Being in an abusive environment isn’t always apparent to the person being abused. Abuse relationships can be subtle, and sometimes the help of a trained professional is needed to be able to break out of one – especially if someone has been emotionally and physically abused by their partner.
Sometimes, one of the best ways to recognize you’re in an abusive relationship is to see it yourself. Whether it’s a friend pointing out that you are in fact being abused, or even watching a movie that shows you what an abusive relationship looks like. A visual story showing abuse can be a powerful tool that helps pull you out of a negative relationship.
Below are some movies that showcase abuse, and how those in abusive relationships overcame their abuser. Watching them, or showing them to a loved one, can help them better see their situation for what it is. Trigger warning: these movies can be traumatic, and it’s best to avoid them if you feel they will trigger negative emotional reactions stemming from past abuse. Also, of course, there are spoilers!
Table of Contents
1. I, Tonya
This movie is probably one of the most accurate portrayals of domestic abuse in recent movie history. This movie focuses on the domestic abuse that led famous figure skater, Tonya Harding, to allegedly commit a vicious crime during the height of her career.
I, Tonya accurately portrays the co-dependent relationship that Tonya develops with her boyfriend, Jeff. She also has to endure abuse at the hands of her mother, LaVonda Golden. This is a biographical dark comedy, but it is graphic in its depiction of domestic violence.
2. 500 Days of Summer
This movie might not seem to depict a violently abusive relationship, but it does depict some aspects of an abusive relationship that can turn violent. In the movie, the protagonist, Tom, puts his happiness into the hands of Summer, a girl he met at work.
This is already a toxic and abusive mindset to have, as you are never supposed to be dependent on someone else for happiness. Summer, on the other hand, continues to send mixed signals and does what she wants, with Tom while being SPOILER ALERT engaged to another man. Both personalities in this movie have the traits of an abusive partner.
3. Dangerous Intentions
This 1995 Lifetime movie shows perhaps one of the most graphic yet powerful portrayals of domestic violence. After years of abuse, Beth doesn’t know how or when to leave Tim, and struggles with a thought that many domestic abuse sufferers have – what if I’m giving up? This movie shows Beth’s journey in trying to get away from the abuse and the effect this has on her family and friends.
4. Forest Gump
Forest Gump portrays many abusive relationships within the movie. From the protagonist’s girlfriend, Jenny, being abused by her various boyfriends and even her father, to Forest himself facing abuse from Jenny in the form of emotional manipulation. This is a beautiful movie and a tear-jerker that powerfully displays many types of abuse.
5. Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night
This Golden Globe-nominated CBS television film debuted in 1977. It is one of the most tragic movies on our list and showcases the effects that trauma can have when passed down from generation to generation. Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night is not for the faint of heart, yet it is an important story to share for those who have been victims of abuse at the hands of their families. They might not realize they themselves are now abusers, and the effects this can have on their own children.
6. Gaslight
This movie made the term “gaslighting” famous, a term used for a common practice that abusers inflict on their victims. In the movie, the protagonist, played by Ingrid Bergman, suffers from what she believes are hallucinations which are, in fact, SPOILER ALERT her husband’s attempts at making her feel crazy. Much like an abuser tells their victim, “I didn’t say that,” or, “You’re being irrational,” this movie highlights the true meaning of gaslighting in abusive relationships.
7. Not Without My Daughter
This 1991 film is based on the true story of the book by the same name. It tells the story of Betty and her daughter Mahtob, who must escape from a foreign country and from her abusive husband known as “Moody.” Not Without My Daughter is a movie that is inspiring and also highlights how abuse can transcend and deeply impact cultures, marriages, and values.
8. Dolores Claiborne
This film shows just how strong the bond between mother and daughter can be, but also how abusive relationships can be hidden within households. This movie premiered in 1995 and was highly regarded and well-received by critics.
9. Something About Amelia
This miniseries premiered in 1984 and won two Golden Globe Awards after being nominated for eight. In the series, Amelia Bennett is trying desperately to warn her family of the sexual abuse she is facing at the hands of her father. Something About Emila shows the devastating sexually abusive relationships a family can have.
10. The Color Purple
The Color Purple is a brave film, shedding light on incestuous, abusive relationships and domestic violence and is regarded as one of the best films of all time. The Color Purple stars the talented Whoopi Goldberg as its lead actress. It is not just a tear-jerker, but it is powerful and a must-watch for anyone going through an abusive relationship or with a traumatic past that they want to confront.
11. The Glass Castle
This movie showcases abusive relationships that can be part of a dysfunctional family. In the movie, Rex, the father, goes through bouts of alcoholism. This causes his family suffering and pain, as well as keeps him from reacting to incidents of abuse that take place in the family. Despite all this, his wife will not leave him. The movie is based on forgiveness, yet recognition, of abusive relationships.
12. The Joy Luck Club
The Joy Luck Club is based on the stories of four women who all face some degree of abuse at the hands of their relatives, loved ones, and spouses. The Joy Luck Club highlights how these women have had to endure either emotional neglect, physical, and even sexual abuse in order to please their families. But, this movie also shows the other side of abusive relationships – healing with the help of friends, loved ones, and family. The movie focuses on Asian and Asian–American culture and shows the women sharing their stories while playing the game of Mahjong.
13. No One Would Tell
No One Would Tell is a traumatic and devastating, yet powerful, movie depicting the abuse that young girls face in teenage relationships. Stacy Collins, a 16-year-old girl, finds herself in an abusive relationship with popular high-school jock, Bobby Tennison. This movie shows how prevalent dating abuse and abusive teenage relationships can be and how it’s never too early to warn your friends that something is amiss.
