The Best Movies Made About Bullying Ranked

Not many topics make for movies as engaging as bullying. Since the 1980’s, bullying has often been depicted in memorable movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, devilish managers or strict music teachers, the genre has created strong 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 bullying which deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Breakfast Club

Bullying is a harmful activity that shaped my identity. At an early age, I lacked courage to stand up against bullies in school causing emotional damage. In high school, I was often mistreated by bullies that were cruel. Mean girls became part of my routine at age thirteen. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against bullies leaving me terrified. Few films I’ve seen have captured my experience of being bullied by peers in a club as powerfully as “The Breakfast Club”. Ever since its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about bullying. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes used innovative cinematic techniques to capture teens that are bullied facing despair. Hughes has an aptitude for making movies about teen bullying, and “The Breakfast Club” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Bender bullies Brian for being a nerd without a life causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Judd Nelson, who embodied a rebellious teenager engaging in ruthless bullying. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” my favourite film about bullying of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackled strong themes everyone can relate to today. It delivers a profound message about the importance of finding one’s identity in adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about rebellious teens lacking a life direction forming strong bonds in detention, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has manufactured memorable movies which are worthy of celebration.

2. Whiplash

Teachers holding positions of authority often engage in bullying. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a Math teacher that engaged in bullying causing damage. He was a cruel teacher that often enjoyed mistreating students with ridicule. Despite his relentless bullying, my teacher motivated me to achieve goals that I was pursuing. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that changed students’ lives in a flash, I adored “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured jazz music teachers engaging in bullying causing tragedy. Chazelle uses captivating musical montages to capture an imposing jazz instructor bullying his students. For instance, the scene in which Fletcher bullies Andrew for his inability to reach a tempo causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by J.K. Simmons, who embodied a reprehensible jazz teacher engaging in bullying. Ultimately, what makes “Whiplash” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of jazz music to appreciate it. As strong as Andrew’s desire to become a successful jazz drummer, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. My anxiety began in high school when I faced 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. As someone reminiscing memories of being an anxious 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 bullying. Cbbosky used captivating voice-over narration to capture a wallflower teenager standing up against school bullies that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Charlie stands up to bullies that are insulting Patrick for being gay causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Logan Lerman, who embodied a teenager affected by bullying causing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about teenagers that are anxious, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured meaningful movies audiences consider precious.

4. Moonlight

Gay people often face bullying that comes with a painful price to pay. Years ago, I witnessed the hardships faced by a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s feminine attire, he was a person that my entire family would admire. He would often be bullied in school due towards his sexual identity. As someone treasuring a gay cousin that had bullies to fight, I appreciated “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ movie depicted bullying experienced by LGBTQ communities. Jenkins uses captivating montages to capture a black teenager that is bullied for his identity. For instance, the scene in which Chiron has a breakdown throwing a chair over a bully’s head causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Ashton Sanders, who embodies a poor queer black boy struggling to find acceptance in society. Ultimately, what makes “Moonlight” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. It delivers a bold message about importance of finding identity which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be members of the LGBTQ community to appreciate it. A fantastic portrait of barriers that queer teenagers fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies shining light on the widespread issues of bullying which deserve the spotlight.

5. The Devil Wears Prada

Bosses are powerful figures shaping employees’ futures. I remember working for a cruel manager that treated employees in a poor manner. She was a demanding person that would often humiliate employees which showed up to work late. As someone treasuring memories of a devilish manager with charisma, I loved “The Devil Wears Prada”. Released in 2006, David Frankel’s movie captured devilish managers engaging in bullying causing tragedy. Frankel used commemorated costume-design to capture the lives of fashion managers that bully employees facing a decline. For instance, the scene in which Miranda humiliates Andy for wearing a blue shade dress in front of everyone causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Meryl Streep, who embodied a devilish manager engaging in harmful bullying. Ultimately, what makes “The Devil Wears Prada” a commemorated bullying movie is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about bosses with which everyone would relate. A great depiction of devilish managers in fashion-design, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost ability to shine making movies audiences consider divine.

6. Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade is a stressful time in life that shaped my identity. I remember being a socially awkward teenager struggling to fit in with peers. I was often picked on by school bullies that treated me in ways which were cruel. As someone treasuring fond memories of my time in Eighth Grade, I adored “Eighth Grade”.  Released in 2018, Bo Burnham’s movie captured teenagers being bullied in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its humour. Burnham uses sharp humour to capture a teenage girl that’s bullied. Assisted by Elsie Fisher who is excellent in the lead role, Burnham creates a powerful portrait of teenage bullying. An extraordinary portrait of teenage girls that are bullied in eighth grade, it’s an excellent reminder of a genre in which interest has rarely ever begun to fade.

7. Forrest Gump

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about bullying causing a bump, it’s worth discussing “Forrest Gump”. Since its publication in 1986, Winston Groom’s book has become a literary classic. In 1994, Robert Zemeckis honoured the iconic book in his movie “Forrest Gump”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Forrest Gump” stand out is its depiction of intellectual disabilities. Zemeckis uses captivating flashbacks capturing a man with frightening intellectual disabilities standing up against terrifying bullies. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is amazing in the lead role, Zemeckis created a captivating masterpiece about bullying. As precious as Forrest Gump’s box of chocolate, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about bullying which audiences appreciate.

8. The Gift

It isn’t easy to forgive bullies. Recently, I found it hard to forgive a mean cyberbully that harassed me online. He would often insult me criticizing my writing in ways that were demeaning. As someone that witnessed online bullying causing a rift, I adored “The Gift”. Released in 2015, Joel Edgerton’s movie captured impact of bullying causing lifelong trauma. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Gift” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Edgerton uses captivating montages capturing obstacles victims of bullying are facing. Assisted by Jason Bateman who is amazing in the lead role, Edgerton created a captivating portrait of bullying. A powerful portrait of bullying that causes lifelong trauma, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

9. The Power of the Dog

Over the past decade, the western genre has declined in quality. Audiences are no longer interested in seeing cowboys that are good, bad and ugly. In a genre that has fallen into smog, it’s worth praising “The Power of the Dog”. Released in 2021, Jane Campion’s western offered a portrait of bullying. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Power of the Dog” stand out is its depiction of sympathetic bullies. Campion uses captivating camera angles to capture a sympathetic rancher that bullies people out of a need for authority. Assisted by Benedict Cumberbatch who is amazing in the lead role, Campion created a captivating western about bullying. A powerful portrait of ranchers that engage in bullying to assert authority, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies audiences love dearly.

10. Spider-Man

Few superheroes that battle bullies have gained a fan following as huge as Spider-Man. Since the 1960’s, Spider-Man has always faced bullies. In 2002, Sam Raimi honoured the superhero with a plan in his movie “Spider-Man”. Raimi used montages capturing a superhero facing bullies. Assisted by Tobey Maguire who is amazing in the lead role, Raimi honoured an iconic superhero audiences admire. Although I admire the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a superhero defeating bullies has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as webs Spider-Man seeks to weave, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about bullying causing people to grieve which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to believe my dreams of film criticism are possible to achieve.