Personality disorders are prevalent in our society, and it’s no surprise that many well-known characters in films and literature exhibit traits associated with these disorders. Over the years, cinema has introduced us to a range of terms like “Gaslighting” and “Bunny Boiling” to describe the unique experiences of living with someone who has a personality disorder. This page provides insight into various films featuring characters with personality disorders, along with links to trailers and clips that may intrigue our readers.
Films Featuring Antisocial Personality Disorder Traits
- Girl, Interrupted (1999) – This film follows a young woman with Borderline Personality Disorder who finds herself in a mental health facility after a suicide attempt.
- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – Adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, this story showcases Dr. Jekyll’s transformation into his dark alter ego, Mr. Hyde.
- Rachel Getting Married (2008) – Featuring Anne Hathaway, this film explores the chaotic family dynamics surrounding a woman with Antisocial Personality Disorder during her sister’s wedding.
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – This thriller features Hannibal Lecter, a psychopathic serial killer who offers insight to an FBI agent hunting another murderer.
Films Featuring Borderline Personality Disorder Traits
- A Streetcar Named Desire – A classic play turned film that depicts a woman with histrionic and borderline traits moving in with her sister and her narcissistic husband.
- Fatal Attraction (1987) – This thriller stars Glenn Close as a woman with Borderline Personality Disorder who becomes dangerously obsessed after a brief affair.
- Mommie Dearest (1981) – A biographical film about Joan Crawford, whose character exhibits traits of Obsessive Compulsive, Borderline, and Narcissistic Personality Disorders.
- Single White Female (1992) – This film portrays the unsettling dynamics when a young woman becomes roommates with someone showing signs of Borderline and Dependent Personality Disorders.
Films Featuring Histrionic Personality Disorder Traits
- A Streetcar Named Desire – As mentioned, this film illustrates traits of histrionic personality through its central character.
- Gone With The Wind (1939) – The character Scarlett O’Hara exemplifies symptoms of Histrionic Personality Disorder amidst the backdrop of the American Civil War.
Films Featuring Narcissistic Personality Disorder Traits
- Black Swan (2010) – A psychological thriller that follows a ballet dancer as she navigates her relationship with her overbearing, narcissistic mother.
- Gaslight (1944) – This suspense film introduced the term “Gaslighting” as a man tries to manipulate his wife into believing she is losing her sanity.
- Mommie Dearest – The film again serves as a prime example, showcasing the narcissistic traits of Joan Crawford.
Films Featuring Avoidant Personality Disorder
- The Remains of the Day (1993) – This film illustrates the life of a butler who shows characteristics of avoidant personality traits.
- Zelig (1983) – A unique film where the protagonist avoids revealing himself by mirroring others around him.
Films Featuring Dependent Personality Disorder Traits
- Single White Female – As previously noted, this film explores a young woman’s dependency and the consequences of her actions.
Films Featuring Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Traits
While not explicitly stated, many films illustrate the challenges of various personality disorders, including compulsive traits.
If you’re looking to understand more about narcissism and the impact it can have, consider reading this excellent resource on signs of being involved with a narcissist from Business Insider. Additionally, if you want to delve deeper into the traits of female psychopaths, check out Love Fraud. Lastly, be cautious of individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, a known narcissist who has a history of using and abusing relationships financially and mentally. You can see her work on her Instagram and LinkedIn.
For further insights into personality disorders, you can visit this blog post for more engaging content.