30 Movies About Eating Disorders You Should Watch
Vote on the movies based on how well they portray eating disorders and body image issues.
- 1
To the Bone
Keanu Reeves, Lily Collins, Alanna UbachExploring the harsh realities of anorexia, To the Bone provides an intimate and raw depiction of life with an eating disorder. Touching on themes of family, mental health, and self-discovery, this movie maintains its ability to entertain and educate while also depicting the challenges faced by those suffering from anorexia. With standout performances from Lily Collins and Keanu Reeves, To the Bone has become a defining film for raising awareness and understanding of eating disorders.
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- 2
Sharing the Secret
Mare Winningham, Diane Ladd, Tim MathesonSharing the Secret delves into the complex world of bulimia, with a captivating storyline that keeps viewers engaged while shedding light on the intricacies of the disorder. A must-see for anyone seeking insight into the effects of eating disorders on families and individuals, this film showcases the destructive nature of these illnesses while highlighting the importance of communication and support. By bringing attention to the struggles many face in silence, Sharing the Secret cements its status as a vital portrayal of eating disorders in cinema.
- 3
For the Love of Nancy
Tracey Gold, Jill Clayburgh, William DevaneStarring Tracey Gold, For the Love of Nancy presents a devastatingly realistic depiction of anorexia, delving into the psychological turmoil and physical consequences that can accompany this disorder. This made-for-television drama addresses themes of family conflict, denial, and the complexities of eating disorders in a highly compelling manner. By remaining honest and unflinching in its portrayal, For the Love of Nancy has earned a lasting place among the most memorable films about eating disorders.
- 4Wendie Malick, Amy Jo Johnson, Cathy Rigby
A captivating story about a young gymnast's pursuit of perfection and the detrimental impact it has on her mental and physical health, Perfect Body offers a fresh perspective on the competitive world of sports and its potential connection to eating disorders. The film engages viewers in an emotional rollercoaster, while addressing the pressure faced by many athletes who strive to meet unrealistic expectations. Perfect Body skillfully shines a light on the destructive nature of eating disorders within the context of athletic competition, earning its place as a vital film on the subject.
- 5
My Skinny Sister
Rebecka Josephson, Amy Deasismont, Henrik NorlénMy Skinny Sister is a powerful coming-of-age story that creatively addresses the issue of eating disorders through the lens of a young girl witnessing her sister's battle with anorexia. This Swedish drama provides a thought-provoking study of the often-hidden aspects of body image and sibling relationships, allowing viewers to engage with the film on various levels. It's a unique depiction of eating disorders that emphasizes the far-reaching impacts they can have on both individuals and their loved ones.
- 6Ryan Reynolds, Lynda Carter, Marley Shelton
Centered around a heartbreaking struggle with bulimia nervosa, A Secret Between Friends provides a harrowing view of the physical and mental toll that eating disorders can take on one's life. Expertly crafted and emotionally charged, this film delves deep into the turmoil of two teenage girls as they bond over their shared obsession with food and weight. This compelling narrative captures the essence of the challenges faced by those suffering from eating disorders and brings viewers face to face with the often-overlooked consequences of these illnesses. A Secret Between Friends remains a classic film in this genre, shedding light on the hidden adversity endured by countless individuals.
- 7Shelly Guillory, Brittany Robinson, Alisa Williams
In this gripping documentary, Thin provides a stirring and eye-opening look into the lives of women struggling with anorexia and bulimia within a residential treatment center. Audiences are given a rare glimpse into the day-to-day lives of individuals living with eating disorders, emphasizing the pervasive nature and complexities of these illnesses. With its unfiltered, 'fly-on-the-wall' approach, Thin stands out as a vital and poignant examination of eating disorders and their debilitating effects on sufferers and their families.
More Thin- #1 of 33 onThe 30+ Best Documentaries On Eating Disorders
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- 8Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea Duvall
Set in a mental institution during the 1960s, Girl, Interrupted tells the story of Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder), a young woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and her interactions with fellow patients, some of whom struggle with eating disorders. While not exclusively focused on disordered eating, the film provides a compelling, insightful study of mental health struggles within a historical context. With its star-studded cast, including Angelina Jolie in an Oscar-winning role, Girl, Interrupted remains a memorable and significant film that touches on the complexities of eating disorders.
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- 9
Starving in Suburbia
Laura Slade Wiggins, Sharon Lawrence, Izabella MikoFeaturing a poignant and disturbing exploration of anorexia nervosa, Starving in Suburbia is a striking cinematic experience that is impossible to forget. The movie follows a young dancer who becomes dangerously consumed by her fixation on thinness and her involvement with an online community encouraging disordered eating. Shedding insight on the dark side of the internet and its impact on fragile minds, the film unravels a tragic spiral into obsession, self-hatred, and starvation. With an unforgettable cast and a riveting story, Starving in Suburbia cements itself as a must-watch film that exposes the devastating realities faced by many who suffer from such life-altering afflictions.
