A film is a huge medium for stigmas in society, and real-life people are ostracized on the basis of what’s considered to be ‘valid’. At the same time, it’s a medium that dissolves taboos. Audiences totally immerse themselves into the lives of those on the screen and consciously or unconsciously imbibe the characters and the mood in their lives. In the age, where more movies with flawed characters are coming out, here are five classics on Netflix that are not worth missing out on that focus on mental health issues and more.

The Shining (1980)

Starring Jack Nicolson, The Shining dives into a family who are taking care of The Overlook Hotel during its off-season. Sounds like an ideal situation? Things change when they encounter a turn of events, leading the father to become violent as something sinister from the Hotel takes over him.

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, The Shining is considered to be a benchmark for most filmmakers. It’s surprising how this horror thriller is so endearing to the eyes to watch. The surreal scenes look like magic, like the ones you’d want to rewind and see. Watch it here.

To The Bone (2017)

It’s the story of a 20-year-old suffering from Anorexia, a condition where people suffering would puke out their food every time they eat because they’re fat conscious. This girl meets a doctor who really challenges her to face her fears and fight her disease.

Directed by Marti Nixon known for Sharp Objects, To The Bone reflects her own life as a true story. Nixon has been open about her issues with addiction and anorexia and has tried reflecting the same in her works to bring awareness to many. Certainly, this Netflix movie on mental health is a must watch.

The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook is an Australian psychological drama/horror. It’s the story of a six-year-old whose mother reads to him ‘Mister Babadook,‘ a children’s book. The movie actually starts when he starts seeing the events of the book unfold in his house, shocking his non-believer mother.

The Babadook was screened at the Sundance Festival in 2014 and received critical acclaim worldwide. It wasn’t screened in many Australian cinemas initially, eventually, it blew up. Watch it here.

Frailty (2001)

Starring Bill Paxton, Mathew McConaughey, and Matt O’Leary, Frailty impresses whoever watches it. It’s a thriller/horror but one of its kind. It follows a man who walks into the FBI office to narrate the chain of murders they did, on the orders of their father. The father was told by God Himself to kill demons in disguise.

Bill Paxton both directed and acted in the movie, marking his directorial debut. It received worldwide acclaim. Frailty is a low-key horror, minus the jump scares, making it much classier as a movie. Watch it here

Punch Drunk Love (2002)

Paul Thomas Anderson is known for his flawed, realistic characters. His movies touch upon the themes of alienation, family issues, loneliness, and mental health. Punch Drunk Love was screened at the Cannes Film Festival where Thomas won the award for the best director. Punch Drunk Love revolves around Adam Sandler as Barry, as he crosses many hurdles to finally achieve his love- Lena, played by Emily Watson.

It has a feel-good ending and is on the lighter side among all the movies that are listed above. The reason is, Adam putting in his comic magic and innocent looks.

All of these movies have worldwide critical acclaim, and the best filmmakers in the industry made them. Refer to Netflix when done watching these, and be more aware of the nuances of mental health.