My Favourite Films About Bullying of All-Time

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 school bullies causing emotional damage. In high school, I was 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”. Following 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 capturing teenagers in high school experiencing bullying causing despair. Hughes has always had an aptitude for making engaging movies about bullying putting lives of teenagers in danger, 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 a great role by Judd Nelson, who embodied a bold teen 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 Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that remain relevant today. It delivers a bold message about the value of finding one’s identity in adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after 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 made memorable movies which are worthy of celebration.

2. The Elephant Man

Facial deformities shaped my classmate’s identity. Several years ago, I witnessed a poor classmate in school that suffered from severe facial deformities which caused sorrow.  Due towards his disturbing appearance, he was an easy target for school bullies that would ruin self-confidence. He would often be humiliated for his public appearance which left people devastated. As someone that saw how facial deformities can ruin a person’s life, I appreciated “The Elephant Man”. Released in 1980, David Lynch’s movie captured the life of a man with severe facial deformities. Lynch uses stunning black-and-white visuals to capture the frightening obstacles a man with facial deformities is facing. For instance, the scene in which John Merrick protests against crowds of people humiliating him in public by saying that he is a human causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by John Hurt, who embodied a man with severe facial deformities. Ultimately, what makes “The Elephant Man” a classic is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that remain relevant today. A captivating portrait of men with deformities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which are worth celebrating.

3. Forrest Gump

Intellectual disability shaped my identity. At an early age, I was often bullied for being an Autistic person causing damage. Due to my disability, I became an easy target for school bullies causing catastrophe. Bullying became a problem that affected my abilities to cope with Autism. As someone that witnessed bullying due towards my disability causing a bump, I appreciated “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an authentic portrait of intellectual disability. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Forrest Gump” stand out is its compassionate voice-over narration. Zemeckis effectively uses voice-over narration to capture individuals with intellectual disabilities facing tension. For instance, the scene in which Forrest recounts with nostalgia memories of Alabama is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Hanks, who created one of the most iconic characters in the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about intellectual disabilities which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s memories of Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

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. Viewers aren’t required to be members of the LGBTQ community to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about importance of finding identity which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of barriers that queer teenagers fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies shining light on the widespread issues of bullying which deserve the spotlight.

5. 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 determination that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Andrew’s desire to become a successful jazz drummer, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has produced movies which audiences treasure.

6. The Devil Wears Prada

Bosses are powerful figures shaping employees’ futures. I remember working for a cruel manager that would often treat employees in a poor manner. As someone reminiscing memories of a devilish manager with nostalgia, I loved “The Devil Wears Prada”. Released in 2006, David Frankel’s movie captured a devilish manager running a fashion company. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Devil Wears Prada” stand out is its depiction of fashion. Frankel uses costumes capturing a devilish manager running a fashion company. Assisted by Meryl Streep who is amazing in the lead role, Frankel created a compelling fashion drama. A dazzling depiction of managers in fashion-design, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has never lost abilities to shine by producing movies audiences consider to be divine.

7. Edward Scissorhands

Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned the appreciation of Tim Burton. Burton has often made engaging movies tackling the subject of bullying. In 1990, Burton showcased his strength for creating engaging movies about bullying with careful hands in his movie “Edward Scissorhands”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Edward Scissorhands” stand out is its whimsical tone. Burton uses sharp sense of humour to capture the life of a disabled teenager with hands evoking terror. Assisted by Johnny Depp who is extraordinary in the lead role, Burton created a compelling drama about bullying. As strong as Edward’s desire for acceptance, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured engaging movies about the lives of menacing bullies which have always attracted a huge audience.

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. Joker

Few comic-book villains in popular culture are as beloved as the Joker. With his maniacal grin, charismatic nature and humour, the Joker has become an icon. In 2019, Todd Phillips reimagined the character in his movie “Joker”. Phillips used unreliable narration to capture a comedian facing bullying causing tension. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is amazing in the lead role, Phillips honoured a villain. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of bullying as the factor that causes the Joker 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 Gotham, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies offering wisdom on the problem of bullying which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.