Dive into the complex realm of eating disorders with our curated list of 21 must-watch movies. From poignant dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, these films offer profound insights into the challenges individuals face in their battle with disordered eating. Explore themes of self-discovery, societal pressures, and the journey towards healing as portrayed through powerful storytelling and compelling performances. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, understanding, or simply a captivating cinematic experience, these movies promise to enlighten and resonate on a profound level. Prepare to embark on an emotional journey through the lens of these insightful narratives.
1. Raw (2016)
“Raw” is a French-Belgian horror film directed by Julia Ducournau. The story follows a vegetarian student, Justine, who develops a taste for human flesh after being forced to eat meat during a hazing ritual at veterinary school. As Justine struggles to control her newfound cannibalistic urges, the film explores themes of identity, desire, and the primal instincts within us all. With its visceral imagery and intense performances, “Raw” offers a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of indulging in our most taboo desires.
2. Swallow (2019)
“Swallow” is a psychological drama directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis. The film centers on Hunter, a newly pregnant housewife who develops pica, a disorder characterized by the compulsion to consume inedible objects. As Hunter’s obsession with swallowing dangerous objects escalates, she confronts the oppressive expectations of her controlling husband and his wealthy family. Through Hunter’s journey of self-discovery and rebellion, “Swallow” delves into themes of autonomy, trauma, and the search for identity in the face of societal expectations, offering a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of mental illness and female agency.
3. To The Bone (2017)
“To The Bone” is a drama film directed by Marti Noxon. The story follows Ellen, a young woman struggling with anorexia nervosa, as she undergoes treatment at a group home led by an unconventional doctor. Through the relationships she forms with fellow patients and the challenges she faces in confronting her disorder, Ellen embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. “To The Bone” received both praise and criticism for its portrayal of eating disorders, with some commending its realism and others expressing concerns about potentially triggering content.
4. Perfect Body (1997)
“Perfect Body” is a television film directed by Douglas Barr. The movie follows Andie Bradley, a gymnast with dreams of competing in the Olympics, who develops bulimia nervosa in her quest for perfection. As Andie’s eating disorder spirals out of control, she faces the consequences of her destructive behavior on her health, athletic career, and relationships. Through Andie’s struggle to break free from the cycle of bingeing and purging, “Perfect Body” sheds light on the pressures faced by athletes to maintain unrealistic standards of beauty and performance, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and seeking help.
5. Heathers (1989)
“Heathers” is a black comedy directed by Michael Lehmann. The film follows Veronica Sawyer, a high school student who becomes disillusioned with her popular and cruel friends, all named Heather. As Veronica navigates the toxic social hierarchy of her school, she forms an unlikely alliance with rebellious outsider J.D. Together, they embark on a series of darkly comedic schemes to rid their school of its most toxic individuals. While not explicitly focused on eating disorders, “Heathers” explores themes of peer pressure, identity, and the extreme lengths some will go to fit in, offering a satirical take on the perils of adolescence.
6. Anorexia: A Boy in a Girl’s World (2016)
“Anorexia: A Boy in a Girl’s World” is a documentary that sheds light on the less common experience of males suffering from anorexia nervosa. Directed by Sam Romero, the film follows the journey of a young man named Charlie, who struggles with body image issues and the societal stigma surrounding male eating disorders. Through Charlie’s personal narrative and interviews with experts, “Anorexia: A Boy in a Girl’s World” highlights the importance of raising awareness about eating disorders in men and the unique challenges they face in seeking treatment and acceptance.
7. Girl, Interrupted (1999)
“Girl, Interrupted” is a drama film directed by James Mangold, based on the memoir of the same name by Susanna Kaysen. Set in the 1960s, the story follows Susanna, a young woman who is institutionalized after a suicide attempt. Inside the psychiatric hospital, she forms bonds with other patients, including Lisa, a charismatic but manipulative girl with a history of self-destructive behavior. While the film primarily focuses on mental illness more broadly, it touches on themes of self-harm, identity, and the complexities of treatment for individuals with eating disorders.
8. Thin (2006)
“Thin” is a documentary directed by Lauren Greenfield, which offers an intimate look inside the Renfrew Center, a residential treatment facility for women with eating disorders. Through candid interviews and footage captured during their stay, the film follows several patients as they confront the physical and psychological challenges of recovery from anorexia and bulimia. “Thin” provides a raw and unflinching portrayal of the devastating effects of eating disorders on individuals and their families, shedding light on the complexities of treatment and the pervasive societal pressures that contribute to their development.
9. Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987)
“Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” is a biographical drama directed by Todd Haynes. The film chronicles the life of Karen Carpenter, one half of the popular music duo The Carpenters, and her struggles with anorexia nervosa, which ultimately led to her untimely death at the age of 32. Notably, the film uses Barbie dolls to portray the characters, a creative choice that adds a layer of surrealism to Karen’s story. Through its unconventional storytelling and poignant portrayal of Karen’s battle with her eating disorder, “Superstar” offers a unique perspective on the life and legacy of a music icon.
10. Binge (2017)
“Binge” is a drama directed by Michel Monty. The film follows the story of a young woman named April, who battles with binge eating disorder (BED). Struggling with low self-esteem and the pressures of modern society, April turns to food as a coping mechanism, leading to cycles of bingeing and purging. As April grapples with her disorder, she navigates relationships, societal expectations, and the stigma surrounding mental illness. Through April’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance, “Binge” explores the emotional complexities of living with BED and the importance of seeking help and support.
