20 Movies & TV Shows That Portray Mental Health With Accuracy (2024)

Throughout the years, many films and TV shows have tackled these delicate themes with care, handling mental health with precision and refusing to stigmatize these sensitive issues. As our society becomes more understanding of mental health, and as efforts are made to decrease stigma, it makes sense that popular culture does a better job of reflecting reality.

Some, like What About Bob?, are fictional, humorous looks at what it is to live with a mental health condition. Others, like A Beautiful Mind, are well-crafted biographical examinations of the challenges and stigmas faced by previous generations. At best, having accurate portrayals of mental health in movies and TV shows can bring audiences comfort and show them that they are not alone in their journey. Ranked from least great to incredible with all things considered, these are some of the best movies and shows that deal with mental health, providing audiences with the best examples of psychological disorders in television and film.

20 'Moon Knight' (2022)

Created by Doug Moench

Marvel's top-notch television series Moon Knight showcases a little-known Marvel hero, Marc Spector. Spector lives with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This manifests as Marc having at least three alter-egos that have different powers and abilities. He is the avatar of the Egyptian god Khonshu. The talented Oscar Isaac plays each of Spector's alters.

While the adventure TV show didn't delve too deeply into the realities of DID, it did showcase how profound childhood trauma can influence mental health into adulthood. Here, Spector is the victim of childhood abuse. Overall, Moon Knight is touching and accurate, especially considering that the lead protagonist's mental health condition is shown as protecting Spector from this abuse when he needs it most.

Moon Knight

TV-14

Superhero

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

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Release Date

March 30, 2022

Creator

Doug Moench

Cast

Oscar Isaac , Ethan Hawke , May Calamawy , F. Murray Abraham

Seasons

1

19 'Shame' (2011)

Directed by Steve McQueen

Starring Michael Fassbender, Shame is a British erotic psychological drama film directed by SteveMcQueen and co-written by McQueen and Abi Morgan. Its plot revolves around the carefully cultivated private life of a sex addict, which comes crashing down as his sister (Carey Mulligan) arrives for an extended stay.

Although certainly not everybody's cup of tea, the divisive Shame provides viewers with an insightful, unconventional take on trauma and its consequences, including how distinct it can look and the ways it can manifest for different people. It is brilliantly acted (Fassbender and Mulligan's performances elevate the movie to higher grounds), provocative, and even hard to watch at times.

Shame

NC-17

Drama

Psychological

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Release Date

October 2, 2011

Director

Steve McQueen

Cast

Michael Fassbender , Lucy Walters , Mari-Ange Ramirez , James Badge Dale , Nicole Beharie , Alex Manette

Runtime

99 minutes

18 'black-ish' (2014 - 2022)

Created by Kenya Barris

As a comedy, black-ish never shied away from portraying serious issues, which is part of what makes it so great. The Black-led sitcom TV show handled racism and sexism, and the COVID-19 pandemic was among the many real-world issues the series' characters encountered during the series' run. Furthermore, Tracee Ellis Ross received critical acclaim for her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson.

Rainbow was always one of the show's strongest characters, and her experience with post-partum depression after the birth of her youngest son, DeVante, is handled with grace and honesty. This is an experience that is so often spoken about too little, so any attention to this very common mental health condition will hopefully make others feel less alone.

Black-ish

TV-14

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Release Date

September 24, 2014

Creator

Kenya Barris

Cast

Anthony Anderson , Tracee Ellis Ross , Marcus Scribner , Marsai Martin , Yara Shahidi , Jenifer Lewis

Seasons

8

Main Genre

Comedy

17 'Spencer' (2021)

Directed by Pablo Larraín

In Pablo Larraín's thought-provoking Spencer, viewers are invited to take a look inside the life of the late and honorable Lady Diana Frances Spencer in a well-executed, emotionally charged biography. Kristen Stewart seamlessly steps into the shoes of the people's princess and the film follows her during the Christmas holidays with the Royal Family at their Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England.

