Mental health has been a topic of discussion for the last few years. Media has been taking part in spreading awareness about it. However, sadly, some content created by Hollywood does not accurately depict mental health, and thus, such content has created a lot of misconceptions about the various topics related to mental illnesses. 

Thankfully so, there are still some movies you can watch with a true representation of what mental illnesses constitute and the impact they might have on an individual’s life and the people around them.

To save you some time, we have put together a list of the best movies that portray mental health in an almost accurate manner.

So, without much further ado, let’s get started. 

1. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Based on a novel of the same name written by Matthew Quick, the movie shows a character with bipolar disorder and a character who is dealing with the loss of her husband suffering from borderline personality disorder. Although the movie is a romantic comedy, its heavy themes with the sharp and engaging representation of mental illness make it one of the greatest films. 

Pat (Bradley Cooper) has just come out from spending time in a mental institution. He wants to get back together with his wife but things don’t look as promising for him as he wants them to be. Everything further becomes complicated when Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who offers to help reunite with his wife. 

The movie is available on Hulu to watch, however, you will be needing an internet connection for it. In this regard, we suggest looking for Xfinity in your area for a seamless streaming experience. You can also contact Xfinity atencion al cliente (for Spanish speakers only) to find out if the company is serviceable in your area. This way, you will be able to talk to the sales agent directly regarding plans and the installation process. 

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Another incredible movie based on a young adult novel written by Stephen Chbosky, the movie phenomenally depicts a character with depression in the most genuine way possible. It shows how a person with this particular mental illness feels even when they are surrounded by thousands of people. 

The movie also touches upon the discussion that having close friends does not necessarily brings you real happiness, especially if you are silently dealing with extreme emotions. 

 Charlie (Logan Lerman) sees himself as a wallflower with social anxiety. He meets two students who couldn’t be more different than him. Sam and Patrick are outgoing and loud, but they are also one of the kindest people Charlie has ever met. He begins to find happiness in things he once used to cherish. But now he has two bigger issues. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is currently available on Hulu to stream.

3. Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out is a kid-friendly animated movie but truly a masterpiece due to its themes and graphics. This colorful work of art gives you an insight into a teenage girl’s brain. And nothing can make you more emotional than the kind of scenes Inside Out has. It reminds you that sadness and pain are an integral part of life and instead of pushing them under the rug, you need to address them. 

The movie follows Riley, a happy eleven-years old girl, whose life takes a 180-turn when she has to move to San Francisco with her parents. Her emotions guide her through this difficult phase however the stress and sadness keep coming on to the surface and in hopes of avoiding them; anger, fear, and disgust try to overcome her brain. 

You can currently watch Inside Out on Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video. 

4. Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Girl, Interrupted explores one of the most serious themes such as; suicide attempt and its aftermath. Arguably, the movie is one of the most popular works in pop culture that captivates Borderline Personality Disorder in the truest sense. The film is based on a memoir of the same name by Susanna Kaysen. 

Set in the 1960s, the movie follows Susanna Kaysen, who is in a mental institution when troubled young women. She now has to learn how to live amongst people with varied mental illnesses and this also includes the sociopathic, yet beautiful Lisa. 

Girl, Interrupted is available on Amazon Prime Video to stream today. 

5. Black Swan (2010)

A dark psychological thriller, Black Swan is an intriguing tale of a professional ballerina who suffers from different issues that lead her to physical self-harm. The main lead has a compulsive urge to keep scratching her back, like a swan. Moreover, she tortures herself into starvation to keep herself thin and continues to stab herself in the stomach as a part of the performance. 

The movie follows Nina, whose passion for dancing is consuming her entirely. In the play she is doing, her new rival Lily becomes her biggest competitor. However, both establish a twisted friendship that becomes a reason for Nina’s dark side coming out due to all the repressed emotions. 

Amazon Prime Video currently has Black Swan in its library. So, you can stream it right now and watch Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis giving the performances of their lives. 

Wrapping Up  

Mental illnesses in pop culture can be troublesome sometimes. This sensitive topic needs to be dealt with very wisely and one wrong decision in its depiction can change the whole narrative. But the above mentioned movies portray mental illnesses and their impact accurately. Hence, you can watch them to spread awareness on these topics.