My Favourite Films about Health

Not many genres have earned the appreciation of mental health. Since the 1970’s, stories of mental health have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s janitors, ordinary people or Schizophrenic teachers, 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 mental illness that deserve to be celebrated.

1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Mental institutions have shaped my personality. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing emotional damage. I recall visiting a mental institution that gave me valuable tips on overcoming my disorder. A hopeless location, the institution housed patients with mental conditions. It was fascinating observing ways the institution functioned taking care of patients with mental illness experiencing a price to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured mental disorders affecting people’s abilities to rest as powerfully as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Ever since its release in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about health. Forman has always had an aptitude for capturing lives of individuals with mental disorders, and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which McMurphy is given an electric shock after refusing to obey orders of his mental institution causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a psychotic patient of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” my favourite mental health film of all-time is its message. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. It delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about rebellious men breaking rules of a mental institution without rest, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about the value of mental health which have stood the test of time as the best.

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. 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.

3. Good Will Hunting

Therapists are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a therapist that delivered an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a psychologist offering therapy. As someone treasuring memories of a therapist I found inspiring, I admired “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie depicted therapists guiding lives of adolescents in the right direction. Gus Van Sant effectively uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the strong bonds between a therapist and adolescent.  For instance, the scene where Will breaks down crying discussing his trauma with his therapist is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Robin Williams, who portrayed a therapist seeking to assist adolescents. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about therapists, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about therapists which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making captivating movies about mental health which are worth absolutely celebrating.

4. 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, my housekeeper experienced murder. Her devastating death left my family mourning. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t move on from the tragic death of a housekeeper that died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how death can impact the mental health of ordinary people are powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie captured the impact of loss on the mental health of a dysfunctional family. Redford effectively uses flashbacks to capture a family haunted by a past 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 tragic loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” a masterpiece is its message. It delivers a profound message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of loss causing the mental health of families to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies audiences commonly appreciate.

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

6. Silver Linings Playbook

Bipolar is a devastating disease that impacted my aunt’s identity. Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. 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 impact of Bipolar on a dysfunctional family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Russell uses captivating montages capturing hardships a man with Bipolar is facing. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is remarkable in the lead role, Russell created a compelling portrait of Bipolar disorder. A powerful portrait of mental illness, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies raising awareness for disorders causing immense sadness.

7. The Father

Dementia is a devastating disease that affected my grandma. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that suffered from Dementia. As someone that witnessed impact of memory loss on my grandmother, I adored “The Father”. Released in 2020, Florian Zeller’s movie offered an authentic depiction of Dementia. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Father” stand out is its depiction of seniors. Zeller uses captivating unreliable narration to capture a senior with memory loss facing disorientation. Assisted by Anthony Hopkins who is amazing in the lead role, Zeller created a portrait of memory loss that’s true to reality. A powerful portrait of memory loss causing lives of seniors to crumble, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre making meaningful movies that audiences consider extremely special.

8. Birdman

Mental disorders impact the lives of Broadway performers today. Stage performers under intense pressure often are at risk of facing insanity causing damage. The negative impact of insanity on Broadway performers without a plan is beautifully depicted in the movie “Birdman”. Released in 2014, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s movie captured the lives of psychotic Broadway performers driven to insanity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Birdman” stand out is its depiction of theatre actors. Inarritu uses captivating unreliable narration capturing the hardships that a downtrodden Broadway actor is facing. A powerful portrait of disorders affecting Broadway performers today, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured thought-provoking movies which deserve to be appreciated absolutely today.

9. 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.

10. American Beauty

Few movies ever made about the mental health of beautiful American families are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Since its release in 1999, Sam Mendes’ movie has become a classic. Mendes used captivating voice-over narration to capture fathers with depression. Assisted by Kevin Spacey who is spectacular in the lead role, Mendes created a captivating masterpiece. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. Sexual assault allegations levelled against Kevin Spacey have forever tarnished the film’s legacy. Nevertheless, it’s still a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Lester Burnham’s desire to find beauty, it’s a beautiful reminder of a genre that has made great movies about people facing mental health adversity which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I value highly.