The Best Movies Ever Made About Stress 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. Whiplash

Teachers are demanding figures that often cause anxiety. In elementary school, I formed relationships with a music teacher that mistreated students in ways which were cruel. Willing to yell, he rarely got along well with anxious pupils whose lives he made a living hell. He humiliated me in front of the entire class by criticizing my abilities to play an instrument. Despite his temper, my teacher motivated me to achieve academic success. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how teachers can cause students to face rash anxiety as powerfully as “Whiplash”. Ever since its release in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about anxiety. With the greatest film of his career, Chazelle used innovative cinematic techniques to capture heavy burden that anxious jazz musicians bear.  Chazelle is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for making great movies about anxiety causing people to face danger, and “Whiplash” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Chazelle effectively used montages to capture the tension faced by a jazz drummer seeking to earn his teacher’s appreciation. For instance, the scene in which Fletcher throws a temper tantrum humiliating Andrew in front of the band class when he misses a musical tempo causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by J.K. Simmons, who embodied a strict jazz music teacher. Ultimately, what makes “Whiplash” my favourite film about anxiety of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about jazz musicians, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about importance of teachers which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade following the release of a larger-than-life film about frightening band teachers guiding students to succeed in jazz music classes through terrifying bullying, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced groundbreaking movies which are definitely worth celebrating.

2. 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. As someone that witnessed anxiety as a teenager, I appreciated “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 commemorated 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 commemorated genre that has manufactured thought-provoking movies that deserve to be seen.

3. Ordinary People

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low 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. As someone haunted by the loss 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. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” a masterpiece is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which are often outdated, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a profound 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 that has made unforgettable movies audiences appreciate.

4. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex 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 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. 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.

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. 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 anxiety struggling to create stories. 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 an anxious writer. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about the writing process which would resonate with everyone. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing great movies which audiences cherish.

6. 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. As someone witnessing how Bipolar changed my aunt’s outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Bipolar disorder. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” stand out is its depiction of mood swings. O. Russell uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a Bipolar man is facing. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is amazing in the lead role, O. Russell captured a complex disorder. A brilliant portrait of Bipolar disorder, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre making bold movies about anxiety that audiences treasure.

7. Short Term 12

Mental institutions have shaped my identity. When I was diagnosed with Autism, I visited mental institutions. It was fascinating observing the way facilities functioned. As someone treasuring memories of short-term mental institutions, I appreciated “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured mental institution facilities. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Short Term 12” stand out is its depiction of institutions. Cretton uses montages capturing teenagers attending institutions that are caring. Assisted by Brie Larson who is amazing in the lead role, Cretton created a compelling mental institution drama. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teenagers facing despair, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about which audiences care.

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. 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.

10. Uncut Gems

Few movies ever made about anxiety that stems are as beloved as “Uncut Gems”. Released in 2019, the Safdie Brothers’ movie captured a stressed diamond dealer. 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 dealers. Although I admired the movie, its depiction of anxiety isn’t true to reality. The film’s depiction of a gambler facing stress that’s tragic isn’t entirely realistic. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as diamonds Howard seeks to sell, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making great movies about anxiety causing people to feel unwell which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking in which I excel.