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My Top Psychological Movies
I have to admit, I’m a big movie fan. I like all types of movies: comedies, thrillers, action, etc. Today, I want to share my favorite psychological movies. These movie topics range from abnormal psychology to social issues.
Keep in mind that most movies dealing with any psychological topic tends to oversimplify the condition or exaggerate the problem.
Below are some myths and falsehood presented in movies:
- Not all mental patients are violent – Only a small percentage of clinical patients tend to demonstrate violent tendencies.
- Additionally, violence in mental patients are not pertinent to diagnoses.
- Psychologists do not sleep with their clients. It is against the ethics code to do so.
- Not all mental patients are antisocial.
- There is no magic pill to cure any illness or condition.
- Multiple personality disorder (know as Dissociative disorder) is not as common as portrayed in the movies.
- Psychological distress is more common than people think.
- Life as a psychologist is not that glamorous.
With that said, below are my favorite psychology movies:
Awakenings
Robin Williams and Robert De Niro star in this drama about catatonic patients due to encephalitis. The movie shows the struggle of a doctor in an attempt to help his patients. This movie is based on a true story.
Identity
While not so accurate about the psychological condition, it is a great thriller with a psychological overtone. Additionally, this movie has a great cast.
A Beautiful Mind
Based on the life of John Forbes Nash Jr. and his struggle with schizophrenia. Even if you are not a fan of psychology, this is a great story about life’s challenges and the ability to overcome them.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
This is another movie based on a true story. I must warn you, the pace of the movie is very slow and it is in French with English subtitles. This movie is based on Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby and his struggles after a massive stroke that left him paralyzed.
Primal Fear
This is a must watch for anyone who is a fan of trials and thrillers. This movie deals with an altar boy with a Dissociative disorder. While some parts of the condition are overexerted (see myths above) the story is very good.
***Honorable Mention***
Below are a few extra movies that are worth seeing as well.
What Dreams May Come
Another Robin Williams movie that is worth watching. Loosely based on Dante’s Divine Comedy, this movie deals with the topics of depression and suicide. The reaction to this movie is mixed. Some people may not like the pace of the movie. After all, it is a drama.
What about Bob?
While the movie is highly inaccurate about psychological disorders, it does show a lighter side of psychology.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
An oldie but classic. This movie, while it may not appeal to the appetite of modern movie goers, this movie shows the group dynamics in a psychiatric center.
Those are my favorites psychology movies and as far as I will go as a movie critic. Now, I want to hear from you.
What do you think about this list? Do you have any favorites that you like to add to the list?
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About Me
Hi! My name is Roberto Montanez. I have always been curious about the way we do things and how we react to different situations. Even the most mundane things in our lives, I find interesting.
I have a M.S. in Psychology and have worked for a few years in the field of psychology and education. Working with people in the clinical setting and in the classroom has helped me gain a unique view about our world. More >>
Girl Interrupted is definitely one of my favorites. It examines the life of the lead character who gets committed to a famous mental hospital and what she experiences and who she meets there along with the other patients’ stories
Ah, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly … now that is some movie! I agree, it is slow moving, but in a way it almost allowed the one watching to “feel” the physical isolation of the main character.
I have to admit to feeling claustrophobic at times because his condition mirrors what eventually happens with Lou Gehrig’s patients – if they live long enough. It is called being “locked in” – though my doctors assure me it probably won’t be the case with me.
Peppy
Check Peppy | The PeppyWrites Chronicles latest post…When Illness Happens To Friendships
A good list. I could suggest a few more in the oldy-but-goody category.
1. Pyscho with Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh. Although it was remade some years ago, it’s hard to see how anyone could do a better, more-persuasive protrayal of crazy than Anthony Perkins.
2. Mercy with Kathy Bates and James Caan. That one has something you seldom see in the movies, namely a super-scary, whacko woman. The role was played quite convincingly by Kathy Bates.
Check Madeleine Kolb latest post…Aging- health care & illegal immigrants- searching for a win-win
Psycho is a classic. What do you think about the remake?
Mercy discouragement me from being a successful writer, lol.