My Favourite Films About Anxiety 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. Ordinary People

It’s challenging facing the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit crushing lows when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper experienced murder. Her devastating death left family mourning. Riddled with excruciating anxiety, my family couldn’t overcome traumatic tragedy. Few films I’ve seen have captured how frightening anxiety impact ordinary people are powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Ever since its release in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie has stood test of time as the greatest film made about anxiety. With the greatest film of his career, Redford used innovative cinematic techniques capturing anxious teenagers facing despair. Redford is one of those filmmakers that always had aptitude making movies about anxiety, and “Ordinary People” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker clearly. Redford effectively used flashbacks to capture an anxious family haunted by memories of a tragedy. 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 performance from Donald Sutherland, who portrayed an anxiety-ridden father struggling to cope with a heartbreaking loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” my favourite film about anxiety of all-time is its appeal. Unlike commemorated movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a profound message about depression which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of ordinary people impacted by heartbreaking passings of family members that are painful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has manufactured meaningful movies about anxiety which audiences consider extremely special.

2. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a 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 message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy commonly behind.

3. 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. He would often be humiliated for his public appearance which left people devastated. 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. It delivers a meaningful message about acceptance which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of men with deformities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making commemorated movies which are worth absolutely tremendously celebrating.

4. 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 brotherhood which would resonate with everyone. An inspiring portrait of Autism, it’s an astonishing reminder about a genre that manufactured memorable movies achieving stardom.

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 message. 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 emotions of anxiety which audiences commonly appreciate.

6. The Aviator

OCD is a debilitating disease that has shaped my personality. As far as I remember, I have always been affected by obsessive compulsive disorder. At an early age, I developed a habit of engaging in obsessive behaviours causing damage. As someone impacted by a disorder that changed my life forever, I loved “The Aviator”. Released in 2005, Martin Scorsese’s movie captured the life of aviator Howard Hughes who suffered from OCD. With the most ambitious film of his career, Scorsese showcased his strength for telling true stories of real-life figures. Assisted by a fantastic Leonardo DiCaprio, Scorsese honours a real-life aviator that achieved fame years ago. As precious as planes Howard Hughes loves to fly in the air, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about which audiences commonly care.

7. Black Swan

The creative process often causes ballet dancers to face stress. Ballet has built a reputation for being a stressful profession in which artists often experience tension. The stressful nature of the creative process affecting ballet dancers is beautifully depicted in the movie “Black Swan”. Released in 2010, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured ballet dancers facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Black Swan” stand out is its depiction of ballet. Aronofsky uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a ballet dancer is facing. Assisted by Natalie Portman who is superb in the lead role, Aronofsky captured the ballet profession. As memorable as ballet dances performed by Nina, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which attract audiences towards Cinema.

8. 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 seemingly fade.

9. 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 movies which deserve to be talked about without a single undeniable doubt.

10. Uncut Gems

Few films ever made about anxiety that stems are as beloved as “Uncut Gems”. Since its release in 2019, the Safdie Brothers’ movie has become a crime classic. The Safdie Brothers used handheld camerawork to capture the stressful life of a diamond dealer. Assisted by Adam Sandler who is amazing in the lead role, the Brothers created a powerful portrait of diamond dealers. Although I’ve always appreciated the movie, its depiction of anxiety isn’t true to reality. The film’s depiction of a dealer under stress isn’t entirely realistic. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Howard’s desire to sell jewelry, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing commemorated movies about anxiety causing people to experience adversity which I will forever treasure for motivating me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.