14. The Burning Bed
This 1984 movie is based on the true story of Francine Hughes. SPOILER ALERT, Francine is arrested after setting fire to the bed where her husband James Berlin “Mickey” Hughes lay. What the court doesn’t know, is that Francine has been a victim of domestic abuse for 13 years and this was simply the only way she knew how to escape.
15. Enough
This movie takes not just abusive relationships but also healing and strength to a whole new level. Enough premiered in 2002 and stars Jennifer Lopez as the protagonist, Slim. Slim has to endure years of physical, emotional, and financial abuse at the hands of her husband, Mitch. She finds the strength to get her revenge and finds her way to escape and happiness.
16. Smoke Signals
Smoke Signals is regarded by many to be one of the best Native American films of all time. This story follows the journey of Victor Joseph and his friend Thomas Builds-the-Fire. Both are Native American teenagers that are on a mission to find the true story behind the death of Victor’s father.
This story shows how emotional trauma can lead to neglect, substance abuse, and abusive relationships, as Victor’s father is not just abusive towards his wife but also his son. It isn’t until the full movie is watched that we get a better picture of the psychology of a hurt man.
17. The Homesman
The Homesman stars mega-celebrity actors Tommy Lee Jones and Hilary Swank in a film that scratches the itch for those craving a western and a powerful and dramatic storyline. The Homesman tells the story of George Briggs, played by Tommy Lee Jones, escorting three “mad” women through the American west to a safe haven.
The women are helped along by Mary Bee Cuddy, who sees that these women aren’t “mad,” but unfortunately, victims of abusive relationships. This movie is entertaining, but also insightful into just how devastating the effects of abusive relationships can be.
18. Star 80
Don’t let the title of this movie fool you. Star 80 tells the real-life story of the death of playboy bunny Dorothy Stratten at the hands of her estranged and abusive husband Paul Snider in 1980. This movie shows just how fast an abusive relationship can develop and how deadly it can become. It’s important to remember just how common it can be for an abusive relationship to turn physically abusive – even deadly – and how no one is immune to being abused, even if you are rich, famous, or a star.
19. Precious
Precious is not a movie for the faint of heart, but it is full of powerful imagery and a story that must be shared. Precious tells the story of the protagonist by the same name, who suffers abuse not just at the hands of her mother but also by her father. Precious goes on a journey to finally heal from the abusive familial relationships she has and learn to love and believe in herself when no one else will. Precious finds that the definition of “love” she has been taught is entirely wrong, just like victims of domestic abuse discover after they’re finally made aware that their relationship isn’t filled with love, but instead abuse. Luckily, this movie shows how one woman can grow and prosper despite the abuse she has faced.
20. What’s Love Got to Do With It
For Tina Turner fans, What’s Love Got to Do With It is a movie that has everything: love, drama, music, talent, and unfortunately, also abuse. The movie highlights the abusive relationship between Tina Turner and her jealous boyfriend and later husband Ike Turner and shows how even celebrities can be victims of abuse.
21. Mommie Dearest
This 1981 movie sheds light on abusive relationships that exist between mother and daughter. Mommie Dearest tells the story of Christina Crawford, who is the adoptive daughter of mega actress Joan Crawford, and the abuse she had to endure at the hands of her adoptive mother. The movie was directed by Frank Perry, better known as pop singer Katy Perry’s uncle!
22. Hard Candy
It can be difficult for younger girls to understand that certain behavior from adults is not only inappropriate but also abusive. Hard Candy is a 2005 film staring Elliott Page as Hayley, a teenager who is desperate for answers regarding her friend’s murder. In the process, Hayley sheds light on the abuse and inappropriate behaviors that adults can display and use to lure minors into their web.
23. Carrie
Not only is Carrie one of the best horror movies of all time, but it also showcases one of the worst mother-daughter abusive relationships in cinematic history. In the movie, Carrie is told by her religious fanatic mother that she is guilty of sin for simply wanting to live a normal girl’s life. Chaos ensues, but it’s important to know that it’s not just about the chaos in the movie, but about the abuse hidden in plain sight within a mother-daughter relationship that makes this movie so powerful.
24. For Colored Girls
This movie directed by Tyler Perry is easily one of the most heart-breaking on our list. It highlights the abusive relationships that can greatly impact the lives of women in general but especially in certain ethnic groups. This movie is all about growth and healing.
25. Baby Boy
This might not seem like a traditional abusive relationship movie, however, to those who have watched it, Baby Boy proves that some relationships need boundaries to survive. This movie is a cult classic and a staple of early 2000s movies. By seeing the relationship between Jody and Yvette, we see how hard it can be to break difficult habits that can turn a relationship not just sour, but abusive as well.
Related FAQs
How do I know if I’m in an abusive relationship?
Finding out you’re in an abusive relationship can be heartbreaking. As a victim, it can be difficult to see the abuse of a partner for what it really is and break out of the cycle of abuse. These movies star protagonists that are just starting their journeys of moving past trauma and starting to heal from abusive relationships.
If you see parallels between you and any of these characters, it might be time to re-think your relationship and seek professional advice.
What do I do if I’m being abused?
If you are being physically abused or otherwise, it’s important to get help from a mental health professional, social worker, or domestic abuse counselor immediately. There are plenty of resources within your community that can offer assistance with housing, financial support, and other aid if you are a victim of domestic violence.
In addition, if you feel you might be in danger at the hands of your abuser, seek the help of local law enforcement if necessary. Remember, abuse, whether physical, emotional, or financial is never okay, and it is never your fault. Contact the domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
