13 Best Movies About Mental Health. Picked by a Clinical Psychologist.
Hello!
I often get asked what books, or films I’d recommend, so today here are 13 of my favourite depictions of mental health and the human condition in film.
Happy watching and let me know… what film you would add?
1. Silver Linings Playbook
If you’re only going to watch one movie on this list, make it this one!
It’s a beautifully messy portrayal of mental health and relationships.
2. Into The Wild
A heartbreaking portrayal of relational trauma and the search for individuation. One of my absolute favourites.
3. Donnie Darko
Is it science fiction or the experience of a young person losing contact with reality? You tell me.
4. Whiplash
A ferocious portrayal of perfectionism, ambition and psychologically abusive leadership.
5. Punch-Drunk Love
Absolutely brilliant and you get to watch Adam Sandler in a serious role, struggling with life and relationships. Well worth a watch.
6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
If you could remove the memories of a painful relationship, would you really want to?
An amazing portrayal of love and loss.
7. Good Will Hunting
A great film and it makes this list for how well it shows developmental trauma, and the therapeutic process.
8. The Fountain
A dreamlike exploration of grief and a desperate refusal to accept death.
9. Once
A musical about loneliness, heartbreak and chance encounters. It feels even more poignant this week following the tragic death of Glen Hansard. His music has always held a special place in my heart, and I would wholeheartedly recommend any and all of it to you.
And a few to watch with the kids…
10 & 11 Inside Out and Inside Out 2
Perhaps the best introductions to emotional life ever made for children.
Both are absolutely brilliant and well worth watching with your little ones.
12. Brave
It makes this list, if you watch Brave as a metaphor for losing someone you love to psychosis.
13. Over the Moon
A wonderful children’s film about grief, and adjusting to change. I didn’t expect it to be just so good!
Dr Matt Slavin
Clinical Psychologist
