Articles

To use as an ongoing resource, here is a list of the top ten movies about mental health on HBO Max.

Tarzana Treatment Centers offers valuable support for Mental Health Treatment Professionals, including Psychiatrists, Therapists, and Counselors. The goal is to help them supply quality resources to their younger patients.

For example, well-made mental health-oriented movies that are available on HBO Max. Our carefully vetted top ten list can be an ongoing resource for you.

As an important note, we recommend that you watch these movies before recommending them. Many of these films portray mental health issues with graphic reality and could be difficult to watch for patientsstill struggling. A movie that could be illuminating for one patient, helping to reduce stigma, could also prove to be dangerous for another.

Thus, as a disclaimer, we ask you to use your own experienced judgment when deciding whether to recommend these films to patients.

Top Ten Movies About Mental Health on HBO MAX

1) Benny & Joon (1993)

A psychological romantic comedy about how two eccentric individuals (schizoaffective and obsessive-compulsive). Thus, will they be able to overcome the societal stigma of being different by accepting each other and falling in love?

2) Punch Drunk Love (2002)

Barry lives a lonely life, punctuated by fits of rage and overwhelming social anxiety. Berated by his family, his one chance of finding love is byfacing his fears. However, can he overcome hisemotional isolation?

3) Analyze This (1999) + Analyze That (2002)

Thiscomedic duologyis about a gangster who sees a psychiatrist for help. Itoffersinsight into anxiety attacks and generalizedanxiety disorder. The story fights stigma with surface humor and honesty.

4) The Blind Side (2009)

With the help of a caring woman and her family, a homeless, traumatized boy begins to heal his mental wounds and find his calling as an All-American football player and eventual first-round NFL draft pick.

5) Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

On the edge of his sanity, a young man with mental health issues has a relationship with an anatomically correct sex doll named Bianca. Overcome by social anxiety, the illusion of the doll shields him from true emotional connection.

6) A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

In this drama, Mabel (a masterful Gena Rowlands), the wife of a blue-collar worker, tries her best to be normal. However, Mabel’s odd behavior and strange mannerisms lead to her institutionalization.

7) Ordinary People (1980)

Without question, a truly powerful American family drama about mental health. When a death of a favored son rocks a family, it leads to a breakdown and suicide attempt. Returning home after being hospitalized, Conrad struggles with what is normal.

8) Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

After being punished,a young boy escapes from his room and sails off into a fantasy world. Thus, the classic story shows a rich fantasy life is good only to a certain extent. However, such imaginingsdo not replace real life.

9) Thanks for Sharing (2012)

A recovering sex addict struggles to maintain hissobrietywhen a new girlfriend tests the boundaries. Moreover, the story includes 12-Step recovery meetings and shows the dangers of a behavioral disorder.

10) The Madness of King George (1994)

A biographical drama-comedy, Great Britain’s George III experiences deteriorating mental health as he ages. Reducing stigma, such a film shows how mental health challenges affect everyone.

If you want to provide certain patients with movies that will expand their awareness of how society views mental health challenges, or if you simply want to know more about mental health issues, here is a good place to start with easy access.