1. Aftersun 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 98400, ID: 19770238 Photo by anred.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Aftersun is a poignant tale of a regular vacation that turns into an evocative story of love and loss. The film subtly hints at the protagonist Calum’s deep-seated depression. It’s a powerful narrative that aches and refuses to be forgotten, making it a thoughtful exploration of depression.
2. Sideways 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 206087, ID: 0375063 Photo by wordpress.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Sideways is a beautiful portrait of mid-life disappointment set against the backdrop of California’s wine country. The protagonist, Miles, is depicted as a man battling depression, making the film a thoughtful examination of mental health.
3. The End of the Tour 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 32761, ID: 3416744 Photo by bandadicefali.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The End of the Tour is a moving depiction of the complex relationship between two writers, one of whom, David Foster Wallace, is portrayed as battling depression. The film’s raw portrayal of mental health struggles makes it a thoughtful exploration of depression.
4. A Star Is Born 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 423627, ID: 1517451 Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A Star Is Born is a tragic love story that explores themes of addiction and depression. The film’s depiction of the protagonist’s struggle with mental health issues and the impact on his relationships makes it a thoughtful exploration of depression.
5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1088043, ID: 0338013 Photo by coveralia.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a moving exploration of memory and love. The film’s unique narrative structure and its exploration of the protagonist’s depression make it a thoughtful exploration of mental health.
6. Manchester by the Sea 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 317807, ID: 4034228 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Manchester by the Sea is a deeply moving film that explores the complexity of grief and forgiveness. Casey Affleck delivers an exquisitely controlled performance as a man grappling with depression after enduring a series of brutal losses. The film’s humor, complexity, and the raw emotions it evokes make it a thoughtful depiction of depression.
8. Garden State 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 223904, ID: 0333766 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Garden State is a film that thoughtfully explores depression through its protagonist, Andrew, played by Zach Braff. Andrew’s journey of self-discovery and his struggle with depression are portrayed with honesty and sensitivity. The film’s nuanced depiction of mental health struggles and its emphasis on healing and self-acceptance make it a meaningful watch.
9. Prozac Nation 2001，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 19190, ID: 0236640 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Prozac Nation, based on Elizabeth Wurtzel’s autobiographical novel, provides a stark portrayal of depression. Christina Ricci’s performance as a young woman battling depression during her first year at Harvard is both powerful and heart-wrenching. The film’s candid depiction of mental health struggles offers a valuable perspective on the realities of living with depression.
10. World’s Greatest Dad 2009，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 40952, ID: 1262981 Photo by newsfilter.gr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 World’s Greatest Dad is a dark comedy that explores the theme of depression in a unique and thought-provoking way. Robin Williams delivers a remarkable performance as a high school teacher who uses a tragic incident to gain the literary renown he has always desired. The film’s exploration of posthumous cults of celebrity and its critique of societal responses to depression make it a compelling watch.
11. Sylvia 2003，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 11314, ID: 0325055 Photo by foodista.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Sylvia is a biographical drama that explores the tumultuous life of poet Sylvia Plath, her struggles with depression, and her troubled marriage to fellow poet Ted Hughes. The film offers a poignant portrayal of Plath’s internal battles, making it a thought-provoking exploration of depression. However, some critics argue that the film fails to fully capture the depth of Plath’s character. As a movie enthusiast, I found Sylvia to be a compelling, albeit imperfect, depiction of a complex individual grappling with mental illness.
12. Little Miss Sunshine 2006，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 522424, ID: 0449059 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Little Miss Sunshine is a heartwarming film that combines humor and pathos to tell the story of a dysfunctional family on a cross-country trip. While not explicitly about depression, the film touches on themes of failure, self-worth, and the pressure to conform, offering a thoughtful commentary on the pursuit of happiness. The film’s strength lies in its well-drawn characters and the performances of its ensemble cast. As a film lover, I appreciated the film’s balance of comedy and drama, and its ultimately uplifting message.
12 Deeply Moving Films About Depression
