If you were moved by the emotional depth and raw storytelling of A Mouthful of Air (2021), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 similar movies and shows that explore themes of mental health, resilience, and personal struggle, offering the same gripping narratives and powerful performances. Whether you're looking for more thought-provoking dramas or heartfelt character studies, these recommendations will keep you engaged.

The Hours (2002)
Description: Interweaves stories of women across different time periods struggling with depression, identity, and societal constraints, creating a poignant meditation on mental health.
Fact: The film features three different time periods (1923, 1951, and 200with distinct visual palettes for each era. Nicole Kidman wore a prosthetic nose for her role as Virginia Woolf.


Precious (2009)
Description: Offers an unflinching look at trauma, abuse, and resilience, with a powerful central performance that carries the emotionally devastating narrative.
Fact: The film was shot in just 28 days. Gabourey Sidibe had never acted professionally before being cast in the lead role.


Black Swan (2010)
Description: Blends psychological horror with artistic obsession, depicting a harrowing descent into madness through stunning visual storytelling and intense performances.
Fact: Natalie Portman trained in ballet for a year prior to filming. The entire film was shot in just 42 days, with many scenes being first takes.


Revolutionary Road (2008)
Description: Examines the crushing weight of societal expectations and the disintegration of a marriage, with raw emotional intensity and psychological depth.
Fact: This marked the first on-screen reunion of Titanic stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The film was shot in many of the same Connecticut locations where the novel was set.


Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Description: Balances humor and heartbreak in its portrayal of mental illness and recovery, showing flawed characters finding connection through shared struggles.
Fact: Bradley Cooper lost 30 pounds and learned to dance for his role. The film was shot in just 33 days on a modest budget of $21 million.


We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
Description: Delves into the complexities of motherhood, guilt, and the nature vs. nurture debate, presenting a harrowing psychological portrait of a troubled parent-child relationship.
Fact: The film uses a non-linear narrative structure to gradually reveal its disturbing story. The red color palette throughout symbolizes both danger and the protagonist's emotional turmoil.


Melancholia (2011)
Description: Presents a visually stunning yet deeply unsettling portrayal of depression and existential dread, using an apocalyptic metaphor for mental illness.
Fact: The film's opening sequence was shot with a special high-speed camera at 1000 frames per second. Lars von Trier was inspired to make the film during treatment for his own depression.


The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Description: Captures the painful yet beautiful journey of adolescence, dealing with trauma, mental health, and self-discovery with sensitivity and emotional honesty.
Fact: The author of the novel, Stephen Chbosky, also wrote the screenplay and directed the film. The iconic tunnel scene was filmed in one continuous take.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: Explores themes of grief, mental illness, and the struggles of parenthood through a psychological horror lens, creating a deeply unsettling yet emotionally resonant experience.
Fact: The Babadook was initially rejected by several film festivals before gaining critical acclaim and becoming a cult classic. The film's monster was inspired by German Expressionist cinema.


Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Description: Presents a devastating yet beautifully restrained examination of grief, guilt, and the struggle to move forward after unimaginable loss.
Fact: Casey Affleck's performance was largely improvised. The film was shot in real Massachusetts locations during winter to capture authentic New England atmosphere.
