Top 10 Biopic Films on Depression

Description: This film portrays the life of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia, which often manifests as severe depression. His journey from academic success to mental turmoil and back is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

Fact: Russell Crowe, who played Nash, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film itself won four Oscars, including Best Picture.

Description: This film interweaves the lives of three women across different time periods, all linked by Virginia Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway." It explores themes of depression, suicide, and the search for identity, offering a profound look into mental health issues.

Fact: Nicole Kidman won an Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf. The film also features Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore in critically acclaimed roles.

Description: This film tells the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, who suffers a massive stroke leaving him with locked-in syndrome. His battle with depression and his method of communication through blinking one eye is both tragic and uplifting.

Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Julian Schnabel. It was also France's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film.

Description: This film explores the life of Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless man with schizophrenia, whose talent for music is discovered by a journalist. It touches on themes of mental illness, including depression, and the power of human connection.

Fact: Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. star, with Foxx's performance earning him a nomination for Best Actor at the Golden Globes.

Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film delves into the psychological turmoil of a ballerina, Nina, whose obsession with perfection leads to a spiral of depression and mental breakdown.

Fact: Natalie Portman won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.

Description: Following his release from a mental institution, Pat Solitano Jr. tries to rebuild his life while dealing with bipolar disorder, which includes bouts of depression. The film captures the raw, often humorous, and deeply emotional aspects of mental health recovery.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence won an Oscar for Best Actress, and Bradley Cooper was nominated for Best Actor. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.

Description: While not a traditional biopic, this film is based on a novel inspired by the author's own experiences. It follows Charlie, a high school freshman dealing with depression and trauma, finding solace in friendship.

Fact: Logan Lerman stars as Charlie, and the film was praised for its sensitive handling of mental health issues. It also features Emma Watson in a supporting role.

Description: This biopic of Stephen Hawking not only covers his scientific achievements but also his personal struggles with motor neuron disease, which led to periods of depression.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hawking. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.

Description: Susanna Kaysen's memoir comes to life in this film, where she is admitted to a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt. It explores the complexities of mental health, including depression, through the lens of the 1960s.

Fact: Angelina Jolie won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Lisa Rowe. The film also stars Winona Ryder.

Description: Based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's memoir, this film follows her descent into depression during her time at Harvard. It's a raw depiction of the struggle with mental illness in young adulthood.

Fact: Christina Ricci stars as Wurtzel, delivering a powerful performance. The film was adapted from a book that became a bestseller and a voice for the '90s generation.