- Room 237 (2012)
- The Brain with David Eagleman (2015)
- The Power of Nightmares (2004)
- The Century of the Self (2002)
- The Trap: What Happened to Our Dream of Freedom (2007)
- The Mind, Explained (2019)
- The Human Face (2001)
- The Secret Life of the Brain (2002)
- The Psychopath Next Door (2005)
- The Brain: A Secret History (2010)
Are you fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind? This curated list of documentaries delves deep into psychological theories, offering insights into behavior, cognition, and the complexities of mental health. Each film provides a unique perspective on how psychological theories shape our understanding of ourselves and others, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in psychology, mental health, or simply the human condition.

Room 237 (2012)
Description: While not strictly about psychological theories, this documentary delves into the psychological interpretations of Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," showcasing how viewers project their own theories onto the film.
Fact: The film includes interviews with people who have developed elaborate theories about hidden meanings in "The Shining," some of which are quite outlandish.


The Brain with David Eagleman (2015)
Description: Neuroscientist David Eagleman explores how the brain constructs reality, touching on various psychological theories related to perception, decision-making, and identity.
Fact: Eagleman is known for his work on time perception, which is explored in one of the episodes.


The Power of Nightmares (2004)
Description: Adam Curtis returns with another thought-provoking series, this time exploring how the fear of terrorism has been used to manipulate public opinion, touching on psychological theories of fear and control.
Fact: The documentary suggests that both Islamic fundamentalists and neoconservatives share a common narrative of a world in chaos.


The Century of the Self (2002)
Description: This four-part series by Adam Curtis explores how Freud's theories on the unconscious were used by those in power to control the masses, highlighting the rise of consumerism and the manipulation of public opinion.
Fact: The series was originally broadcast on BBC Four and has since become a cult classic among psychology enthusiasts.


The Trap: What Happened to Our Dream of Freedom (2007)
Description: Curtis investigates how modern ideas of freedom have led to a society where individuals are increasingly isolated, exploring psychological theories of autonomy and social control.
Fact: The series critiques the influence of game theory on political and economic policies.


The Mind, Explained (2019)
Description: This Netflix series breaks down complex psychological concepts like memory, dreams, and anxiety in an accessible format, making it perfect for those new to psychology.
Fact: Each episode features a different expert in the field, providing a well-rounded view of psychological phenomena.


The Human Face (2001)
Description: John Cleese hosts this documentary that examines how facial expressions and features relate to psychological theories of emotion, attraction, and social interaction.
Fact: The series features interviews with experts like Desmond Morris, who wrote "The Naked Ape."


The Secret Life of the Brain (2002)
Description: This PBS series explores the development of the brain from infancy to old age, touching on psychological theories related to cognitive development and aging.
Fact: The series was produced in collaboration with the Dana Foundation, which supports brain research.


The Psychopath Next Door (2005)
Description: Based on the book by Martha Stout, this documentary examines the psychological profile of psychopaths, exploring theories of empathy, morality, and personality disorders.
Fact: The film features interviews with diagnosed psychopaths, providing a chilling insight into their minds.


The Brain: A Secret History (2010)
Description: Michael Mosley presents this series that delves into the history of brain research, touching on psychological theories through the lens of historical experiments and discoveries.
Fact: The series includes segments on controversial experiments like those conducted by Dr. Ewen Cameron on mind control.