11. 301, 302 (1995)
“301, 302” is a South Korean psychological thriller directed by Park Chul-soo. The film revolves around the lives of two women, an obsessive-compulsive novelist named Seo-hee and a gluttonous chef named Yun-ji, who live in adjacent apartments. As their paths cross, their respective eating disorders become central to the plot, with Seo-hee’s extreme cleanliness contrasting Yun-ji’s indulgence in food. Through their interactions and the exploration of their past traumas, “301, 302” delves into themes of obsession, desire, and the complex relationship between food and psychological well-being.
12. When Friendship Kills (A Secret Between Friends) (1996)
“When Friendship Kills” (also known as “A Secret Between Friends”) is a television film directed by James A. Contner. The movie tells the story of two teenage girls, Jennifer and Tara, whose friendship takes a dark turn when they become involved in the world of eating disorders. Jennifer, pressured by her mother and Tara, struggles with bulimia, while Tara’s obsession with losing weight leads her down a dangerous path of starvation. Through their shared secrets and destructive behaviors, “When Friendship Kills” explores the toxic influence of peer pressure and the devastating consequences of untreated eating disorders.
13. For the Love of Nancy (1994)
“For the Love of Nancy” is a television film directed by Paul Schneider, based on the true story of Nancy Walsh, who battled anorexia nervosa. Tracy Gold portrays Nancy, a college student whose pursuit of perfection and control leads her into the grip of an eating disorder. As Nancy’s health deteriorates and her relationships suffer, her family struggles to understand and support her recovery. Through Nancy’s harrowing journey and the impact on her loved ones, “For the Love of Nancy” sheds light on the complexities of eating disorders and the importance of compassion and understanding in the recovery process.
14. The Best Little Girl in the World (1981)
“The Best Little Girl in the World” is a television film directed by Sam O’Steen, based on the novel of the same name by Steven Levenkron. The story revolves around Casey Powell, a talented ballet dancer whose pursuit of perfection leads her into the dangerous world of anorexia nervosa. As Casey’s obsession with weight loss intensifies, she jeopardizes her health, relationships, and dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Through Casey’s struggle with body image and self-worth, the film explores the devastating effects of eating disorders and the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty in the competitive world of ballet.
15. Hunger Point (2003)
“Hunger Point” is a television film directed by Joan Micklin Silver, based on the novel by Jillian Medoff. The movie centers on the dysfunctional relationship between two sisters, Frannie and Shelly, who both struggle with eating disorders. As they navigate their tumultuous family dynamics and their own insecurities, Frannie and Shelly find solace and competition in their shared struggle with food and body image. Through their individual journeys of recovery and self-acceptance, “Hunger Point” explores the complexities of sisterhood, the impact of parental expectations, and the search for identity amidst societal pressures.
16. Starving in Suburbia (2014)
“Starving in Suburbia” is a television film directed by Tara Miele. The movie follows the story of a teenage girl named Hannah, who becomes entangled in the world of pro-anorexia websites and online communities. Struggling with body image issues and the pressures of fitting in at her high school, Hannah descends into a dangerous cycle of starvation and self-harm. Through Hannah’s journey and the impact on her family and friends, “Starving in Suburbia” sheds light on the pervasive influence of social media on eating disorders and the challenges of seeking help in a culture that glorifies thinness.
17. Feed (2017)
“Feed” is a psychological thriller directed by Tommy Bertelsen. The film stars Troian Bellisario as Olivia, a high school senior grappling with the traumatic loss of her twin brother, Matt. Consumed by guilt and grief, Olivia begins to experience vivid hallucinations and delusions centered around her brother’s death. As Olivia’s mental state deteriorates, she becomes increasingly obsessed with controlling her food intake, leading to the development of anorexia nervosa. Through its exploration of trauma, grief, and mental illness, “Feed” offers a chilling portrayal of the psychological toll of unresolved pain and the dangers of internalizing trauma.
18. My Skinny Sister (2015)
“My Skinny Sister” is a Swedish drama directed by Sanna Lenken. The film follows the relationship between two sisters, Stella and Katja, as they navigate adolescence and family dynamics. When Katja discovers that Stella is struggling with an eating disorder, she grapples with how to support her sister while also dealing with her own coming-of-age challenges. Through its intimate portrayal of sisterhood, “My Skinny Sister” explores the complexities of love, jealousy, and loyalty in the face of a devastating illness, offering a sensitive and nuanced depiction of the impact of eating disorders on families.
19. Behind the Before and After (2021)
“Behind the Before and After” is a documentary film directed by Sarah Hawkins. The documentary sheds light on the realities of living with an eating disorder, featuring interviews with individuals who have struggled with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Through their personal stories and experiences, “Behind the Before and After” offers insight into the emotional, physical, and social challenges of recovery and the importance of raising awareness and destigmatizing conversations surrounding eating disorders.
20. I Am Maris
“I Am Maris” is a documentary directed by Laura VanZee Taylor. The film follows Maris Degener, a young woman who uses yoga as a tool for healing and recovery from an eating disorder. Through Maris’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment, “I Am Maris” explores the transformative power of self-love, mindfulness, and community support in overcoming mental illness and reclaiming one’s sense of identity and purpose.
21. Sharing the Secret (2000)
“Sharing the Secret” is a television film directed by Katt Shea, based on the novel “Angels Fall” by Nora Roberts. The movie tells the story of a teenage girl named Beth who struggles with bulimia nervosa. As Beth grapples with her eating disorder in secret, she faces the challenges of maintaining her facade of perfection while also seeking help and support from her family and friends. Through Beth’s journey of self-acceptance and recovery, “Sharing the Secret” highlights the importance of breaking the silence surrounding eating disorders and the healing power of honesty and connection.
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