The Best Psychological Films Of The 21st Century

In this article we will present a small selection, carefully and closely, of films related to psychology. On the other hand, it should be noted that we wanted to look at the best psychological films recently released; specifically, in which they were projected on the big screen well into the 21st century.

However, referring to psychological films does not simplify the task at all. This century is being very prolific with regard to quality cinema that, in one way or another, involves the viewer, makes him think and, almost almost, participate in history.

Psychological films of the 21st century

In this list of psychological films we will not focus only on those that deal with the subject, but on those that leave loose ends, spaces for a viewer to think, run and stay immersed in the plot as another protagonist of the film.

That said, we will surely leave many psychological films in the pipeline that you can contribute in the comments. In addition, we focus on the filmic quality of the work, and not only on its content related to psychology.

Origin (2010) Christopher Nolan

Origin is a film by British director Christopher Nolan that masterfully introduces us to the dreams of some of its protagonists. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page, among others.

Its main psychological virtue does not reside solely in its insertion into the world of dreams. It also includes stories that invite us to reflect on what motivates a person to do what they do or the complexity that beats throughout a grieving process.

Mullholand Drive (2001) David Lynch

It is difficult to rate a David Lynch movie. In this case, Mullholand Driv e introduces us to a Hollywood nightmare with a main question, what happens when the dream turns to horror?

In addition, this film starring Naomi Watts and Laura Elena Harring, has all the psychological elements of David Lynch.

The director does not offer a linear story, rather he seeks to ‘wake up’ the viewer by keeping him in suspense; the film sows and alternates feelings of concern, sadness, fear, panic or surprise through images, sounds, music, dialogues … It is as if it wanted to play with the mind of the viewer.

Forget About Me (2004) Michel Gondry

Masterfully starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, it is a tough and emotional film that proposes a very interesting brain game that, by the way, has nothing to do with the title it received in Spanish. Its original version is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind .

Can technology make us forget so as not to suffer after a love breakup? Is it possible to overcome this phase of grief without feeling pain? There is no answer to that question, however it does not fail to point to a possibility that sounds unhuman. In the end, let’s not forget that many pains or wounds, together with their healing process, improve our adaptation.

Boyhood (2014) Richard Linklater

Richard Linklater achieved a unique masterpiece with this film. How to film the life of a boy in his development for 12 years? The director and his team did the same by filming one day each year the life of a boy who goes from childhood to adolescence for more than a decade.

In the film we observe the evolution of a child who advances in life at a complex moment, the passage from childhood to adolescence. Along the way, loves, disappointments, friendships, moves …

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) Wes Anderson

You may be surprised to see this movie here, but Wes Anderson is definitely a brilliant director who knows how to play with characters in a masterful way. Proof of this is The Grand Budapest Hotel .

Under the casing of a crazy comedy that takes place in a mountain hotel at the beginning of the 20th century, Anderson shows us the miseries and greatness of every human being. Friendship, fidelity, ambition, love, solidarity, pettiness … There is not a single feeling that is reflected in the footage.

Lost in Translation (2003) Sophia Coppola

Beautiful film by Sophia Coppola masterfully interpreted by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. What happens when two lonely and sad souls find themselves lost in a place far from home, where nothing binds them and no one understands them? That an intergenerational love that is difficult to understand can arise, ranging from passion to protection and friendship.

Memento (2000) Christopher Nolan

We started with Christopher Nolan and ended with him. This film shot backwards, that is, from end to beginning, tells the story of a man who wants to avenge the death of his wife, but has lost his short-term memory due to a blow , so he forgets anything that happens in his life. So, write down everything you can and even tattoo it to achieve your goal. He will be successful?

Any of these psychological movies, while not dealing with psychology per se, will make you think, look for platitudes, unsettle you, and actually play with your brain.