26 Films Exploring Mental Health
26 titles
- 1
SybilMovie · 2007 · 89m · Drama, TV MovieThis is the story of a young woman whose difficult childhood leads to the development of multiple personalities. It's a true story.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 2
Mr. JonesMovie · 1993 · 114m · Drama, RomanceDr. Mark Sloan is an unusual doctor: he's also a detective who solves murders in his town. His medical background gives him a unique way of looking at crimes, helping him solve difficult cases that others can't. Sloan's friendly nature and quirky personality make the show feel warm, but it also explores serious issues like murder and lies. As he investigates these deaths, Sloan faces his own personal struggles and a confusing web of secrets and alliances. The series is a gripping drama that shows both the good and bad sides of people, and how empathy can reveal the truth.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.7 - 3
Touched with FireMovie · 2016 · 102m · Romance, DramaTwo young poets struggling with bipolar disorder develop a deeply intense and unstable relationship that puts their lives at risk.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.0 - 4
On the EdgeMovie · 2001 · 85m · Drama, RomanceA young man contemplating suicide is admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Dublin, where he forms close bonds with others who profoundly impact his path forward.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 5
A Summer in the CageMovie · 2007 · 82m"A Summer in the Cage" is filmmaker Ben Selkow's documentary about his friend Sam's struggle with bipolar disorder. The film follows Sam for seven years as he experiences manic episodes, severe depression, and grapples with the impact of his father's suicide when Sam was young. By showing the emotional toll of bipolar disorder on Sam, his family, friends, and the filmmaker himself, "A Summer in the Cage" aims to personalize an illness affecting many American families. As this intense story progresses toward a critical moment, it also explores themes of friendship and the responsibilities of documentary filmmaking.IMDb 7.3TMDB 5.0 - 6
ChristineMovie · 2016 · 123m · DramaIn 1974, television reporter Christine Chubbuck battles depression and career dissatisfaction while striving for advancement in her profession.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 7
Of Two MindsMovie · 2012 · 86mThe film explores the complex bond between Billie and her younger sister, Elizabeth Baby, who lives with schizophrenia. Following their mother’s death, Billie takes Baby into her home with her husband, teenage son, and young daughter. Initially, the family tries to make the new arrangement work. But after a troubling event involving her son and Baby, Billie realizes her family isn't able to provide the support Baby needs. She is then faced with a painful choice about what’s best for both her sister and her family.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.6 - 8
Wristcutters: A Love StoryMovie · 2007 · 88m · Comedy, Drama, FantasyHeartbroken after a breakup, Zia attempts suicide but finds himself in a bleak afterlife that eerily resembles his life. He learns his ex-girlfriend has also died and embarks on a road trip to locate her.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 9
The Ghost and the WhaleMovie · 2014 · 105mAfter his wife's death at sea, Joseph descends into a state of disorientation. Her brothers are consumed by a desire for revenge. Joseph desperately tries to explain that a whale killed Annabel Lee, but his own memories are unreliable. The story becomes an exploration of his fractured mind, a strange encounter with a whale, and confrontations with vengeful family members.IMDb 4.4TMDB 4.7 - 10
The Breaking IceMovie · 2023 · 100m · DramaIn the cold, wintry city of Yanji, on China's northern border, Haofeng, a young man from Shanghai, feels lost. He meets Nana, a captivating tour guide, and is drawn to her. Through her, he connects with Xiao, a friendly restaurant worker struggling with frustration. The three form a close bond during a weekend of revelry. As they confront their personal struggles, their emotional barriers begin to break down, and they seek freedom from a bleak existence.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 11
Waking MadisonMovie · 2011 · 89mA woman with multiple personalities struggles to reconstruct her past.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.5 - 12
It's Kind of a Funny StoryMovie · 2010 · 102m · Comedy, DramaA teenager struggling with severe depression begins a new chapter when he voluntarily admits himself to an adult psychiatric facility.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 13
The HoursMovie · 2002 · 114m · DramaThree women across different times and places seek deeper, more fulfilling lives, united by their hopes and anxieties. Their individual stories gradually connect, culminating in a surprising and deeply moving shared experience of understanding.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 14
A Woman Under the InfluenceMovie · 1974 · 155m · Drama, RomanceMabel Longhetti struggles with her mental health in Los Angeles, facing increasing instability amidst the demands of marriage and motherhood. Concerned for her well-being and the safety of their children, her husband Nick arranges for her to be admitted to a six-month institution. As Nick adjusts to raising their children alone, he awaits Mabel's return, bracing himself for the difficulties ahead. This moving story explores mental health, family relationships, and the resilience needed to overcome hardship.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 15
All She Ever WantedMovie · 1996 · 91mRachel and Tom Stockman appear to have it all – except a child. Rachel struggles with a rare condition that could lead to severe birth defects. Facing difficult choices, Tom and Rachel must accept the possibility of remaining childless. But Rachel is determined to have a baby, willing to risk everything to get pregnant: her marriage, her well-being, even her mental health. Will she defy medical expectations? Can she overcome her inner struggles? Or will her pursuit come at a devastating cost?IMDb 6.2TMDB 4.2 - 16
