Mental Illness can be hard to talk about, not only for the person suffering from it but for their family and friends too. For those who haven’t experienced a mental disability, it can be hard to wrap your brain around.
Thankfully the awareness on such a taboo topic is growing in conversations among communities around the world thanks to writers, the media, advocates, and even the Royals are getting involved! Then there’s the influential medium of the movies!
It’s these movies that give a voice to those who can’t speak and to not be seen as a crazy helpless victim but a person that simply operates differently. A little support and understanding from the people around them can make a huge difference.
Let’s continue to celebrate and shine more light on Mental Health awareness with these…
12 Mental Illness Movies From The 2000s That Are Worth Watching!
#1. A Beautiful Mind (2001)- Schizophrenia
What: A Beautiful Mind is the story of John Nash (Russel Crowe) a noble prize winner and mathematical genius who battles with schizophrenia.
Why: Russel Crowe and Jennifer Connoly give powerful performances in this emotional roller coaster ride and insight into the world of what it’s like living with schizophrenia all while he’s kicking some major timetables ass! This is some inspiring shit!
Rating: 9/10
#2. Shutter Island (2010) -Manic Depression, suicide, Insanity, PTSD
What: An epic psychological thriller drama set in 1954 where Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner (Mark Ruffalo) investigate the criminally insane on the remote “Shutter Island”.
Why: This movie explores trauma, suicide, insanity, PTSD, guilt and manic-depressive behavior where the patients are not only trapped on an island but in there own minds. A vivid, emotional and symbolic piece of film that captures what it would be like to deal with such pain in the 1950s. The collaboration Between Leonardo Di Caprio and director Martin Scorses is always a right old treat. This movie is BOSS!
Rating: 9/10
#3. Black Swan (2010) OCD, Paronia, anorexia, Dissociative Identity Disorder
What: In this phycological thriller Natalie Portman plays Nina a fragile ballerina whose obsession with dance takes over her when her role as the black swan is threatened by a newcomer. (Mila Kunis).
Why: Have you ever wanted something so badly you’ll do whatever it takes to get it? Well, this film explores just that but at a personal sacrifice that is horrifying to watch. There’s a reason why Natalie Portman won the best actress for this dark and intense masterpiece.
Rating: 9/10
#4. Melancholia (2011) – Severe Depression
What: A drama fantasy starring Kristian Dunst who plays Justine a depressed woman about to get married while “Melancholia” a blue planet approaches planet earth.
Why: This stunning film captures the feeling of what it’s like to be severely depressed in a metaphorical and artistic way that is pleasing to the eye. I have a feeling its a film people will either love or hate but because it captures the feeling of being depressed in a raw and real way that’s not cheesy and obvious, we give it a …
Rating: 9/10
#5. Lars And The Real Girl (2007) Antisocial behavior, depression, delusion
What: Ryan Gosling stars as Lars, an introverted shy character who struggles to socialize in society and find love. Until he buys a life-size sex doll which he believes is his new girlfriend.
Why: This is a light-hearted, quirky and charming film. At times it may seem a little exaggerated but it’s enjoyable to watch and it gets the point across of how important the support of family and the community is when someone is recovering from a mental illness. Ryan Gosling gives an endearing performance that should keep you intrigued until the end.
Rating: 7.5/10
#6. Frankie and Alice (2010) Dissociate Identity Disorder
What: Halle Berry plays Frankie, a true story about a go-go dancer from the 1970s who finds out she has a dissociate Identity Disorder.
Why: Watch this film not only to gain an insight into this interesting mental illness but watch it to see Halle Berry’s fierce acting chops as she plays three characters including a 7-year-old girl.
Rating: 6.5/10
#7. Manchester By The Sea (2016) emotional trauma, grief depression
What: Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) reluctantly returns back to his hometown “Manchester by the sea” to be the sole guardian of his nephew after his brother dies.
Why: The tempo of this film doesn’t change much and can leave you with a somber feeling that lingers long after you’ve seen it. However, its also a raw reflection on such emotional trauma and grief and life doesn’t always have a happy ending. Overall a very engaging and emotional ride that will ground you in your seat with outstanding performances by Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams.
Rating: 8.5/10
#8. We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011) Anti social-personality disorder
What: A psychological thriller about a mother (Tilda Swinton) who finds it hard to connect with her disturbed and demanding son (Ezra Miller) and ultimately has to come to terms with his sinister ways.
Why: This is a tough movie to address as it deals with a mind that commits mass murder. How can one forgive such an act? And what makes a mind grow into such a complex and dark way of thinking are questions that could spring to mind. The mother’s guilt and love (or lack of) over her son are major themes that are explored, along with how the media and entertainment can influence our youth. And no doubt this movie could spark some conversations about the good old gun laws.
Rating: 8/10
#9. Touched With Fire (2015) Bipolar
What: Two manic depressive poets ( Katie Holmes and Luke Kirby) collide at a psychiatric hospital and begin an unhealthy romance.
Why: Being an artist can be a crazy ride on its own, but when you add in two manic depressants that fall in love you gain an insight into a world full of fiery highs and lows and rebellious childlike behavior that can reflect some truths of what it’s like having this mental illness.
Rating: 7/10
#10. The Machinist (2004) – Insomnia
What: A phycological thriller about a machine operator who suffers from extreme insomnia.
Why: Christian Bale takes method acting to new heights as he allegedly dropped 60 pounds to play Trevor Reznik a machine operator who’s past guilt leads him into a prolonged state of insomnia that comes with serious consequences. I don’t know about you, but I struggle to operate anything after missing one night’s sleep, so imagine losing sleep over a whole year! If anything this film will definitely not make you feel guilty about sleeping in!
Rating: 8.5/10
#11. Christine (2016) Suicide
What: A 1970’s news reporter Christine Chubbuck (Rebecca Hall) struggles with depression while trying to get ahead in her career.
Why: This is the true story of Christine Chubbuck who’s depression took over her in a very unexpected and shocking way that was admittingly unsettling and depressing to watch. This film captured a subtle, raw and relatable perspective of what depression can look like. It goes to show depression and suicide can be unpredictable and discriminates against no one.
Rating: 7/10
#12. To The Bone (2017) Eating Disorders
What: After various recovery treatments, Ellen a 20-year-old girl (Lily Collins) who has anorexia agrees to go to a group home for youth where she begins a challenging journey for her recovery.
Why: Lily Collins follows Christain Bales lead in losing a dramatic amount of weight to portray the realistic and ugly truth of eating disorders. What I liked about this film is that it didn’t glamorize this widespread disorder, especially in a world that seems like being stick thin is beautiful. Instead, it showcased the serious health consequences that aren’t pretty. Plus this movie has an unconventional doctor that isn’t stereotypical or patronizing, and he’s played by Keanu Reeves!
Rating: 8.5/10
What are your favorite mental illness movies from the 2000s? Share them below!
Emmy is the founder and content writer at woopdedo. With a background in the performing arts, she then had a career working on cruise ships, until she decided to return to NZ where she spends most of her time storytelling and freelance writing. You can contact her on the social media links below or visit the work with us page.
