The Best Movies Made About Isolation Ranked

Not many genres have earned appreciation of isolation. Since the 1980’s, stories of isolated individuals have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s cast away survivors, shining authors or lighthouse keepers, 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 isolation that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Shining

Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, isolation affected my abilities to write movie reviews on my website 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 isolation. With the greatest film of his career, Kubrick used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an alcoholic writer that faces isolation causing despair. Kubrick has often had an aptitude for making engaging movies about the danger of isolation, and “The Shining” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. 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 isolation. Ultimately, what makes “The Shining” my favourite film about isolation 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 horror film about shining writers facing isolated hotels that are terrifying, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has produced dark movies about totally insane characters that are worth unquestionably celebrating.

2. Room

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I have always shared a complicated bond with my mother. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do things has often been irritating. Despite her strict parenting, I have always admired a mother I find inspiring. Her inspiring words of wisdom motivated me to pursue careers in film criticism. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that gave me room, I adored “Room”. Released in 2015, Lenny Abrahamson’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about isolation. Abrahamson used captivating montages capturing the strong bond between a mother and child trapped in a confined room that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Ma seeks to explain the room to her son causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Room” a commemorated masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the commemorated book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about dangers of isolation which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Ma’s desire to escape a room that’s isolated, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies about the dangerous consequences of isolation which audiences have commonly appreciated.

3. Her

Technology has always been a part of my identity. As far as I can remember, I’ve been a heavy technology user. In an attempt to feel less alone, I’ve often used my phone. My addiction to technology is fuelled by a simple desire for connection I can’t find in reality. Technology addiction has often caused me to experience feelings of isolation. As someone that has always been a heavy technology user, I appreciated “Her”. Released in 2013, Spike Jonze’s movie captured a lonely writer forming a romantic relationship with his phone. Jonze uses stunning montages capturing a lonely writer addicted to technology. For instance, the scene in which Theodore faces a breakdown after he discovers Samantha is leaving him causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Joaquin Phoenix, who portrays a lonely writer addicted to his phone. Ultimately, what makes “Her” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about technology addiction, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of technology addiction which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Theodore’s love for his phone, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies standing in a league of their undeniable own.

4. Cast Away

Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my life changed when my family experienced a bombing causing damage. I recall with nostalgia memories of a bombing in Saudi Arabia. Through my parent’s drive to survive, I made it out of the bombing without a scratch alive. As someone haunted by a bombing that left my family cast away, I adored “Cast Away”. Released in 2000, Robert Zemeckis’ movie captured isolation faced by a man stranded on an island without human contact. Zemeckis effectively uses silence to capture isolation of a man stranded on an island. For instance, the scene in which Chuck Noland faces silence when he first lands on the island following the plane crash causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Tom Hanks, who portrays a man seeking to overcome loneliness on an island. Ultimately, what makes “Cast Away” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most survival movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a message about survival resonating with everyone. A captivating portrait of courageous men surviving on islands that are cast away, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which deserve to be undeniably celebrated today.

5. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes isolation. 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. My struggles to generate ideas for writing causing tension have often led me to face isolation. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing isolation, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships isolated screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter struggling to have social interactions. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating profusely being 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 portrays a lonely screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies which audiences cherish.

6. Taxi Driver

Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaking with a lasting legacy. Since the 1970’s, Scorsese has often made engaging movies about isolation causing people to face adversities. In 1976, Scorsese showcased his strength as a filmmaker capturing isolation in his movie “Taxi Driver”. Way ahead of its time, the film forever changed the art of Cinema through its depiction of social isolation. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Taxi Driver” stand out is its voice-over narration. Scorsese uses captivating narration to capture the mind of a troubled taxi driver facing destruction. Assisted by Robert De Niro who is sensational in the lead role, Scorsese captured troubled taxi drivers facing sorrow. A powerful portrait of lonely taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies audiences love dearly.

7. Short Term 12

Mental hospitals are a setting where isolation is often common. Patients of mental institutions often experience feeling of being isolated leaving them emotionally affected. The short-term impact of isolation on the lives of patients in mental hospitals is beautifully depicted in the movie “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured mental hospital patients facing isolation. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Short Term 12” stand out is its depiction of mental hospitals. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing hardships isolated patients in mental hospitals are facing. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies capturing isolation about which audiences care.

8. Life of Pi

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about isolation that satisfy, it’s worth discussing Life of Pi. Since its publication in 2001, Yann Martel’s book has become a literary classic. In 2012, Ang Lee celebrated the book about tigers that terrify in his movie “Life of Pi”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Life of Pi” stand out is its stunning special effects. It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved book about isolation but Lee succeeded immensely. Lee uses practical effects to capture the bond between an isolated teenager and tiger. Assisted by Suraj Sharma who is superb in the lead role, Lee created a powerful adaptation of a book. An awe-inspiring adaptation of a book about isolated Indian teenagers facing tigers that terrify, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced strong movies which commonly satisfy.

9. The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a great book about isolation that has built a lasting legacy. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire experiencing isolation from society in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a celebrated book about larger-than-life millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences consider precious.

10. Adrift

Few films ever made about isolation causing people to become adrift are as beloved as “Adrift”. Released in 2018, Baltasar Kormakur’s movie honoured a real-life hurricane survivor’s journey. Kormakur used captivating special effects capturing an isolated woman surviving hurricanes. Assisted by Shailene Woodley who is spectacular in the lead role, Kormakur created a compelling movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a hurricane survivor that isn’t true to reality has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 40 years after a courageous woman survived a dangerous hurricane, it’s a rousing reminder of a genre making engaging movies about pain of isolation which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking with abilities to always entertain.