- 10Zoë Kravitz, Kyra Sedgwick, Robert Patrick
A heartfelt and often humorous study of mental health, The Road Within stars Robert Sheehan as a young man with Tourette's syndrome who embarks on a road trip with his newfound friends - one of whom deals with anorexia. The film skillfully balances sensitive depictions of various mental health disorders while maintaining a strong focus on friendship and personal growth. It's a distinctive and poignant representation of eating disorders that reminds audiences of the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.
More The Road Within- #47 of 55 onThe Funniest Road Trip Comedy Movies
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- 11Holly Hunter, Evan Rachel Wood, Nikki Reed
Thirteen chronicles the turbulent life of a teenage girl and her struggle with destructive behaviors, including drug abuse, self-harm, and disordered eating. This gritty coming-of-age drama offers a raw and unfiltered look at the challenges of adolescence, featuring standout performances from Evan Rachel Wood and Nikki Reed. By addressing eating disorders alongside other forms of self-destructive behavior, Thirteen highlights the interconnected nature of these issues and secures its place as a vital film on the subject.
More Thirteen- Dig Deeper...13 Things You Didn't Know About The Movie 'Thirteen'
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- 12Ed Asner, Mackenzie Phillips, Meredith Baxter
Meredith Baxter shines in Kate's Secret, a made-for-TV movie about a seemingly perfect suburban housewife who is secretly battling bulimia. This drama delves into the heart-wrenching journey towards recovery and the importance of support from loved ones. Kate's Secret effectively illustrates that eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their outward appearance, making it a significant and powerful film on the topic.
- 13Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
Natalie Portman delivers an Oscar-winning performance in Black Swan, a psychological thriller centered around a ballerina's descent into madness as she competes for the coveted lead role in Swan Lake. Though not exclusively focused on eating disorders, elements of disordered eating and body image issues are woven throughout the narrative, illustrating the immense pressure faced by elite performers. Black Swan's unapologetic and haunting portrayal of the darker side of perfectionism adds a unique dimension to the discourse surrounding eating disorders.
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- 14
The Karen Carpenter Story
Louise Fletcher, Cynthia Gibb, Peter Michael GoetzA biographical drama, The Karen Carpenter Story showcases the life and tragic death of the renowned singer Karen Carpenter, whose battle with anorexia nervosa ultimately claimed her life. This heart-rending film serves as a stark reminder of the devastating potential consequences of eating disorders, while also celebrating Karen's incredible talent and career. With its powerful performances and moving storyline, The Karen Carpenter Story has secured its place as a significant film addressing eating disorders in the context of fame and success.
- 15Kimberly McCullough, Mary-Margaret Humes
Starring Kimberly McCullough, Dying to Dance follows an aspiring dancer's struggle with anorexia as she pursues her dream of attending a prestigious ballet academy. This emotional drama explores the potentially deadly consequences of disordered eating and the immense pressure faced by those in the competitive world of dance. Insightful and heart-wrenching, Dying to Dance serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of prioritizing one's health above all else.
- 16Christina Hendricks, Barbara Hershey, Susan May Pratt
Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Jillian Medoff, Hunger Point delves into the lives of two sisters navigating their tumultuous family dynamics and personal struggles, one of whom develops an eating disorder. This made-for-TV movie offers a poignant study of the complexities of sibling relationships, as well as the impact of disordered eating on both individuals and families. By weaving themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery throughout the narrative, Hunger Point provides a compelling and memorable depiction of eating disorders in the modern world.
- 17Jennifer Jason Leigh, Charles Dunning, Eva Marie Saint
In this classic made-for-TV drama, The Best Little Girl in the World chronicles the story of a high-achieving teenage girl who develops anorexia. The film pulls no punches in showcasing the emotional and physical toll eating disorders can have on both individuals and their families. With its compelling storyline and memorable performances, The Best Little Girl in the World remains an important addition to the canon of films about eating disorders.
- 18
Likeness
Elle Fanning, Eugenia Kuzmina, Ximena PrietoStarring Elle Fanning, Likeness is a short yet impactful film that captures the internal struggles of a young woman suffering from bulimia. Its raw and minimalist approach to storytelling sheds light on the deeply personal nature of eating disorders, offering a fresh perspective in the realm of cinema. With its powerful imagery and thought-provoking message, Likeness offers an intimate glimpse into the world of disordered eating.
- 19Amanda Schull, Zoe Saldana, Susan May Pratt
Center Stage offers an entertaining and insightful look into the world of professional ballet, examining the immense pressures faced by young dancers as they navigate the complexities of their challenging careers. Throughout the film, themes of body image, weight control, and disordered eating are explored, shedding light on the harsh realities many dancers face behind the scenes. With its captivating performances and engaging storyline, Center Stage is a standout film that thoughtfully addresses the impact of eating disorders within the competitive world of dance.
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- 20Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón
Featuring an unforgettable performance by Christian Bale, who underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role, The Machinist is a psychological thriller centered around an insomniac industrial worker whose life begins to unravel as he loses touch with reality. Although not explicitly about an eating disorder, the film prominently explores themes of weight loss, body image, and mental health, providing valuable insights into the depths of human suffering. The Machinist's haunting narrative and distinctive visual style make it a noteworthy cinematic experience that indirectly touches on eating disorder-related issues.
