10 Movies & Shows Like The Couch Trip

Description: A classic drama about rebellion and institutionalization, set in a mental hospital where patients challenge authority, blending dark humor with profound social commentary.

Fact: It's only the second film to win all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Director, and Screenplay). Many scenes were improvised, including the group therapy sessions.

Description: A comedy that blends humor with mental health themes, featuring a group of psychiatric patients on an unexpected adventure, highlighting both the absurdity and humanity of its characters.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life experiences of screenwriter Jon Connolly, who worked in a mental health facility. It was one of the first mainstream comedies to portray mental illness with a mix of humor and sensitivity.

Description: A dark comedy about a psychiatric patient who becomes overly attached to his therapist, exploring themes of dependency and the blurred lines between professional and personal relationships.

Fact: Bill Murray improvised many of his lines, including the famous 'baby steps' monologue. The film was shot on location in Virginia, with Lake Monticello standing in for the fictional Lake Winnipesaukee.

Description: A drama focusing on therapy and personal growth, where a genius janitor forms a transformative relationship with his therapist, exploring themes of trauma and potential.

Fact: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the script while in their early 20s. Robin Williams improvised many of his therapy session lines, including the famous 'It's not your fault' scene.

Description: A romantic comedy about an obsessive-compulsive writer who undergoes personal growth through unexpected relationships, blending humor with psychological depth.

Fact: Jack Nicholson's character was originally written as a recluse, but was changed to have OCD after research. The dog in the film was played by six different Brussels Griffons.

Description: A comedic take on therapy and mob life, where a gangster seeks help for his anxiety, blending crime drama with psychological introspection and humor.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a drama before being rewritten as a comedy. Robert De Niro's character was loosely based on real-life mobster John Gotti.

Description: A biographical drama about mathematician John Nash's struggle with schizophrenia, combining intellectual brilliance with mental health challenges in a poignant narrative.

Fact: Russell Crowe learned to write with his left hand to mimic Nash's ambidextrous abilities. The Princeton library scenes were filmed at the actual university where Nash studied.

Description: A coming-of-age story set in a psychiatric ward, mixing humor with serious themes of adolescent mental health and self-discovery.

Fact: The film was shot in just 28 days. Author Ned Vizzini, who wrote the novel it's based on, spent time in a psychiatric hospital as a teenager.

Description: A romantic comedy-drama that explores bipolar disorder and emotional healing through an unconventional relationship, balancing humor with heartfelt moments.

Fact: Bradley Cooper lost 30 pounds and spent months researching bipolar disorder for his role. The dance competition scene was filmed in one continuous take.

Description: A dramedy about a man using a beaver hand puppet to cope with depression, offering a quirky yet poignant look at mental health struggles and recovery.

Fact: Mel Gibson performed most of his scenes with the puppet on his hand, even when it wasn't in frame. The film's script was featured on the 2008 Black List of best unproduced screenplays.