The Best Movies Made About Disorders Ranked

Not many subjects attract audiences towards theatres like disorders. Since the 1970’s, movies have often captured individuals with mental disabilities. Whether it’s mathematicians, teenagers or psychotic killers, the genre has created several 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 mental illness that deserve to be celebrated.

1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Mental institutions have shaped my personality. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism that caused emotional damage. I remember visiting mental institutions that gave me valuable tips regarding overcoming my mental disorder. A hopeless location, the institution cared for patients with grim mental conditions. It was fascinating observing the way that the institution functioned by taking care of patients with mental illness that faced a price to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how mental disorders cause people to face unrest as powerfully as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Ever since its release in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about disorders. Forman has always had an aptitude for capturing mental institutions in which people face grave danger, and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which McMurphy is given an electric shock after refusing to obey orders of frightening mental institutions causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a psychotic patient of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” my favourite film about disorders of all-time is its commemorated appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated today, it has aged beautifully. Nearly 50 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about rebellious men breaking the rules of a frightening mental hospital causing unrest, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has always impressed by making movies which have stood the test of time as the absolute best.

2. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a great 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. 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 breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has made one-of-a-kind movies which have left a legacy behind.

3. Forrest Gump

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared a strong relationship with a mother I treasure. A hard-working woman, she has been a source of inspiration guiding my life in the right direction. Through her words of wisdom, I was able to cope with my Autism. As someone treasuring a mother that helped me cope with a disorder causing a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an authentic portrait of intellectual disorders. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about intellectual disability, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s heartwarming memories of Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies which always attract audiences towards Cinema.

4. The Father

Dementia is a devastating disorder that impacted my grandma. I recall with nostalgia memories of a great grandma that suffered from Dementia. Over the last few years, I noticed my grandmother becoming forgetful. She would have the bad habits to forget certain crucial things in her life such as places, events and people that were important. It was heartbreaking to see a grandmother I loved dearly losing her memory. As someone treasuring a grandmother that suffered from a severe memory disorder, I adored “The Father”. Released in 2020, Florian Zeller’s Oscar-winning movie captured the life of an aging father with memory disorder. Zeller used captivating unreliable narration to capture the deteriorating mind of a father with memory loss causing tension. For instance, the scene in which Anthony has an emotional breakdown in the hospital becoming aware that he suffers from Dementia is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who portrayed a father with memory disorders. Ultimately, what makes “The Father” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a meaningful message about memory loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of memory loss causing lives of fathers to deteriorate, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about disorders which audiences commonly appreciate.

5. Rain Man

Autism has shaped my personality. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with a disease causing damage. Being Autistic affected my abilities to form a strong relationship with my brother. I remember finding it hard to interact with my brother due to my intellectual disorder. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how Autism can affect relationships with family as powerfully as “Rain Man”. Ever since its release in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic about relationships between brothers. Levinson has always excelled at using montages in his movies, and “Rain Man” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Raymond experiences a nervous breakdown hearing noises of the smoke alarm causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodied a complicated mental condition. Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Autism, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about bonds between brothers which would resonate with everyone. An inspiring portrait of Autism, it’s an astonishing reminder about a genre that manufactured memorable movies achieving stardom.

6. Short Term 12

Foster care homes are a setting where mental disorders are often occurring. Individuals that suffer from disorders are commonly found in mental hospitals. The short-term struggles faced by patients with disorders in mental hospitals are beautifully depicted in the film “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured disorders in foster care homes. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Short Term 12” stand out is its depiction of foster care. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing hardships foster care workers are facing. Assisted by Brie Larson who is amazing in the lead role, Cretton created a compelling movie. A powerful portrait of heavy burden foster care workers with disorders bear, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about which audiences always undeniably care.

7. 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. As someone treasuring an aunt with Bipolar that adopted a negative life outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie captured the impact of Bipolar on a dysfunctional family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Russell uses captivating montages capturing hardships a man with Bipolar is facing. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is remarkable in the lead role, Russell created a compelling portrait of Bipolar disorder. A powerful portrait of mental illness, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies raising awareness for disorders causing immense sadness.

8. Fight Club

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about mental disorders, it’s worth discussing Fight Club. Since its publication in 1996, Chuck Palahniuk’s book has earned a huge following. In 1999, David Fincher honoured the book about a secret club in his movie “Fight Club”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Fight Club” stand out is its depiction of insomnia. Finhcer uses captivating voice-over narration to capture the hardships that a mentally ill man suffering from severe insomnia is experiencing. Assisted by Edward Norton who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fincher created a captivating book adaptation. A fantastic adaptation of a famous book about men that love to fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured bright movies about dangerous disorders which have earned the spotlight.

9. As Good as it Gets

OCD is a debilitating disease rarely depicted in movies accurately. Hollywood has struggled to tell stories about a mental illness that’s misunderstood. As someone with OCD, I have often believed movies rarely capture the disease accurately. In an industry avoiding OCD, it’s worth praising “As Good as it Gets”. Released in 1997, James L. Brooks’ iconic movie captured a disorder that’s true to reality. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “As Good as it Gets” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Brooks uses sharp humour to capture the life of a man with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is amazing in the lead role, Brooks created a compelling portrait of the condition. As strong as Melvin’s obsession, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which deserve immense celebration.

10. The Accountant

Few movies ever made about individuals with disorders causing impairment are as beloved as “The Accountant”. Released in 2016, Gavin O’Connor’s movie depicted the life of an accountant with Autism. O’Connor used captivating montages capturing hardships that an Autistic accountant is facing. Assisted by Ben Affleck who is brilliant in the lead role, O’Connor created a bold thriller. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of Autism causing accountants to face adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Christian’s desire to overcome challenges of being Autistic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre producing terrific movies about tragic disorders which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish my dreams of becoming a film critic.