My Favourite Films About Stress of All-Time

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that makes for memorable movies. Since the 1970’s, emotions of anxiety have been depicted in engaging movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, taxi drivers or technology users, the genre has created many 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 anxiety that deserve to be celebrated.

1. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a dark disorder that fascinated my teacher. I fondly recall with nostalgia warm memories of a teacher that was fascinated with Schizophrenia. In high school, I formed relationships with a psychology professor interested in disorders which was cruel. He sought to educate students about illness causing vulnerable individuals to deteriorate. Fascinated with disorders affecting the mind, my teacher was determined to leave a lasting legacy behind. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how stress can negatively impact minds as powerfully as “A Beautiful Mind”. Ever since its release in 2001, Ron Howard’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about stress. With the greatest film of his career, Howard used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the turmoil of a real-life mathematician that faced despair. Howard has always had an aptitude for making great movies about the lives of geniuses with an intelligent nature, and “A Beautiful Mind” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which John Nash experiences a nervous breakdown when he realizes that his roommate Charles Herman is a figment of his imagination causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a mathematician that faced sorrow years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” my favourite film about stress of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with John Nash’s commemorated theories to appreciate it. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about a brilliant mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a one-of-a-kind genre that has manufactured commemorated movies about larger-than-life geniuses leaving a lasting legacy behind. 

2. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more stressful 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. This inability to write effectively has often caused me to experience severe anxiety. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing stressful emotion, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships that stressed screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter with sever stress struggling to create compelling stories causing frustration. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating profusely 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 portrayed a screenwriter with stress. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about the writing process which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles relatable themes everyone can relate to. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making great movies audiences cherish.

3. The Pursuit of Happiness

Unemployment is a stressful situation that can affect fathers’ abilities to care for children. Several years ago, my friend’s father lose his job at BlackBerry causing sorrow. Left without a stable profession, he struggled to take care of his children. As someone recalling a father that struggled to ensure his children’s pursuit of happiness, I adored “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Released in 2006, Gabriele Muccino’s movie honoured the true story of an anxious father struggling raising his family. Muccino uses voice-over narration to capture a father struggling to provide for his son in a dire economic situation. For instance, the final scene in which Chris is hired by the stockbroker company resolving his life dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Will Smith, who embodies an anxious father struggling to ensure his son’s happiness. Ultimately, what makes “The Pursuit of Happiness” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sacrifices fathers make for children which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Chris’ pursuit of happiness, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has contributed to greater awareness of sacrifices made by fathers in business.

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. As far as I 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. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the anxiety faced by wallflower teenagers as powerfully as “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 under pressure. 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 making movies which deserve to be absolutely seen.

5. Silver Linings Playbook

Bipolar is a devastating disorder that changed my aunt’s life forever.  Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. Facing illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease affecting her happiness. 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 anxiety faced by a man with Bipolar disorder. Drawing from personal experience as a father of a son with Bipolar, David O. Russell created a powerful portrait of a disorder. For instance, the scene in which Pat has a nervous breakdown after he can’t find his wedding video causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Bradley Cooper, who portrayed an anxious man with a Bipolar. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Bipolar, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of mental illness causing romantic relationships to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies about the painful emotions of stress which audiences commonly appreciate.

6. Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade is a stressful time in life that gave me great anxiety. I remember being a socially awkward teenager struggling to fit in with peers. It was a tense time marked by complicated emotions. As someone recalling fond memories of being an anxious teenager in eighth grade, I adored “Eighth Grade”. Released in 2018, Bo Burnham’s movie captured stressed teenagers in eighth grade. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Eighth Grade” stand out is its sharp humour. Bo Burnham uses sharp humour to capture a teenage girl with anxiety facing tension. Assisted by Elsie Fisher who is excellent in the lead role, Burnham creates a powerful portrait of teenagers. An extraordinary portrait of teenage girls that are afraid in eighth grade, it’s an excellent reminder of a genre in which interest has rarely ever begun to evidently fade.

7. Inside Out 2

Anxiety is an emotion that’s commonly depicted in animation. Animated movies have often captured an emotion that leaves kids feeling conflicted. The power of animated movies that capture hardships anxious teenagers go through is evident in “Inside Out 2”. Released in 2024, Pixar’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting teen anxiety. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Inside Out 2” stand out is its animation. Kelsey Mann uses stunning animation to capture anxiety affecting a teen girl’s well-being. Assisted by Amy Poehler who is phenomenal in the lead role, Docter created a powerful portrait of teen anxiety.  A bold animated depiction of anxiety turning lives of teen girls inside out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has produced memorable movies which deserve to be talked about without any doubt.

8. Kramer vs. Kramer

Divorce is a devastating process that often causes couples to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage causing emotional damage. As someone that witnessed divorce putting couples under intense pressure, I adored “Kramer vs. Kramer”. Released in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie captured divorce causing couples to face tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Kramer vs. Kramer” stand out is its depiction of marriage. Benton uses captivating dramatic monologues to capture tensions that divorced couples breaking up marriages are facing. Assisted by Dustin Hoffman who is amazing in the lead role, Benton created a captivating divorce drama. A powerful portrait of a broken marriage, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies which engage through delivering message.

9. The King’s Speech

When it comes to the most beloved figures in the royal family, it’s worth discussing King George V. 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 that suffered from 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 speech disabilities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which are worth absolutely celebrating.

10. Whiplash

Few movies ever made about students that experience rash stress are as beloved as “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured the life of a stressed jazz drummer facing tragedy. Chazelle used captivating montages capturing hardships a stressed band student abused 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 bullying causing jazz musicians to face anxiety 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 stress which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.