Sometimes, you’d rather be alone and detach yourself from the world.
You know it isn’t easy to be lonely and isolated, but you still need to be alone for a while.
As it turns out, it’s possible to get that alone feeling without completely alienating yourself.
This article provides a list of the best movies about loneliness and isolation. Watch these movies if you want a bird' s-eye view of loneliness and isolation without actually experiencing it.
Let’s check them out!
1. Lost in Translation
Have you ever traveled abroad and felt lost in translation? This film is about those feelings.
Lost in Translation is a 2003 movie starring Bill Murray and Scarlet Johansson. It tells the story of a middle-aged American movie star, Bob Harris (Murray), who goes to Tokyo for a whiskey commercial shoot.
Although he is already past his prime, he has been given this high-paying endorsement because of his name's fame.
While staying at an upscale hotel, he meets a fellow American named Charlotte (Johansson), a young Yale philosophy graduate staying in Tokyo with her photographer husband.
Like Bob, she feels a little “lost” about the events in her life and feels like she needs to take a break and unwind.
The performances of the two stars make this film suitable for those experiencing loneliness and isolation. Both Harris and Charlotte feel trapped, which makes them very relatable.
Going into a foreign country where no one seems to care about who you are or what you do makes you ask, “Have I been living the way I want to?”
2. Her
Her is a movie about a person who has lived most of his life alone. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore Twombly and Scarlett Johansson as the AI system Samantha and was written, directed, and produced by Spike Jonze.
The storyline came from Jonze's idea after reading a website article about instant messaging using artificial intelligence.
The movie is set in Los Angeles, where Twombly lives as a lonely and depressed man who works as a professional writer for people who cannot write their letters.
Due to his loneliness, he purchased an operating system with a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He named her Samantha.
Theodore develops then a sense of dependence on and infatuation toward Samantha. Fascinated by how much the AI can learn, his feelings intensify after a verbal sexual encounter with her.
The infatuation turns into love, as Samantha seems like a real person capable of developing emotions. However, Theodore eventually begins to realize that Samantha will never be able to experience real emotions.
The movie started with a limited release, but it later received worldwide acclaim.
It even garnered several awards and nominations, including Best Original Screenplay during the 86th Academy Awards. In a BBC poll conducted in 2016, it was listed as one of the greatest films since the year 2000.
3. Where the Wild Things Are
Here is another Spike Jonze film that helps you understand loneliness and isolation. Where the Wild Things Are is a 2009 fantasy-adventure movie starring Max Records, Paul Dano, and Catherine O’Hara. The story is based on a 1963 children’s book of the same title written by Maurice Sendak.
The story revolves around a young boy named Max, who has a vivid and active imagination but is also a bit of a troublemaker. One day, his sister’s friends do something foolish, and Max throws a fit.
Realizing that his mother does not care and perhaps nobody ever cared, he runs away wearing his wolf costume. He enters a world in his imagination where all the wild things are.
This movie is a bit underrated and was a box office bomb, barely breaking even. But many experts and movie buffs recommend it, saying it was not given enough credit.
If you try it, you might discover how loneliness can be a tool to boost your imagination and creativity.
4. Three Colours: Blue
Blue is a part of the film trilogy Three Colours (Blue, White, and Red). It was co-written and directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski, a renowned Polish film director and screenwriter whose other famous works include Dekalog and The Double Life of Veronique.
The film stars Juliette Binoche as Julie, a woman who isolates herself from the world after losing her husband and child in a car accident.
The story revolves around “liberty,” as inspired by the French Revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The film starts with Julie wanting to free herself from her old life and personal commitments.
She wants to numb herself from all the pain brought by the accident and withdraws from the world to live in solitude.
As the story progresses, however, Julie can’t stay isolated because the people from her past keep communicating with her. In addition, she meets new people who genuinely care for and support her.
She realizes that forgetting her past might not solve her problem, so she starts healing and reconnecting with the world.