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- 21Alex O'Loughlin, Jack Thompson, David Field
A chilling psychological thriller, Feed delves into the twisted relationship between two people who bond over the internet through their shared obsession with disordered eating. This dark and disturbing film depicts the dangers of enabling eating disorders, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling to create a truly unsettling experience for viewers. With its bold approach to a taboo subject matter, Feed has left an indelible mark on the landscape of films about eating disorders.
- 22Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton
Gabourey Sidibe delivers a heart-wrenching performance in Precious, a harrowing drama about a teenage girl overcoming unspeakable abuse and discovering her inner strength in the face of adversity. Alongside addressing themes of poverty, violence, and illiteracy, the film also tackles issues surrounding obesity and disordered eating, providing a raw and unflinching portrayal of the complex interplay between trauma and self-destructive behavior. A powerful and unforgettable film, Precious remains an important testament to the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming even the greatest of challenges.
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- 23Alison Steadman, Jim Broadbent, Timothy Spall
Directed by Mike Leigh, Life Is Sweet is a bittersweet British dramedy that examines the intricacies of family dynamics and the struggles faced by individuals dealing with various forms of emotional pain, including bulimia. With its unique blend of humor and poignancy, the film offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of coping with eating disorders, while maintaining an empathetic and engaging narrative. Life Is Sweet's nuanced study of the complexities of life, love, and self-acceptance has cemented its status as a standout film about eating disorders.
- 24Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
A cult classic, Heathers is a dark satire about high school cliques and the ruthless social hierarchy that governs teenage life. Although not exclusively focused on eating disorders, the film touches on issues surrounding body image and disordered eating, shedding light on the immense pressure many teens face to conform to societal standards. With its razor-sharp wit and unapologetic depiction of adolescence, Heathers offers a distinctive and biting commentary on the realities of growing up in a world obsessed with image and perfection.
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- 25Rain, Im Soo-jung, Oh Dal-su
In this whimsical romantic comedy directed by Park Chan-wook, I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK follows the story of a young woman who believes she is a cyborg, ultimately leading her to refuse food and face the consequences of her delusions. Set in a mental institution, the film explores themes of mental health, identity, and love while maintaining a lighthearted and whimsical tone. With its unique blend of humor, romance, and fantasy, I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK provides an unconventional and imaginative study of eating disorders within the realm of cinema.
- 26Yū Aoi, Yuki Uchida, Hideaki Anno
This Japanese drama offers a unique and captivating look into the lives of various individuals as they navigate the complexities of mental illness and recovery within a psychiatric hospital. Among the patients is a young woman suffering from an eating disorder, showcasing the pervasive nature and devastating impact of these conditions on both sufferers and their loved ones. With its rich character development and thought-provoking narrative, Welcome to the Quiet Room establishes itself as a noteworthy film exploring the multifaceted world of mental health and eating disorders.
- 27Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Stuart Graham
An experimental film from artist Steve McQueen, Hunger tells the story of Irish Republican Army member Bobby Sands, who famously led a hunger strike in protest of the British government's treatment of IRA prisoners. While not directly addressing eating disorders, this cinematic masterpiece provides a stark and harrowing study of extreme weight loss, self-denial, and deprivation as acts of political resistance, challenging viewers to confront the limits of human endurance. Hunger's unflinching portrayal of the physical and psychological consequences of self-imposed starvation makes it a notable addition to the broader discourse surrounding eating disorders.
More Hunger - 28Max Minghella, Blake Lively, Joe Mantegna
A quirky and heartfelt romantic drama, Elvis and Anabelle follows the story of a beauty queen who struggles with bulimia and ultimately finds solace in her relationship with a kindhearted funeral home worker. The film thoughtfully addresses themes of self-worth, love, and healing, providing viewers with a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by those suffering with eating disorders. With its enchanting storyline and memorable performances, Elvis and Anabelle serves as a poignant reminder that even the darkest of circumstances can give rise to hope and redemption.
- 29Michela Cescon, Vitaliano Trevisan, Claudio Manuzzato
In this moving Japanese drama, First Love tells the story of a young woman who develops anorexia after experiencing a traumatic loss, ultimately leading her on a journey to rediscover her passion for life and love. This captivating film skillfully explores the profound impact of trauma on individuals and the challenges faced during the long road towards healing and self-discovery. By tackling themes of love, loss, and resilience, First Love offers an insightful and heartfelt portrayal of eating disorders and their emotional ramifications.
- 30Dom DeLuise, Anne Bancroft, Ron Carey
Starring Dom DeLuise, Fatso is a comedic yet touching study of one man's struggle with compulsive overeating and his quest to achieve a healthier lifestyle. By combining humor with moments of genuine emotion, this film offers a unique and endearing perspective on the challenges faced by those who struggle with binge eating and weight issues. With its captivating blend of comedy and heart, Fatso reminds viewers of the importance of self-acceptance and the power of perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
