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If watching one of the top ten movies about anxiety disorder helps reduce a person’s anxiety, that is a win. Often, when you see another person experiencing the same challenges you experience, you suddenly gain perspective. First, watching movies about anxiety disorder helps you externalize. By getting out of your head, you leave a bad neighborhood dominated by the thugs of worry and fear.

Second, by seeing other people struggle with anxiety disorder, even fictional characters in a movie, you do not feel so alone. Indeed, the top ten movies about anxiety disorder provide relief by fostering commonality. Finally, by seeing these characters navigate their challenges, a person with anxiety disorder learns new strategies and approaches to overcome their mental health issues. Thus, the top ten movies about anxiety disorder often prove to be positive viewing experiences.

However, if you or a loved one is suffering from an anxiety disorder, Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. (TTC) recommends that you access professional help and support today.

A List of the Top Ten Movies about Anxiety Disorder

Below is a list of the top ten movies about anxiety disorder in alphabetical order. However, not every one of these movies speaks to every person with anxiety issues. Therefore, if you start a movie and do not like it, move on to the next. Hence, the goal is not to require you to watch every film but rather to find the best story for you.

1) Adaptation (2002)

Written by Charlie Kaufman and starring Nicolas Cage, the movie tells the story of a writer overcome with crippling writer’s block. Shy and socially awkward, the writer struggles to adapt a popular novel into a screenplay. Thus, both completion anxiety and social anxiety play a role.

2) As Good As It Gets (1997)

This popular romantic comedy tells the story of a successful novelist (Jack Nicholson) with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The story uncovers how OCD behaviors mask anxiety disorder and irrational fears. However, connecting with and being of service to others helps address anxiety. When it comes to movies about anxiety disorder, this is a strong message.

3) Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Starring Winona Ryder, the film follows a young woman who, after a suicide attempt, spends 18 months at a psychiatric hospital between 1967 and 1968. Since anxiety issues lurk behind her nervous breakdown, she tries a variety of coping mechanisms. Ultimately, by avoiding escapism and connecting to creativity, she finds a path that leads to health.

4) Lars And The Real Girl (2007)

Starting a relationship with a plastic “RealDoll” named Bianca, a troubled young man finds a kind of happiness. Thus, Lars (Ryan Gosling) uses the doll as a shield from reality and his unhappiness. Indeed, the doll reduces his anxiety, providing love and acceptance. Can he manage his anxiety beyond the presence of the doll?

5) Safe (1995)

A psychological horror film starring Julianne Moore, Safe is a tough film about an extreme version of anxiety disorder. Indeed, a mysterious illness leads a suburban woman to believe she is becoming allergic to everything in modern society. It shows how anxiety breeds more anxiety.

6) The Aviator (2004)

Who would think that a biopic about Howard Hughes would be one of the top ten movies about anxiety disorder? However, success and wealth are not a shield from mental illness. Overcome by an anxiety disorder and multiple phobias, Hughes spends the end of his life as a recluse.

7) The Black Swan (2010)

Natalie Portman stars as a ballet dancer fighting to play the White Swan in Swan Lake. Hence, the story shows how creative expectations generate anxiety. Indeed, she battles against the dark dancer (Mila Kunis), who is perfect for playing the Black Swan. However, is the dark dancer real, or is she a manifestation of the White Swan’s fear and anxiety?

8) The King’s Speech (2010)

As World War II approaches, Colin Firth plays the future King George VI. The young ruler wants to lead his country, but he struggles with a stammer. Indeed, his stuttering leads to anxiety and a great fear of failure. Helped by a speech pathologist, he learns to face his difficulties.

9) The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

An American coming-of-age drama, this story is one of the top ten films about anxiety disorder because it focuses on the younger generation. A teenager named Charlie (Logan Lerman) writes letters to an unnamed friend that chronicle his trials and tribulations during an anxious freshman year. Moreover, the film depicts his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.

10) What About Bob? (1991)

In one of the funniest movies about anxiety disorder, Bill Murray plays Bob, a co-dependent patient who refuses to leave his vacationing psychiatrist (Richard Dreyfuss) alone. Indeed, he thinks the cure for his anxiety is to spend as much time with his psychiatrist as possible. When the anxiety-prone Bob befriends the doctor’s family, it pushes the psychiatrist over the edge.

A Diverse Array of Movies about Anxiety Disorder

Looking back at the list of the top ten movies about anxiety disorder, there is a lot of diversity. From intense psychological thrillers to light comedies, there is something for everyone. Ultimately, however, TTC recommends that you access professional help and support if you have an anxiety disorder.