20 Best Movies Like Words on Bathroom Walls | Similar-List

"Words on Bathroom Walls" (2020) is a poignant drama about a teenager grappling with mental illness while navigating the complexities of high school and relationships. The film's powerful portrayal of the struggles associated with mental health, coupled with its emotional journey of self-acceptance, has resonated with many viewers. If you're looking for movies that explore similar themes—mental health, personal growth, and relationships—this list offers a range of films that share a similar emotional depth and exploration of the human experience. These films delve into love, challenges, and the impact of mental illness on everyday life. Here are 20 movies like Words on Bathroom Walls that will touch your heart and offer a sense of understanding.

20 Best Movies Like Words on Bathroom Walls

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Directed by Ron Howard, A Beautiful Mind tells the true story of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia. The film beautifully portrays Nash’s internal battles, his attempts to maintain his relationships, and his fight to retain his sanity. Like Words on Bathroom Walls, it explores the delicate balance between love and mental illness, highlighting how the mind can be both a powerful ally and a relentless foe. Russell Crowe’s performance as Nash is haunting and transformative, capturing the complexities of living with a mental health condition.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows Charlie, a shy high school student, as he navigates the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence while dealing with past trauma. Similar to Words on Bathroom Walls, this film blends humor, heartbreak, and self-discovery as Charlie learns to open up to his friends and face his demons. The themes of mental health, personal growth, and friendship make it an excellent companion for fans of Words on Bathroom Walls.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

In Silver Linings Playbook, Bradley Cooper plays Pat, a man with bipolar disorder who is trying to rebuild his life after a stay in a psychiatric hospital. The film explores the challenges of managing mental health while trying to maintain relationships, particularly with his estranged wife. Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of Tiffany, a woman coping with her own emotional struggles, adds depth to the narrative. This movie, like Words on Bathroom Walls, portrays mental illness with empathy and the power of love and support.

It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a dramedy that explores the journey of Craig, a teenager who checks himself into a psychiatric hospital after struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. During his stay, he forms unexpected bonds with other patients and starts to discover a new perspective on life. The film addresses themes of mental health, friendship, and finding meaning in the darkest of times, much like Words on Bathroom Walls. Its lighthearted approach to serious issues makes it a great pick for fans of uplifting yet meaningful narratives.

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Based on the memoir by Susanna Kaysen, Girl, Interrupted delves into the lives of several young women struggling with mental health issues in a psychiatric institution. Winona Ryder’s portrayal of Susanna, who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, is both haunting and relatable. The film explores the complexities of mental illness, the importance of therapy, and the power of friendship, making it a compelling choice for viewers looking for movies like Words on Bathroom Walls that explore mental health in a raw and honest way.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

This coming-of-age story follows Nadine, a teenager dealing with the turbulence of adolescence, family drama, and a difficult friendship. Nadine’s witty yet sarcastic personality hides the deep emotional struggles she faces, particularly after the death of her father and her strained relationship with her mother. Much like Words on Bathroom Walls, the film offers a candid exploration of the complexities of mental health, relationships, and personal growth in a teenager's life.

Thirteen (2003)

Thirteen is a gritty drama that follows Tracy, a 13-year-old girl whose life spirals out of control as she becomes influenced by a troubled friend. As Tracy battles issues related to body image, self-worth, and peer pressure, the film highlights the struggles of mental health and the search for identity. Like Words on Bathroom Walls, Thirteen offers an intense look at how external pressures and internal battles can shape a person’s life and emotional well-being.

To the Bone (2017)

This Netflix drama focuses on Ellen, a young woman struggling with anorexia and the toll it takes on her body and mind. After being sent to a group therapy program, Ellen begins to confront her issues and the reasons behind her eating disorder. The film offers a raw and honest portrayal of eating disorders, mental health, and the complexities of recovery. Similar to Words on Bathroom Walls, it underscores the importance of self-acceptance, support, and personal growth.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

In The Fault in Our Stars, Hazel, and Gus are two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and form a deep and meaningful relationship. The film explores themes of illness, love, and mortality, and like Words on Bathroom Walls, it portrays the vulnerability of young people facing a serious health condition. Both films navigate the emotional intricacies of love and the personal challenges that come with it, making them a heartwarming yet tear-jerking watch.

