Movies About Hypersexual Disorder - Mental Health Related Films

Human lives and behaviour are far more nuanced and emotive than any psychiatric diagnostic system or symptom checklist can ever portray.

Most people recognise aspects of themselves in at least a few psychiatric diagnostic categories. The difference between normal and disorder is not straightforward and often has more to do with degree rather than kind, i.e. does it cause big problems?

While movies are not perfect depictions of reality, they often present themes in relatable, enriching, usefully challenging, and thought-provoking ways.

We invite you to explore mental health through movies that raise awareness, open dialogue, present complexity, entertain, and/or normalise experiences.

Click to see the Ultimate List of Mental Health Movies index

What is H ypersexual disorder?

Talking about sex, our sex drives, and our lives is not always easy. Many find the topic personal and private. As such, few of us enjoy the privilege of knowing what's normal. Do you or don't you want more or less sex than the next person? Are your urges normal? Probably. Are you a sex maniac? Probably not.

As incredible and pleasurable as sex can be (or not be) it is not as straightforward as is depicted in Hollywood movies. Tastes, drives, appetites, and turnon's vary enormously. And what happens in fantasy, well that's where things get fantastically wild.

From a psychiatric point of view, hypersexual disorder is a proposed diagnosis that aims to capture what many think of as sexual addiction or nymphomania. A hypersexual disorder would refer to individuals who engage in masturbation, porn, sex for pay, and/or multiple partners in a manner that causes serious distress and impairment to everyday life and their ability to function.

Movies about H ypersexual disorder

If we missed an essential film about hypersexual disorder, please let us know. We would love to include it.

Note: Movies may trigger painful memories and emotions. Please use your judgement and ensure support is available if need be.

Movie Title: Shame - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2011

Rated: 7.2

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale

Storyline: Set in New York, the film depicts a man's hypersexuality and how his life turned upside down when his sister unexpectedly stays in his house.

Movie Title: Nymphomaniac: Vol. I - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2013

Rated: 7

Cast: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgǻrd. Stacy Martin

Storyline: A middle-aged bachelor finds a wounded woman in an alley and as he helps her, she recounts her stories of hypersexuality.

Movie Title: Don Jon - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2013

Rated: 6.6

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johnsson

Storyline: A New Jersey bartender falls in love with a beautiful woman but his hypersexuality becomes more problematic when he still finds viewing pornography more satisfying.

Movie Title: Diary of a Maniac (Diario di un Vizio) - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1993

Rated: 6.5

Cast: Jerry Calà, Sabrina Ferilli, Valentino Macchi

Storyline: Set in Italy, the film is about the hypersexuality of a salesman and how he keeps a diary of his intense erotic fantasies triggered by beautiful women.

Movie Title: Turn Me On, Dammit! - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2011

Rated: 6.3

Cast: Helene Bergsholm, Malin Bjørhovde, Henriette Steenstrup

Storyline: Set in Norway, the film depicts the hypersexuality of a 15-year-old girl who got into trouble at school because of the boy she yearns for.

Movie Title: Thanks for Sharing - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2012

Rated: 6.4

Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow

Storyline: A dramatic comedy about three men making recovery from hypersexuality.

References and Links

What is hypersexual disorder?: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-sexual-behavior/symptoms-causes/syc-20360434

More on hypersexuality: https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/what_is_hypersexuality

Symptoms of hypersexual disorder: https://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-of-hypersexual-disorder-sex-addiction/

Hypersexual disorder according to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypersexual_disorder

Acknowledgements

The above article was written under my close direction and supervision. However, much credit goes to Charlene Poliquit (my right-hand man) and Andri Eigenberger (my beloved aunt) for their huge efforts in bringing this task to life.

Vincenzo Sinisi