The 60 Best Mental Health Documentaries, Ranked
- 1
Boy Interrupted
Dana Heinz PerryDelving into the harrowing yet deeply compassionate story of Evan Perry, a 15-year-old who tragically committed suicide after struggling with bipolar disorder, Boy Interrupted provides an intimate look at the life of a child grappling with mental illness. Directed by Evan's parents Dana and Hart Perry, this poignant documentary combines home videos, interviews, and expert analysis to effectively highlight the challenges faced by families dealing with mental health issues while offering insight into the complex nature of depression and bipolar disorder.
- 2Brian Lindstrom
Alien Boy uncovers the tragic story of James Chasse, a man suffering from schizophrenia who died in police custody following a brutal arrest. Through interviews with family members, friends, witnesses, and experts in mental health care, director Brian Lindstrom uncovers systemic failures within law enforcement and psychiatric care systems that contributed to Chasse's untimely death. This compelling documentary serves as both a memorial for James Chasse and an urgent call for reform in how society treats individuals living with mental illness.
- 3
Tourettes: I Swear I Can't Help It
Shedding light on the often misunderstood neurological disorder known as Tourette Syndrome, Tourettes: I Swear I Can't Help It is an eye-opening documentary that invites viewers into the lives of people affected by this condition. By sharing personal stories and debunking common misconceptions surrounding Tourette's, this enlightening film offers a powerful message of understanding and empathy for those living with this lifelong struggle.
4Jeff FeuerzeigChronicling the tumultuous life of musician and artist Daniel Johnston as he battles bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, The Devil and Daniel Johnston is both an enthralling biographical portrait and an insightful examination of the intersection between creativity and mental illness. Director Jeff Feuerzeig masterfully weaves together archival footage, interviews, animation, and Johnston's own music to create a captivating narrative that humanizes the struggles of living with mental health disorders.
- 5
Let There Be Light
John HustonDirected by John Huston during World War II, Let There Be Light is a groundbreaking documentary that follows American soldiers as they undergo pioneering psychiatric treatment for what is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As an early exploration of the often invisible wounds of war, this film serves as a significant historical document that highlights the importance of recognizing and treating mental health issues among military personnel.
- 6Dan McCormack
Other Voices presents an intimate look at individuals living with autism, offering a rare glimpse into their internal experiences and challenging societal assumptions about this complex neurological condition. Featuring interviews with autistic individuals and their families, this sensitive documentary emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance in supporting those affected by autism spectrum disorders.
- 7
Multiple Personality: Reality and Illusion
James MyerMultiple Personality: Reality and Illusion delves into the controversial topic of dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder. Through interviews with experts in psychology and neuroscience, personal testimonies from individuals living with DID, and dramatic reenactments, this thought-provoking documentary seeks to unravel the complex nature of this often misunderstood condition.
8Frederick WisemanTiticut Follies is a groundbreaking 1967 documentary that offers a raw glimpse into conditions at Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane in Massachusetts. Directed by Frederick Wiseman, this harrowing film exposes systemic abuses within mental healthcare institutions while serving as a catalyst for reform in how society cares for individuals with mental illness.
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9Glenn JordanSon-Rise: A Miracle of Love recounts the inspirational story of Barry Neil Kaufman and his wife Suzannah as they develop an innovative therapy program for their autistic son Raun. Based on their bestselling book Son-Rise, this heartening film documents the transformative power of love and determination in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles related to autism spectrum disorders.
10Children of the Stars
Rob AspeyChildren of the Stars offers a rare and intriguing look into the lives of children diagnosed with autism in China, where cultural stigma surrounding mental health issues has historically hindered understanding and treatment. The documentary follows several families as they seek help at an innovative school founded by parents of autistic children, providing insight into the challenges they face, as well as their unwavering hope for a better future.
11Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive
Ross WilsonIn this candid two-part documentary, renowned actor and comedian Stephen Fry opens up about his own experiences with bipolar disorder while exploring the broader implications of living with this complex mental health condition. Featuring interviews with fellow sufferers, experts in psychiatry, and celebrities who have been affected by bipolar disorder, The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive offers valuable insight into the challenges faced by those living with mood disorders.
- 12
Happy
Focusing on the elusive yet universally sought-after emotion of happiness, Happy investigates the various factors that contribute to human well-being and satisfaction. Delving into scientific research, cultural perspectives, and individual stories, this captivating documentary reveals the diverse elements that shape our emotional lives while emphasizing the importance of mental health in achieving true happiness.
13Dialogues with Madwomen
Allie LightDialogues with Madwomen is an innovative documentary that offers a platform for seven women to share their experiences with mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Filmmaker Allie Light crafts an intimate portrait of each woman through candid interviews and artistic representations, providing valuable insights into their inner worlds while challenging societal assumptions about mental health disorders.
14Jonathan CaouetteCombining home movies, photographs, and original footage, Tarnation is an intensely personal documentary that chronicles filmmaker Jonathan Caouette's life as he navigates the challenges of growing up with a mentally ill mother. This innovative film provides a unique insight into the impact that mental health issues can have on family dynamics while demonstrating the power of resilience and perseverance.
- 15Robert Bilheimer, Richard Young
I'm Still Here presents an unflinching look at schizophrenia, offering firsthand accounts from those living with this often misunderstood mental illness. Through powerful storytelling and expert perspectives, this compelling documentary provides valuable insights into the complexities of schizophrenia while emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting individuals affected by mental health disorders.