The Spectacular Now (2013)

Sutter Keely is a high school senior who lives in the moment and enjoys the carefree aspects of life. However, when he forms an unlikely relationship with the shy, introverted Aimee, he begins to face his own deep-rooted emotional issues. Like Words on Bathroom Walls, The Spectacular Now captures the complexities of relationships and mental health, exploring how young people deal with their personal struggles while forming connections that challenge them to grow.

The Skeleton Twins (2014)

In The Skeleton Twins, estranged twins Maggie and Milo reunite after both experience life-altering events. Milo, a struggling actor dealing with depression, and Maggie, a woman trying to find her place in the world, offer a candid look at how mental illness and personal struggles impact relationships and identity. The film, like Words on Bathroom Walls, blends humor with dark themes to offer a touching portrayal of family, love, and healing.

Reign Over Me (2007)

Reign Over Me follows Alan, a man who has been deeply affected by the tragic loss of his wife and children. When his former college roommate Charlie reconnects with him, Alan is forced to confront his grief and trauma. The film explores themes of loss, mental health, and healing, making it an excellent choice for viewers who appreciate the emotional depth of Words on Bathroom Walls. Both films highlight the importance of understanding and support in overcoming emotional and psychological challenges.

The Art of Getting By (2011)

This indie drama centers on George, a high school senior who struggles with depression and a lack of direction in life. His world is shaken when he befriends Sally, a classmate with her own emotional baggage. The Art of Getting By delves into themes of mental health, self-worth, and finding your place in the world, offering a relatable narrative for those who enjoyed Words on Bathroom Walls.

An Education (2009)

Set in 1960s London, An Education tells the story of Jenny, a bright teenage girl who falls for a charming older man, leading her to question her future and the decisions she’s made. While the film doesn’t focus solely on mental health, it explores the complexities of relationships and self-discovery, themes that resonate with fans of Words on Bathroom Walls.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Though different in tone, Everything Everywhere All at Once explores the idea of mental and emotional struggles through the lens of multiverse theory. The film follows Evelyn Wang, a woman who must confront her own personal regrets, family dynamics, and mental health challenges while navigating a universe of infinite possibilities. Like Words on Bathroom Walls, the film is a journey of self-discovery and finding clarity amid chaos.

The United States of Leland (2003)

The United States of Leland follows a young man named Leland, who is in a juvenile detention center after committing a senseless murder. The film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and mental health, with Leland’s emotional journey being both heartbreaking and introspective. Fans of Words on Bathroom Walls will appreciate the film’s exploration of a young person’s internal struggles and the search for meaning in a complex world.

Numb (2007)

In Numb, a man named Hudson experiences a profound emotional numbness that affects his ability to connect with the world around him. As he undergoes therapy and tries to navigate his personal life, Hudson’s journey toward emotional healing mirrors themes found in Words on Bathroom Walls, making it an ideal watch for those interested in the mental health exploration genre.

Please Stand By (2017)

This indie drama centers on Wendy, a woman with autism who sets out to enter a writing contest in hopes of having her screenplay discovered. The film touches on themes of mental health, self-expression, and the challenges of navigating the world with a neurodevelopmental condition. Like Words on Bathroom Walls, it highlights the importance of understanding and acceptance of one’s mental and emotional state.

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Directed by Sofia Coppola, The Virgin Suicides tells the haunting story of the five Lisbon sisters and their gradual descent into isolation and tragedy. The film delicately portrays themes of depression, family dynamics, and the silence surrounding mental health, offering a melancholy exploration of adolescent struggles similar to Words on Bathroom Walls.

Turtles Can Fly (2004)

A film about children living in post-Iraq War Kurdistan, Turtles Can Fly, follows the lives of refugee children coping with the trauma of war. It offers a stark, emotional portrayal of the effects of war on young minds, touching on themes of survival, resilience, and emotional growth, making it a fitting choice for fans of films like Words on Bathroom Walls that explore the intersection of mental health and life’s challenges.

These 20 films offer a diverse range of stories that touch on the themes of mental health, personal growth, love, and self-discovery—much like Words on Bathroom Walls. Whether through the lens of a teenager struggling with a mental illness or an adult facing grief and trauma, each of these films provides a unique perspective on the human experience. If you're seeking more movies like Words on Bathroom Walls, these selections will not only entertain but also offer emotional depth, relatable characters, and powerful stories of overcoming life’s challenges.