My Favourite Films About Therapy of All-Time

Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as therapy. Since the 1980’s, stories of therapists have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, men with disorders or psychotic killers, 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 films about therapists that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Good Will Hunting

Therapists are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. At an early age, I developed bonds with a therapist delivering an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a psychologist providing therapy. An inspiring role model, he made me believe that it was possible to achieve the goals that I was hunting. Through his valuable wisdom, I overcame challenges posed by Autism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the inspiring roles therapists play guiding people as powerfully as “Good Will Hunting”. Ever since its release in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about therapy. With the greatest film of his career, Van Sant used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an inspiring therapist motivating troubled youth to overcome despair. Van Sant has always had an aptitude for making movies about therapists that assist people whose mental health is in danger, and “Good Will Hunting” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Van Sant effectively used naturalistic dialogue to capture the strong bond between a therapist and troubled youth. 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 turn from Robin Williams, who embodied one of the most inspiring therapists in cinema history. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” my favourite film about therapy of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about therapists, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about the importance of finding one’s life purpose which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about therapists guiding adolescents to accomplish goals they are hunting, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing unforgettable movies about therapy that are worth celebrating.

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. Following her death, my family turned to therapy as a means of coping with tragedy. As someone haunted by the death of a housemaid that’s painful, I adored “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 bold message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of loss causing families to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies audiences appreciate.

3. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Mental institutions have shaped my personality. I remember visiting mental institutions that gave me valuable tips on how to overcome disorders. It was fascinating observing the way the institution functioned taking care of patients. As someone that witnessed institutions in which patients face unrest, I adored “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Released in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie captured mental institutions. Forman has an aptitude for capturing mental disorders, and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which McMurphy is given an electric shock after refusing to obey orders of his institution causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a patient of an institution. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1970’s which are outdated, its themes remain relevant today. It delivers a bold message about mental institutions which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of wards in which patients face unrest, it’s a good reminder of a genre making the best movies which leave audiences impressed.

4. 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. Afflicted with illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease affecting her happiness. No matter hard she tried, my aunt couldn’t cope with a disorder leaving her terrified. As someone treasuring an aunt with Bipolar that adopted a negative outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s Oscar-winning movie captured the negative impact of Bipolar disorder on a dysfunctional family. Drawing from his personal experience, Russell captured the disorder. For instance, the scene in which Pat discusses his mental breakdown of discovering his wife’s affair with his therapist causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Bradley Cooper, who embodied Bipolar disorder. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a disability masterpiece is its message. It delivers a positive message about importance of finding silver linings in life which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of illness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies raising awareness of therapists that ensure happiness.

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. 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. To cope with my anxiety, I turned towards the power of therapy. 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 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 broad appeal. Despite focusing on teenagers seeking therapy during the 1990’s, its themes of mental health are universal. 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 made great movies which deserve to be seen.

6. Analyze This

Humor is a rare quality that’s seldom seen in movies about therapy. The genre has often adopted a serious tone in tackling a subject that’s precious. In a genre where comedy is rarely seen, it’s worth praising “Analyze This”. Released in 1999, Harold Ramis’ comedy offered a humorous depiction of therapy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Analyze This” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Ramis effectively uses comedy to capture a comical gangster that seeks therapy. Assisted by Robert De Niro who is amazing in the lead role, Ramis created a comedy about the importance of therapy that’s compelling. As strong as Paul’s desire to become a member of the mafia, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that has always produced great movies about valuable therapists which attract audiences to the Cinema.

7. A Beautiful Mind

When discussing the greatest mathematicians in American history, it’s worth recognizing John Nash. A one-of-a-kind mathematician, Nash gained recognition. Creating theories that were groundbreaking, Nash built a legacy which was lasting. In 2001, Ron Howard honoured the mathematician with a beautiful mind in his Oscar-winning biopic “A Beautiful Mind”. Unlike most movies of the decade, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” stand out is its depiction of Schizophrenia. Howard used cinematic techniques to capture the mind of a mathematician with Schizophrenia. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a mathematician. A breathtaking tribute to a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a brilliant reminder of a decade that has made one-of-a-kind movies leaving a legacy behind.

8. Boy Erased

LGBTQ communities are rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has long held a history of building barriers against queer people that are misunderstood. In 2018, Joel Edgerton honoured a community that’s been erased in his movie “Boy Erased”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boy Erased” stand out is its depiction of conversion therapy. Edgerton uses captivating montages capturing the impact of conversion therapy on a queer boy. Assisted by Lucas Hedges who is extraordinary in the lead role, Edgerton created a powerful portrait of gay conversion therapy. A powerful portrait of conversion therapy causing gay teens to face a painful price to pay, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies which are worth celebrating today.

9. The King’s Speech

Few figures in the royal family that sought therapy are as beloved as King George V. A troubled leader, George V suffered from severe speech impediments affecting his ability to guide the country. In 2010, Tom Hooper honoured the iconic political leader with speech disabilities in his movie “The King’s Speech”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The King’s Speech” stand out is its depiction of speech impediments. Hooper uses captivating montages capturing a royal figure seeking help from a therapist to overcome speech disabilities that are frightening. Assisted by Colin Firth who is amazing in the lead role, Hooper honoured the king’s legacy. As strong as King George V’s desire to overcome his speech stutter, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre producing unforgettable movies about therapists which audiences treasure.

10. Joker

Few villains in popular culture are as beloved as the Joker. Since his creation in the 1940’s, the Joker has appeared in several movies. In 2019, Todd Phillips honoured the iconic comic-book character in his movie “Joker”. Phillips used captivating montages capturing a comedian with issues seeking therapy. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is amazing in the lead role, Phillips honoured an iconic comic-book hero. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of therapy that leads people to commit violence has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as the Joker’s desire to change the city of Gotham, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre making timeless movies about therapists with wisdom which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.