Best Movies About Schizophrenia

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks as the titular character. The film follows Forrest, a naive and simplehearted man with an IQ of 75, who is taken on a journey through U.S. history. Along the way, he experiences many historic moments and befriends many people. His life intersects with multiple historical figures and events, including the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the civil rights movement. The film was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actor for Hanks, and Best Director for Zemeckis. It remains one of the most beloved films of all time.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, directed by Milos Forman, tells the story of McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a criminal who feigns mental illness in order to serve his sentence in a mental institution rather than in prison. The mental hospital, however, is run by the oppressive Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) and her aides, who seek to control the patients by any means necessary. McMurphy eventually becomes a leader of sorts among the patients, inspiring them to stand up to the oppressive staff, leading to a climactic battle between the two sides. Ultimately, McMurphy's rebellion comes to an end when he is lobotomized and Ratched remains in control of the hospital. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Nicholson.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Demme in 1991. It follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she seeks the help of Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, to catch the serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). With Lecter's help, Starling gets closer to Buffalo Bill, but soon finds herself in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with her quarry. In the end, she is able to catch the killer and bring him to justice, with some assistance from Lecter. The Silence of the Lambs won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hopkins) and Best Actress (Foster). It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and is known for its chilling atmosphere and its iconic villain, Hannibal Lecter.

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a 1995 psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. The film follows two detectives, Somerset (Freeman) and Mills (Pitt), as they investigate a mysterious series of murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. As they hunt down the killer, they uncover a heinous plot to punish the wicked, and must race against time to stop the killer from completing his grand design. With its dark, suspenseful atmosphere and shocking twists, Se7en is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrillers of all time.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a 1960 horror thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film follows Marion Crane, a young woman on the run from the law after stealing money from her employer. She checks into a secluded motel run by Norman Bates, an eccentric and troubled man living with his domineering mother. Marion soon discovers that Norman is harboring dark secrets, and her actions set off a chain of thrilling and terrifying events. Psycho is considered a classic of the horror genre and is renowned for its groundbreaking use of suspense, tension, and terror.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers
Rated R

The Shining is a horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980. It follows the story of Jack Torrance, a writer and former teacher who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. Along with his wife, Wendy, and son, Danny, Jack moves to the hotel, where Danny soon begins to exhibit psychic abilities, dubbed "the shining," which allow him to see visions of both the past and the future. As the winter progresses and Jack's mental state deteriorates, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic, eventually leading to terrifying events as he attempts to murder Wendy and Danny. Despite his supernatural powers, Danny is unable to stop his father's descent into madness and the family is ultimately forced to flee the hotel in horror. The Shining is a story of the fragility of the human mind and the strength of the familial bond in the face of unimaginable terror.

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a 1984 film by director Milos Forman that follows the life and career of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most influential and prolific composers of all time. The movie follows his early career in Vienna, his growing rivalry with Antonio Salieri, and his eventual death. It showcases Mozart's genius, as well as his struggles with his peers, his personal life, and his own health. Salieri, a court composer, plots against Mozart out of envy and fear of his talent, while Mozart is unknowingly doomed to an early death. The film is based on a play, and features Tom Hulce as Mozart. Amadeus won eight Academy Awards, including best picture, best director, and best adapted screenplay.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan and released in 2000. It tells the story of Leonard Shelby, a man suffering from anterograde amnesia, a condition which prevents him from forming new memories. In order to track down the man who killed his wife, Leonard tattoos key clues, facts and strategies on his body, creating a "roadmap" of sorts. He must rely on these clues and his own instincts in order to track down his wife's killer and exact revenge. As Leonard's condition deteriorates, the puzzle of his past and the mystery of his wife's murder become increasingly complex. Ultimately, the film is a gripping exploration of memory, identity, and revenge.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Rated R

