Movies About Anxiety On Netflix

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Miloš Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. It stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal serving a short sentence in a prison who is transferred to a mental institution. There, he clashes with unyielding nurse Ratched, played by Louise Fletcher. The film also stars Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd, Brad Dourif, and Will Sampson. The story follows McMurphy's antics within the institution as he rallies the other patients around him to do battle with Nurse Ratched's authority. It was the first film to win all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Actor in Lead Role, Actress in Lead Role, Director, and Screenplay) since 1934's It Happened One Night, an accomplishment not repeated until 1991's The Silence of the Lambs. The film received critical acclaim and has been ranked one of the greatest films ever made.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a science fiction romantic comedy drama film directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film tells the story of a couple, Joel and Clementine, who have had their memories of each other erased from their minds through a medical procedure. After Joel discovers what Clementine has done, he attempts to restore their memories from before the erasure. In the process, the two explore their relationship, the nature of memory, and the possibilities of overcoming heartbreak. The film stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as Joel and Clementine, respectively, along with Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, and Tom Wilkinson in supporting roles. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind received critical acclaim and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay.

From Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Lorella Cravotta
Rated R

Amélie is a 2001 French romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The story follows Amélie, a shy and whimsical young woman who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better, while struggling with her own isolation. Her mission of good deeds brings her the love she's been looking for her entire life. The film stars Audrey Tautou as Amélie, with Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Serge Merlin, Jamel Debbouze, and Isabelle Nanty in supporting roles. The film is set in Montmartre, an area in Paris, France. Amélie lives a sheltered life and works as a waitress in a cafe. She is an introverted and imaginative young woman who often fantasizes about the world around her. She decides to take up a mission of bringing joy and love to those around her by performing small acts of kindness. Along her journey, Amélie meets Nino, a young man who shares her love of collecting discarded items and finds solace in his art. The two develop a strong friendship which soon blossoms into a romantic relationship. As Amélie continues to make a positive impact on the lives she touches, she

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind is a 2001 biographical drama film directed by Ron Howard and written by Akiva Goldsman. The film stars Russell Crowe as John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics. The film follows Nash's struggles with schizophrenia and his life from his days as a graduate student at Princeton University, through his years as a professor at MIT, to his eventual acceptance of the Nobel Prize in Economics. The film chronicles Nash's journey from his diagnosis of schizophrenia in 1949 to his eventual recovery. He learns to cope with his illness with the help of his wife Alicia, played by Jennifer Connelly, and his friends and colleagues. Throughout the film, Nash overcomes numerous obstacles and learns how to balance both his personal and professional life. The film was well-received by critics, earning an Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as awards for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress. The film is often credited with helping to destigmatize mental illness and bring it to the forefront of public discourse.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir and written by Tom Schulman. Set in 1959 at the fictional elite conservative Vermont boarding school Welton Academy, it tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The film stars Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, and Kurtwood Smith. The story centers around the new English teacher, John Keating (Williams), who encourages his students to look at poetry with a different perspective of authentic knowledge and feelings, and to go against the status quo. He also encourages them to "seize the day" and make their lives extraordinary. The students, inspired by Keating, form a secret club called the "Dead Poets Society", in which they read and discuss poetry and stage activities that are outside the school's conservative norms. Ultimately, the power of the club and its ideals are challenged by the school's administration and faculty, leading to a climax which has a profound effect on the lives of the students. Dead Poets Society received critical acclaim and was a box office success, grossing over $235 million

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. The film tells the rags-to-riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated, kind-hearted working-class Italian-American boxer, who gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight the world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. Rocky, a small-time club fighter, gratefully accepts the challenge, and soon gains self-respect. He trains hard with his friend and trainer, Mickey Goldmill, and manages to gain the respect and support of his girlfriend, Adrian. With a combination of determination and courage, Rocky battles to the final bell, but ultimately loses a split decision. Despite the defeat, he has won the hearts of his fans and the admiration of his peers.

From Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi
Rated R

The King's Speech is the story of British monarch King George VI's struggle to overcome his debilitating stammer in order to address the nation on the brink of World War II. With the help of unorthodox speech therapist Lionel Logue, the King finds strength in his inner courage and leads his country through one of its darkest times. Along the way, King George VI discovers a strong bond of friendship with Logue, as the two men form a unique partnership to overcome the King's speech impediment. With its emotional story and powerful performances, The King's Speech is an inspiring look at how courage and friendship can help one face both inner and outer challenges.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a 1982 British musical film directed by Alan Parker and written by Pink Floyd vocalist and bassist Roger Waters. The film is based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album The Wall and stars Bob Geldof as Pink, a character based on Waters. The story follows Pink as he re-lives his life and deals with the loss of his father, the overbearing control of his mother, his wife's infidelity, and the pressures of fame and fortune. The film also features psychedelic animation sequences and interspersed live-action scenes. Pink Floyd's music and the film's powerful visuals combine to create a poignant and powerful exploration of alienation and mental breakdown.

From Irving Rapper, starring Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Gladys Cooper
Rated Passed

Now, Voyager is a romantic drama set in the 1940s about a shy and repressed spinster, Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis). In an effort to help her overcome her depression, her domineering and controlling mother (Gladys Cooper) arranges for Charlotte to go to a sanatorium and to meet a psychiatrist, Dr. Jaquith (Claude Rains). Through Dr. Jaquith's care and guidance, Charlotte gradually begins to come out of her shell and find her true self. She falls in love with a married man, Jerry Durrance (Paul Henreid), and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. Through her newfound confidence and strength, she is able to help Jerry find happiness with his wife and children. In the end, Charlotte returns to Dr. Jaquith's office a transformed woman, free to live her own life.

From Hal Ashby, starring Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack
Rated PG

Harold and Maude is a 1971 American romantic dark comedy-drama directed by Hal Ashby and released by Paramount Pictures. The film follows the story of Harold Chasen, an unhappy, alienated and death-obsessed young man in his early twenties, and Maude, an eccentric, adventurous and free-spirited 79-year-old woman. The two meet at a funeral, and despite their age difference, fall in love. As their bond grows, Harold discovers the joys of life and learns to appreciate the beauty of living and the importance of relationships. Despite the disapproval of his domineering mother and their age difference, Harold and Maude's love keeps growing despite the obstacles put in their way. In the end, Harold and Maude have an unconventional yet successful relationship and ultimately end up in a very happy place.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd
Rated PG-13

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky based on his novel of the same name. The film follows Charlie, a shy and introverted freshman, who is taken under the wing of two seniors, Sam and Patrick, who give him the experience of a lifetime. Charlie struggles with depression and social anxiety and finds solace in his newfound friends, as well as the school's free-spirited English teacher. As Charlie grows and learns to cope with his mental health issues, he is forced to confront his painful past and come to terms with the truth. The film is a heartfelt and uplifting look at the journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

From Spike Jonze, starring Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton
Rated R

Adaptation is a 2002 comedy-drama film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. It stars Nicolas Cage as Charlie Kaufman, a screenwriter struggling to adapt Susan Orlean's non-fiction book The Orchid Thief into a film. Charlie is faced with the challenge of writing a script that is both faithful to the original book and that is also entertaining and commercially viable. He also has to cope with his twin brother Donald (also played by Cage), whose success as a screenwriter leads to a rivalry between them. The film follows Charlie as he deals with these issues, and explores themes such as creativity, identity, and the process of adaptation. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Kaufman.

From Robert Redford, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, Timothy Hutton
Rated R

Ordinary People is a 1980 American drama film directed by Robert Redford and starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, and Timothy Hutton. The story follows the disintegration of an upper-middle-class family in suburban Chicago after the death of the elder son in a boating accident. The film focuses on the surviving son, Conrad (Hutton) who struggles with his guilt and the family's grief. His mother, Beth (Moore), tries to hold the family together while his father, Calvin (Sutherland), distances himself. The film earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Hutton) and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is an insightful and powerful exploration of grief, guilt, and family dynamics in the face of tragedy.

From James L. Brooks, starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr.
Rated PG-13

As Good as It Gets is a 1997 romantic comedy-drama film directed by James L. Brooks and starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, and Cuba Gooding Jr. The film tells the story of a misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive romance novelist, Melvin Udall (Nicholson), who finds his world turned upside down when he enters into a mutually life-changing relationship with a single mother, Carol Connelly (Hunt), and her son, Simon (Gooding). Along the way, Melvin discovers he can be more than just a curmudgeon and that life is better when you open yourself up to others. The film received critical acclaim and went on to win two Academy Awards for Hunt's performance and for Best Original Screenplay.

From Mike Judge, starring Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, David Herman, Ajay Naidu
Rated R

Office Space is a 1999 American black comedy film written and directed by Mike Judge. It follows the story of Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), a disaffected programmer who is fed up with his job and the monotony of life. After undergoing hypnosis, he begins to see his cubicle job and the everyday grind in a different light. With his newfound enthusiasm, Peter is determined to make the most out of his life and career. Along the way, he befriends two fellow programmers, Michael Bolton (David Herman) and Samir Nagheenanajar (Ajay Naidu); together they hatch a plan to embezzle money from their employer, Initech. However, their plans fall apart, as they must contend with the company’s consultants, a menacing neighbor, and a case of mistaken identity. In the end, Peter learns that happiness lies in embracing his ordinary life, rather than trying to make it extraordinary.

From Petter Næss, starring Per Christian Ellefsen, Sven Nordin, Marit Pia Jacobsen, Jørgen Langhelle
Rated R

Elling is a Norwegian film directed by Petter Næss and released in 2001. It tells the story of two men, Elling and Kjell Bjarne, who have been institutionalized for most of their adult lives. When their mental institution closes, the two men are forced to live together in an Oslo apartment and integrate into society. Despite the challenges they face, the two men soon learn to rely on each other and even find love. Along the way, they discover the true meaning of friendship and family. The film is a heartwarming and humorous look at how mental illness can be overcome through friendship, love and courage.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly
Rated PG-13

The Aviator is a biographical drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It follows the life of reclusive, eccentric American aviation pioneer Howard Hughes, from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s. Hughes is a driven, ambitious visionary who becomes a successful Hollywood producer, but his mental and physical health slowly deteriorate as his obsessive behavior eventually leads him to a debilitating mental breakdown. Along the way, Hughes is romantically involved with Katherine Hepburn and Ava Gardner, and he is embroiled in several business and legal battles. The film also highlights his development of the Hughes H-4 Hercules, the world's largest airplane at the time.

From Gustavo Taretto, starring Javier Drolas, Miguel Dedovich, Pilar López de Ayala, Miguel Alvarez
Rated Not Rated

Sidewalls is a 2011 romantic comedy written and directed by Gustavo Taretto. The film follows two young Argentinians, Mariana and Martin, who live in the same city but on opposite sides of a large street, and feel apathetic about their lives. After a chance encounter, they soon form a strange bond, and as they get to know each other, they realize that they share the same fears and insecurities. As their relationship grows, they begin to confront their loneliness and find a way to move forward. Through these experiences, the characters learn to break out of the mundane routines of life and discover a new sense of joy and understanding.

From Marc Evans, starring Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, Carrie-Anne Moss, Emily Hampshire
Rated Not Rated

From Vincent Gallo, starring Vincent Gallo, Christina Ricci, Ben Gazzara, Mickey Rourke
Rated R

From Isabel Coixet, starring Sarah Polley, Tim Robbins, Sverre Anker Ousdal, Javier Cámara
Rated Not Rated

From Todd Solondz, starring Heather Matarazzo, Christina Brucato, Victoria Davis, Christina Vidal
Rated R

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jason Andrews
Rated R

From Craig Gillespie, starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, R.D. Reid
Rated PG-13

From James Mangold, starring Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy
Rated R