Are you looking for a way to further expand your knowledge in developmental psychology? Do you want to enhance your learning experience through entertainment? You may want to consider watching movies that offer insights and perspectives on various developmental stages and milestones. In this article, we will provide you with a list of developmental psychology movies that you can watch to boost your understanding of the field.
Infancy and Childhood
- Babies (2010) – This documentary film highlights the first year of life of four babies from different parts of the world. It shows the commonalities and differences in the cultural practices and environments in which they are raised.
- Inside Out (2015) – This animated movie takes the audience on a journey inside the mind of an eleven-year-old girl named Riley. It depicts the five core emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – as characters in the girl’s head, showcasing how they influence her thoughts, behaviors, and decision-making.
- Matilda (1996) – This family comedy film portrays the struggles of a gifted but neglected girl named Matilda, who develops extraordinary intellect, telekinetic powers, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Adolescence and Young Adulthood
- The Breakfast Club (1985) – This classic coming-of-age movie presents the stories of five high school students with diverse backgrounds and personalities who spend a whole day in detention together. It explores the themes of identity, authority, conformity, alienation, and connection.
- Lady Bird (2017) – This comedy-drama film follows the senior year of a seventeen-year-old girl named Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, who navigates her relationships with her family, friends, peers, and aspirations. It touches on the challenges of autonomy, independence, and authenticity.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) – This drama film tells the story of an introverted and troubled freshman named Charlie, who becomes friends with a group of seniors who help him discover new experiences, perspectives, and coping mechanisms. It addresses the issues of trauma, grief, mental health, and sexuality.
Adulthood and Aging
- Still Alice (2014) – This drama film features a linguistics professor named Alice Howland who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It portrays her struggles to cope with memory loss, identity changes, and the impact on her relationships with her family.
- As Good As It Gets (1997) – This romantic comedy-drama film follows the story of a misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive novelist named Melvin Udall, who develops an unlikely friendship with a gay artist named Simon and a single mother named Carol. It explores the themes of isolation, empathy, tolerance, and redemption.
- The Bucket List (2007) – This comedy-drama film centers around two terminally ill elderly men, a corporate billionaire named Edward Cole and a mechanic named Carter Chambers, who embark on a road trip to fulfill their wish list before they die. It highlights the importance of legacy, relationships, and personal growth.
Conclusion
Watching developmental psychology movies can be an engaging and enriching way of learning more about human development. These films provide a portrayal of diverse characters and contexts that can broaden our perspective and stimulate our curiosity and critical thinking. By selecting movies that align with our interests and learning goals, we can leverage the power of entertainment to enhance our educational experience.