The Other HalfMovie · 2016 · 103mAfter experiencing profound loss, a man finds connection with a woman who lives with bipolar disorder. They fall in love and strive to build an ordinary life together.IMDb 5.4TMDB 6.1 - 17
RepentanceMovie · 2014 · 90m · Horror, ThrillerThomas Carter, a dedicated life coach and author, is suddenly kidnapped by his disturbed client, Angel Sanchez. Angel uses Thomas’ own teachings on karma – the idea that actions have consequences – to torment Thomas and his family, holding them responsible for past wrongdoings.IMDb 4.9TMDB 4.8 - 18
PollockMovie · 2000 · 132m · Drama, HistoryIn August 1949, Life Magazine asked the question, "Jackson Pollock: Is he the greatest living painter in the United States?" This film explores the life of an exceptional man, often described as "an artist dedicated to concealment, a celebrity nobody knew." Battling self-doubt and a conflict between his desire for expression and his need for isolation, Pollock entered a period of decline.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 19
Girl, InterruptedMovie · 1999 · 127m · DramaSet in the late 1960s, this film is based on the true story of Susanna Kaysen. After a brief meeting with a psychiatrist, she's committed to a mental institution, disrupting her life. What starts as a short stay becomes a struggle to escape the institution’s strange world.
Inside, Susanna meets a variety of people who challenge her ideas about what's normal. As she deals with her emotional struggles, she questions her own identity and the nature of reality.
Susanna discovers that leaving the institution is difficult, if not impossible. She must choose between the safety of the institution and the uncertainty of life outside, in a world that feels just as confusing.
This drama explores the complicated relationship between mental health, societal expectations, and personal freedom during a time of great change. It asks viewers to consider their own definitions of sanity and madness while connecting with Susanna's fight to find her place in an often illogical and harsh world.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.6 - 20
A Dangerous MethodMovie · 2011 · 99m · DramaDriven by the allure of a complex case, Dr. Carl Jung takes on Sabina Spielrein as his patient. Spielrein is emotionally unstable but captivatingly beautiful. Jung employs the techniques of his mentor, Sigmund Freud, and both men become deeply affected by her.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 21
SylviaMovie · 2003 · 109m · Drama, RomanceThis is a story about the complex relationship between the poets Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.7 - 22
Falling DownMovie · 1993 · 113m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerThis film follows an ordinary man who becomes increasingly disturbed by the flaws he sees in everyday life. He starts to lose his grip on reality and descends into a violent obsession, seeking to punish those he deems responsible.
The movie explores the protagonist's inner turmoil as he struggles with feelings of helplessness and rage. It’s a tense and thoughtful story about how disillusionment can lead to destructive actions fueled by intense emotion. The film examines themes of personal responsibility, societal expectations, and the complexities of human nature, prompting viewers to consider their own perspectives on the world.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 23
Side EffectsMovie · 2013 · 106m · Thriller, Crime, DramaAs her husband's release from prison looms, a woman increasingly relies on prescription medication to manage her overwhelming anxiety.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6 - 24
Jacob's LadderMovie · 1990 · 113m · Drama, Mystery, HorrorFollowing the Vietnam War, Jacob Singer struggles with the lasting effects of his trauma. He's plagued by disturbing hallucinations and flashbacks that blur the line between reality and illusion. As his grip on reality weakens, he seeks comfort from his girlfriend Jezzie and ex-wife Sarah, but their support isn't enough to ease his inner turmoil. Even his close friend and chiropractor, Louis, finds it difficult to help as Singer's mental state deteriorates rapidly. This film powerfully examines the emotional toll of war on a man's mind, exploring themes of mental trauma, memory, and the strength of love in the face of chaos.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 25
Mad LoveMovie · 1995 · 95m · Drama, RomanceMatt and Casey, two high school students, experience a passionate relationship while dealing with mental health challenges. Matt is drawn to Casey's free spirit, but as they grow closer, he witnesses a troubling side to her, culminating in a suicide attempt.
Following her parents' decision to place Casey in a mental institution, Matt breaks her out and they go on a road trip together, hoping their love can fix everything. As they travel, Matt begins to doubt if their relationship is truly helping Casey or making things worse.
The film examines mental health, first love, and the difficulties in understanding each other, highlighting the limitations of romantic love and the need for professional support for those with mental illness.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.2 - 26
ManicMovie · 2001 · 102m · DramaLyle, a troubled teenager with a history of violence, is sent to a juvenile mental institution instead of prison. There, he meets a diverse group of other difficult teens – many have experienced abuse, struggle with their identity, and exhibit violent tendencies. Bound together by shared hardship and defiance, this unlikely group becomes Lyle's support system as he tries to make sense of a confusing world.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9
