My Favourite Films About Childhood Trauma of All-Time

Not many genres attract audiences to the Cinema like childhood trauma. Since the 1980’s, scared children have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, shining authors or disturbed mothers, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of films in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about childhood trauma that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Slumdog Millionaire

India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed relationships with a friend that would often criticize movies that gave India bad image. Born in the poverty-stricken slums of Mumbai, he was always critical of movies portraying his country. An Indian without fear, he once had dreams of being a famous millionaire. He would argue movies were art form that could never capture the beauty of a great country that had often held a precious place in his heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured trauma faced by children growing up in India causing despair as powerfully as “Slumdog Millionaire”. Ever since its release in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about childhood trauma. With the greatest film of his career, Boyle used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an impoverished Indian boy’s journey to become a successful millionaire. Boyle has always had an aptitude for making movies about poverty putting lives of people in danger, and “Slumdog Millionaire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jamal is overcome with joy after he miraculously wins the game show becoming a millionaire in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Dev Patel, who portrayed an Indian boy seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” my favourite film about childhood trauma of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most movies set in India that are targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a orphan seeking to be a millionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre making bold movies about which audiences commonly care.

2. The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lecter is a terrifying serial killer that always frightened my mother. I remember my mother was once frightened by a serial killer committing gruesome murder. She would always fear a frightening serial killer committing murders causing despair. My mother’s fear of Hannibal Lecter first began when she saw “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie captured serial killers with traumatic childhood memories. Demme used captivating dramatic monologues capturing a female detective investigating a serial killer that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter causing a dilemma remains one of the greatest moments of the horror genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jodie Foster, who created one of the most memorable female detectives in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. The film delivers a strong message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most old-fashioned detective movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As memorable as frightening crimes Hannibal has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which deserve to be absolutely appreciated.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. As far back I can remember, I’ve always been an anxious person. My anxiety first began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced a nervous breakdown affecting my success. I felt humiliated having a nervous breakdown in front of teachers I appreciated. As someone that experienced anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about anxious teenagers. Chbosky used stunning montages to capture an anxious teenager struggling to cope with trauma. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a tense nervous breakdown after he bids farewell to his longtime companions causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, who embodied a teenager with tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teen, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing memorable movies about traumatized children which definitely deserve to be absolutely seen.

4. Ordinary People

Family tragedy can often cause people to face trauma. Several years ago, my family faced grief when my uncle passed away causing sorrow. His devastating death left my grandfather emotionally affected. Adopting a pessimistic attitude, my grandfather lost interest in activities that he had once valued.  As someone seeing families facing emotions that are painful, I adored “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie captured impact of childhood trauma on ordinary families.  Redford effectively used flashbacks to capture a family haunted by the loss of a loved one that causes trauma.  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 an extraordinary role by Donald Sutherland, who embodied a father struggling to overcome painful loss.  Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” an extraordinary film is its message. The film delivers a bold message about loss which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which are outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant. A powerful portrait of painful grief experienced by ordinary people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre manufacturing timeless movies that audiences consider extremely special.

5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter is a magical book series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. Childhood trauma has always been a theme of the series that’s well-known, and it’s most evident in the first film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Released in 2001, Christopher Columbus’ movie introduced the magical franchise about orphans on the big-screen. Columbus used captivating montages capturing the hardships that an orphan with magical abilities is facing. For instance, the scene in which Harry discovers the truth about his parents’ death from Hagrid causing childhood trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied one of the most iconic orphans in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Harry Potter movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the fantasy book series to appreciate it. As strong as Harry’s desire to become a wizard, it’s a spellbinding reminder of a genre that made unforgettable movies which audiences have always treasured.

6. Beasts of No Nation

Childhood trauma often affects the lives of kids in Africa. Africa has built an image of being a country where children often face emotional damage. The hardships faced by children growing up in a war-torn nation are beautifully depicted in the movie “Beasts of No Nation”. Released in 2015, Cary Joji Fukunaga’s movie depicted traumatized children in Africa. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Beasts of No Nation” stand out is its depiction of child soldiers. Fukunaga uses captivating montages capturing hardships that children growing up in a traumatic country are facing. Assisted by Idris Elba who is amazing in the lead role, Fukunaga created a powerful portrait of Africa. As strong as guns used by Agu, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences value.

7. Batman Begins

Batman is a beloved comic-book character that has built a lasting legacy. Since his creation in the 1960’s, the caped crusader has appeared in unforgettable movies. One of the defining characteristics of Batman is that he suffers from childhood trauma. In 2005, Christopher Nolan reimagined the heroic millionaire in his movie “Batman Begins”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Batman Begins” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Nolan effectively used flashbacks to capture a traumatized millionaire haunted by his parents’ death. Assisted by Christian Bale who is amazing in the lead role, Nolan honoured a groundbreaking superhero with detail. A captivating tribute towards a celebrated comic-book character, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

8. Moonlight

Gay people are rarely depicted respectfully in movies today. Hollywood has a history of building barriers against LGBTQ communities. In an industry where the barriers queer people fight are hidden in plain sight, it’s worth praising “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning movie depicted African-American queer men. Unlike most movies made in the genre, what makes “Moonlight” stand out is its empathetic portrayal of queer people. Barry Jenkins used stunning symbolism to capture hardships queer men are facing. Anchored by a phenomenal performance by Mahershala Ali, Jenkins celebrated the LGBTQ community. A powerful portrait of painful hardships experienced by African-American men that are gay, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing memorable movies that deserve appreciation worldwide today.

9. Matilda

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about orphans facing childhood trauma, it’s worth discussing Matilda. Since its publication in 1988, Roald Dahl’s book has become a literary classic. With its compelling story, colourful characters and strong themes, the book earned a huge following. In 1996, Danny DeVito honoured the book about orphans facing trauma in his movie “Matilda”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Matilda” stand out is its depiction of gifted children. DeVito uses captivating voice-over narration to capture the struggles faced by an orphan girl with special abilities. Assisted by Mara Wilson who is amazing in the lead role, DeVito created a compelling orphan drama. As strong as Matilda’s love for Miss Honey, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that audiences love dearly.

10. The Shining

Few films ever made about frightening childhood trauma are as beloved as “The Shining”. Released in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has become a horror classic. Kubrick used foreshadowing capturing the hardships that abusive parents raising children in hotels are facing. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is extraordinary in the lead role, Kubrick created a shining horror movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of parents that abuse their authority treating children with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as the Overlook Hotel, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre with timeless stories to tell about childhood trauma causing people to become unwell that I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking in which I excel.