Movies That Feature Characters Battling Mental Illness

1 / 10

Aviator

Leonardo DiCaprio portrays "Howard Hughes," the eccentric billionaire filmmaker and aviation pioneer who battled obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) throughout his life, in this biographical drama. The film offers a glimpse into the challenges and complexities of living with a chronic mental illness while showcasing "Howard"s' remarkable achievements.

2 / 10

'Girl, Interrupted'

'Girl, Interrupted,' based on Susanna Kaysen's memoir, offers a unique and often unsettling glimpse into life within a psychiatric institution in the 1960s. While the film raises valuable questions about mental health diagnosis, treatment, and societal perceptions, it's important to approach its portrayal of mental illness with a critical eye.

3 / 10

'Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind'

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star in this sci-fi romance that explores the nature of love and memory through the story of a couple who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their minds after a tumultuous relationship. The film raises questions about identity and self-perception while delving into the psychological consequences of heartbreak.

4 / 10

'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'

Based on Ken Kesey's novel, the movie is a complex and controversial film that grapples with the portrayal of mental illness in institutions. While it undeniably raises awareness about the often harsh realities of psychiatric care in the mid-20th century, the film's depiction of mental illness has sparked ongoing debate.

5 / 10

The Most Controversial Films Of All Time

'Black Swan'

Natalie Portman delivers a tour-de-force performance as "Nina Sayers," a ballerina consumed by her desire to land the lead role in a prestigious production of 'Swan Lake', in this psychological thriller. The film's exploration of Nina's descent into psychosis is both unsettling and captivating, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and perfectionism.

6 / 10

'Silver Linings Playbook'

This bittersweet comedy-drama follows "Pat Solitano Jr.", a man with bipolar disorder, as he tries to rebuild his life after spending time in a psychiatric facility. Jennifer Lawrence co-stars as "Tiffany Maxwell," a young widow struggling with depression. Their unlikely friendship offers a hopeful and humorous look at living with mental illness.

7 / 10

'Manchester by the Sea'

Casey Affleck won an Oscar for his raw and nuanced portrayal of "Lee Chandler," a haunted handyman burdened by grief and trauma in this emotional drama. The film delves into the lasting impact of loss and the challenges of living with depression, prompting viewers to consider the complexities of mental illness.

8 / 10

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'What's Eating Gilbert Grape'

Johnny Depp stars as "Gilbert Grape," a young man responsible for caring for his morbidly obese mother and keeping his family afloat in this coming-of-age drama. As he juggles these responsibilities with his own dreams and desires, the film paints a poignant picture of depression and anxiety, while also celebrating the bonds of family and community.

9 / 10

'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'

Logan Lerman delivers a moving performance as "Charlie," a shy freshman with undiagnosed depression, in this coming-of-age story. His connection with two seniors who embrace him for who he is provides a relatable portrayal of teenage mental health struggles.

10 / 10

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'Her'

Joaquin Phoenix stars as "Theodore Twombly," a lonely writer who develops a relationship with an intelligent voice operating system named "Samantha," voiced by Scarlett Johansson. While not explicitly diagnosed with any specific mental illness, he exhibits signs of depression, loneliness, and social anxiety. He struggles to connect with other people and finds solace in creating heartfelt letters for others but lacking the courage to express his own emotions.

Mental illnesses have been portrayed in films for many decades, with varying degrees of accuracy and sensitivity. While some films have faced criticism for perpetuating harmful stereotypes, others have offered nuanced and powerful portrayals of the challenges and experiences of individuals living with mental illness.

Movies That Portray Mental Illnesses

Films exploring mental illness can be powerful tools for understanding and empathizing with the complexities of these conditions. Here's a list of 10 films that sensitively and authentically portray characters battling mental illness.