Movies That Feature Characters Living with Mental Illness

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Talking to kids about depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues can be tough. These movies feature characters living (and often struggling) with mental illness and can help kids understand more about this often sensitive subject. Learning more about these conditions can help kids develop empathy and open the doors for honest discussions. It might also help kids experiencing mental illness themselves feel less alone. If your kid still has questions about mental illness or you're looking for additional resources, try our Mental Health topic center and our list of Apps to Help with Mental Health.