Movies for World Mental Health Day

Alexandra Burke
Sep 29
5 min read

World Mental Health Day is Friday, October 10th, 2025

Walk into any classroom today, and you’ll see more than just students ready to learn math, science, or history—you’ll see young people carrying big emotions, worries, and life experiences that shape how they show up in school. For some, stress, anxiety, or grief can feel overwhelming, making it harder to concentrate or connect with others. That’s why mental health matters just as much as academics. Schools are in a unique position to nurture not only a student’s mind but also their heart, helping kids feel safe, supported, and capable of growing into their best selves.

In recent years, research has consistently shown that mental health is one of the most significant factors influencing student success. According to the CDC, nearly one in five children experiences a mental health disorder in any given year, yet many go undiagnosed or unsupported. When left unaddressed, challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma can interfere with learning, attendance, and peer relationships. Schools, therefore, are not only centers of academic instruction but also critical spaces for early intervention and support. By integrating mental health awareness into the classroom and school culture, educators help reduce stigma, encourage open dialogue, and provide students with the tools they need to thrive academically and personally.

Below is a list of movies for all ages and types of classes to encourage a discussion about mental health on your students' level:

🎬 Inside Out (2015, PG)

Synopsis: This Pixar film takes place inside the mind of Riley, an 11-year-old girl moving to a new city. Her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—work together (and sometimes against each other) as Riley copes with change, homesickness, and growing up. The story shows that every feeling, even sadness, has a purpose in helping us heal.

Ages: Elementary through high school (Grades 1–12).

Themes: Emotional regulation, coping with change, family relationships, and the importance of sadness in healing.

🎬 A Beautiful Mind (2001, PG-13)

Synopsis: Based on the life of mathematician John Nash, the film follows his journey from a promising academic career to his struggles with delusions and schizophrenia. It explores how mental illness affects relationships, professional life, and self-identity, while highlighting resilience and the support of loved ones.

Ages: Upper high school (Grades 10–12).

Themes: Schizophrenia, stigma, perseverance, love and support systems, and academic pressure.

🎬 Wonder (2017, PG)

Synopsis: Auggie Pullman, a boy with a craniofacial difference, attends mainstream school for the first time after years of being homeschooled. The story follows his perspective and those of his classmates and family as they navigate bullying, friendship, and acceptance. It emphasizes the power of kindness and empathy in building community.

Ages: Upper elementary to middle school (Grades 4–8).

Themes: Kindness, bullying, empathy, resilience, self-acceptance, family support.

🎬 The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012, PG-13)

Synopsis: Charlie, a shy freshman, struggles with depression and the lingering effects of childhood trauma. Through friendships with older students, he discovers belonging, love, and creativity, but also faces emotional breakdowns as he confronts his past. The film portrays the challenges of adolescence and the importance of connection and support.

Ages: Upper high school only (Grades 11–12).

Themes: Depression, trauma, friendship, belonging, coming of age.

🎬 Dear Evan Hansen (2021, PG-13)

Synopsis: Evan Hansen, a socially anxious high school student, becomes entangled in a lie after a classmate dies by suicide. His fabricated friendship with the classmate grows into a community-wide story of grief, compassion, and belonging. The film portrays the weight of loneliness, the desire to be seen, and the importance of honesty and support.

Ages: High school (Grades 9–12).

Themes: Anxiety, suicide awareness, isolation, honesty, empathy, and family communication.

🎬 The Soloist (2009, PG-13)

Synopsis: Journalist Steve Lopez meets Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless musician living with schizophrenia, in Los Angeles. Their unlikely friendship reveals Ayers’ extraordinary talent as well as the challenges of mental illness and homelessness. The film emphasizes compassion, advocacy, and the role of art in healing.

Ages: Upper middle school through high school (Grades 8–12).

Themes: Schizophrenia, homelessness, friendship, stigma, community support.

🎬 Bridge to Terabithia (2007, PG)

Synopsis: Fifth-grader Jesse befriends Leslie, a new student, and together they create the imaginary world of Terabithia. When tragedy strikes, Jesse must confront grief and loss while holding onto the lessons of imagination, friendship, and courage that Leslie inspired in him.

Ages: Upper elementary to middle school (Grades 4–8).

Themes: Grief, imagination, resilience, friendship, and coping with loss.

🎬 Angst (2017, Unrated/Documentary)

Synopsis: This documentary shares real stories from students, parents, and experts about anxiety and its impact. It explains what anxiety is, how it feels, and offers practical tools for managing it. Featuring interviews with teens and public figures, the film encourages honest conversations and reduces stigma.

Ages: Middle and high school (Grades 6–12).

Themes: Anxiety, coping tools, stigma reduction, seeking help.

🎬 Happy (2011, Unrated/Documentary)

Synopsis: Traveling from the United States to Bhutan to the slums of Kolkata, this documentary investigates what truly makes people happy. Combining personal stories with scientific research, it looks at the connections between community, purpose, and well-being across cultures.

Ages: Middle to high school (Grades 6–12).

Themes: Positive psychology, resilience, cultural perspectives on happiness.

🎬 Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope (2016, Unrated/Documentary)

Synopsis: This documentary explores the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term impact on physical and mental health. It also highlights programs and interventions that build resilience and help children thrive despite trauma.

Ages: High school (Grades 10–12).

Themes: Trauma, resilience, mental and physical health connections, and prevention.

🎬 Good Will Hunting (1997, R)

Synopsis: Will Hunting, a young janitor at MIT, secretly possesses extraordinary math skills but struggles with anger, trauma, and self-worth. Through therapy and mentorship, he begins to confront his past and explore his potential, challenging the walls he’s built around himself.

Ages: Mature high school only (Grades 11–12, with permission).

Themes: Trauma, self-worth, therapy, mentorship, relationships.

🎬 Dead Poets Society (1989, PG)

Synopsis: At a conservative prep school, an English teacher inspires his students to “seize the day” and think independently. While his teaching sparks creativity and courage, the heavy pressures of parental expectations and conformity lead to tragic consequences for one student.

Ages: High school (Grades 9–12).

Themes: Depression, identity, pressure, self-expression, suicide awareness.

🎬 Ordinary People (1980, R)

Synopsis: After the accidental death of their older son, the Jarrett family struggles to cope. The surviving son, Conrad, battles depression and survivor’s guilt while his parents deal with grief in very different ways. Therapy becomes a crucial part of Conrad’s healing journey, but family communication remains fractured.

Ages: Mature high school only (Grades 11–12, often in psychology/literature classes).

Themes: Depression, family dynamics, therapy, grief, and communication breakdown.

As always, I recommend watching the movie yourself first before introducing it to a class. Especially with movies such as these that can have some pretty powerful themes. It would be helpful to give students a survey (make sure it is public ONLY TO YOU) for them to fill out to see how comfortable students are with the topics discussed in the movie. You should also disclose warnings about topics to students AND PARENTS. Some parents might not be comfortable with the themes discussed. Lastly, don't forget your principal. They will probably have some ideas or questions to ask before approving a movie like this for students to watch.

Prioritizing mental health in schools is not a trend—it’s a necessity. When students feel emotionally supported, they are better able to learn, build positive relationships, and develop the resilience they need for life beyond the classroom. By fostering open conversations, integrating mental health resources, and showing students that it’s okay to ask for help, schools can create environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive. As parents, educators, and community members, we all have a role to play—whether it’s advocating for stronger school-based mental health programs, modeling healthy coping strategies, or simply listening when a student needs to talk. Together, we can build schools that nurture not only bright minds, but healthy hearts as well.