Originally aired on BBC's QED series in 1989, John's Not Mad is a riveting documentary that follows John Davidson, a teenager with severe Tourette Syndrome. By giving viewers an intimate glimpse into John's daily struggles to manage his involuntary tics and outbursts, this film raises awareness about Tourette Syndrome's impact on individuals and their families while debunking misconceptions surrounding this neurological condition.
- 17Lauren Greenfield
Following the lives of four women grappling with eating disorders at a residential treatment center in Florida, Thin paints an unflinching portrait of the challenges faced by those struggling with anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Directed by Lauren Greenfield, this empathetic documentary sheds light on these complex mental health issues while highlighting the critical need for comprehensive care and support.
More Thin - 18
Ryan
Chris LandrethRyan is an Academy Award-winning animated short film that tells the story of Canadian animator Ryan Larkin, who struggled with addiction and homelessness after a promising career was derailed by mental health issues. Through visually stunning animation and interviews, this affecting documentary pays tribute to Larkin's artistic brilliance while exploring the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness.
19The Collector of Bedford Street
Alice ElliottThe Collector of Bedford Street is an uplifting portrait of Larry Selman – a man with intellectual disabilities who becomes an extraordinary community activist in his Greenwich Village neighborhood. By recounting Larry's inspiring journey towards independence and self-advocacy, this heartwarming documentary highlights both the resilience of individuals with disabilities and the power of inclusive communities.
- 20Jonathan Caouette
Walk Away Renee is an emotionally resonant documentary that tells the story of filmmaker Jonathan Caouette as he embarks on a road trip with his mother, who struggles with schizoaffective disorder. Blending present-day footage and archival material from Caouette's own life, this tender film serves as both a portrait of a mother-son relationship and an exploration of how mental illness impacts family dynamics.
21Billy O'BrienIsolation explores the profound psychological effects of solitary confinement on prisoners who have been subjected to long periods of isolation. Through interviews with inmates, experts in psychiatry and criminal justice reform advocates, this thought-provoking documentary raises important questions about our society's use of solitary confinement as punishment and its consequences for mental health.
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22Are the Kids Alright?
Ellen Spiro, Karen BernsteinShining a light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in the United States, Are the Kids Alright? examines the alarming rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide among this vulnerable population. Through personal stories and expert analysis, this eye-opening documentary underscores the urgent need for compassionate support systems to protect LGBTQ+ youth from the unique mental health risks they face.
- 23
Running from Crazy
Barbara KoppleRunning from Crazy is an introspective documentary featuring actress Mariel Hemingway as she delves into her family's history of suicide and mental illness to confront her own fears about hereditary depression. As Mariel seeks answers about her family members' struggles – including those faced by her iconic grandfather Ernest Hemingway – this insightful film offers a greater understanding of the impact mental health issues can have on families across generations.
24Children of Darkness
Children of Darkness is an unflinching examination of America’s treatment centers for children living with severe developmental disabilities or emotional disturbances during the 1980s. This hard-hitting documentary exposes the shocking inadequacies and abuses within these institutions, ultimately prompting a national conversation about the need for comprehensive reform in how society cares for individuals with mental health challenges.
25Prisoner of Her Past
Gordon QuinnPrisoner of Her Past tells the heart-wrenching story of Chicago Tribune journalist Howard Reich's quest to uncover why his mother Sonia suddenly begins reliving her Holocaust experiences later in life due to undiagnosed PTSD. Through a combination of investigative journalism and personal reflection, this moving documentary highlights the enduring impact of trauma on survivors' mental health while urging society to recognize and address these invisible wounds.
26Jeff MalmbergMarwencol tells the captivating story of Mark Hogancamp – a man who suffers from severe amnesia after a brutal attack leaves him near death. As he struggles to regain his memories and rebuild his life, Mark creates a 1/6 scale World War II-era Belgian town populated by dolls representing himself and those around him as part of an unconventional form of art therapy. This mesmerizing film offers insights into the intersection between creativity and healing for individuals grappling with traumatic brain injury or other neurological conditions.
- 27
A Journal of Insomnia
Bruno Choinière, Thibaut Duverneix, Philippe LambertA Journal of Insomnia is an innovative interactive documentary that delves into the struggles faced by those living with chronic insomnia. By weaving together personal narratives from insomniacs worldwide along with expert analysis and scientific research, this groundbreaking project offers a unique opportunity for viewers to connect with others experiencing similar sleep difficulties while gaining valuable insight into this often invisible yet debilitating condition.
28Keri Bowers, Taylor CrossNormal People Scare Me is a touching documentary directed by Keri Bowers and her teenage son Taylor Cross, who has autism. Through insightful interviews with individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and experts in the field, this engaging film seeks to demystify autism while promoting understanding and acceptance for those affected by it.
29Seven Dumpsters and a Corpse
Thomas HaemmerliSeven Dumpsters and a Corpse chronicles filmmaker Thomas Haemmerli's darkly humorous journey to dispose of his deceased mother's possessions after years spent hoarding them in her apartment. As Haemmerli uncovers hidden secrets about his mother's life, he grapples with feelings of guilt, grief, and loss while exploring broader themes related to family dynamics, trauma, and mental illness.
30Coco SchrijberFirst Kill is a haunting examination of the psychological toll that combat takes on soldiers returning from war. Directed by Dutch filmmaker Coco Schrijber, this compelling documentary follows Vietnam War veterans as they recount their experiences in battle and grapple with memories that continue to haunt them long after their service has ended.