We highly recommend this movie for those who have reached the point of loneliness that indulges in isolation and solitude.
This movie can help you realize there are many reasons to be happy, even if the world seems to have abandoned you. Time can heal all wounds, as can the people who sincerely care for you.
5. Solaris
Solaris is a 2002 science-themed drama about a fictional planet called “Solaris.” It is a remake of a 1972 film of the same title, and the story is based on a novel that also bears the same name, written by Stanislaw Lem.
Like most science-fiction dramas, the movie is set in a futuristic world where psychology, physiology, and other elements collide.
The film stars George Clooney as Dr. Chris Kelvin. He is sent to an isolated space station that orbits a mysterious, new planet called Solaris. Dr. Kelvin discovers an unfathomable power that can enter and affect mankind’s dreams and nightmares.
While on the job, he experiences strange phenomena that make him see and remember his dead wife, Rheya.
The loneliness being talked about in this story is related to depression and suicide. It explains how our dreams, emotions, and imaginations sometimes intensify our deepest desires and wishes.
Loneliness can sometimes trigger things we would rather not think about, but we often choose to give in when the feeling becomes too much.
We recommend this movie to those who want to learn how to control these thoughts. If you have a loved one considering living in isolation, this might be an excellent film to watch with them.
6. Wild Strawberries
This movie is a great choice for those who like old-school, black-and-white films. Wild Strawberries is a 1957 film starring Victor Sjöström, Bibi Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, and Gunnar Björnstrand. It is a Swedish film set in Sweden, where the wild strawberries are.
Sjöström plays the widowed, 78-year-old Dr. Isak Borg, who lives independently and in isolation. He lives alone for two reasons: first, because he wants to, and second, because people are not particularly fond of his cold demeanor.
Being a medical doctor, he is invited to receive an honorary degree in his hometown, Stockholm. Instead of taking a plane, he decides to go on a road trip with his daughter-in-law, who is also on her way home.
As the drive and the story progress, he remembers his childhood experiences and how his life unfolded. He re-evaluates his life and starts to accept his flaws and regret his past decisions while also beginning to appreciate the good life has brought him.
While on the road, he meets different people who help him look back, reminisce, and feel both sorry and grateful.
We love this film because of its story and the actors' performances. If you want a wonderfully satisfying movie, check out Wild Strawberries.
7. Cast Away
If you have ever wondered how it feels to be the survivor of a plane crash and survive on an uninhabited island, then you are in for a treat with this movie.
Cast Away is a survival drama film starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, and Nick Searcy. It won Hanks the Best Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama category award at the 2001 Golden Globe Awards and Alan Silvestri the Best Instrumental Composition award at the 2002 Grammy Awards.
As excellent as it is performance-wise, this movie also has a brilliant storyline. It tells the story of a FedEx troubleshooter stranded on a deserted island in the South Pacific after a fatal plane crash. The plot revolves around the circumstances he has to face to survive and find his way back home.
While the movie emphasizes survival, it also depicts what it is like to be alone in an unfamiliar place.
8. Into the Wild
Into the Wild is another survival-style movie that doesn’t involve an accident. It is the story of Christopher McCandless, also known as Alexander Supertramp, who crossed the North American mountains and entered the Alaskan wilderness in the 1990s.
McCandless had always longed for freedom and solitude. After graduating college, he decided to start traveling, believing that it was the only way to achieve ultimate happiness. He traveled until he reached the wilderness of Alaska.
As he begins to live alone and experiences several disasters, he ultimately realizes that happiness is found in the warmth of others. He starts missing his family, home, and all the people who love and care for him.
This movie is based on Jon Krakauer's biography of the same name. Although it has a bit of a sad ending, it is still one of the best movies about loneliness because it teaches us that life is happier when shared with others.
9. Moon
Sam Bell is an astronaut on a mission to study a particular helium gas on the moon's far side. He is under a three-year contract that requires him to spend his time researching in solitude. But as he nears the end of the agreement, he experiences a personal crisis that could potentially drive him mad.
Moon is a 2009 film set in the future. It is directed by Duncan Jones and written by Nathan Parker. It stars Sam Rockwell as Sam Bell and Kevin Spacey as Gerty, Sam’s robot companion. Although the movie had a humble budget, it enjoyed international success and was positively reviewed by critics.
This movie takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It has a touch of drama and action, plus a little bit of horror and comedy. But what we love most is its ability to convey deep emotions. The movie’s story and the actors’ excellent performances demonstrate what it is like to live alone in a lonely place.
10. The Shining
This movie is a bit different from the others on this list. It is a psychological horror film that tells the story of an aspiring author turned monstrous murderer.
In the story, aspiring writer Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) takes his wife and son to a hotel in Colorado where he has accepted a job as a caretaker. While in the hotel, they all start to encounter a series of unfortunate events after Jack receives a gift called “the Shining.” This gift lets Jack see the hotel’s horrible past through psychic abilities.
Because of his new abilities, Jack loses his sanity and starts experiencing supernatural occurrences. He is possessed by the soul of the previous caretaker, who killed himself and his family during a cold winter night. Enchanted by this spirit, Jack starts stalking through the hotel, playing “hide and seek” with his wife and son.
11. Chungking Express
Chungking Express is a romantic, crime, and comedy-drama film originally shot and released in Hong Kong. It received worldwide acclaim and won numerous awards and nominations.
Some of its most notable awards include Best Actress (Faye Wong) during the 1994 Stockholm International Film Festival and Best Actor (Tony Leung) during the 1994 Golden Horse Awards.
The story revolves around two policemen contemplating their broken relationships with the women in their lives. The first story is about He Qiwu (Takeshi Kaneshiro), who gets dumped by his girlfriend and eventually meets a drug smuggler without a name who always wears a blonde wig.
The second story is about another policeman, Cop 663, who recently broke up with his flight attendant girlfriend but then meets Faye, a snack bar attendant.
Chungking Express is a story of “love, loss, and memory through the romance of goods.” It is about love, but also so much more. It is a masterpiece that not everyone will appreciate, but, as Roger Ebert said, “a film like this is largely a cerebral experience: you enjoy it because of what you know about the film, not because of what it knows about life.”
12. Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver is not just a film about loneliness. This movie will take you on a roller coaster ride of different emotions. Robert De Niro performs strikingly as a loner taxi driver with insomnia.
Working the busy streets of New York, he tries too hard to connect with the people around him. He is ultimately beset by fear and paranoia. And you can’t blame him—he has just returned from the Vietnam War.
We highly recommend watching this film if you want a heavy story. It centers on De Niro’s character as an individual consumed by loneliness and tackles how an inhumane government and justice system can corrupt one man's mind.
13. Life of Pi
Life of Pi is based on the novel released by Yann Martel in 2001. It is the story of a young boy who finds himself alone in the middle of the ocean after a devastating shipwreck. He believes he is the sole survivor until he discovers a Bengal tiger on his boat.
This movie explains to us the distinction between being alone and lonely. You’re probably already aware of it. Just because you are alone doesn’t mean you are lonely, and just because you have many people surrounding you doesn’t mean you aren’t lonely. Was Pi alone? No. But was he lonely? Well, you should probably watch the movie.
14. Gravity
Gravity received mixed reviews upon its release, but one thing is certain—it dives deep into the experience of loneliness. As if being left in space by yourself isn’t enough, imagine losing the only companion you have just when you are about to find salvation.
Starring Sandra Bullock as Dr. Ryan Stone and George Clooney as Lieutenant Matt Kowalski, this movie might bring you to tears. Either way, you’ll come away from it wondering what you would do if you were in this situation.
15. Requiem for a Dream
We’ve discussed in another article how Requiem for a Dream is “one of the darkest movies ever made about the dangers of drug addiction.” It is not for the faint of heart, as it portrays a lot of darkness and despair.