Apart from depicting Princess Diana's existential crisis during a very poignant period in 1991 (when the issues she was faced with reached a boiling point and evidently began to disintegrate), the compelling and beautifully shot Spencer shines a light on Diana's internal and externalized pain related to bulimia (loosely based on specific facts) and extreme loneliness.

Spencer

Biography

Drama

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Release Date

November 5, 2021

Director

Pablo Larrain

Cast

Kristen Stewart , Sally Hawkins , Sean Harris , Timothy Spall

Runtime

111

16 'What About Bob?' (1991)

Directed by Frank Oz

Frank Oz's What About Bob? tells the story of Bill Murray's Bob who has a massive list of phobias that interfere with his everyday life. His therapist, Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss), is certain that the answer to all of Bob's problems is his own best-selling book, "Baby Steps." Chaos ensues when Bob can't leave Dr. Marvin alone, even following him while the doctor tries to take a family vacation.

There are several aspects of What About Bob? that are incredibly accurate to the experience of mental health. Bob's experience of experiencing such heavy anxiety that it impacts his daily life is relatable to anyone who has experienced something similar. What may be even more accurate is seeing a mental health practitioner who holds themselves up as having all the answers, exclusively.

What About Bob?

PG

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Release Date

May 17, 1991

Director

Frank Oz

Cast

Bill Murray , Richard Dreyfuss , Julie Hagerty , Charlie Korsmo , Kathryn Erbe , Tom Aldredge

Runtime

99

Main Genre

Comedy

15 'A Beautiful Mind' (2001)

Directed by Ron Howard

A Beautiful Mind is an inspiring biographical look at the life of John Nash (Russell Crowe in one of his best performances, for which he earned an Academy Award nom). Nash was a mathematician who lived with schizophrenia. The movie acknowledges the many contributions Nash made to the field of mathematics while acknowledging the very real struggles he faced when his mental health was at its worst.

Evidently, John Nash spent many years in mental health facilities to treat his schizophrenia. His recovery and subsequent successes were what inspired Sylvia Nasar's biography on which the movie was based. His return to academic work in the 1980s following his many years of treatment featured some of his best work for which he would become known. No doubt, Ron Howard's touching movie is essential viewing when it comes to mental health-related films.

A Beautiful Mind

PG-13

Biography

Drama

Mystery

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Release Date

December 21, 2001

Director

Ron Howard

Cast

Russell Crowe , Ed Harris , Jennifer Connelly , Christopher Plummer , Paul Bettany , adam goldberg , Johs Lucas , Anthony Rapp

Runtime

135 Minutes

14 'Ted Lasso' (2020 - 2023)

Created by Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, and Bill Lawrence

There is a lot to love about the comedy series Ted Lasso and the American coach who brings his unique brand of optimism to coaching AFC Richmond. Jason Sudeikis leads this lovable football team. In Apple TV's original series, each character is painted as incredibly complex, with their stories that reflect their personalities. One of the most authentic parts of Ted Lasso, however, is its lead's experiences with panic attacks.

What Ted Lasso does so well is showcase that mental health conditions can exist under the surface, so it is not shocking for people who are struggling to seem like they are doing "fine." What makes this storyline poignant is the fact that Ted's friends, including Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), fully support him when he discloses the fact that he experiences panic attacks. Watching Ted become more honest about his reality is inspirational and, undoubtedly, heartwarming.

Ted Lasso

TV-MA

Comedy

Drama

Sports

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Release Date

August 14, 2020

Creator

Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence

Cast

Jason Sudeikis , Juno Temple , Brett Goldstein , Jeremy Swift , Hannah Waddingham

Seasons

3

13 'Sex Education' (2019 - 2023)

Created by Laurie Nunn

Sex Education is one of the most popular TV shows about mental health (and physical health, too). It features head boy Jackson Marchetti (Kedar Williams-Stirling) as he navigates his experiences at Moordale Secondary School. Despite being a championship swimmer and having a plethora of successes under his belt, Jackson still has to face anxiety and panic attacks.

