A movie has a powerful ability to affect us in unimaginable ways. The artistry behind the dialogue, story, music, and special effects are pieced together not just to keep us entertained, but to also evoke deep emotions and encourage us to reflect on ourselves.

Given the versatile impact of movies, it’s unsurprising that we are able to harness them as a supplemental strategy for mental wellness. Thus, cinematherapy is exactly what you think it is. Indeed, watching movies is proven to help improve medical, mental health and life management. Not to mention, the known benefits are astounding and optimistic, leading to cinematherapy being routinely implemented in many clinical settings. These include long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers and psychotherapy that aim to treat depression, relationship struggles, suicide and many more.

Simply put, a movie is more than just a motion picture. Quite possibly, it can be the most accessible mental health resource in the form of self-help, especially for students.

It’s important to choose the right movie that will help you achieve therapeutic gain. Certain movies are centered around catharsis and others allow individuals to make connections with the story and characters. The engagement level is profound and makes use of a multi-sensory experience that triggers emotional, cognitive and perceptual processes. So, the most effective movies for cinematherapy deliver “feel-good” emotions, such as laughter and hopeful reminders that you are not alone in this world. Here are five movies that may help you go through a change of heart or perspective.

Finding Neverland (2004)
University is where most of us make a steady transition into adulthood. Depending on the person, it can either be an exciting or scary outlook. This movie is a charming account of the author J. M. Barrie who writes the iconic story Peter Pan as he develops an unforgettable friendship with a widow and her four children. Using the children’s innocence and bliss as inspiration, the mix of tragedy, ebullient fantasy and domestic drama helps you reminisce the good times you have had as a child. But at the same time, it also reminds you that there is still plenty of time to seek imagination even as an adult.

Forrest Gump (1994)
In the midst of our busy schedules, it’s sometimes difficult to find optimism for what we do. However, Forrest Gump’s simple and kind-hearted demeanor helps him endure the sheer randomness of his experience as a college football star, in the Vietnam War, captaining a shrimp boat and literally running across the USA from coast to coast. By offering a big picture of life, the story reminds us that optimism is right around the corner and will always appear during the most unexpected moments if we keep moving forward.

Good Will Hunting (1997)
In university, we work hard to secure a future but at the same time, the circumstances in life don’t always work in our favour. This can put immense pressure on us and 20-year-old math genius Will Hunting is experiencing it no differently at MIT. Due to his troubled past, he lacks motivation and doesn’t think that he deserves a greater life. However, through his therapy sessions, Will re-evaluates his future and creates everlasting bonds with people who care about his well-being. Thus, the emotional dialogue reminds us that we must grow, adapt and see the bigger picture other than education, especially when situations become unbearably tough.

Inside Out (2015)
Moving into a new environment like a university can be the most stressful experience. Similarly, Inside Out tells the story of an 11-year-old girl named Riley who struggles with her transition into an urban environment while her emotions are personified as fun animated characters. Instead of falling into the depth of apathy, this movie emphasizes the importance of expressing our emotions even at times of sadness. As an animated comedy, there are plenty of moments for smiles and self-reflections if we find ourselves in an emotional quandary like Riley.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Just like how students yearn to escape their lectures and be free, Walter Mitty shares the same sentiment. As such, Walter is an introvert who is unable to share his thoughts comfortably and daydreams about an alternate reality where he owns the world. One day, Walter gets a chance to have a real adventure and explore the beautiful nature that always existed beyond the mundane walls of New York City. As students, we also experience some form of crisis similar to Walter’s but as his story tells us, we need to get lost first in order to find ourselves.

We know too well that universities can be hotspots for mental health problems for many different reasons. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward solution but there are certainly many ways to approach it. While our needs are incredibly urgent, varied and sometimes hidden, we can help ourselves. Sometimes, we just haven’t realized that the resources are right at our fingertips. The Western Student Health Services, our friends and families, and a relatable story are always available for improving our well-being. Hopefully, cinematherapy and the movies listed above can help you briefly escape your reality and be inspired by powerful messages. After all, your life is also a movie filled with robust experiences and happiness to come. It’s just a matter of how you wish your story to continue.