Movies About Body Image

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science fiction action thriller from director Christopher Nolan. The film follows a professional thief, Dom Cobb, as he is presented with a potentially impossible task: planting an idea in the mind of a target. To do this, Cobb and his team of experts must embark on a journey that takes them into the depths of the subconscious. Along the way, the team must contend with dangerous obstacles, as well as their own inner demons, in order to complete the task. Inception is an exploration of the power of the human mind, and a thrilling ride to the limits of reality.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a 1960 psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. The film follows Marion Crane, a young secretary who is on the run after stealing a large sum of money from her employer. She checks into a secluded motel run by Norman Bates, an strange and seemingly unstable man. As Marion's stay becomes increasingly more frightening, secrets from Norman's past begin to emerge, revealing a shocking and disturbing truth. Psycho is known for its iconic and groundbreaking scenes, such as the shower scene, and is often considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, based on the 1982 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. In a near-future society, England is ruled by a totalitarian regime led by Chancellor Sutler and his ruthless chief of police, Creedy. When an enigmatic masked freedom fighter called "V" takes up arms against the oppressive government, he sparks a revolution. He rescues a young woman named Evey from collateral damage caused by his actions and soon becomes a symbol of hope for the people of England. Together, V and Evey begin to fight for justice and freedom from the oppressive government. Along the way, they must face off against a powerful enemy, as well as their own personal demons. The film is an allegory that examines the themes of oppression, rebellion, love, and identity.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bibi Andersson, Liv Ullmann, Margaretha Krook, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated Not Rated

Persona is a 1966 Swedish psychological drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. The story centers around two women—an actress named Elisabet Vogler and her nurse, Alma—who are brought together in a remote seaside cottage. Elisabet has fallen silent and refuses to speak, much to the frustration of Alma. As the days pass, Alma attempts to understand Elisabet and finds herself becoming increasingly intertwined with her, as the two women struggle to define their identities. As their relationship intensifies, they blur the lines between their two personalities and ultimately question their very sense of self. The film raises philosophical and existential questions about identity, communication, and the meaning of life.

From Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, starring Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti, Rex Everhart
Rated G

Beauty and the Beast is a 1991 American animated musical romantic fantasy film directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, and produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. The 30th Disney animated feature film and the third released during the Disney Renaissance period, it is based on the French fairy tale of the same name by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont and uses traditional animation and musical numbers. The film tells the story of a cold-hearted prince who is transformed into a beast and must learn to love and be loved before he can revert to his former self. To do this, he enlists the help of an Open-hearted young woman named Belle. The film stars the voices of Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers and Angela Lansbury. The film was released to critical acclaim, receiving Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, and winning both the 1991 Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song. Time magazine named Beauty and the Beast as one of the 100 greatest films of all time. The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2002 and was a box office hit, grossing $425 million worldwide. It is the first animated feature to gross

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder
Rated R

Black Swan is a psychological thriller set in the world of competitive ballet. The story follows Nina (Natalie Portman), a perfectionist dancer in a New York City ballet company who is cast for the lead in Swan Lake. She struggles to adapt to the demands of the role, as she is pushed to her physical and psychological limits. She begins to unravel as her obsessive desire to perfect her performance leads her to hallucinations and delusions. Nina must face her inner demons and battle for her sanity as she strives to become the perfect swan.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Griffiths
Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third installment in the Harry Potter film series, directed by Alfonso Cuarón and released in 2004. The film follows Harry Potter, an orphaned boy wizard, in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, face a new danger in the form of the escaped convict Sirius Black, who is believed to be coming after Harry. Along the way, they encounter the Dementors, creatures that feed on human happiness, and also discover the truth about Sirius Black. In the end, Harry and his friends succeed in saving Sirius Black, and in doing so discover a powerful secret about Harry's past.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan
Rated R

My Left Foot is a 1989 drama directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Day-Lewis. It is based on the true story of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy, who could only control his left foot. Despite his condition, Christy was able to pursue his passions, including writing and painting, with the help of his supportive family and the guidance of a determined doctor. Through sheer determination and the support of those who believed in him, Christy was able to express himself and become a successful artist and author. The film follows Christy's journey, capturing his struggles and triumphs, as he finds his own unique voice and identity.

From James Cameron, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez
Rated PG-13

Avatar (2009), directed by James Cameron, is a science fiction epic set in the year 2154. It follows Jake Sully, a former Marine who is now paraplegic, as he is sent to the moon Pandora on a mission to explore its resources. There he meets and falls in love with a Na'vi, a humanoid species that lives in harmony with nature and has an intense spiritual connection to it. Jake is given the opportunity to transfer his consciousness into a genetically engineered Na'vi body, which he uses to gain the trust of the tribe and learn their ways. As he learns more about the Na'vi and their culture, Jake finds himself torn between two worlds and must make a choice between the human military and the Na'vi, who are fighting to protect pandora from human exploitation. A visually stunning and emotionally powerful story, Avatar is an exploration of identity, morality, and the implications of technology.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond
Rated PG-13

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a 2008 fantasy romantic drama directed by David Fincher. The film follows the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), who is born an elderly man and ages backwards. He experiences the joys and heartaches of life, from the end of World War I to the 21st century, with friend and love Daisy (Cate Blanchett). Along the way, Benjamin has a number of adventures, including joining the French Foreign Legion and working his way up the ranks, and falling in love with Daisy and the daughter they create together. Ultimately, Benjamin finds his place in the world through his relationships and experiences — and, despite his rapidly aging body, realizes the importance of living life to the fullest.