Jackson's experience with both these struggles is illustrated authentically. The fluctuations in his mental health, depending upon whether he is accessing the right support and is on the correct medication, are very true to life; he is able to continue living his life with these conditions if these supports are in place. The series also offers viewers a complex portrayal of what Black queer teenage years can potentially look like with Eric's (Ncuti Gatwa) equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, and groundbreaking LGBTQ+ storyline on the show.

Sex Education

TV-MA

Comedy

Drama

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Release Date

January 11, 2019

Creator

Laurie Nunn

Cast

Asa Butterfield , Gillian Anderson , Kedar Williams-Stirling , Alistair Petrie

Seasons

4

12 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' (2012)

Directed by Stephen Chbosky

Based on Stephen Chbosky's best-selling young-adult novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of the most beloved mental health movies out there. In the Logan Lerman-led film, the endearing 15-year-old Charlie is anxious about starting high school. When he befriends his seniors, he learns to deal with his friend's suicide, how to cope with his first love, and how to navigate his turbulent life.

By accurately depicting the signs of PTSD and depression in a young person who had the trauma of sexual abuse as a child, The Perks of Being a Wallflower makes for a deeply moving watch that will likely not leave anyone indifferent. It is worth noting that, like some other films on this list, it features scenes about substance use, suicide, and self-harm that some viewers may find upsetting.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

PG-13

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Release Date

September 20, 2012

Director

Stephen Chbosky

Cast

logan lerman , Dylan McDermott , Kate Walsh , Patrick de Ledebur , Johnny Simmons , Brian Balzerini

Runtime

102

Main Genre

Drama

11 'Silver Linings Playbook' (2012)

Directed by David O. Russell

Silver Linings Playbook is a top-tier romantic comedy film starring Jennifer Lawrence (in her Oscar-winning performance) and Bradley Cooper. Cooper plays Pat, a man living with bipolar who's just been discharged from a mental health facility. His character attempts to reconcile with his wife while developing his friendship with Lawrence's Tiffany.

Bipolar disorder is another often misunderstood mental health condition that is often portrayed inaccurately. However, Cooper approaches it through a compassionate and authentic lens in Silver Linings Playbook. Rather than descending into stereotypes about people with bipolar, he brings Pat to life in a very understated way. Furthermore, the film combines humor and drama with incredible results, making for a fun (but also heartbreaking) watch.

Silver Linings Playbook

R

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Release Date

September 8, 2012

Director

David O. Russell

Cast

Jennifer Lawrence , Robert De Niro , Bradley Cooper , Julia Stiles , Chris Tucker , Shea Whigham

Runtime

122

Main Genre

Comedy

10 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' (1993)

Directed by Lasse Hallström

Frequently praised for the astounding performance from a young Leonardo DiCaprio who steps into the shoes of an autistic teenager, the moving and inspirational What's Eating Gilbert Grape tells the story of a young man (Johnny Depp) in a small town who struggles to care for his family while also attempting to carve his own path and find happiness for himself.

Lasse Hallström's movie doesn't solely tackle themes of familial responsibility versus the search for freedom and hope in the face of hopelessness — What's Eating Gilbert Grape offers audiences two thoughtful mental-health-focused narratives: one that illustrates the consequences of prolonged grief, which can sometimes lead to obesity, and the other that sheds light on the challenges of autism. It's a must-watch when it comes to mental health-related films.

Watch on Fubo

9 'Girl, Interrupted' (1999)

Directed by James Mangold

Girl, Interrupted is based on the book of the same name by Susanna Kaysen. Set in a mental health facility, the film is an autobiographical story of Kaysen's experience of being hospitalized, and subsequently being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. The movie has an all-star cast, including Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie (who won an Oscar), Elisabeth Moss, and Whoopi Goldberg among others.

