We have all had our down days, weeks, or even months. These are the times when getting out of bed seems like too much effort and everything we try fails. Thankfully, we can always turn to movies to help us get through these tough times.
Depression can be a crippling mental illness, but it is also very common. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. While medication and therapy are the most effective treatments for depression, sometimes all you need is a good movie to give you a much-needed pick-me-up. Addiction, delusion, and self-destruction are common themes in films about depression. These movies show how mental illness can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from their relationships to their careers. If you’re looking for a film that will make you think about the complex nature of depression, check out one of these top 10 movies about depression.
Movies about Depression
1. It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a 2010 American comedy-drama film directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. The film stars Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts, and Viola Davis. The plot follows a high school student who checks himself into a psychiatric hospital to deal with his depression and subsequently finds himself in the adult ward where he meets some interesting characters.
2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Silver Linings Playbook is a 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by David O. Russell. It was adapted from the novel The Silver Linings Playbook, by Matthew Quick. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Chris Tucker, and Julia Stiles. The plot follows Pat Solitano (Cooper), a man with bipolar disorder who is released from a psychiatric hospital and moves back in with his parents, where he meets Tiffany Maxwell (Lawrence), a woman with problems of her own.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on his 1999 novel of the same name. The film stars Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller. The plot follows Charlie Kelmeckis (Lerman), a high school freshman who is struggling with depression and social anxiety. He befriends two seniors, Sam (Watson) and Patrick (Miller), who help him navigate his new world.
4. Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan is a 2010 American psychological thriller film directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film stars Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, and Barbara Hershey. The plot follows Nina Sayers (Portman), a ballerina who is struggling to maintain her sanity as she prepares for the lead role in Swan Lake. She is forced to contend with her ruthless director (Cassel), her jealous rival (Kunis), and the dark side of her own psyche.
5. The Fighter (2010)
The Fighter is a 2010 American biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell. The film stars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo. The plot follows the true story of boxer “Irish” Micky Ward (Wahlberg) and his older half-brother Dicky Eklund (Bale). Dicky is a former boxer who is struggling with drug addiction, while Micky is trying to make a name for himself in the boxing world. The two brothers must help each other to survive and thrive in their difficult circumstances.
6. Blue Valentine (2010)
Blue Valentine is a 2010 American romantic drama film written and directed by Derek Cianfrance. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The plot follows the story of a young couple, Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Williams), as they navigate their way through the ups and downs of their relationship. They must deal with their own personal demons, as well as the pressures of modern day life, in order to stay together.
7. Take This Waltz (2011)
Take This Waltz is a 2011 Canadian drama film written and directed by Sarah Polley. The film stars Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Luke Kirby, and Sarah Silverman. The plot follows Margot (Williams), a woman who is married to Lou (Rogen), but she begins to feel increasingly dissatisfied with her life. She then meets Daniel (Kirby), a young man who lives across the street from her, and the two begin a tentative affair. Margot must decide whether to stay with her husband or pursue a new life with Daniel.
8. Gone Girl (2014)
Gone Girl is a 2014 American psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by Gillian Flynn, based on her 2012 novel of the same name. The film stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, and Tyler Perry. The plot follows Nick Dunne (Affleck), who is suspected of killing his wife Amy (Pike). As the investigation into Amy’s disappearance progresses, Nick’s true character is revealed.
9. Whiplash (2014)
Whiplash is a 2014 American drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. The film stars Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, and Melissa Benoist. The plot follows Andrew Neiman (Teller), a talented but ambitious young drummer who enrolls at a prestigious music conservatory. He quickly finds himself under the tutelage of the school’s ruthless conductor, Terence Fletcher (Simmons). Andrew must push himself to the brink of his abilities in order to achieve greatness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the top 10 movies about depression according to me. These films all deal with the subject in a variety of ways, and each one is worth watching. If you’re looking for a film that will make you think, feel, and perhaps even cry, then look no further than this list.