10 Drama Films About Depression

Description: This film focuses on a family dealing with the aftermath of a son's death, highlighting the depression and guilt that consumes the surviving son, Conrad.

Fact: It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Redford. The film was adapted from Judith Guest's novel.

Description: Sofia Coppola's debut feature film examines the lives of five sisters who are isolated by their strict parents, leading to their tragic ends. The film captures the essence of teenage depression and societal pressures.

Fact: The film is based on Jeffrey Eugenides' novel. The soundtrack features music by Air, which adds to the film's dreamy, melancholic atmosphere.

Description: Interweaving the stories of three women across different time periods, this film explores themes of depression, suicide, and the impact of Virginia Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway."

Fact: Nicole Kidman won an Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf. The film was adapted from Michael Cunningham's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Description: A teenage boy checks himself into a psychiatric ward after experiencing suicidal thoughts. The film blends humor with the serious topic of depression, offering a hopeful perspective.

Fact: The film is based on Ned Vizzini's semi-autobiographical novel. The movie features a young cast including Keir Gilchrist and Emma Roberts.

Description: Pat Solitano, dealing with bipolar disorder, tries to rebuild his life after a stint in a mental health facility. The film explores themes of mental health, family dynamics, and the search for happiness.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role. The film was adapted from Matthew Quick's novel.

Description: This film follows a day in the life of George Falconer, a gay professor in 1962 Los Angeles, as he contemplates suicide after the death of his long-term partner. It's a poignant exploration of grief and depression.

Fact: Colin Firth was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role. The film was directed by fashion designer Tom Ford.

Description: Lars von Trier's film explores depression through the story of two sisters as a planet named Melancholia threatens to collide with Earth. The film uses this impending doom as a metaphor for the protagonist's mental state.

Fact: The film was inspired by von Trier's own struggles with depression. The opening sequence, featuring Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde," was shot in reverse.

Description: This coming-of-age story tackles themes of depression, trauma, and the healing power of friendship as a high school freshman navigates his way through life.

Fact: The film was adapted from Stephen Chbosky's novel, with Chbosky also writing and directing the movie. The soundtrack includes iconic songs that enhance the film's emotional depth.

Description: This film delves into the life of Susanna Kaysen, who checks herself into a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt. It's a raw portrayal of mental health issues, including depression, through the lens of young women in the 1960s.

Fact: Angelina Jolie won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Lisa Rowe. The film is based on Susanna Kaysen's memoir of the same name.

Description: This film follows Lee Chandler, who must return to his hometown after his brother's death, confronting his past and the deep depression he's been living with.

Fact: Casey Affleck won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. The film was written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan.