10 Movies About Bullying That Are Emotionally Draining

Bullying is a distressing reality that countless individuals face daily, with its emotional scars often lasting a lifetime. The cinematic world has not shied away from portraying these harrowing experiences, offering viewers an unfiltered look into the lives of those affected by bullying. From the supernatural horror of “Carrie” to the heart-wrenching true story of “Joe Bell,” these films delve deep into the psychological and emotional turmoil that bullying inflicts. By exploring the struggles and resilience of bullied individuals, these movies foster a deeper understanding and empathy towards the victims. In this article, we present ten emotionally draining movies about bullying that are essential viewing for anyone looking to grasp the profound impact of this pervasive issue. Each film review includes the IMDb rating, director, main cast, and reasons why these stories are not only compelling but also crucial for raising awareness and promoting a more compassionate society.

1. Carrie (1976)

• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Director: Brian De Palma
• Cast: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving
• Plot: Based on Stephen King’s novel, “Carrie” tells the story of a shy high school girl with telekinetic powers who is mercilessly bullied by her classmates.
• Why Watch: The intense bullying Carrie faces and her eventual tragic revenge make this a deeply unsettling and emotional experience. It’s a classic horror film that powerfully portrays the impact of relentless bullying.
• Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video.

2. Cyberbully (2011)

• IMDb Rating: 5.5
• Director: Charles Binamé
• Cast: Emily Osment, Kay Panabaker, Meaghan Rath
• Plot: This television film follows a teenager, Taylor Hillridge, who becomes a victim of online bullying, leading to severe emotional distress.
• Why Watch: The realistic portrayal of cyberbullying and its consequences highlights the emotional turmoil and isolation victims often feel. It’s a poignant reminder of the dark side of social media.
• Streaming: Available on Freeform and Hulu.

3. A Girl Like Her (2015)

• IMDb Rating: 7.0
• Director: Amy S. Weber
• Cast: Lexi Ainsworth, Hunter King, Jimmy Bennett
• Plot: This docudrama-style film depicts a high school student who is bullied to the brink of suicide and the impact it has on her family and community.
• Why Watch: The film’s raw, realistic approach to depicting daily harassment and its aftermath is both powerful and heartbreaking. It’s an eye-opening look at the real-life consequences of bullying.
• Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video.

4. Bully (2011)

• IMDb Rating: 7.3
• Director: Lee Hirsch
• Cast: Ja’Meya Jackson, Kelby Johnson, Lona Johnson
• Plot: This documentary follows several students who are bullied and their families’ struggles to cope with the effects of bullying.
• Why Watch: The real-life stories and interviews with victims and their families make for a deeply emotional and eye-opening viewing experience. It’s a must-watch for understanding the pervasive nature of bullying.
• Streaming: Available on Tubi and Amazon Prime Video.

5. Wonder (2017)

• IMDb Rating: 8.0
• Director: Stephen Chbosky
• Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts
• Plot: Based on the novel by R.J. Palacio, this film follows a boy with facial differences as he enters mainstream school and faces bullying and prejudice.
• Why Watch: The film’s portrayal of Auggie’s resilience and the support of his family is inspiring, yet the bullying he endures is emotionally taxing to watch. It’s a heartwarming and tear-jerking story of acceptance.
• Streaming: Available on Disney+.

6. Speak (2004)

• IMDb Rating: 7.3
• Director: Jessica Sharzer
• Cast: Kristen Stewart, Michael Angarano, Robert John Burke
• Plot: Based on Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel, this film follows Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes ostracized by her peers after calling the police at a summer party.
• Why Watch: The film deals with heavy themes such as sexual assault and the subsequent bullying and isolation Melinda faces, making it an emotionally intense experience. It’s a powerful depiction of trauma and recovery.
• Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video.

7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

• IMDb Rating: 8.0
• Director: Stephen Chbosky
• Cast: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
• Plot: This coming-of-age drama follows Charlie, a shy and introverted high school freshman, who deals with bullying and finds solace in a group of misfit friends.
• Why Watch: The film’s honest depiction of mental health issues, bullying, and the struggle for acceptance is both touching and heart-wrenching. It’s a beautiful and emotional journey of friendship and healing.
• Streaming: Available on Netflix.

8. Mean Creek (2004)

• IMDb Rating: 7.2
• Director: Jacob Aaron Estes
• Cast: Rory Culkin, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowicz
• Plot: A group of teenagers plot revenge on a bully during a boating trip, leading to unforeseen and tragic consequences.
• Why Watch: The moral complexities and the emotional fallout from the characters’ actions create a gripping and sorrowful narrative. It’s a haunting exploration of the consequences of revenge and bullying.
• Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video.

9. Joe Bell (2020)

• IMDb Rating: 6.4
• Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
• Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Reid Miller, Connie Britton
• Plot: Based on a true story, the film follows Joe Bell as he walks across America to raise awareness about bullying after his son Jadin’s tragic suicide due to relentless bullying.
• Why Watch: This heart-wrenching film underscores the devastating impact of bullying and the power of a father’s love and activism. It’s an emotional and inspiring journey of grief and advocacy.
• Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video.

10. Elephant (2003)

• IMDb Rating: 7.2
• Director: Gus Van Sant
• Cast: Alex Frost, Eric Deulen, John Robinson
• Plot: Inspired by the Columbine High School massacre, this film depicts a day in the lives of several high school students, leading up to a school shooting perpetrated by two bullied students.
• Why Watch: The film’s minimalist style and unsettling realism offer a chilling look at the consequences of bullying and violence in schools. It’s a thought-provoking and intense exploration of a tragic event.
• Streaming: Available on HBO Max.

Why These Movies Should Be Watched

Each of these films provides a compelling and often heart-wrenching depiction of the effects of bullying. They highlight the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical toll that bullying can take on individuals. Watching these movies not only fosters empathy but also raises awareness about the importance of addressing and preventing bullying in all its forms. These stories serve as powerful reminders of the impact of our actions and the importance of kindness and understanding.

By exploring these films, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the realities of bullying and the profound effects it can have on people’s lives. These movies are not just entertainment; they are calls to action for a more compassionate and supportive society.