That being said, it is not just a movie about drugs. It also delves into loneliness and melancholy. Drugs consume your whole being—-your mind, body, and soul—and more often than not, they isolate you from the world.
16. Joker
Audiences and filmmakers alike are pretty fond of villain backstories. The Joker is one of the most reviled yet intriguing villains in comic book history, but have you ever thought about what made him act the way he does? What could have possibly happened to turn him into such an evil character?
Starring the ultra-talented Joaquin Phoenix, this supervillain movie about the Joker is an excellent opportunity to be entertained while understanding mental illness and loneliness. Discover what made Arthur Fleck ultimately become The Joker.
17. The Martian
If you are looking for a film to make you feel truly lonely, The Martian might be the one. Matt Damon plays Mark Watney in this space film, an astronaut accidentally left behind by his colleagues while on a mission to planet Mars.
Loneliness is not the only premise of this film. While it is heartbreaking to be left alone in an unfamiliar place, the film is mostly about survival. How do you survive in a place you have never been before, without food and water—not to mention on another planet?
18. Christine
Christine Chubbuck is known for being the first woman to commit suicide on air. She shook the world when she shot herself with a .38 caliber gun on a live television broadcast. She was depressed and suicidal, but the question remains—why did she do it?
This movie attempts to answer that question. Starring Rebecca Hall as Christine Chubbuck, this film is a masterpiece that perfectly portrays Christine’s life. Everyone knew her as a woman who was passionate about her work, but no one knew what she felt inside.
Records do show that she tried to voice her depression and suicidal tendencies, but no one ever listened. She had been battling with her mental illness for years, but the people around her seemed to have shrugged that off. Sadly, this loneliness finally started to consume her.
19. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Do you remember your teenage years? Were they a mixture of emotions? If so, The Perks of Being a Wallflower might resonate with you. Based on Stephen Chobsky’s novel, this film takes us into the world of Charlie, an introverted lad with some trauma.
What makes this movie interesting is that Charlie is not just an introvert. He is also in need of people who can understand his loneliness, which is rooted in trauma and mental illness.
We recommend this film to teenagers, young adults, and even those who wish to relive their youth. It is also an excellent opportunity to bond with your kids while explaining the importance of relationships, communication, and mental health.
20. Lars and the Real Girl
Do you know the stories of Pygmalion and Galatea? The story of Lars and the Real Girl (Bianca) is very similar, except that Bianca is not Lars' creation. Rather, she is a sex toy he got from the internet (although he never uses her for that purpose).
While Lars and the Real Girl perfectly depicts what it is like to be lonely, it does not revolve around that theme entirely. There is much more to the movie, which delves into various aspects of humanity. Lars’ family and the community around him are great examples of a sound support system for someone with mental health issues.
21. Le Samourai
There are many stories about heroes being targeted by hitmen—but what about a story about the hitman? Here’s another villain-centered story that might catch your interest. Le Samourai stars Alain Deloin as Jef Costello, a professional hitman living in loneliness. If you have ever wanted to see the story of a hitman from a different perspective, this is an excellent choice for movie night.
A Final Word on Movies About Isolation and Loneliness
Isolation may be unpleasant sometimes, but it can also give you peace and tranquility. While loneliness is often associated with pain and a lack of social connection, it can also be a tool to help you realize where your happiness truly lies.
We hope that the list we shared above helped you understand what loneliness feels like. We don’t suggest isolating yourself from the world, but we don’t believe loneliness is an entirely negative experience.
Finally, if you want to increase your happiness and life satisfaction, then watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what's important.
See more movies about dealing with different types of mental illness:
- 15 Best Sigma Male Movies to Watch
- 21 Best Movies About Anxiety to Watch
- 13 Movies About Dealing With Depression
- 7 Facts About Why Loneliness Hurts And Is So Painful
- 39 Movies about Friendship and Being with Great People
- 25 Movies with Autistic or Asperger's Syndrome Characters