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 psychological drama directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film follows the intertwining stories of four people living in Brooklyn, New York: Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn), an elderly widow who dreams of appearing on a TV game show; her son, Harry (Jared Leto), an aspiring drug dealer; his girlfriend, Marion (Jennifer Connelly), a pregnant junkie; and Tyrone C. Love (Marlon Wayans), Harry's best friend and co-drug dealer. The characters are all struggling with addiction to different vices: Sara's obsession with the TV show leads her to extreme dieting and drug use, while Harry, Marion, and Tyrone become addicted to heroin. As their addictions spiral out of control, their lives slowly unravel. The film culminates in each of them reaching a point of despair and disillusionment, with no hope of recovery. A harrowing yet thought-provoking look at the destruction caused by drug addiction, Requiem for a Dream is an emotionally powerful and intense film that has become a cult classic.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 drama film written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and directed by Gus Van Sant. It stars Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver, and Stellan Skarsgård. The movie tells the story of Will Hunting (Matt Damon), an orphaned MIT janitor from South Boston with a genius-level intellect who struggles to find his place in the world. After a run-in with the law, Will is offered the opportunity to participate in group therapy sessions with a renowned therapist (Robin Williams). Through these sessions, Will starts to confront his past, his potential, and the relationships in his life. With the help of his therapist and a supportive best friend (Ben Affleck), Will discovers his true self and develops a plan for his future.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind is a 2001 biographical drama directed by Ron Howard. It tells the story of the brilliant mathematician John Nash, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. The story follows Nash’s journey over the course of decades, from his days as a young student at Princeton University to his eventual Nobel Prize in Economics. The film stars Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, and also features Ed Harris, Paul Bettany, and Adam Goldberg. The film chronicles Nash's struggles with mental illness and his relationships with his family, friends, and colleagues. Nash experiences hallucinations and delusions, and is eventually diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Despite his illness, Nash is determined to prove to the world the validity of his theories. He eventually finds success and is honored with the Nobel Prize in Economics. The film is widely acclaimed for its portrayal of mental illness and for its performances. A Beautiful Mind was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Picture and Best Director for Ron Howard.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Taxi Driver is an American drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. It stars Robert De Niro as a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran who works as a night-time taxi driver in New York City. As he suffers from insomnia, he spends his time working as a taxi driver and is driven to violence by what he sees on the streets. He crosses paths with an unstable young prostitute and becomes obsessed with rescuing her from her pimp. His violent actions draw the attention of the media and ultimately lead to a climactic confrontation. The film explores themes of urban alienation, depression, and loneliness.

From John Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, Peter Falk, Fred Draper, Lady Rowlands
Rated R

A Woman Under the Influence is a 1974 American drama film written and directed by John Cassavetes. The film stars Gena Rowlands as Mabel Longhetti, a housewife who suffers from a mental disorder. Her husband Nick, played by Peter Falk, does his best to take care of her, but her behavior leads to difficulty in their marriage. The couple struggles to keep their family together, despite the stress and strain of Mabel's condition. As her mental state deteriorates, Mabel's family and friends are forced to confront their own fears and prejudices about mental illness and the consequences of ignoring it. Ultimately, Mabel and Nick's love for each other is put to the test, as they find a way to cope with the challenges they face.

From William Friedkin, starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb
Rated R

The Exorcist is a horror/supernatural thriller film directed by William Friedkin and based on the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty. It tells the story of a 12-year-old girl named Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) who becomes possessed by a demonic entity. Her desperate mother, Chris (Ellen Burstyn), turns to two priests, Father Karras (Jason Miller) and Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), for help in performing an exorcism to save Regan’s life. The priests must battle the powerful supernatural forces to cleanse Regan of the evil possession and ultimately save her soul. The film was a huge success upon its release, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time and winning two Academy Awards. It remains iconic in the horror genre, and its influence can still be felt today.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Harriet Andersson, Gunnar Björnstrand, Max von Sydow, Lars Passgård
Rated Not Rated

Through a Glass Darkly is a Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows the story of a family on vacation on a remote island in Sweden. The family consists of the father, David; his wife, Karin; his son, Minus; and his daughter, Karin. As the days pass, Karin's mental health deteriorates, and her delusions become more vivid. Her family is unable to help her, and her husband David is too wrapped up in his own grief to be able to provide the comfort and support that she needs. Ultimately, Karin is diagnosed with schizophrenia and sent away to hospital. The film follows Karin's journey and her family's struggle to cope with her condition. The film is a powerful exploration of mental illness and its effects on family life.

From Robert Aldrich, starring Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Victor Buono, Wesley Addy
Rated Passed

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a 1962 psychological thriller directed by Robert Aldrich, starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. It tells the story of two aging sisters, Jane Hudson and Blanche Hudson, who live together in a crumbling Hollywood mansion. Jane, the younger sister, is a former child star who has become an alcoholic and is bitter and resentful towards her sister. Blanche, who was a successful actress, was left wheelchair-bound after a mysterious accident. Tensions between the two sisters reach a boiling point as Jane begins to mentally and physically torture Blanche, leading to a shocking climax.

From Charles Laughton, starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason
Rated Not Rated

The Night of the Hunter is a classic 1955 film starring Robert Mitchum and Shelley Winters. It is considered one of the greatest films ever made. Directed by Charles Laughton, the film tells the story of an ex-convict-turned-preacher, Reverend Harry Powell (Mitchum), who is on a mission to find two children with a secret inheritance. With a chilling performance from Mitchum, the film is a suspenseful thriller. Along his search, Powell uses his twisted biblical preaching to manipulate the innocent people around him. As the story progresses, the children come to realize that their only hope of survival is to outwit their pursuer. The Night of the Hunter is a dark but beautiful film that is truly a timeless classic.

