Movies about narcissistic personality 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 Narcissistic personality disorder?

Narcissistic personality disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis (see criteria below) which involves a pattern of self-centeredness, grandiose self-image, and lack of empathy and consideration for other people.

In psychological terms, narcissism doesn’t mean self-love. People with the disorder are extremely resistant to changing their behaviour, they are extremely sensitive and react badly to even the slightest criticisms.

In psychiatry, a narcissistic personality disorder is defined in the DSM-5 (psychiatric diagnostic manual) as follows…

Abridged DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria for narcissistic personality disorder 297.1 (F22) | Provided for educational purposes

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behaviour), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognised as superior without commensurate achievements).

2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.

3. Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).

4. Requires excessive admiration.

5. Has a sense of entitlement (i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favourable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations).

6. Is interpersonally exploitative (i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends).

7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognise or identify with the feelings and needs of others.

8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes.

Movies about Narcissistic personality disorder

If we missed an essential film about narcissistic personality 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: Mommie Dearest - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1981

Rated: 6.6

Cast: Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, Steve Forrest

Storyline: Joan Crawford, portrayed by Faye Dunaway, depicts an abusive and traumatic upbringing experienced by Christina Crawford, her adoptive daughter. Joan Crawford's behavior in the film reflects several characteristics associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), histrionic personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Movie Title: Gaslight - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1944

Rated: 7.8

Cast: Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten

Storyline: In the 1880s, a woman returns from Italy to resume residence with her new husband. Her husband portray traits consistent with narcissistic personality disorder and manipulates her into believing she is going insane.

Movie Title: The Devil Wears Prada - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2006

Rated: 6.9

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Adrian Grenier

Storyline: A young woman named Andy Sachs secures a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, a powerful fashion magazine editor. Throughout the film, Miranda displays traits consistent with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Movie Title: Hush - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1998

Rated: 5.4

Cast: Jessica Lange, Gwyneth Paltrow, Johnathon Schaech

Storyline: The newlyweds move to the family thoroughbred horse ranch, where the husband's obsessive mother, who exhibits symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), vows to get rid of her new daughter-in-law.

Movie Title: Gone Girl - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2014

Rated: 8.1

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris

Storyline: A man becomes the focus of suspicion when his wife, Amy, goes missing. Throughout the film, Amy's actions exhibit traits consistent with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Movie Title: Sleeping with the Enemy - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1991

Rated: 6.2

Cast: Julia Roberts, Patrick Bergin, Kevin Anderson

Storyline: A young woman takes the extreme step of faking her own death to escape her oppressive marriage, only to find that evading her husband becomes an impossible task due to his consistent display of traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Movie Title: There Will Be Blood - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2007

Rated: 8.2

Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano,Ciarán Hinds

Storyline: A story of family, faith, hatred, oil, and insanity, centered on a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the industry. Daniel Plainview exhibits a strong ambition for power, achievement, and fortune. He exhibits characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Movie Title: The Invisible Man - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2020

Rated: 7.1

Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Harriet Dyer

Storyline: Cecilia suspects that her abusive ex-partner's death was staged, and she begins to experience a series of inexplicable events that escalate into life-threatening situations. Throughout the film, Adrian's actions align with traits consistent with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Movie Title: The Dictator - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2012

Rated: 6.4

Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, John C. Reilly

Storyline: Admiral General Aladeen, exhibits exaggerated traits that are often associated with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). He risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.

Movie Title: A Street Car Named Desire - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1951

Rated: 8.1

Cast: Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brandon, Kim Hunter

Storyline: A Southern belle named Blanche moves into her sister and brother-in-law's apartment. The young woman and her brother-in-law have narcissistic personality disorders. The two have an antagonistic relationship.

Movie Title: Arthur - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1981

Rated: 6.9

Cast: Dudley Moore, Liza Minelli, John Gielgud

Storyline: A wealthy, immature young man who has a narcissistic personality disorder, is on the brink of an arranged marriage to a rich heiress. He falls in love with a poor woman and begins to grow up.

Movie Title: Scarface - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1983

Rated: 8.3

Cast: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer

Storyline: Tony Montana, a powerful drug lord, has antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders. His cocaine-fuelled paranoia marks the beginning of his downfall.

Movie Title: Wall Street - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1987

Rated: 7.4

Cast: Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Tamara Tunie

Storyline: A young stockbroker named Bud Fox, meets Gordon Gekko, a greedy corporate raider. Both of them have narcissistic personality disorder. Bud's greediness affects his father's life. His decision destroys his career as a stockbroker.

Movie Title: Heathers - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1989

Rated: 7.3

Cast: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty

Storyline: A young girl named Veronica is part of the most popular group in her school but she hates other members' bad personalities. Their leader named Heather has a narcissistic personality disorder and bullies other students. Veronica and her boyfriend's prank to the leader go horribly wrong.

Movie Title: Rain Man - Watch now on Prime

Date Release: 1988

Rate: 8

Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise

Storyline: A car dealer who has a narcissistic personality disorder, recently learns he had an elder brother with autism and that his father donated the rest of his wills to a mental institution where his brother stays at.

Movie Title: Small Sacrifices - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1989

Rated: 7.7

Cast: Farrah Fawcett, Ryan O'Neal, Gordon Clapp

Storyline: Diane Downs is a single mother of three kids. She has narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders . She catches the attention of the police when she and her kids, all severely injured, show up in the emergency room of a hospital.