Borderline Personality Disorder is still one mental health condition that is poorly understood and frequently stigmatized. The fact that this was discussed so openly and in such an honest way in 2000 is a credit to Kaysen, and her courage to share her own story. Additionally, this Girl, Interrupted captures the reality of hospitalization for mental health, and it's sobering.

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8 'Requiem for a Dream' (2000)

Directed by Darren Aronofsky

Darren Aronosfky's Requiem for a Dream deserves a place on this list, too, for its sincere portrayal of drug addiction. The 2000 movie tells the story of four Coney Island addicts — Sara (Ellen Burstyn) is addicted to amphetamines, while Marion (Jennifer Connelly), Tyrone Love (Marlone Wayans), and Harry (Jared Leto) are all addicted to heroin — whose lives are completely shattered when their seemingly irreversible dependency take charge.

Requiem for a Dream is an intriguing, surrealist movie about mental health in that it explores the terrifying, absolutely devastating consequences of addiction, particularly the abuse of substances, which range from PTSD to depression. Loneliness, desperation, and alienation are three predominant themes explored in Aronofsky's feature that perfectly depicts how drugs affect one's physical and emotional states.

Requiem for a Dream

R

Drama

Psychological

Where to Watch

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Release Date

October 6, 2000

Director

Darren Aronofsky

Cast

Ellen Burstyn , Jared Leto , Jennifer Connelly , Marlon Wayans , Christopher McDonald , Louise Lasser

Runtime

102 minutes

7 'Mommy' (2014)

Directed by Xavier Dolan

After debuting at the Cannes Film Festival, Xavier Dolan's Mommy went on to win numerous awards. It is a heartbreaking coming-of-age tale following a young boy named Steve and his mother's (Anne Dorval) struggles to deal with his violent and unpredictable behavior. When a mysterious neighbor inserts herself into their household, Diane finds hope that things can finally get better.

This well-crafted, superbly written character study doubles as an examination of mother and son relationships as well as mental health issues, more specifically attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sudden outbursts of rage. Equal parts a feel-good film and a heart-wrenching illustration of a troubled teenagehood, Mommy is an exceptional film that anyone who likes coming-of-age stories should give a go.

Rent on Apple TV

6 'BoJack Horseman' (2014 - 2020)

Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg

BoJack Horseman is set in an alternate reality in which humans and anthropomorphized animals live together. The titular main character is a washed-up celebrity who has to navigate his loss of status. He also has to manage the antics of other characters around him along with his issues.

Although the premise of this incredible dark comedy is fantastical, it tackles some very human struggles. BoJack himself lives with alcohol abuse. The series also features intriguing storylines about depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Of one thing, we're sure: Even though BoJack Horseman is a comedy, it handles mental health issues very seriously, making audiences chuckle in one scene and bawl their eyes out in the other.

BoJack Horseman

TV-MA

Animation

Comedy

Drama

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Release Date

August 22, 2014

Creator

Raphael Bob-Waksberg

Cast

Will Arnett , Aaron Paul , Alison Brie , Amy Sedaris , Paul F. Tompkins

Seasons

6

5 'Normal People' (2020)

Created by Sally Rooney

Normal People broke viewers' hearts when it premiered, and we have Sally Rooney to thank for it. This beautifully written coming-of-age tale of physical and emotional growth introduces viewers to Daisy Edgar Jones' Marianne and Oscar-nominee Paul Mescal's Connell, following the two characters as they weave in and out of each other's romantic lives.

In addition to the intriguing portrayal of a somewhat toxic on-and-off relationship (at least to begin with), what makes Normal People so great is the way it handles both Marianne and Connell's mental health and follows their storylines as individuals, depicting their struggles with anxiety and depression and highlighting the subtle ways they can manifest. It is a thoroughly humane and captivating viewing that provides comfort and solace to audience members who may see themselves in these three-dimensional characters.

