Movies About Counseling

Updated May 1, 2024

When it comes to Movies About Counseling, there is no limit to the creators who explored this topic. Here are 19 of the top ones.

Harold and Maude (1971)

★★★★

3.2 out of 4 stars

From Hal Ashby, starring Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack
Rated PG

Harold and Maude tells the story of an unlikely romance between a young, wealthy, death-obsessed man and an eccentric, free-spirited older woman. Harold (Bud Cort) is a suicidal 20-year-old who stages elaborate fake suicides to shock his wealthy, domineering mother (Vivian Pickles). Maude (Ruth Gordon) is an almost 80-year-old woman with a passion for life and a flair for the unconventional. Despite their obvious differences, the two find an unexpected connection and Harold finds himself drawn out of his shell and into a new view of life. Through their friendship, the two teach each other the power of living life to the fullest and the importance of cherishing every moment.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Josh Boone, starring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, Laura Dern
Rated PG-13

The Fault in Our Stars is a 2014 American romantic drama film directed by Josh Boone, based on John Green's novel of the same name. The story follows Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), a 16-year-old cancer patient who is forced by her parents to attend a support group, where she meets and falls in love with the charming Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort). With the help of a both Hazel and Augustus’ support network of family and friends, the two embark on an unforgettable journey to Amsterdam to seek a miracle cure for Hazel’s cancer. Along the way, their bond of love and friendship is put to the test as they face the heartbreaking realities of life and death. The Fault in Our Stars is a powerful story of two teenagers who learn to live life to the fullest and make the most of the time they have left together.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

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

Silver Linings Playbook is an acclaimed romantic comedy-drama film directed by David O. Russell and released in 2012. The film follows Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper), a man who is released from a mental health facility and moves back in with his parents. Pat is determined to win back his ex-wife, but his plans are complicated when he meets a free-spirited woman named Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence). The two form an unlikely bond and together they help each other face their demons and find the courage to pursue their dreams. The film explores themes of mental illness, family relationships, and the power of accepting and embracing the past.

Office Space (1999)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Mike Judge, starring Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman, Ajay Naidu
Rated R

Office Space is a 1999 comedy film directed by Mike Judge. The film follows the story of Peter Gibbons, an overworked and disgruntled employee in a cubicle farm of a large software company. When Peter's two friends, Michael Bolton and Samir Nagheenanajar, are threatened with being fired, Peter takes it upon himself to stand up to their oppressive boss. With the help of a hypnotherapist, Peter gains the confidence to stand up to his boss and the entire corporate system. When Peter and his friends try to implement a scheme to get back at their employer for mistreating them, things quickly spiral out of control and lead to unexpected and far-reaching consequences. The film is a satire of the corporate world and the lives of the people who inhabit it.

Happiness (1998)

★★★★

3.1 out of 4 stars

From Todd Solondz, starring Jane Adams, Jon Lovitz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Dylan Baker
Rated NC-17

Happiness is a 1998 dark comedy-drama directed by Todd Solondz. The story follows the lives of three sisters and their wildly dysfunctional family. Trish (Cynthia Stevenson) is a housewife who is desperately trying to hold her family together despite her husband Bill's (Dylan Baker) secret predilection for young boys. Helen (Lara Flynn Boyle) is a successful author who desperately wants to be loved, despite her cold and uncaring exterior. Joy (Jane Adams) is a lonely woman who works in a sex-chat line, and is constantly trying to find the love she desires. The film also follows their various friends and family members, who all have their own individual struggles to deal with. Happiness provides a brutally honest and often hilarious look at loneliness, sexuality and the human condition.