10 Best Movies About Depression
Depression is a mental illness that affects millions of people, impacting an estimated 300 million people, causing feelings of isolation, sadness, and lack of motivation.
The presence of movies about depression, among other art forms, gives insights that cultivate understanding, empathy, and humanization for those who struggle with this condition. If you're looking for a movie that depicts the lives of individuals with depression, you might be confused about which one to watch.
Among the many movies that explore this theme, Showpoiler has compiled a list of notable movies that deal with depression, check out the list below!
1. Little Miss Sunshine
In this movie, a family sets out on a cross-country journey to escort their youngest member, Olive, to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Along the way, each member of the family faces their own internal struggles and conflicts, including issues of depression, a sense of failure, and issues about identity.
While the movie delves into the themes of depression and other mental challenges, it beautifully illustrates how a family can come together and support each other in the face of adversity. Ultimately, this family finds solace and joy in the diversity and challenges of their lives.
2. Silver Linings Playbook
Featuring several famous actors, including Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro, "Silver Linings Playbook" centers on the main character, Pat Solitano. Played by Bradley Cooper, Pat is a man grappling with bipolar disorder, who is trying to rebuild his life after undergoing treatment in a mental hospital.
Pat meets Tiffany, who is also facing mental health challenges. Their connection leads to a unique relationship, and they share moments that help them conquer their respective struggles.
The film invites audiences to see how one strives to find the silver lining in seemingly bad situations, while emphasizing the important role of social support in the mental recovery process.
3. American Beauty
Lester Burnham was going through a mid-life crisis, job burnout and an unhappy marriage. A deep sense of hopelessness drives him to resort to various means in the pursuit of personal happiness.
Lester's idea of "happiness" revolves around getting a dream car and getting into a relationship with a teenage girl, who happens to be his own daughter's best friend. After meeting her, Lester starts a journey to regain control of his own life. However, does this newfound pursuit mean he is ready to leave his family behind?
According to IMDb, the movie won Best Picture and four other Oscar awards. While it focuses on Lester's psychological issues, American Beauty also explores the complexities of other characters' psychological issues, thus enriching the storyline.
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Based on the novel of the same name, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" tells the story of Charlie, a lonely and desperate teenager who grapples with self-discovery during his high school years.
Charlie's journey unfolds as he faces the challenges of his first year in high school while grappling with the haunting scars of his past. Through his friendships with Patrick and Sam, he discovers deep lessons about love, friendship, and self-identity.
The movie serves as a reminder that depression knows no age limit, affecting individuals of all ages, including teenagers. Starring Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, and Logan Lerman, the movie underscores the idea that authentic friendships have the power to provide solace and help to escape the grip of depression.
5. The Virgin Suicides
Teenage years are often pictured as a time full of joy and fun. However, that was not the fate of five sisters from Lisbon. Living in Michigan in the 1970s, these five shining young women were burdened by the deep sadness of their overprotective and strict parents.
Instead of experiencing typical youthful activities such as socializing and debauchery, the Lisbon sisters were destined to live a life of isolation within their home, following the strict orders of their devout Catholic parents.
The restrictive atmosphere created by Lisbon's parents served as a confining "prison", triggering mental health challenges for all five daughters. Even the youngest, Cecilia, repeatedly attempted self-harm, demonstrating the profound impact of their confined existence.
6. World's Greatest Dad
Lance Clayton (Robin Williams) is an isolated and melancholic poetry teacher whose mental state worsens as he grapples with a secret relationship with a woman who won't acknowledge their relationship. In addition to his personal struggles, Lance is also faced with the challenges of his son, Kyle, who struggles with pornography addiction.
One night, Lance found Kyle dead by suicide. Overcome with grief, Lance starts down a strange path, fabricating a fake story around his son's death and posting it online. Surprisingly, this fabricated story became famous, elevating Lance to an unlikely hero in the public eye. What kind of narrative did he actually create?
World's Greatest Dad is actually a dark comedy. It underscores the protagonist's quest for love and recognition, with the late Robin Williams providing a compelling portrayal of Lance with great authenticity.
7. Manchester by the Sea
Manchester by the Sea explores the life of Lee Chandler, a man haunted by deep sadness and regret after separating from his ex-wife and tragically losing his three children in a house fire.
After a long period of solitude, Lee's world is turned upside down by the unexpected death of his brother, which leads him to take on the role of guardian for his brother's son, Joe. Can Lee fulfill his duties as Joe's uncle while grappling with the haunting memories of his past?
The movie offers a moving exploration of the grieving process, the weight of loss, and the relentless struggle to find meaning in the midst of seemingly infinite suffering.The overwhelming problems make the main character in the movie, Lee Chandler, gradually depressed.
8. Joker
Who doesn't know this iconic Batman antagonist? Although many actors have portrayed the Joker, Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal stands out.
The Joker, one of Batman's famous psychopathic enemies, is the main focus of this Todd Phillips-directed film. Here, we explore the Joker's underlying factors that led to his mental breakdown.
Arthur Fleck, a clown by profession, lives with his mother in Gotham City. Arthur struggles with a neurological condition that causes uncontrollable laughter, often at inopportune moments.
Arthur's condition led to him being bullied and belittled at work. His initial mental challenges led to a deepening depression and growing insanity. Gradually but inevitably, this turned the man into the 'monster' known as the Joker.
9. Prozac Nation
Prozac Nation is an adaptation of Elizabeth Wurtzel's memoir, which tells of her relentless battle with depression. Elizabeth, known as "Lizzie" Wurtzel, struggled with depression during her college years.
Her depression was triggered by her parents' divorce, especially her deep longing for her father, whom she hadn't seen for four years. This depression led Lizzie into a cycle of sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, and even suicide attempts.
The movie vividly depicts the effects of the antidepressant drug Prozac, which if taken consistently can lead to addiction. The movie gives a glimpse into the life of a person entangled in the vicious cycle of depression and their relentless efforts to heal from mental illness.
10. Girl, Interrupted
Girl, Interrupted follows the real-life journey of author Susanna Kaysen, who spent 18 months in a psychiatric hospital. Battling depression and a personality disorder, Susanna's interactions with fellow patients profoundly shaped her life.
Kaysen recounts her experiences inside the asylum, where she gained valuable insights by observing others grappling with their own mental health issues. She also witnessed the tragic loss of a friend to suicide.
These movies present an opportunity for us to take a closer look and gain a deeper understanding of depression and other mental health challenges. Indirectly, these works encourage audiences to reflect and gain a better understanding of the harsh realities of depression, as well as the importance of empathy and support in the recovery journey of individuals with mental health disorders.