The Best Movies Made About Loneliness Ranked

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 remember, I have always been a lonely person. Being an Autistic person, I have found social interactions challenging. I have always preferred to engage in independent activities such as writing that require little social interaction. Due to strong preferences for spending time alone, I have always struggled to make great friendships that are long-lasting. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture the struggles faced by people with 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 in grave danger, 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 embodied 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 Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated today, it remains relevant in every way. 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 breathtaking reminder about a genre that has always produced unforgettable movies which audiences appreciate.

2. 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. His painful addiction to weed put him on paths to fail rather than succeed. As someone treasuring memories of a friend whose addiction to drugs affected his dream, I admired “Requiem for a Dream”. Released in 2000, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured loneliness faced by drug users. Aronofsky uses captivating montages capturing the lives of lonely drug addicts that are frightening.  For instance, the scene in which Harry is hospitalized for drug addiction that reaches its peak causing trauma is one of the most memorable moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jared Leto, who portrayed a lonely drug addict facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Requiem for a Dream” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the dangers of addiction which would resonate with everyone. A devastating depiction of drug addiction causing the lives of youth to experience destruction, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has made movies that are definitely worthy of celebration.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. This anxiety 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 success. Without any friends, I couldn’t cope with anxiety that caused me to feel lonely. As someone that faced 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 incredible performance by Logan Lerman, who portrayed a lonely teenager facing conflicted emotion. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a 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 genre that has made great films which audiences treasure.

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 commemorated message. The film delivers a message about survival resonating with everyone. Unlike most survival movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A captivating portrait of courageous men surviving on islands that are cast away, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

5. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes loneliness. 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. A process causing sadness, writer’s block has often led me to face feelings of loneliness. 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 breathtaking reminder of a genre that makes movies which audiences cherish.

6. 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.

7. 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 lonely, my family mourned loss of a relative we loved dearly. 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 commemorated genre that has produced precious art with power to mend a broken heart.

8. Her

Technology addiction often causes people to feel lonely. In an attempt to feel less alone, I’ve often used my phone. Technology has allowed me to cope with feelings of being lonely. As someone that has always been a heavy technology user, I adored “Her”. Released in 2013, Spike Jonze’s movie captured a lonely writer forming a romantic relationship with his phone. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Her” stand out is its depiction of artificial intelligence. Jonze uses captivating montages capturing a lonely writer bonding with his phone. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is amazing in the lead role, Jonze created a powerful portrait of loneliness. As strong as Theodore’s love for his phone, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured well-known movies in a league of their own.

9. The Banshees of Inisherin

Friendships that end in tragedy often cause people to feel lonely. Several years ago, I ended my friendship with a companion causing sorrow. Following the friendship breakup, I felt more lonely than ever. As someone that has seen how loneliness destroys friendships, I adored “The Banshees of Inisherin”. Released in 2023, Martin McDonagh’s movie captured breakups between Irish friends causing loneliness. McDonagh effectively used montages capturing breakups between friends causing loneliness. Assisted by Brendan Gleeson who is amazing in the lead role, McDonagh created a powerful portrait of friendships.  An incredible portrait of doomed friendships causing lives of Irish men to crumble, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences consider to be special.

10. American Psycho

Few movies ever made about lonely serial killers facing sorrow are as beloved as “American Psycho”. Released in 2000, Mary Harron’s movie captured the lonely life of a killer. Harron uses captivating montages capturing loneliness that a psychotic serial killer is facing. Assisted by Christian Bale who is superb in the lead role, Harron created a portrait of loneliness with detail. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of loneliness causing a businessman to go on a killing spree has forever tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Patrick Bateman’s desire to be psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre making terrific movies about tragic emotions of loneliness which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.