The Best Movies Made About Insanity Ranked

Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as insanity. Since the 1970’s, stories of characters going insane have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s shining authors, killers or delusional professors, 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 insanity which deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Shining

Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, isolation affected my abilities to write movie reviews causing sorrow. When I was diagnosed with COVID during the pandemic, I was forced to isolate myself in rooms taking drastic measures which were catastrophic. Unable to step outside for a walk in fresh air, I struggled to write film reviews on my website about which I had grown to care. Few films I’ve seen have captured how frightening isolation can cause people to go insane as powerfully as “The Shining”. Ever since its release in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about insanity. With the greatest film of his career, Kubrick used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an alcoholic writer that faces insanity causing despair. Kubrick has always had an aptitude for making great movies about insane characters, and “The Shining” showcased his strengths as an icon of Cinema. Kubrick effectively used foreshadowing to capture a child that faces abusive fathers in a hotel that’s frightening. For instance, the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” sequence in which Jack attacks his wife and child with an axe causing a dilemma remains one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodies a self-destructive author that’s impacted by insanity. Ultimately, what makes “The Shining” my favourite film about insanity of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most horror movies that are targeted to a specific audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic horror film about shining writers facing isolated hotels that are terrifying, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured dark movies about totally insane characters that are worth celebrating.

2. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Mental institutions have shaped my personality. I remember visiting dark 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. It was one of the first ever films in cinematic history to tackle the controversial subject of insanity. 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 breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing the best movies which leave audiences impressed.

3. Psycho

Serial killers are frightening figures that have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fear of serial killers when my housemaid was murdered causing damage. Stabbed to death in the shower by her grim lover, my housekeeper became the victim of psychotic murder. As someone haunted by the murder of a housemaid that died years ago, I adored “Psycho”. Released in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie captured the impact of abuse on serial killers. Hitchcock used innovative cinematic techniques to capture insanity driving a serial killer to commit violence that’s frightening. For instance, the iconic scene in which Marion is mercilessly stabbed to death in the shower causing trauma remains one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Anthony Perkins, who created one of the most iconic killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Psycho” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which are often outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as murders committed by killers that are psychotic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced iconic movies about insanity captivating the public.

4. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always 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. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. A bold tribute to a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy behind.

5. Apocalypse Now

The Vietnam War is a historical tragedy that shaped my grandfather’s identity. An an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that had immense knowledge about a war causing emotional damage. He would often recall haunting memories of the time when he witnessed soldiers participating in the Vietnam War causing tragedies. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather haunted by an apocalypse, I adored “Apocalypse Now”. Released in 1979, Frances Ford Coppola’s movie captured war veterans driven to the brink of insanity. Coppola used innovative voice-over narration to capture the trauma faced by soldiers in the Vietnam War. For instance, the opening scene in which Benjamin Willard expresses his views on warfare through narration is one of the greatest moments of the war genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Marlon Brando, who embodies a colonel driven to insanity. Ultimately, what makes “Apocalypse Now” a great movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of the Vietnam War to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 80 years after the Vietnam War ended, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies that deserve to be appreciated.

6. Taxi Driver

Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaker that has often made great movies about insanity. With their compelling storytelling, strong characters and timeless themes, Scorsese’s movies have earned a huge fan following. In 1976, Scorsese showcased his strengths as a filmmaker capturing insanity in his movie “Taxi Driver”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Taxi Driver” stand out is its depiction of New York City. Scorsese uses captivating montages capturing hardships taxi drivers driven towards insanity in New York are facing. Assisted by Robert De Niro who is extraordinary in the lead role, Scorsese created a captivating movie about insanity. As strong as Travis Bickle’s desire to be insane, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about strong characters which entertain.

7. Short Term 12

It’s always challenging to recover from childhood trauma. Several years ago, I formed a close bond with an intelligent kid experiencing abuse causing sorrow. As someone treasuring memories of a companion that face short-term trauma, I adored “Short Term 12”.  Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured mental institutions. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Short Term 12” stand out is its depiction of foster care workers. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing hardships social care workers in a mental hospital are facing. Assisted by Brie Larson who is amazing in the lead role, Cretton created a drama about insanity that’s engaging. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies about which audiences care.

8. Fight Club

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about insane men in a club, it’s worth discussing Fight Club. Since its publication in 1996, Chuck Palahniuk’s book has become a literary classic. In 1999, David Fincher honoured the iconic book about a fight club in his movie “Fight Club”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Fight Club” stand out is its depiction of multiple personality disorder. Fincher uses captivating unreliable narration capturing the hardships a man with multiple personalities is facing. Assisted by Edward Norton who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fincher created a compelling movie about insane men. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about men that fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies about insanity which have achieved spotlight.

9. Birdman

Insanity often affects the lives of Broadway performers today. Stage performers under intense pressure often are at risk of facing insanity causing damage. The negative impact of insanity on Broadway performers without a plan is beautifully depicted in the movie “Birdman”. Released in 2014, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s movie captured the lives of psychotic Broadway performers driven to insanity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Birdman” stand out is its depiction of theatre actors. Inarritu uses captivating unreliable narration capturing the hardships that a downtrodden Broadway actor is facing. A powerful portrait of insanity affecting Broadway performers today, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured thought-provoking movies which deserve to be appreciated today.

10. Black Swan

Few films ever made about ballet dancers facing insanity are as beloved as “Black Swan”. Released in 2010, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured a ballet dancer driven to the brink of insanity. Aronofsky used captivating montages capturing hardships that a ballet dancer in a tense profession is facing. Assisted by Natalie Portman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Aronofsky created a compelling ballet thriller. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of ballet dancers driven to the brink of insanity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Nina’s desire to achieve ballet victory, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies about insanity which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.