Split personality, or dissociative identity disorder, has long fascinated filmmakers and audiences alike. This curated list delves into the cinematic portrayals of this complex psychological condition, offering a mix of suspense, drama, and psychological horror. These films not only entertain but also provide a window into the human psyche, making them valuable for those interested in psychology, film studies, or simply seeking a gripping story.

The Three Faces of Eve (1957)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a woman with three distinct personalities, offering one of the earliest cinematic explorations of dissociative identity disorder.
Fact: Joanne Woodward won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Eve, making it one of the first films to win an Oscar for a performance related to mental illness.


Primal Fear (1996)
Description: A young altar boy accused of murder exhibits signs of multiple personalities, leading to a courtroom drama filled with twists and psychological depth.
Fact: Edward Norton's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in his film debut.


Fight Club (1999)
Description: This film explores the life of an insomniac office worker and his alter ego, Tyler Durden, who starts an underground fight club. It's a profound exploration of identity and the consequences of living a double life.
Fact: The film was initially banned in several countries due to its violent content. The twist ending was kept secret during marketing to preserve the shock value.


Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
Description: A comedic take on split personality, where Jim Carrey's character, Charlie, has an alter ego, Hank, who is the opposite of his mild-mannered self.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI to seamlessly transition between the two personalities, enhancing the comedic effect.


Identity (2003)
Description: A group of strangers stranded at a desolate motel are revealed to be manifestations of one man's multiple personalities. This film cleverly uses the concept of split personality to create a twist-filled narrative.
Fact: The film's ending was changed during post-production to keep the twist a surprise, making it one of the most talked-about reveals in thriller cinema.


Black Swan (2010)
Description: A ballerina's obsession with perfection leads her to develop an alternate, darker persona. This film brilliantly captures the psychological turmoil of living with a split personality.
Fact: Natalie Portman trained for a year to perform her own ballet sequences, and the film's psychological intensity was so real that it reportedly caused some viewers to experience anxiety.


The Voices (2014)
Description: Jerry, a man with dissociative identity disorder, hears voices from his pets, leading to a dark comedy about his struggle with his alternate personalities.
Fact: Ryan Reynolds performed all the voice work for his character's pets, showcasing his versatility as an actor.


Split (2016)
Description: Kevin, a man with 23 distinct personalities, kidnaps three girls. This film delves into the mind of someone with dissociative identity disorder, showcasing the struggle for control among his alters.
Fact: M. Night Shyamalan wrote the film in just three days, and it was initially conceived as a standalone story before being linked to his earlier work, "Unbreakable."


The Machinist (2004)
Description: Christian Bale's character, Trevor Reznik, suffers from severe insomnia and paranoia, leading to a split in his personality. The film is a dark, psychological thriller about guilt and identity.
Fact: Bale lost over 60 pounds for the role, showcasing his dedication to portraying the physical and mental deterioration of his character.


Sybil (1976)
Description: This TV movie tells the story of Sybil, who has 16 different personalities, and her therapy sessions. It's a landmark film in the portrayal of mental health issues.
Fact: The film was based on a controversial book, with later revelations casting doubt on the authenticity of the case.
