Table of Contents
Before we dive into the movies with Bullying, let us first understand what bullying is and its different forms. Bullying is an aggressive behavior that involves a power imbalance between the bully and the victim. It can be physical, such as hitting, kicking, or pushing. Verbal bullying includes name-calling, teasing, and taunting. Psychological bullying can be subtle, such as spreading rumors, exclusion, and intimidation. Cyberbullying, on the other hand, involves using digital platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone.
List of Top 15+ Best Movies With Bullying
Mean Girls (2004)
Mean Girls is a satirical comedy film that portrays the high school hierarchy and the impact of social cliques. The movie follows a 16-year-old girl named Cady who moves from Africa to the United States and struggles to fit in. She becomes friends with a group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” but their friendship turns toxic when they start to manipulate and ostracize her. Mean Girls sheds light on the psychological effects of bullying and how it can damage one’s self-esteem and mental health.
The Karate Kid (1984)
The Karate Kid is a classic coming-of-age film that tells the story of a teenage boy named Daniel who moves to a new town and faces bullying from a group of karate students. He befriends an elderly Japanese man named Mr. Miyagi, who teaches him karate and helps him to stand up to his bullies. The Karate Kid shows how martial arts can be used for self-defense and how important it is to have a mentor who believes in you.
Carrie (1976)
Carrie is a horror film based on a novel by Stephen King. It depicts the life of a high school student named Carrie, who is constantly bullied by her classmates and abused by her mother. Carrie discovers that she has telekinetic powers and uses them to seek revenge on her bullies during prom night. Carrie highlights the consequences of bullying and how it can lead to violence and tragedy.
A Girl Like Her (2015)
A Girl Like Her is a drama film that follows a teenage girl named Jessica, who attempts suicide after being bullied by her ex-boyfriend and his friends. The movie is filmed in a found-footage style, where Jessica’s friend records the bullying incidents and their aftermath. A Girl Like Her shows how bystanders can enable bullying and how important it is to speak up and seek help.
Cyberbully (2011)
Cyberbully is a drama film that depicts the dangers of social media and online harassment. The movie follows a teenage girl named Taylor, who becomes a victim of cyberbullying when a hacker gains access to her social media accounts and starts to post embarrassing photos and messages. Cyberbully shows how the internet can amplify bullying and how it can affect someone’s mental health and well-being.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club is a comedy-drama film that portrays a group of high school students from different social backgrounds who are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention. The movie explores the stereotypes and cliques that exist in high school and how they can lead to bullying and discrimination. The Breakfast Club emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding towards others.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age drama film that tells the story of a high school freshman named Charlie, who struggles with mental health issues and isolation. He befriends a group of seniors who help him to come out of his shell and confront his traumatic past. The movie deals with themes of bullying, homophobia, and abuse and shows how they can impact one’s identity and relationships.
Wonder (2017)
Wonder is a family drama film that follows a fifth-grade boy named August, who has a facial deformity and attends a mainstream school for the first time. The movie explores the challenges that August faces in making friends and dealing with bullies. Wonder promotes the values of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Bully (2011)
Bully is a documentary film that follows the lives of five students who have been victims of bullying and families. The movie highlights the experiences and emotions of both the victims and the bullies and the consequences of their actions. Bully advocates for the need for better policies and interventions to address bullying in schools.
The DUFF (2015)
The DUFF is a comedy film that depicts the high school hierarchy and the pressure to fit in. The movie follows a teenage girl named Bianca, who discovers that she is the “Designated Ugly Fat Friend” in her friend group. She enlists the help of a popular boy to reinvent herself and stand up to her bullies. The DUFF shows how bullying can lead to low self-esteem and the importance of embracing one’s individuality.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
The Spectacular Now is a romantic drama film that follows the relationship between two high school students, Sutter and Aimee. Sutter is a popular but troubled boy who drinks heavily and avoids his problems. Aimee is a shy and intelligent girl who becomes his love interest. The movie portrays the toxic behaviors and attitudes that can result from bullying and the need for self-awareness and growth.
The War with Grandpa (2020)
The War with Grandpa is a family comedy film that tells the story of a boy named Peter, who is forced to share his room with his grandpa after he moves in with the family. The movie depicts the conflicts and pranks that ensue between the two and how they eventually learn to bond. The War with Grandpa shows how bullying can be a result of generational gaps and the importance of communication and respect.
The Outsiders (1983)
The Outsiders is a drama film based on a novel by S.E. Hinton. It follows the lives of two rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, in 1960s Oklahoma. The movie explores the themes of classism, loyalty, and violence and how they can contribute to bullying and prejudice.
Easy A (2010)
Easy A is a comedy film that satirizes the concept of reputation and rumors in high school. The movie follows a teenage girl named Olive, who lies about losing her virginity to improve her social status. Easy A shows how bullying can be perpetuated by rumors and gossip and the importance of honesty and integrity.
Heathers (1988)
Heathers is a dark comedy film that follows a group of popular girls, all named Heather, and their interactions with a misfit named Veronica. The movie explores themes of power, conformity, and suicide and how they can contribute to bullying and toxicity. Heathers is known for its sharp dialogue and social commentary.
13 Reasons Why (2017-2020)
13 Reasons Why is a Netflix series based on a novel by Jay Asher. It follows the story of a high school student named Hannah, who takes her own life after experiencing bullying and trauma. The series uses flashbacks and multiple perspectives to explore the events leading up to her death and the impact it has on her classmates. 13 Reasons Why addresses themes of mental health, sexual assault, and suicide and the need for awareness and prevention.
FAQs
What is bullying?
Bullying is repeated verbal, physical, or emotional aggression towards another person, often with the intent to harm or intimidate.
How does bullying affect mental health?
Bullying can cause anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues, especially if it persists over a long period of time. How can we prevent bullying? Preventing bullying requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, awareness, intervention, and support from parents, teachers, and peers.
Why is it important to address bullying?
Addressing bullying is crucial because it can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being and can lead to long-term mental and physical health issues. It can also contribute to a negative school environment and a lack of respect and empathy toward others.
What can I do if I or someone I know is being bullied?
If you or someone you know is being bullied, it is essential to seek help from a trusted adult or authority figure, such as a teacher, parent, or counselor. It is also important to document any instances of bullying and to take steps to protect yourself or the person being bullied, such as avoiding the bully or seeking support from peers.
Conclusion
Bullying is a prevalent issue in society and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being. These movies with Bullying portray different aspects of bullying and provide insight into the complexities of the issue. They also emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding, and intervention to prevent and address bullying. By watching these movies with Bullying and discussing their messages, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