Movie Title: Basic Instinct - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1992

Rated: 6.9

Cast: Sharon Stone, Michael Douglas, George Dzunza

Storyline: The former rock star Johnny Boz is found dead in his bed. Catherine, Johnny's girlfriend has a narcissistic personality disorder. She becomes the suspect for the murder of Johnny Boz.

Movie Title: To Die For - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1995

Rated: 6.8

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix

Storyline: A weather reporter with narcissistic personality disorder dreams to become a bigtime news anchor. She decides to get rid of her husband but her selfish attitude starts to destroy her.

Movie Title: Matilda - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1996

Rated: 6.8

Cast: Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Mara Wilson

Storyline: Matilda's parents have a narcissistic personality disorder. Her school principal is bully and sadistic. When she discovers her telekinetic powers, she uses it to fight back against the terrible adults in her life.

Movie Title: Cruel Intentions - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1999

Rated: 6.9

Cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon

Storyline: Kathryn and Sebastian are step-siblings from Manhattan. They both have a narcissistic personality disorder. Kathryn makes a bet with Sebastian. If he loses, Kathryn gets his Jaguar Roadster, if he wins, he gets Kathryn. But Sebastian deeply falls in love with the headmaster's daughter.

Movie Title: Magnolia - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1999

Rated: 8

Cast: Tom Cruise, Jason Robards, Julianne Moore

Storyline: Nine characters whose lives are all connected to each other. One of them is the famous lost son who has a narcissistic personality disorder and a misogynist. The characters are in search of love and forgiveness.

Movie Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley - Watch now on Prime

Release: 1999

Rated: 7.3

Cast: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law

Storyline: Tom Ripley, a young man who has antisocial personality disorder meets Dickie Greenleaf, the son of a wealthy man, who has a narcissistic personality disorder. Tom goes to extreme lengths to make Dickie's privileges his own.

Movie Title: American Psycho - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2000

Rated: 7.6

Cast: Christian Bale, Jared Leto, Chloe Sevigny

Storyline: A wealthy investment banker with an antisocial and narcissistic personality disorder is a serial killer by night (or his he?).

Movie Title: Zoolander - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2001

Rated: 6.6

Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor

Storyline: A male model with narcissistic personality disorder becomes the prey for fashion designer Jacobin Mugatu, who signs Derek to star in his fashion show then brainwashes him to kill Malaysia's prime minister.

Movie Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2002

Rated: 7.4

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

Storyline: The story revolves around Harry Potter's adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Gilderoy Lockhart, one of the characters in the story, has a narcissistic personality disorder.

Movie Title: Phone Booth - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2002

Rated: 7.1

Cast: Collin Farrell, Kiefer Sutherland, Forest Whitaker

Storyline: A celebrity publicist with a narcissistic personality disorder, would go to a certain phone booth to call a potential girlfriend even though he is already married. He finds himself trapped in a phone booth by a serial killer.

Movie Title: Mean Girls - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2004

Rated: 7

Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Jonathan Bennett, Rachel McAdams

Storyline: Cady, a home-schooled teenager, meets the Plastics, the popular clique in the school consisting of three popular but mean girls. The leader, Regina, has a narcissistic personality disorder. She demands admiration from others but Cady and her other friends plot to bring down Regina's popularity.

Movie Title: Forgetting Sarah Marshall - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2008

Rated: 7.2

Cast: Kristen Bell, Jason Segal, Paul Rudd

Storyline: TV star Sarah Marshall breaks up with her musician boyfriend Peter Bretter. For him to move on, he goes to Hawaii. However, Sarah and her new boyfriend, who has a narcissistic personality disorder, are there in the same hotel in Hawaii.

Movie Title: Step Brothers - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2008

Rated: 6.9

Cast: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen

Storyline: The tension between Brennan and Dale grow incredibly intense when Brennan's mother marries Dale's father. They have a narcissistic personality disorder and their rivalry pulls the family apart. They work together to reunite their parents.

Movie Title: Dorian Gray - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2009

Rated: 6.3

Cast: Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, Rebecca Hall

Storyline: Young Dorian has a narcissistic personality disorder and trades his soul to keep his beauty and youth. His image is captured in an enchanted painting that keeps him from ageing but painting gradually reveals his ugliness.

Movie Title: Blue Jasmine - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2013

Rated: 7.3

Cast: Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard

Storyline: New York socialite Jasmine has a narcissistic personality disorder and is desperate to regain her former glory after her husband's death. She chooses the path that leads to her downfall.

Movie Title: Breaking Bad - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2008

Rated: 9.5

Cast: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul

Storyline: A TV series about a high school chemistry teacher with inoperable lung cancer who starts to manufacture and sell drugs to secure his family's future. He has a narcissistic personality disorder and wants to control everything.

Movie Title: Iceman - Watch now on Prime

Release: 2012

Rated: 6.9

Cast: Michael Shannon, Chris Evans, James Franco, Winona Ryder

Storyline: Richard Kuklinski who has antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders, kills people for pleasure and personal gain. He manages to keep his dark secret from his family.

References and Links

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

What is narcissistic personality disorder?: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9741

More on narcissistic personality disorder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5819598/

Narcissistic personality disorder according to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_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