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 that delivered an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a psychologist that offered therapy. An inspiring role model, he made me believe that it was possible to achieve big 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 in guiding lost people are 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 therapists. 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 therapists 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 following the release of a classic film about therapists guiding adolescents to accomplish goals they are hunting, it’s a bold reminder of a genre manufacturing movies about therapy that are worth celebrating.
2. Short Term 12
It’s always challenging to come to terms with from childhood trauma. Several years ago, I formed a close bond with an intelligent kid that faced grim abuse causing sorrow. In order to cope with childhood trauma causing tension, he turned towards therapy as a solution. 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 foster care workers taking care of youth in mental institutions. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between social workers and youth in a mental hospital that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Grace opens up about her traumatic past revealing she was sexually abused causing a dilemma in mental hospitals is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible role by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a classic is its bold appeal. Despite focusing on teens in a mental hospital, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about mental hospitals which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies about which audiences care.
3. Ordinary People
It’s challenging facing the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit crushing lows when our loved maid was killed causing sorrow. Her sad 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 broken family. Redford deftly 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 a great role by Donald Sutherland, who played an anxious father struggling to cope with a tragic loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” a masterpiece is its commemorated appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which are outdated, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a heartbreaking message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A portrait of loss causing families to deteriorate, it’s a commemorated reminder of a genre which audiences appreciate.
4. 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. A bold portrait of wards in which patients face unrest, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making the best movies which leave audiences impressed.
5. 50/50
Terminal illness has impacted my family. Several years ago, my family learned that our beloved uncle had been diagnosed with grim Cancer that caused sorrow. His heartbreaking death left my family mourning. No matter how hard my family tried, we couldn’t cope with the loss of a relative that tragically died. As someone treasuring fond memories of an uncle that had a 50/50 chance of living, I appreciated “50/50”. Released in 2011, Jonathan Levine’s comedy captured the lives of Cancer patients seeking therapy. Levine used captivating tragicomedy to capture the hardships that a Cancer patient seeking therapy is facing. For instance, the scene in which Adam first meets his therapist making her aware of his mental state causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who embodied a Cancer patient seeking therapy. Ultimately, what makes “50/50” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about terminal illness, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about terminal illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of terminal illness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies raising awareness of therapy that contributes towards happiness.
6. A Beautiful Mind
When it comes to the greatest mathematicians in history, it’s worth discussing John Nash. An awe-inspiring historical figure, Nash sought therapy for his severe Schizophrenia. In 2001, Ron Howard honoured the iconic mathematician with a beautiful mind in his movie “A Beautiful Mind”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” stand out is its depiction of Schizophrenia. Howard uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a disturbed mathematician was facing. Assisted by Russell Crowe who is amazing in the lead role, Howard honoured John Nash’s legacy. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured one-of-a-kind movies about the importance of therapy leaving a lasting legacy behind.
7. Awakenings
Awakenings is a legendary memoir about therapy that has built a lasting legacy. Published in 1973, Oliver Sacks’ memoir captured individuals with catatonic disability. In 1990, Penny Marshall honoured the memoir about awakenings in her movie “Awakenings”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Awakenings” stand out is its positive depiction of doctors. Marshall uses captivating montages capturing hardships doctors in a mental hospital are facing. Assisted by Robin Williams who is extraordinary in the lead role, Marshall created a disability drama that’s compelling. A fantastic portrayal of compassionate doctors seeking to care for patients that are catatonic, it’s a terrific reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies about the value of therapy in mental institutions which have captivated the public.
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
King George V is a legendary figure in the royal family that sought therapy. 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. Silver Linings Playbook
Few films ever made about therapy have changed people’s outlook like “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie captured a Bipolar man seeking therapy. O. Russell used captivating montages capturing hardships that a Bipolar man seeking therapy is facing. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is sensational in the lead role, O. Russell created a powerful portrait of the disorder. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of therapists that interact with patients invading their privacy has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Pat’s optimism, it’s a riveting reminder of genre that has produced movies offering wisdom about therapists which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 