Best 12 Depression Movies On Netflix
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can be a difficult topic to explore, movies about depression can offer a unique perspective on the experience of living with this condition.
Fortunately, there are many depression movies on Netflix that tackle this topic in a thoughtful and nuanced way.
In this article, we will explore the best 12 depression movies on Netflix, ranging from heart-wrenching dramas to uplifting stories of hope and resilience.
The Hours (2002)
The Hours (2002) Official Trailer # 1 - Nicole Kidman HD
COPYRIGHT_BP: Published on https://bingepost.com/depression-movies-on-netflix/ by Cecilia Jones on 2023-05-12T06:23:33.593Z
"The Hours" is a 2002 drama film based on Michael Cunningham's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. The movie explores the lives of three women, Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman), Laura Brown (Julianne Moore), and Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep), who are connected by the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" and their struggles with depression.
The film is a poignant portrayal of the effect of depression on women's lives. "The Hours" is an intense, emotional, and beautifully made movie that delves deep into the psyche of its characters. The performances are outstanding, especially Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Virginia Woolf, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Silver Linings Playbook (2013) Official Trailer [HD]
"Silver Linings Playbook" is a 2012 romantic comedy-drama film directed by David O. Russell. The movie follows Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper), a man with bipolar disorder, who moves back in with his parents after being released from a mental institution.
Pat meets Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence), a young woman with her own psychological problems, and they develop an unlikely friendship. The film depicts the complexities of mental illness and the challenges of living with it.
The performances of the cast are phenomenal, with Jennifer Lawrence winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Tiffany. "Silver Linings Playbook" is a heartwarming and honest movie that deals with difficult topics in a compassionate way.
A Single Man (2009)
A Single Man (2009) Official Trailer #1 - Colin Firth Movie HD
"A Single Man" is a drama film directed by Tom Ford, which is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. The film portrays a day in the life of a British professor named George Falconer (played by Colin Firth), who is struggling to cope with the sudden loss of his partner Jim (played by Matthew Goode).
The film explores George's feelings of grief, loneliness, and isolation as he goes about his day, interacting with various people in his life.
The film received critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and performances, particularly Colin Firth's portrayal of George. The film's portrayal of depression and grief is sensitive and nuanced, and it offers a realistic and powerful portrayal of the emotional struggles faced by those who are grieving.
Melancholia (2011)
Melancholia - Official Trailer
"Melancholia" is a science fiction drama film directed by Lars von Trier, which tells the story of two sisters, Justine (played by Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (played by Charlotte Gainsbourg), who are grappling with their own personal issues as a rogue planet named Melancholia heads towards Earth, threatening to destroy it.
The film explores themes of depression, anxiety, and the human experience in the face of certain doom. Justine's character struggles with depression, which is worsened by the impending catastrophe.
The film's portrayal of depression is stark and unflinching, as Justine's character is shown to be completely consumed by her depression and unable to find joy in any aspect of her life.
"Melancholia" received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and performances, particularly Kirsten Dunst's portrayal of Justine. The film's portrayal of depression is haunting and powerful, and it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the human condition.
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Girl, Interrupted Trailer
"Girl, Interrupted" is a thought-provoking drama that delves into the struggles of mental illness, set in a psychiatric facility in the late 1960s. Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder) is a young woman who is admitted to Claymore Hospital after a suicide attempt.
There, she meets a group of young women with various mental health issues, including Lisa (Angelina Jolie), a rebellious and charismatic patient who becomes Susanna's closest friend.
Throughout the film, the audience gets a glimpse into the inner workings of the human mind, and the characters' experiences with depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.
The film explores themes such as self-harm, suicide, and the struggle to find one's place in society. The performances of the cast are exceptional, particularly Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Lisa, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
The Bell Jar (1979)
The Bell Jar Trailer - Sylvia Plath
"The Bell Jar" is a film adaptation of Sylvia Plath's novel of the same name. The story follows Esther Greenwood (Marilyn Hassett), a young woman who is struggling with depression and the pressure of societal expectations in the 1950s. After winning an internship at a magazine in New York City, Esther begins to unravel and experiences a mental breakdown.
The film portrays Esther's descent into depression and her journey to recovery. It highlights the stigma surrounding mental illness in the 1950s and the difficulty of seeking help.
The cinematography and the musical score contribute to the film's somber atmosphere, and Marilyn Hassett's performance is both nuanced and moving. "The Bell Jar" is a poignant depiction of the realities of mental illness and the struggle to find meaning in a world that can be isolating and oppressive.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Official Trailer #1 (2012) - Emma Watson Movie HD
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is a coming-of-age film adapted from Stephen Chbosky's 1999 novel of the same name. It follows Charlie (Logan Lerman), an introverted teenager, who befriends two seniors at his high school, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), who encourage him to participate in new experiences and come out of his shell.
