Not many topics make for movies as engaging as bullying. Since the 1980’s, bullying has often been depicted in memorable movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, devilish managers or strict music teachers, the genre has created strong 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 bullying which deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Breakfast Club
High school is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I remember memories attending high schools experiencing pressure that proved cruel. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t overcome frightening pressure of academic studies that left me terrified. Being a shy teenager, I struggled fitting in massive high schools where all odds were often stacked against my favour. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the fact high school did play tremendous roles in shaping the person that I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured teens that face bullying in high school as powerfully as “The Breakfast Club”. Ever since its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about bullying. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes used innovative cinematic techniques to capture teenagers in a high school facing bullying that’s a burden to bear. Hughes has always had an aptitude for making movies about the danger of bullying, and “The Breakfast Club” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the confession scene in which the teens sit together revealing why they are in detention causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Judd Nelson, who embodied a rebel teen facing bullying tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” my favourite film about bullying of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which often tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about adolescents lacking a life direction forming relationships in detention, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that definitely deserves immense celebration.
2. The Elephant Man
Facial deformities shaped my classmate’s identity. Several years ago, I witnessed a poor classmate in school suffering from severe facial deformities which caused sorrow. Due to his disturbing appearance, he was an easy target for mean school bullies that would ruin self-confidence. As someone that saw how facial deformities can ruin a person’s life, I appreciated “The Elephant Man”. Released in 1980, David Lynch’s movie captured the life of a man with severe facial deformities. Lynch uses stunning black-and-white visuals to capture the frightening obstacles a man with facial deformities is facing. For instance, the scene in which John Merrick protests against crowds of people humiliating him in public by saying that he is a human causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by John Hurt, who embodied a man with severe facial deformities. Ultimately, what makes “The Elephant Man” a classic is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that remain relevant today. A captivating portrait of men with deformities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which are worth absolutely celebrating.
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 inspiring words of wisdom, I was able to cope with the challenges posed by Autism. As someone treasuring a mother that helped me cope with a disability causing a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an authentic portrait of intellectual disability. Zemeckis effectively uses voice-over narration to capture individuals with intellectual disabilities that are bullied causing tension. For instance, the scene in which Forrest recounts with nostalgia memories of being bullied as a child growing up in 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 message. The film delivers a message about disabilities which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s memories of Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
4. Moonlight
Gay people often face bullying that comes with a painful price to pay. Years ago, I witnessed the hardships faced by a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s feminine attire, he was a person that my entire family would admire. He would often be bullied in school due towards his sexual identity. As someone treasuring a gay cousin that had bullies to fight, I appreciated “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ movie depicted bullying experienced by LGBTQ communities. Jenkins uses captivating montages to capture a black teenager that is bullied for his identity. For instance, the scene in which Chiron has a breakdown throwing a chair over a bully’s head causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Ashton Sanders, who embodies a poor queer black boy struggling to find acceptance in society. Ultimately, what makes “Moonlight” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. It delivers a bold message about importance of finding identity which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of barriers that queer teenagers fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies shining light on bullying which deserve the newsworthy spotlight.
5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. My anxiety began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to overcome stress, I faced nervous breakdowns affecting my success. I felt humiliated having breakdowns in front of teachers that I appreciated. As someone reminiscing memories of being an anxious 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 bullying. Cbbosky used captivating voice-over narration to capture a wallflower teenager standing up against school bullies that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Charlie stands up to bullies that are insulting Patrick for being gay causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Logan Lerman, who embodied a teenager affected by bullying causing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about frightened teenagers that are anxious, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured meaningful movies which audiences consider to be extremely precious.
6. The Devil Wears Prada
Bosses are powerful figures shaping employees’ futures. I remember working for a cruel manager that would often treat employees in a poor manner. She was a demanding person that would commonly humiliate employees which showed up late. As someone reminiscing memories of a devilish manager with nostalgia, I loved “The Devil Wears Prada”. Released in 2006, David Frankel’s movie captured a devilish manager running a fashion company. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Devil Wears Prada” stand out is its depiction of fashion. Anchored by an amazing performance by Anne Hathaway, Frankel created a film that remains a classic today. A dazzling depiction of devilish managers in fashion-design, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has never lost abilities to shine by producing movies audiences consider divine.
7. The Gift
It isn’t easy to forgive bullies. Recently, I found it hard to forgive a mean cyberbully that harassed me online. He would often insult me criticizing my writing in ways that were demeaning. As someone that witnessed online bullying causing a rift, I adored “The Gift”. Released in 2015, Joel Edgerton’s movie captured impact of bullying causing lifelong trauma. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Gift” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Edgerton uses captivating montages capturing obstacles victims of bullying are facing. Assisted by Jason Bateman who is amazing in the lead role, Edgerton created a captivating portrait of bullying. A powerful portrait of bullying that causes lifelong trauma, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
8. Matilda
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about bullies facing a dilemma, 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 bullying 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 bullying 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 genre that has manufactured great movies audiences love dearly.
9. The Power of the Dog
Over the past decade, the western genre has declined in quality. Audiences are no longer interested in seeing cowboys that are good, bad and ugly. In a genre that has fallen into smog, it’s worth praising “The Power of the Dog”. Released in 2021, Jane Campion’s western offered a portrait of bullying. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Power of the Dog” stand out is its depiction of sympathetic bullies. Campion uses captivating camera angles to capture a sympathetic rancher that bullies people out of a need for authority. Assisted by Benedict Cumberbatch who is amazing in the lead role, Campion created a captivating western about bullying. A powerful portrait of ranchers that engage in bullying in the Wild West, it’s a wonderful reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies which leave audiences commonly extremely impressed.
10. Whiplash
Few movies ever made about bullies whose lives change in a flash are as beloved as “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured the life of a jazz drummer facing bullying. Chazelle used captivating montages capturing hardships a jazz band student bullied by teachers is facing. Assisted by Miles Teller who is exceptional in the lead role, Chazelle created a captivating musical drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a jazz drummer student that is bullied by teachers with cruelty has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Andrew’s love for jazz music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has made iconic movies about tragic bullying which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 