunning animation to capture anxiety affecting a teen girl’s well-being. Assisted by Amy Poehler who is phenomenal in the lead role, Docter created a powerful portrait of teen anxiety.  A bold animated depiction of anxiety turning lives of teen girls inside out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has produced movies which deserve to be talked about without a single doubt.

9. Shutter Island

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about anxious people feeling burdened, it’s worth discussing Shutter Island. Since its publication in 2003 Dennis Lehane’s book has become a literary classic. In 2010, Martin Scorsese honoured the book about anxiety-inducing islands in his movie “Shutter Island”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Shutter Island” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Scorsese effectively used flashbacks capturing a disturbed detective haunted by a family tragedy. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Scorsese honoured a classic book about anxiety published years ago. As powerful as islands Teddy has investigated, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has always manufactured commemorated movies capturing conflicted heroes that deserve to be celebrated.

10. Uncut Gems

Few films ever made about anxiety that stems are as beloved as “Uncut Gems”. Since its release in 2019, the Safdie Brothers’ movie has become a crime classic. The Safdie Brothers used handheld camerawork to capture the stressful life of a diamond dealer. Assisted by Adam Sandler who is amazing in the lead role, the Brothers created a powerful portrait of diamond dealers. Although I’ve always admired the movie, its depiction of anxiety isn’t true to reality. The film’s depiction of a dealer under stress isn’t entirely realistic. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Howard’s desire to become a successful jeweller, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making timeless movies about anxious people under intense pressure which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of becoming a writer.