If you or someone close to you suffers from a mental illness like depression, you’ll know that it can be a lonely, frustrating, challenging and sometimes helpless and numbing state to be in.
Thankfully there is a worldwide rise of mental health awareness on a past taboo subject that is now something that no one needs to be ashamed of.
There is a huge range of movies about depression that address mental health. Although it’s a serious topic, some of the movies below capture mental health in a comical way that manages to not only educate, but they will also make you laugh!
Sometimes, all we can do is laugh at some of life’s conditions that seem agonizingly painful. So we’ve chosen to share 8 comical movies about depression and suicide that will make you feel you are not alone.
#1. Frank-2014
Who: Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Domhnall Gleeson.
This is a very black comedy about an aspiring songwriter played by Domhnall Gleeson who gets invited to join a dysfunctional band by the lead singer Frank. (played by Michael Fassbender!)
This unique film addresses depression and suicide in a comical yet dark way. But what makes it so unique is the character Frank who struggles with mental illness, and wears a giant fake head that he won’t take off!
Although this might seem over the top, it adds a comical element and at the same time is relatable as sometimes mental illness will want you to wear a mask to hide your true depressed state.
Watching Michael Fassbender play this quirky character was interesting and compelling to watch. Definitely worth the watch if you’re a musician struggling with mental illness, even if it does at times seem over the top.
Rating: 7/10
#2. Numb-2007 (depersonalization disorder)
Who: Matthew Perry, Lynn Collins, Kevin Pollack.
This is a romantic comedy about a screenplay writer who finds himself emotionally numb and unattached to life. Therapy doesn’t seem to work until he finds his own motivation to get better through meeting the girl of his dreams.
Although this movie isn’t the best showcase of depression, I can see how people who suffer from depersonalization can relate to what this character goes through. Any mental illness can prevent one from having a successful relationship, and this film highlights this important issue.
Rating: 6/10
#3. It’s Kind Of A Funny Story- 2010
Who: Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, Zach Galifianakis, Lauren Graham.
A teenage boy checks himself into a hospital after contemplating his own suicide. He is then put in the adult psychiatric ward where he meets Bobby who he forms a bond.
This is a comedy-drama that brings up the issues of depression and suicide in a light-hearted manner that was surprisingly easy to watch. A great pick for both teenagers and adults as we go through the journey of Craig a teenage boy dealing with issues like the pressure of school, girls and self-comparison.
These are all relevant issues, especially in today’s world where social media can have a huge effect on our youth’s mental health. Then we have the character of Bobby in his late 30s who suffers major anxiety over a job interview. Overall a great message about seeking help and finding hope.
Rating: 7/10
#4. The More You Ignore Me (2018)- Schizophrenia/Postpartum Psychosis.
Who: Mark Addy, Jo Brand, Ella Hunt.
A coming of age story about a teenage girl’s life being challenged by the effects of her Mothers mental illness. The film is set in the 1980s and is based on a book by the same title written by the English comedian and actress Jo Brand, (who also stars in the movie.)
The film is sprinkled with British humor and doesn’t go into great depth about this mental illness but instead focuses more on the effects it has on the family in a way that was comical, charming and worth the watch.
Rating: 6.5
#5. Lars And The Real Girl (2007) Antisocial behavior, depression, delusion
Who: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Kelli Garner
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.
This is a light-hearted, quirky and endearing film. At times it may seem a little exaggerated, but it’s enjoyable to watch, and it gets the point across on how important the support of family and the community is when someone is recovering from a mental illness. Ryan Gosling gives a charming performance that keeps you intrigued until the end.
Rating: 8/10
#6. Little Miss Sunshine-2006
Who: Abigal Breslin, Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette.
A dysfunctional family takes a road trip to California to support their daughter who enters a beauty pageant.
A perfect feel-good movie for the whole family full of colorful and dynamic characters that certainly aren’t perfect, but what family is!? Some elements of this movie can seem a little dark, but it’s dealt with in a lighthearted, quirky and entertaining way. If this movie doesn’t make you feel good, it’ll make you appreciate your own dysfunctional family.
Rating: 8.5/10
#7. Worlds Greatest Dad – 2009
Who: Robin Williams
, Daryl Sabara
The son of an English teacher and struggling writer accidentally kills himself and his father writes a fake suicide letter which then goes viral around the High School. This was an interesting premise, but I couldn’t help but feel for Robin William’s character the most throughout the film, as he just seemed so bloody sad!
Robin William’s character quotes the famous line ” Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem” which is inspiring in itself, but then I couldn’t help but think about the way Williams in his real life died.
Overall a touching film and uplifting story that could help a lot of people with their own depression.
Rating: 6.5/10
#8. Young Adult-2011
Who: C
harlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, Patton Oswalt.
This film revolves around a 37-year-old writer called Mavis, who after a divorce, returns home to rekindle an old romance with a happily married man.
At times her character isn’t likable, and her desperation to get back with her ex is cringeworthy. This tormented high school beauty queen must learn how to get over who she was to grow up and be an adult. This is a movie that some women could relate to on some level, and Theron gives another amazing performance with some genuine laughs along the way.
Rating: 6/10
Relevant:
- 12 Mental Illness Movies From The 2000s That Are Worth Watching
- Dysthymia – What Is It And What Are The Signs You MUST Watch Out For
What are some comedy movies about depression that you love that aren’t on the list? Let us know in the comment section 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.
