Top 12 Compelling Films and Movies About Depression

Depression is such a complex mental health issue. There are millions of people in this world who are affected by this illness. While it is not easy to accurately capture the experience of depression on screen, many filmmakers have been successful producing films and movies about depression. In this post, you will be able to find 12 compelling films and movies about depression that have left a lasting impact on audiences.

Top 12 Compelling Films and Movies about Depression

There are a number of films and movies about depression. Here are top 12 compelling ones:

1. It’s Kind of a Funny Story

Details:

• Release Date: September 26, 2010 (Milwaukee), October 8, 2010 (United States)
• Directed by: Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
• Screenplay by: Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
• Produced by: Kevin Misher, Ben Browning
• Production Companies: Misher Films, Wayfare Entertainment
• Based on: It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
• Cast: Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts, Viola Davis, Lauren Graham, Jim Gaffigan, Zoe Kravitz
• Summary:

It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a film about a young boy who goes to a mental health facility when he experiences overwhelming depression to check himself. This movie combines humor and drama to show the real picture of the challenges that come with mental illness. At the same time, it also offers hope as central themes.

2. Silver Linings Playbook

Details:

• Release Date: September 8, 2012 (TIFF), November 16, 2012 (United States)
• Directed by: David O. Russell
• Screenplay by: David O. Russell
• Produced by: Donna Gigliotti, Bruce Cohen, Jonathan Gordon
• Production Company: The Weinstein Company
• Based on: The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
• Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Anupam Kher, Chris Tucker
• Summary:

Silver Linings Playbook is counted as a romantic comedy-drama. This one involves two people who are having various mental issues, including depression. These two have a unique and endearing relationship. This movie explores themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth when facing a hard time.

3. Melancholia

Details:

• Release Date: May 18, 2011 (Cannes), May 26, 2011 (Denmark), May 27, 2011 (Sweden), August 10, 2011 (France), October 6, 2011 (Germany)
• Directed by: Lars von Trier
• Written by: Lars von Trier
• Produced by: Meta Louise Foldager, Louise Vesth
• Production Companies: Zetropa Entertainments, Memfis Film, Slot Machine, Liberator Productions, Film i Vast, Danmarks Radio, Arte France Cinema, Sveriges Television, Canal+, Centre national du cinema et de I’image animée, CinéCinéma, Edition Video, Nordisk Film, Det Danske Filminstitut, Eurimages, Swedish Film Institute, Filmstiftung Nordrhein-Westfalen
• Cast: Kristen Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Alexander Skarsgard, Brady Corbet, Cameron Spurr, Charlotte, Jesper Christensen, John Hurt, Stellan Skarsgard, Udo Kier, Kiefer Sutherland
• Summary:

Melancholia is a film that is visually pleasing. Besides, it is also known as an intense film. This film uncovers the impact of depression on personal relationships. It captures the loneliness and despair experienced by its characters.

4. Anomalisa

Details:

• Release Date: September 4, 2015 (Telluride Film Festival), December 30, 2015 (United States)
• Directed by: Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson
• Written by: Charlie Kaufman
• Produced by: Rosa Tran, Duke Johnson, Charlie Kaufman, Dino Stamatopoulos
• Production Companies: Paramount Animation, Starburns Industries
• Based on: Anomalisa by Charlie Kaufman
• Cast: David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tom Noonan
• Summary:

Anomalisa is a unique animated drama that uses stop-motion animation to tell the story of a man who thinks everyone in his life is having the same voice and appearance. The movie reflects feelings of isolation, disconnection, and the search for genuine human connection.

5. Prozac Nation

Details:

• Release Date: September 8, 2001 (TIFF), March 19, 2005 (United States)
• Directed by: Erik Skjoldbjærg
• Screenplay by: Frank Deasy, Larry Gross
• Produced by: Galt Niederhoffer, Brad Weston, R. Paul Miller
• Production Companies: Millennium Films, Cinerenta
• Based on: Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel’s memoir
• Cast: Christina Ricci, Anne Heche, Michelle Williams
• Summary:

Prozac Nation follows a story of a young woman who struggles with depression and addiction. She is on her journey towards self-discovery. In the movie, the challenges faced by those who are dealing with mental illness are well-portrayed.

