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Bullying is one of the biggest problems we facing as a society. We may not want to admit it, but it has become a major issue that needs to be resolved.
While there are movements trying to fight the act of bullying, especially among kids, it still needs more of our attention.
In this post, we share with you the best movies about bullying and the dangers it may bring—not only to the victim, but also to the people around them. Some of these movies also portray how bulliesare triggered into bullying.
Let’s get started!
1. Bully
We couldn’t take our eyes off the screen while watching “Bully“. We think that this is the best documentary movie about what bullying is and how it affects children and their families—not just the bullied kid, but also the bully.
It’s on our list because it accurately explains the dangers of bullying. This powerful documentary film follows the story of five kids who are victims of bullying. It also largely touches on the cases of Ty Smalley (11 years old) and Tyler Long (17 years old), two victims whose bullying experiences led them to their painful and tragic deaths.
2. Wonder
Starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jason Tremblay, Wonder is a feel-good movie and may be one of the most inspiring ones you will ever watch. It is about a young boy born with a facial deformity who overcomes the bullying and becomes an inspiration to everyone.
The movie is quite uplifting, but it still shows the dangers that bullying poses to children and their families.
3. The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid has one of the biggest franchises in movie history. It has three direct sequels, a remake, an animated series, and a spin-off series. It is also said to be under development for a Broadway musical and a new remake.
With that popularity, you probably already know a bit about this movie. But for the benefit of those who haven’t discovered it yet, it is the story of a kid who moves to a new town with his mom, where he is bullied for being “new” and “weak.” He then meets an old man, a karate master, and becomes his student.
4. Mean Girls
Mean Girls’ title speaks for itself. It is literally about mean girls! It has an ensemble cast, including Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert, and Lindsay Lohan.
This movie looks at what happens if the bullied becomes the bully, and if the bully gets bullied. It is a comedy, so it shouldn’t be taken very seriously, but it still teaches a valuable lesson: It is never ok to bully.
5. Cyberbully
Bullying takes a lot of different forms—physical, verbal, emotional, etc. Recently, cyberbullying (online bullying) has become a widespread problem.
Cyberbully is a 2011 film that looks at bullying from a number of different perspectives. It shows what lengths parent can go to for their children’s protection. How does one help their kids fight against bullying?
6. Carrie
Carrie is a classic film that is based on a novel of the same name by the King of Horror, Stephen King. It is the story of a young, shy, sensitive girl who has telekinetic powers and goes on a rampage when she can’t take any more bullying from her classmates.
Carrie is available in four versions: 1976, 1999, 2022, and 2013. We recommend the 1976 film. Nothing beats the original.
7. Disconnect
Disconnect also features an ensemble cast, including Jason Bateman, Frank Grillo, Paula Patton, and Hope Davis. It has multiple storylines, and one of them is about cyberbullying.
What’s rather outstanding about this film is that it follows both the bullies and those who are bullied. It is not your normal “bullied kid gets revenge” story. Instead, it portrays the dangers that bullying can create for both people involved.
8. Elephant
Elephant is quite a controversial film, especially because it highlights the 1999 Columbine High School Massacre that happened in Colorado. It follows the story of a few characters who were unaware of the shooting that was about to unfold.
No actual bullying happens on screen, but you innately understand that the shooting is a major form of bullying. Director Gus Van Sant shows how shooting incidents affect everyone’s lives, including those who are not even on scene.
9. Moonlight
Moonlight’s basic story revolves around an African-American man living in Miami. There are three pivotal chapters in his life: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. We have all been through the same stages, of course, but Chiron’s (lead character) experiences may be a bit more unique than ours.
Movie critics applaud the film for being a masterpiece in every aspect—cinematography, emotional delivery, character portrayal, editing, etc. It even won the Oscar for best picture.
We wouldn’t give you any spoiler, since we think everyone should watch the film. But considering the fact that it’s on this list, you’d be right to assume that it is one of the best movies about bullying you will ever see.
10. After Lucia
The film takes us to Mexico City, where a father and his daughter move after the accidental death of the mother. Depressed and lonely, the daughter gets tempted to engage in premarital sex and suffers bullying in school.
After Lucia is another Cannes Film Festival awardee that is certainly worth your time and attention. It is haunting and alarming, yet also exceptionally beautiful.
11. Welcome to the Dollhouse
Welcome to the Dollhouse stars Heather Matarazzo as Dawn Wiener, an 11-year-old girl who is bullied both in school and at her house. The film has a perfect mix of comedy and drama. It isn’t heavy, which makes it easy to watch. But since it is an independent film, you can expect a lot from the art and storyline. It actually won the Grand Jury Prize during the 1996 Sundance Film Festival.
12. Mean Creek
Mean Creek gives us a two-way view of the bullying process—how the mind of a bully works and how the act affects the bullied person. It is never right to bully someone, but this movie may help you understand why some people choose to be bullies.
The movie explores what it is that triggers bullies? While trying to answer that question, it also portrays the damage that bullying creates in both the bully and the victim. The movie is made with intelligence and sincerity and was a Cannes Film Festival entry.
13. Ben X
Ben X is dark film, but still enjoyable, particularly for those with critical minds (and fans of video games). That being said, you have to be mentally and emotionally prepared to appreciate it.
This is an excellent film that perfectly portrays the dangers of bullying. When someone is bullied, how do they retaliate? In whom do they confide? What might happen if they can’t take it any longer?
14. Easy A
Easy A is probably one of the best (and best-loved) teen comedies about bullying. The film portrays the dangers of bullying, but it also touches on the strength of familial bonds.
Emma Stone is excellent in this film, which was one of her early hits. Easy A is worth a watch both for the laughs and the lessons it imparts.
15. The Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada teaches us that bullying doesn’t only happen at school and with kids. It can also happen in the workplace, with adults competing against each other. It can even be done by bosses who abuse their subordinates mentally, physically, and emotionally.
We recommend this film to young adults who are about to start their corporate dream jobs!
Final Thoughts on Movies About Bullying
As mentioned earlier, bullying can take a lot of different forms. It can happen in school, at home, or even in the workplace, and it can be verbal, physical, and emotional.
It is important to remember that taking advantage of others or degrading them is never ok. What you should be doing as a human being is lifting people up instead of hurting them.
We hope that these movies about bullying will help you understand how hurtful and dangerous bullying can be. Let’s all band together to stamp it out!