Normal People

TV-4

Drama

Romance

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Release Date

April 29, 2020

Creator

Sally Rooney

Cast

Paul Mescal , Daisy Edgar-Jones , Desmond Eastwood , Aislín McGuckin , Sarah Greene

Seasons

1

4 'Amour' (2012)

Directed by Michael Haneke

Directed by Michael Haneke, this gut-wrenching drama sees an octogenarian couple at its center: Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) and Anne (Emmanuelle Riva), two cultivated and retired music teachers. Their quiet, tranquil, and unbothered life is interrupted when Anne's health starts to decay after she has a stroke. As a result, the couple's years-long connection is put to the test.

The Palme d'Or winner Amour depicts old age and the complications, including the physical and mental issues, that come with it, shedding light on the struggles of Alzheimer's disease and dementia specifically. With a captivating narrative that is guaranteed to stick with viewers and two incredible acting performances, this powerful portrayal is both painful and fascinating, illustrating what unconditional love and devotion look like.

Rent on Amazon

3 'Melancholia' (2011)

Directed by Lars von Trier

This list would not be complete without Lars von Trier (arguably) best film to date. The essential psychological drama filmMelancholia stars Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg as two sisters whose strained relationship is put to the test when a mysterious new planet threatens to collide with Earth. In the meantime, it provides viewers with their very different points of view, making for an intriguing character study.

Dunst's central performance as a woman struggling with depression in the second entry in von Trier's unofficially titled Depression Trilogy is one of the feature's strongest aspects. Additionally, the movie's depiction of declining mental stability is striking and memorable, easily resulting in one of the finest films about mental health ever made. A masterpiece in the genre, even.

Melancholia

R

Drama

Sci-Fi

Psychological

Where to Watch

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Release Date

May 26, 2011

Director

Lars von Trier

Cast

Kirsten Dunst , Charlotte Gainsbourg , Alexander Skarsgard , Brady Corbet , Cameron Spurr , Charlotte Rampling

Runtime

130 minutes

2 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975)

Directed by Milos Forman

Widely regarded as one of the best films ever made, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is based on the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) is an in-patient in a mental health facility, ruled by the cruel Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). What follows is a meditation on tyranny and the enduring human spirit.

Perhaps the most accurate part of this Milos Forman movie is how cruel the mental healthcare system has treated patients in the past. Barbaric treatments are shown horrifyingly, making for a sad commentary on how far the medical system has come and how far left there still is to go. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is the second film to win all five major Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor (Nicholson), Best Actress (Fletcher), Director, and Screenplay.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

R

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Release Date

November 19, 1975

Director

Milos Forman

Cast

Jack Nicholson , Louise Fletcher , Brad Dourif , Christopher Lloyd , Michael Berryman , Scatman Crothers

Runtime

133 minutes

Main Genre

Drama

1 'Black Swan' (2010)

Directed by Darren Aronofsky

Black Swan is a complex obsession-destroys-the-artist type of film surrounding an extremely dedicated dancer (Natalie Portman) who has landed a part in a production of "Swan Lake" by Tchaikovsky. With one of the most intriguing takes on womanhood in horror, this 2010 film depicts how difficult it is to maintain one's mental health stability when dealing with extreme performance anxiety (in addition to sharing a home with an overprotective parent).

Darren Aronofsky's haunting feature is considered a masterpiece by many, and that also has to do with the way the reasonable way it depicts the psychosis that Nina experiences. In addition to this, the film also addresses disordered eating, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Black Swan

R

Horror

Psychological

Where to Watch

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Release Date

December 3, 2010

Director

Darren Aronofsky

Cast

Natalie Portman , Mila Kunis , Vincent Cassel , Barbara Hershey , Winona Ryder , Benjamin Millepied

Runtime

110

NEXT: Great Teen Shows Addressing Mental Health