From Robert Altman, starring Shelley Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Janice Rule, Robert Fortier
Rated PG

Three Women is a 1977 drama film directed by Robert Altman. It tells the story of three women—Millie (Shelley Duvall), Pinky (Sissy Spacek), and Willie (Janice Rule)—who live in the same apartment building. Millie is a lonely woman who considers Pinky her best friend despite Pinky's obvious disdain for her. Willie is a mysterious stranger who moves in and soon starts to take over Millie's life. As Willie works her way into Millie's life, the two women become increasingly intertwined. The film explores their complex dynamic as Millie and Willie fight for dominance over each other and Pinky watches them struggle. Ultimately, the trio of women must find a way to coexist in the same space and learn to accept one another.

From Stephen Daldry, starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Jean Heywood, Jamie Draven
Rated R

Billy Elliot is a heart-warming story of self-discovery and the power of dreams. Set in a small English mining town during the 1984-85 miners’ strike, the film follows 11-year-old Billy (Jamie Bell) as he discovers his true passion for ballet in the midst of his family's struggle to make ends meet. As Billy spends more time at the local dance studio, he must confront his family's traditional expectations and the hostility of his community in order to pursue his dreams. Ultimately, with the help of his teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters), and his best friend, Michael (Stuart Wells), Billy is able to achieve his goal of becoming a professional dancer. With a powerful performance by Bell, Billy Elliot is an inspiring story of courage and determination that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes
Rated G

The Little Mermaid is a classic Disney animated musical fantasy film from 1989. It tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human, and falls in love with Prince Eric. To make her dream come true, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for legs. With help from her friends, Sebastian the crab, Flounder the fish, and her father King Triton, Ariel must find a way to break Ursula’s spell and win back her voice. Along the way, she faces many challenges and discovers the power of true love. The Little Mermaid is a timeless tale of transformation, friendship, and the courage to pursue dreams.

From Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne, Roy Atwell
Rated Approved

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a classic Disney animated film from 1937. It tells the timeless tale of Snow White, a beautiful princess who is forced to flee her home after her jealous stepmother, the Queen, orders her Huntsman to take Snow White into the forest and kill her. However, the Huntsman can't bring himself to do it and instead helps Snow White escape. Snow White eventually finds a home and refuge with seven dwarfs who live in the forest. The Queen, still determined to get rid of Snow White, attempts to do so by disguising herself as an old peddler woman and giving Snow White a poisoned apple. Fortunately, Snow White is saved by the dwarfs and the Prince, who had been searching for her all along. The film ends happily with the Prince and Snow White getting married, and the Queen being punished for her wicked deeds. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length animated feature film and was a huge success. It has become a true Disney classic, and its timeless story continues to capture the imaginations of viewers young and old.

From Xavier Dolan, starring Melvil Poupaud, Emmanuel Schwartz, Suzanne Clément, Nathalie Baye
Rated Not Rated

Laurence Anyways is a 2012 Canadian drama film written, directed, and co-edited by Xavier Dolan. The film stars Melvil Poupaud as Laurence and Suzanne Clément as his girlfriend, Fred. Set in Montreal, the film spans a decade, from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. The story follows Laurence, a young man who is in a long-term relationship with Fred, a successful magazine editor. After Laurence reveals to Fred that he has been struggling with his gender identity, he decides to transition from male to female, much to the shock of everyone around him. The film follows Laurence and Fred's struggle for understanding and acceptance as well as their journey of self-discovery. Despite the obstacles of society, the couple's relationship remains strong throughout. Laurence Anyways is an exploration of love, identity, and freedom of expression. It is a powerful and beautiful portrait of a unique couple's journey from darkness to light.

From Kimberly Peirce, starring Hilary Swank, Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III
Rated R

Boys Don't Cry is a 1999 American biographical drama film based on the life of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was murdered in Nebraska in 1993. The film follows the life of Brandon Teena, played by Hilary Swank, as he attempts to find acceptance and love while living in a rural town in Nebraska. Along the way, he faces violence, discrimination, and prejudice, as he struggles to survive in a hostile environment. At the same time, Brandon must navigate his relationships with friends and family who may not accept his true identity. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Academy Awards for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, and was nominated for Best Picture.

From Chris Bell, starring Chris Bell, Mike Bell, Mark Bell, Hank Aaron
Rated PG-13

Bigger Stronger Faster* is a 2008 documentary directed by Chris Bell which explores the use of anabolic steroids in America. The film follows the filmmaker's brother, Mike Bell, as he embarks on a quest to become a professional bodybuilder. Along the way, the film examines the use of steroids in bodybuilding, professional sports, and the overall American culture. In the process, Mike and Chris confront the harsh realities of steroid use, exploring its potential for harm as well as the benefits it offers. With interviews from various athletes, doctors, and family members, Bigger Stronger Faster* offers a thoughtful and balanced look at a controversial issue.

From Duncan Tucker, starring Felicity Huffman, Kevin Zegers, Fionnula Flanagan, Andrea James
Rated R

From Céline Sciamma, starring Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana, Jeanne Disson, Sophie Cattani
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: George Butler, Robert Fiore, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Matty Ferrigno, Victoria Ferrigno
Rated PG

From Yorgos Lanthimos, starring Christos Stergioglou, Michele Valley, Angeliki Papoulia, Christos Passalis
Rated Not Rated

From Joel Schumacher, starring Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson
Rated PG-13

From Mark Waters, starring Lindsay Lohan, Jonathan Bennett, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Wolfgang Reitherman, Clyde Geronimi, David Hand, starring Rickie Sorensen, Sebastian Cabot, Karl Swenson, Junius Matthews
Rated G

From Kenneth Branagh, starring Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
Rated PG-13