Mental health has been a prominent topic in media in recent years.Accurate representation of mental health issuesin movies and TV shows has become increasingly important, not just to create awareness but also to provide a platform for people to understand and relate to these issues. From indie to mainstream, several movies have successfully highlighted mental health and its challenges, depicting stories that have resonated with audiences worldwide.
From the poignant portrayal of mental illness in indie films to the mainstream shows that have broken barriers, we will take a closer look at these films and how they have helped to raise awareness about mental health issues. So, let’s dive in and explore some of the most remarkable movies and TV shows that have brought mental health to the forefront of pop culture.
16Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Silver Linings Playbookis a romantic-comedy-drama that tells the story of Pat Solitano, a former teacher who is released from a mental institution and moves back in with his parents. He meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl who is also dealing with mental health issues. Together they try to help each other cope with their problems and find a way to move forward.
The movie does an excellent job of depicting the struggles of individuals with mental health issues and how their families attempt to help them. It also explores the stigma surrounding mental health issues and how it affects those who suffer from them. The performances of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence are outstanding, and thechemistry between them is palpable.
Silver Linings Playbookhad a significant impact on audiences, as it raised awareness about mental health issues and how they can affect anyone. It also showed that with the right support and treatment, people with mental health issues can lead fulfilling lives.
Related:Here is Why Silver Linings Playbook is Not a Love Story
15It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
It’s Kind of a Funny Storyis a coming-of-age comedy-drama that tells the story of Craig, a teenager who is struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. He checks himself into a psychiatric ward, where he meets a variety of other patients who are also dealing with mental health issues.
The movie does an excellent job ofportraying the inner strugglesof individuals with mental health issues, as well as how the people around them can help or hinder their recovery. It also explores the importance of seeking help when dealing with mental health issues and shows that recovery is possible.
It’s Kind of a Funny Storyhad a significant impact on audiences, as it helped break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encouraged people to seek help when needed. The performances of Keir Gilchrist and Zach Galifianakis are outstanding, and the movie’s message is both uplifting and inspiring.
14Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006)
Wristcutters: A Love Storyis a dark comedy that tells the story of Zia, a man who has committed suicide and now finds himself in purgatory for people who have taken their own lives. He meets a variety of other people who are also dealing with mental health issues and together they embark on a journey to find love and redemption.
The movie does an excellent job of exploring the inner lives of individuals with mental health issues, as well as the unique challenges they face when dealing with suicide. It also explores the importance of finding hope and meaning in life, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
Wristcutters: A Love Storyhad a significant impact on audiences, as it showed that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope for redemption and love. The performances of Patrick Fugit and Shannyn Sossamon are outstanding, and the movie’s message is thought-provoking.
13Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Perks of Being a Wallfloweris a coming-of-age drama that revolves around an introverted teenage boy named Charlie. The movie showcases Charlie’s struggles to cope with his past and his present, as he tries to make friends and navigate high school.
The movie offers a poignant portrayal of mental health issues, as it explores themes of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It shows how trauma can affect an individual’s mental health and lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Perks of Being a Wallflowerhasreceived widespread critical acclaimfor its honest portrayal of mental health issues. The movie has resonated with audiences, especially teenagers, who relate to the characters' struggles and find solace in the movie’s message of hope and healing.
12Black Swan (2010)
Black Swanis a psychological thriller that delves into the psyche of a ballerina named Nina. The movie follows Nina as she prepares for the lead role in “Swan Lake” and becomes increasingly obsessed with perfection.
The movie offers achilling portrayal of mental health issues, as it explores themes of obsession, delusion, and self-harm. It shows how the pressure to achieve perfection can take a toll on an individual’s mental health and lead to a breakdown.
Black Swanhas been lauded for its intense and gripping portrayal of mental health issues. The movie has sparked discussions about the pressures of the entertainment industry and the impact it can have on an individual’s mental health.
Related:Best Psychological Thriller Movies of the 2010s
11A Beautiful Mind (2001)
A Beautiful Mindis a biographical drama that tells the story of John Nash, a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician whostruggles with schizophrenia. The movie follows Nash as he tries to balance his personal life and his work, while dealing with the challenges of his mental illness.
The movie offers a nuanced portrayal of mental health issues, as it explores themes of delusion, paranoia, and social stigma. It shows how mental illness can affect an individual’s personal and professional life, and how treatment and support can make a difference.
A Beautiful Mindhas been praised for its honest and empathetic portrayal of mental health issues. The movie has raised awareness about schizophrenia and sparked discussions about the importance of destigmatizing mental illness.
10One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nestfollows Randle McMurphy, a criminal who is admitted to a psychiatric hospital, where he clashes with the strict rules enforced by the head nurse, Mildred Ratched.
This movie sheds light on the struggles that patients face in mental health institutions, the power dynamics between patients and staff, and the importance of individual freedom and autonomy in mental health treatment. The movie explores the themes of power, control, and rebellion, and the depiction of mental health issues is considered one of themost accurate in cinematic history.
The film’s portrayal of mental illness and its impact on society was groundbreaking, leading to a significant shift in public perception of mental health. The movie won five Oscars and has remained a cultural touchstone ever since.
9Joker (2019)
Jokeris a gritty character study that explores the origin story of the infamous Batman villain. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an outstanding performance as Arthur Fleck, a man struggling with mental illness and poverty in Gotham City. The movie is set in the early 1980s and follows Fleck, a failed comedian who turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City. The film has been praised for its dark and gritty portrayal of mental health issues, particularly its depiction of Arthur’s descent into madness and the societal factors that contribute to it.
Phoenix’s portrayal of the titular character has also been widely lauded, earning him numerous awards and nominations, including an Oscar for Best Actor. TheJokerhas sparked important conversations about mental health, society’s treatment of those who suffer from mental illness, and the impact of media on public perception.
Related:Joker: The Importance of Arthur’s Laugh
8Melancholia (2011)
Melancholiatells the story of two sisters, Justine and Claire, as they navigate their relationships and lives while dealing with the impending collision of Earth and a rogue planet named Melancholia.The film explores themes of depression, anxiety, and mental illness through Justine’s character, who struggles to find meaning and purpose in life.
Melancholiaportrays the impact of mental illness on individuals and their loved ones realistically. The movie has been lauded for its unique take on mental health in cinema and its ability to bring attention to the issue in a thought-provoking way.
7Generation Wealth (2018)
Generation Wealthexplores the waysin which wealth and materialism have come to dominate American culture and the impact this has on our mental health. The film is a follow-up to Lauren Greenfield’sThe Queen of Versailles.
The film shows how the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. It also explores how our obsession with social media and celebrity culture can contribute to these issues.
The film has been praised for its thought-provoking exploration of theimpact of wealth and consumerismon our mental health, and has encouraged viewers to question their own values and priorities.