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Rated R

Rain Man is a 1988 American road comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. It tells the story of an abrasive, selfish young wheeler-dealer Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), an autistic savant, of whose existence Charlie was unaware. Charlie is left with only his father's car and collection of rose bushes. In addition to the two leads, Valeria Golino stars as Charlie's girlfriend, Susanna. Rain Man received overwhelmingly positive reviews, praising Hoffman's portrayal of Raymond and the wit and sophistication of the screenplay, and was the highest-grossing film of 1988. The film won four Oscars at the 61st Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Hoffman won the Academy Award for Best Actor and Cruise was nominated for Best Actor. The film's soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer, won a Grammy Award for Best Score.

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a psychological thriller about a troubled teenager, Donnie Darko, who is haunted by a mysterious figure, Frank, in a large rabbit costume. After waking from a nightmare, Donnie is told by Frank that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds. Donnie soon discovers that he can time travel, and he begins to use this ability to change events that will either prevent or hasten the end of the world. As Donnie's battle with fate intensifies, he finds himself on a collision course with his own destiny. Along the way, Donnie learns more about the mysterious figure and its connection to his family, as well as the strange events that have been occurring in the town.

From Elia Kazan, starring Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, Karl Malden
Rated PG

A Streetcar Named Desire is a classic American drama film directed by Elia Kazan and based on a stage play by Tennessee Williams. Starring Marlon Brando, Vivien Leigh, and Kim Hunter, the story follows a faded Southern belle named Blanche DuBois (Leigh) who moves in with her sister, Stella (Hunter), and her husband, Stanley (Brando), in a seedy New Orleans neighborhood. Blanche is confronted with the harsh reality of her past and the rough, working-class culture of her new home. As her mental state deteriorates and her conflicts with Stanley intensify, Blanche’s desperate attempts to find solace only lead to heartbreak. A Streetcar Named Desire is a timeless masterpiece of American cinema that examines the depths of human emotion and the psychological complexity of interpersonal relationships.

From Rob Reiner, starring James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen
Rated R

Misery is a psychological horror-thriller film directed by Rob Reiner and based on the 1987 Stephen King novel of the same name. It stars James Caan and Kathy Bates. The film follows the story of Paul Sheldon (Caan), a successful author who is injured in a car accident and is rescued by his "number one fan" Annie Wilkes (Bates). As Paul recovers from his injuries at her remote mountain house, he soon discovers that Annie is a deranged and obsessive fan who will do anything to keep him there. She forces him to rewrite his latest novel in his own handwriting, and forces him to cut off contact with the outside world. As Paul's situation becomes more desperate, he must find a way to escape or risk becoming her permanent prisoner.

From George Cukor, starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, May Whitty
Rated Passed

Gaslight is a 1944 psychological thriller directed by George Cukor. Set in Victorian London, it follows newlywed Paula Alquist (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband, Gregory (Charles Boyer). Gregory's scheme to make Paula think she is going insane gradually unfolds as he attempts to drive her to the brink of madness in order to acquire her late aunt's hidden fortune. He manipulates her environment, including dimming the gaslights in the house, to make her think she is losing her grip on reality. As his plan progresses, Paula is left with no one to turn to for help and must rely on her own strength and cunning to survive.

From Robert Redford, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, Timothy Hutton
Rated R

"Ordinary People" is a 1980 drama directed by Robert Redford. It tells the story of an upper-middle-class family from suburban Chicago, whose lives are thrown into turmoil by the death of one of their sons and the subsequent mental breakdown of their surviving son. The film centers on the family's struggle to cope with the tragedy, and the father's attempt to reconnect with his surviving son, whom he had previously been distant from. As the film progresses, the family's struggle to come to terms with their grief and the lingering effects of their tragedy begins to erode their relationships, culminating in a tense and emotionally charged confrontation. The film stars Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton, and Judd Hirsch and was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning four.

From David Fincher, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards
Rated R

Zodiac is a 2007 crime drama film directed by David Fincher. The film follows Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), a cartoonist and crime reporter, and his efforts to identify the Zodiac Killer, an anonymous serial killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s. With the help of police Inspector David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and reporter Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.), Graysmith slowly unravels the clues that the killer has left behind. As the investigation progresses, Graysmith and the others realize that the Zodiac Killer does not fit the typical profile of a serial killer and is far more complex and dangerous than anyone could have imagined. As their search for the killer leads them to darker places, the investigation takes a toll on them both physically and mentally. Ultimately, the Zodiac Killer is never identified, and the movie ends with an ambiguous conclusion.

From David Lynch, starring Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern
Rated R

Blue Velvet is a 1986 mystery thriller film written and directed by David Lynch. It takes place in the small town of Lumberton, where a high school student, Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan), discovers a severed ear in a vacant lot. He then embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery of what happened to the ear and who is responsible. This leads him to a nightclub singer, Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini), and a deranged criminal, Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper). Along the way, Jeffrey discovers a voyeuristic world of violence, drugs, and sexual depravity. The film explores themes of the corruption of innocence, the duality of human nature, and the power of dreams and imagination.