Disney Movies About Mental Health

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

"Requiem for a Dream" is a 2000 American psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky. It is based on the 1978 novel of the same name byHubert Selby Jr. The film follows four characters who become addicted to drugs and their struggle with their addictions. The film's main characters are Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn), her son Harry (Jared Leto), his girlfriend Marion (Jennifer Connelly), and his best friend Tyrone (Marlon Wayans). As their addictions intensify, their lives spiral downward into violence, despair, and hopelessness. The film examines the destructive nature of addiction and the ultimate cost of pursuing a dream. The film's bleak, uncompromising vision of its characters' downward spiral has been praised for its technical and artistic merits, particularly the cinematography and score.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd
Rated PG-13

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 American coming-of-age drama film written, produced and directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on his 1999 novel of the same name. It stars Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller. The plot follows the story of Charlie (Lerman), an introverted freshman who is taken under the wings of two seniors, Sam (Watson) and Patrick (Miller). Charlie is taken on a journey of self-discovery, learning to confront his inner demons, make new friends, and explore the world around him. Along the way, he develops a powerful bond with Sam and Patrick, which helps him to cope with the turbulence of adolescence. The film is both a nostalgic tribute to the age of adolescence and a powerful story about learning to embrace life and the world around us.

From David O. Russell, starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver
Rated R

Silver Linings Playbook is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by David O. Russell, starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. The film tells the story of Pat Solitano, Jr., a former teacher with bipolar disorder who moves back in with his parents after spending eight months in a mental institution. He is determined to win back his estranged wife, Nikki. Along the way, he meets Tiffany, a young widow and fellow bipolar sufferer. Tiffany agrees to help Pat reconcile with Nikki if he will enter a dancing competition with her. As they train together, they form a strong bond that helps both of them face the challenges they are facing. Despite the odds, they work together to find their "silver linings" and ultimately find a way to bring Pat and Nikki back together.

From Gregg Araki, starring Brady Corbet, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elisabeth Shue, Chase Ellison
Rated Unrated

Mysterious Skin is a 2004 American independent coming-of-age drama film directed by Gregg Araki and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Brady Corbet. Based on Scott Heim's novel of the same name, the film tells the story of two pre-adolescent boys who are sexually abused by their Little League coach. The story follows their lives into adulthood and the psychological trauma they experienced as a result of their abuse. The film explores themes of childhood sexual abuse, homosexuality, adolescent sexuality, and human sexuality. It has been met with critical acclaim and was an official selection of the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

From Lynne Ramsay, starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller, Jasper Newell
Rated R

We Need to Talk About Kevin is a psychological drama film directed by Lynne Ramsay, starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller, and Jasper Newell. Adapted from Lionel Shriver's 2003 novel of the same name, the film follows Eva Khatchadourian, a mother struggling to come to terms with her son Kevin's horrific act of violence against his classmates at his high school. The story is told in a non-linear narrative, focusing on Eva's attempts to confront her feelings of grief, guilt, and anger towards her son, while searching for answers as to why he committed the crime. Through a series of flashbacks, we are shown the strained relationship between Kevin and Eva, and learn of the events leading up to the shooting. In the end, Eva is left to discover a way to come to terms with the tragedy, and make peace with her son.

From Todd Solondz, starring Heather Matarazzo, Christina Brucato, Victoria Davis, Christina Vidal
Rated R

From James Mangold, starring Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy
Rated R

From Goran Dukic, starring Patrick Fugit, Shea Whigham, Tom Waits, Will Arnett
Rated R

From Sofia Coppola, starring Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett, James Woods, Kathleen Turner
Rated R

From Jordan Melamed, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Bacall, Zooey Deschanel, Don Cheadle
Rated R

From Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, starring Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts, Dana DeVestern
Rated PG-13

From David Slade, starring Patrick Wilson, Elliot Page, Sandra Oh, Odessa Rae
Rated R

From David Schwimmer, starring Clive Owen, Catherine Keener, Liana Liberato, Jason Clarke
Rated R

From Burr Steers, starring Kieran Culkin, Susan Sarandon, Jeff Goldblum, Claire Danes
Rated R

From Jon Poll, starring Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey Jr., Hope Davis, Kat Dennings
Rated R

From Catherine Hardwicke, starring Evan Rachel Wood, Holly Hunter, Nikki Reed, Vanessa Hudgens
Rated R

From Marti Noxon, starring Rebekah Kennedy, Lily Collins, Dana L. Wilson, Ziah Colon
Rated TV-MA

From M. Cahill, starring Michael Douglas, Evan Rachel Wood, Willis Burks II, Laura Kachergus
Rated PG-13

From Gavin Wiesen, starring Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Sasha Spielberg
Rated PG-13

From Mike Mills, starring Lou Taylor Pucci, Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Keanu Reeves
Rated R

From Michael Goldbach, starring Kat Dennings, Reece Thompson, Andie MacDowell, Josh Lucas
Rated R

From Directors: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, starring Macaulay Culkin, Wilson Cruz, Seth Green, Diana Scarwid
Rated R

From Ryan Murphy, starring Joseph Cross, Annette Bening, Brian Cox, Gwyneth Paltrow
Rated R