12 movies about depression that take the topic seriously

Depression brings many psychological and physical problems to those who suffer from it. However, there is still a lot of taboo and prejudice on the subject. That’s why we’ve put together a list of movies about depression for you to watch and better understand the disease. Check it out and be sure to watch!

1. Go Crazy, Don’t Fall in Love (2010)

With hints of comedy, this film tells the story of Craig, who is depressed and voluntarily checks into a clinic. There, he meets people and learns many things about life. The goal is to show that this disease can happen to anyone, regardless of how stable the person’s life is.

2. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

This captivating drama tells the story of a writer who has suffered great personal trauma and is now dealing with depression and withdrawal from books. He decides to be a caretaker for an 18-year-old with a physical disability. The film, which is available on Netflix, has a road movie style and shows how empathy is essential to facing depression.

3. Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out addresses the complexity of emotions, in a light, didactic and animated format. In the film, we know joy, fear, anger, disgust and sadness. These feelings are essential for psychological balance, but when Riley has to deal with a change of town, her emotions are mixed. You can watch the movie on Netflix!

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Charlie is a 15-year-old teenager dealing with his best friend’s depression and suicide. After that, he changes schools and faces socialization problems. The film brings reflections and sensitive subjects such as depression, abuse and suicide, as we see Charlie’s development and his relationship with the outside world.

5. By Amazing Places (2020)

Available on Netflix, the film addresses topics such as grief, depression, anxiety, suicide and loneliness from the perspective of two teenagers. Violet and Theodore meet under strange circumstances, but they build a strong friendship and support each other.

6. Reign Over Me (2007)

Reign Over Me is a moving and captivating film about Charlie Finema, a man who lost his entire family in the 9/11 attack. Due to this event, he goes into a deep depression. In the midst of all this chaos, he meets a friend from college and, little by little, begins to see meaning in life again.

7. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

This is one of the classic movies about depression. She is approached through the character Frank, a teacher who has attempted suicide. In addition, the film deals with family issues and shows, in a three-day trip with everyone in the family, how the characters realize that no one needs to be alone in delicate situations.

8. The Minimum to Live (2017)

The film portrays how depression can be associated with eating disorders – as is the case with teenager Ellen, who suffers from anorexia. This is a Netflix production that shows a lot of sensitivity when dealing with such a delicate topic.

9. The Neverending Story (1984)

Bastian is a boy with a vivid imagination. When trying to run away from the boys who torment him, he enters a bookstore and starts reading a book that transports him to a fantasy world. In addition to bringing fantasies and curious beings, this classic film delicately addresses childhood depression.

10. Freedom is Blue (1994)

Addressing depression and grief, the film introduces us to Julie, who lost her husband and daughter in a car accident. Devastated, she tries to commit suicide but fails. However, at a certain point, the protagonist finds an unfinished work of her husband and this gives her a breath of hope to continue.

11. Melancholy (2011)

Two sisters have been separated for a long time, and not even the marriage of one of them can bring them closer. A deep and intense film that portrays depression through the announcement of Earth’s collision with another planet, showing how each of the characters deals with it differently.

12. Cake – A Reason to Live (2014)

In this film, we meet Claire, who suffers from depression and seeks help from a group for chronic pain. The film addresses themes such as depression, trauma and suicide in a sensitive and real way, holding the viewer from start to finish. It is worth checking.

We hope you enjoy these movies about depression. If you are going through this, remember that you are not alone and you can ask for help. See also tips on how to help a person with depression.