My Favourite Films About Mental Health of All-Time

Not many genres have earned the appreciation of mental health. Since the 1970’s, stories of mental health have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s janitors, ordinary people or Schizophrenic teachers, the genre has created several characters. Given the sheer 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 giving me valuable tips how to overcome disorders. A hopeless location, the institution housed patients with mental dysfunction. It was fascinating observing ways the institution functioned caring for patients with mental illness facing prices to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how disorders affect people’s abilities to rest as powerfully as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Following its release in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film made about mental health. With the greatest film of his career, Forman used innovative cinematic techniques to capture patients in a mental institution facing despair. Forman has always had aptitude for capturing lives of individuals with mental disorders in grave danger, 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 he refuses 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 film about mental health of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies produced during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with commemorated themes that remain relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about mental institutions which would resonate with everyone.  Nearly 50 years following the release of a classic film about brave men breaking rules of a mental institution without rest, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has made iconic movies that have stood the test of time as the best.

2. 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, my housekeeper experienced murder. Her devastating death left my family mourning. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t move on from the tragic death of a housekeeper that died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how death can impact the mental health of ordinary people are powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie captured the impact of loss on the mental health of a dysfunctional family. Redford effectively uses flashbacks to capture a family haunted by a past 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” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a profound message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of loss causing the mental health of families to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies audiences appreciate.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. As far as I can remember, I have always been an anxious person. 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 a nervous breakdowns affecting my academic success. As someone that faced severe 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 mental health. Chbosky effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of an anxious teenager facing mental health tension. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a tense nervous breakdown after bidding farewell to his friends causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Logan Lerman, who captures an anxiety-ridden teenager facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a commemorated coming-of-age classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma 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 manufactured great movies about mental health which audiences treasure.

4. Good Will Hunting

Therapists are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a therapist that delivered an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a psychologist offering therapy. As someone treasuring memories of a therapist I found inspiring, I admired “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie depicted therapists guiding lives of adolescents in the right direction. Gus Van Sant effectively uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the strong bonds between a therapist and adolescent.  For instance, the scene where Will breaks down crying discussing his trauma with his therapist is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Robin Williams, who portrayed a therapist seeking to assist adolescents. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about therapists which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making captivating movies about mental health which are worth celebrating.

5. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that 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 captivating 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. 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. 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 Bipolar on a dysfunctional family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Russell uses captivating montages capturing hardships a man with Bipolar is facing. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is remarkable in the lead role, Russell created a compelling portrait of Bipolar disorder. A powerful portrait of mental illness, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies raising awareness for disorders causing sadness.

8. Manchester by the Sea

Grief is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to make engaging movies about an emotion that’s misunderstood. In an industry that has often struggled to depict grief effectively, it’s worth praising “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 commemorated genre that has manufactured 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. American Beauty

Few movies ever made about the mental health of beautiful American families are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Since its release in 1999, Sam Mendes’ movie has become a classic. Mendes used captivating voice-over narration to capture fathers with depression. Assisted by Kevin Spacey who is spectacular in the lead role, Mendes created a captivating masterpiece. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. Sexual assault allegations levelled against Kevin Spacey have forever tarnished the film’s legacy. Nevertheless, it’s still a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Lester Burnham’s desire to find beauty, it’s a beautiful reminder of a genre that has made great movies about people facing mental health adversity which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I value highly.