6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Details:

• Release Date: March 19, 2004
• Directed by: Michel Gondry
• Screenplay by: Charlie Kaufman
• Story by: Charlie Kaufman
• Produced by: Steve Golin, Anthony Bregman
• Production Companies: Anonymous Content, This Is That
• Cast: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kristen Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Tom Wilkinson
• Summary:

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind does not focus on depression. However, it explores the complexities of human emotions and memories, especially in the context of parting away with a loved one. The movie highlights how past experiences can contribute to depressive feelings.

7. The Hours

Details:

• Release Date: December 25, 2002
• Directed by: Stephen Daldry
• Screenplay by: David Hare
• Produced by Scott Rudin, Robert Fox
• Production Companies: Miramax Films, Scott Rudin Productions
• Based on: The Hours by Michael Cunningham
• Cast: Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Ed Harris, Toni Collette, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Dillane, Allison Janney, John C. Reilly, Miranda Richardson
• Summary:

The Hours talks about the stories of three women who are from different time periods. Each of them is dealing with depression and the impact of Virginia Woolf’s novel “Mrs. Dalloway”. The movie is one of the movies that influence mental health.

8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Details:

• Release Dates: September 8, 2012 (TIFF), September 21, 2012 (United States)
• Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
• Screenplay by: Stephen Chbosky
• Produced by: Lianne Halfon, Russell Smith, John Malkovich
• Production Company: Mr. Mudd Productions
• Based on: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
• Cast: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Joan Cusack, Paul Rudd
• Summary:

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age movie that tells the story about a teenager who is struggling with depression, trauma, and the challenges of high school. It highlights the importance of friendship and support in dealing with mental health issues.

9. Girl, Interrupted

Details:

• Release Date: December 21, 1999
• Directed by: James Mangold
• Screenplay by: James Mangold, Lisa Loomer, Anna Hamilton Phelan
• Produced by: Douglas Wick, Cathy Konrad
• Production Companies: Columbia Pictures, Red Wagon Entertainment
• Based on: Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
• Cast: Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Brittany Murphy, Clea DuVall, Elisabeth Moss, Jared Leto, Jeffrey Tambor, Vanessa Redgrave, Whoopi Goldberg
• Summary:

Girl, Interrupted explores the experiences of a young woman who is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. It focuses on the emotional struggles of its characters and the complexities of psychiatric care.

10. Ordinary People

Details:

• Release Date: September 19, 1980
• Directed by: Robert Redford
• Screenplay by: Alvin Sargent
• Produced by: Ronald L. Schwary
• Production Company: Wildwood enterprises, Inc.
• Based on: Ordinary People by Judith Guest
• Cast: Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton, Judd Hirsch
• Summary:

Ordinary People is a classic drama. It describes the emotional turmoil within a family after a tragic accident. It explores the themes of depression and grief and how they affect the family members differently.

11. A Single Man

Details:

• Release Dates: September 11, 2009 (Venice) December 11, 2009 (United States)
• Directed by: Tom Ford
• Screenplay by: Tom Ford, David Scearce
• Produced by: Tom Ford, Andrew Miano, Robert Salerno, Chris Weitz
• Production Companies: Artina Films, Depth of Field, Fade to Black
• Based on: A Single Man by by Christopher Isherwood
• Cast: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult, Matthew Goode
• Summary:

A Single Man is a film about a professor who lives his life while dealing with grief and depression after the loss of his loved one. This film is such an emotional one because it explores grief and isolation.

12. Inside Out

Details:

• Release Dates: May 18, 2015 (Cannes), June 19, 2015 (United States)
• Directed by: Pete Docter
• Screenplay by: Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, John Cooley
• Story by: Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen
• Produced by: Jonas Rivera
• Production Companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios
• Cast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle McLachlan
• Summary:

Inside Out is described as an animated family film. It examines complex emotions, including sadness, as integral parts of someone’s inner world. It is such a good tool for understanding and discussing depression with children.

Bottom Line

These are the top 12 completing films and movies about depression that you must watch. These movies provide a range of perspectives on depression. They explore various aspects and impacts on individuals and society. With an interesting plot, talented casts, and thoughtful production, they can make us feel the struggles of those who are affected by depression. Make sure to watch these films and movies to get valuable insights into the realm of mental health and the human experience.