13 Thoughtful Movies That Delve Deep into Depression

1. Aftersun 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 98400, ID: 19770238
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
7. Lost in Translation 2003，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 495112, ID: 0335266
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Lost in Translation is a poignant film that beautifully captures the loneliness and alienation often associated with depression. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson deliver compelling performances as two lost souls in Tokyo, finding solace in each other’s company. Their shared loneliness and the bittersweet transience of life are portrayed with a delicate balance of humor and melancholy.
8. Garden State 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 223904, ID: 0333766
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.