As Charlie becomes more comfortable with his new friends, he begins to confront repressed memories of his traumatic childhood, which leads to a deeper understanding of himself and the people around him. The film deals with themes of mental illness, trauma, and acceptance, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant exploration of depression.
Ordinary People (1980)
Ordinary People - Trailer
"Ordinary People" is a family drama film directed by Robert Redford and based on the 1976 novel of the same name by Judith Guest. The film tells the story of the Jarretts, a wealthy family in suburban Chicago struggling to come to terms with the death of their oldest son in a boating accident.
Conrad (Timothy Hutton), the surviving son, becomes depressed and suicidal, leading his parents (Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore) to seek help from a psychiatrist (Judd Hirsch).
As the family navigates their grief and attempts to rebuild their relationships, they confront deep-seated issues of guilt, blame, and communication. "Ordinary People" is a poignant and insightful exploration of the effects of trauma and loss on a family, and the difficult journey of healing and recovery.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine - Official Trailer [HD]
Little Miss Sunshine is a 2006 comedy-drama film directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. The film tells the story of a dysfunctional family who takes a road trip to participate in a beauty pageant. The movie features an all-star cast, including Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Abigail Breslin, and Paul Dano.
The film revolves around Olive Hoover, a seven-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a beauty queen. When she receives an invitation to participate in the "Little Miss Sunshine" pageant, her family decides to take a road trip from Albuquerque to California to support her.
However, the family is far from normal. The father, Richard, is a motivational speaker who is struggling to sell his self-help book. The mother, Sheryl, is trying to keep her family together despite her husband's struggles.
Olive's uncle, Frank, has recently attempted suicide and is struggling with depression. Dwayne, Olive's older brother, has taken a vow of silence until he can become a fighter pilot, and Grandpa is a foul-mouthed heroin addict.
As the family travels to California, they encounter several challenges and obstacles. However, they ultimately learn to support and rely on each other, and they realize that success is not always about winning.
Black Swan (2010)
BLACK SWAN | Official Trailer | FOX Searchlight
Black Swan is a 2010 psychological horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky. The movie stars Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers, a talented ballerina who is chosen to play the lead role in Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake." However, as the pressure to be perfect mounts, Nina's mental state deteriorates, and she begins to experience hallucinations and delusions.
Nina is a dedicated and hardworking ballerina who lives with her overprotective mother. When the director of her ballet company, Thomas Leroy, announces that he is retiring and looking for a new lead for "Swan Lake," Nina is determined to get the part.
However, Thomas tells her that she is perfect for the role of the White Swan, but lacks the sensuality and darkness needed to play the Black Swan. Nina begins to obsess over the part, and her fragile mental state deteriorates.
As Nina's mental state declines, she begins to experience hallucinations and delusions, and she becomes increasingly paranoid. Her relationship with her mother, who is overbearing and controlling, adds to her stress.
Nina's competition for the lead role, Lily, is also a source of anxiety, as Nina begins to suspect that Lily is trying to take her part. The film culminates in a dramatic and shocking final act.
Black Swan is a dark and intense film that explores themes of obsession, perfection, and mental illness.
The Skeleton Twins (2014)
The Skeleton Twins Official Trailer (2014) HD
"The Skeleton Twins" is a 2014 movie that stars Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig as twins Milo and Maggie. After being estranged for a decade, the two reunite and try to confront the issues that have kept them apart. Both have been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Milo is a struggling actor in Los Angeles, while Maggie lives in New York with her husband. The movie explores their relationships with each other, as well as with their partners, and how they are all dealing with their respective issues.
The movie is a poignant exploration of mental health, sibling relationships, and the complexities of life. It is a powerful portrayal of the way depression can impact not just the individual, but those around them. The performances by Hader and Wiig are exceptional, showcasing their dramatic range as actors.
Prozac Nation (2001)
Prozac Nation - Official Trailer
"Prozac Nation" is a 2001 movie based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's memoir of the same name. The movie stars Christina Ricci as Wurtzel, a Harvard student who is struggling with depression and addiction. The movie explores her life as she navigates her way through college, her relationships, and her mental health struggles.
The movie is a raw and honest portrayal of depression, anxiety, and addiction. It sheds light on the struggles that many people face, and the ways in which mental health issues can impact a person's life. The movie is intense and emotional, and Ricci's performance is both nuanced and powerful.
Overall, "Prozac Nation" is a thought-provoking movie that raises important questions about mental health and society's response to it. It offers a raw and honest look at the realities of depression and addiction, and is a must-see for anyone who wants to better understand these issues.
Final Thoughts
Depression movies on Netflix are a great way to explore the complex nature of mental illness and its effects on individuals and their relationships.
From heart-wrenching dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, there is a wide range of films available that shed light on this important topic.
Whether you or someone you know has struggled with depression, these movies can provide a powerful and empathetic perspective that can inspire greater understanding and compassion for those affected by this challenging condition.
So take some time to check out these films and open up the conversation about depression and mental health.
