It’s hard to walk alone, but sometimes isolation can lead to a very colorful internal life that breeds creativity and self-actualization. Outcasts are often the most fascinating characters to explore on-screen because of their rich range of emotions and feelings. Isolation and a need for belonging might mix with an internal need for one’s own space and autonomy. Refusing to conform to social norms can also be a factor, making these protagonists very interesting subjects.
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Many writers and other artists often feel like outcasts, which is why there are so many movies made about loners of all kinds. From fantastical supernatural figures to those who were discarded by society against their will, the many types of outcasts explored in film tell a variety of stories from many different perspectives. Some are heartbreaking, some are inspiring, filled with anger and hope, it feels like a privilege to be able to step into their isolated worlds.
You are watching: 10 Great Movies That Follow The Life Of An Outcast
10
The Whale (2022)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
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The Whale
r
Drama
6/10
8/10
Release Date
December 9, 2022
Runtime
117 minutes
Cast
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Brendan Fraser
-
Sadie Sink
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The theme of this powerful drama is heavy in most definitions of the word. Brendan Fraser puts in a heartbreaking and Oscar-winning performance as a lonely man who hides from society after separating himself from his family. Filled with regret and self-loathing, his depression led him to become an obese recluse who tries his best not to be seen by anyone. Any interaction with other people ends in ridicule and embarrassment, adding to his emotional baggage.
The film addresses how society can be brutal and unaccepting, as well as some deep-rooted family issues that can all lead to someone removing themselves completely from the outside world.
As he tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter, he is forced to unpack his many mistakes and choices that led to his isolated existence. The film addresses how society can be brutal and unaccepting, as well as some deep-rooted family issues that can all lead to someone removing themselves completely from the outside world. Taking place predominately in one cramped space, the setting itself adds to that feeling of isolation and loneliness.
9
Wicked (2024)
Directed by John M. Chu
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Wicked
PG
Adventure
Fantasy
Musical
9/10
416
8.7/10
Release Date
November 22, 2024
Runtime
160 Minutes
Cast
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Cynthia Erivo
Elphaba Thropp
-
Ariana Grande
Glinda Upland
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Wicked was one of the biggest hits of 2024, a movie adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the book by Gregory Maguire. Wicked‘s story follows, Elphaba, a unique young woman with untapped magical potential. Shunned by her parents from the start, Elphaba grew up as an outcast not only from society but within her very own family. But, it’s all the differences that met with ridicule and bullying that made her stand out among the other less magically impressive students.
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Elphaba’s enemies-to-friends arc with Glinda is central to the story as it shows how much jealousy can lead to unhealthy competition. But, as with many loners before her, once people discover how special they really are, Elphaba becomes loved by those who are important to her. At least for a little while. Expressing emotions through music can feel that much more powerful, and Cynthia Erivo’s voice seems almost unreal in the best possible way. It may not be easy being green, but it is certainly thrilling.
8
Donnie Darko (2001)
Directed by Richard Kelly
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Donnie Darko
R
Drama
Documentary
Fantasy
Mystery
Sci-Fi
7/10
8.2/10
Release Date
October 26, 2001
Runtime
113 minutes
Cast
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-
Jake Gyllenhaal
-
Holmes Osborne
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Adolescence is a time for so many changes, and finding a group of people to connect with seems harder than ever. Raging hormones, a contemplative outlook on life and the future all contribute to a feeling of being the only one who feels a certain way. Add to that a supernatural wormhole, and that is what Donnie Darko addresses in a very offbeat and quirky way. Jake Gyllenhaal’s breakout role allowed him to bring audiences into his lonely world full of introspection and angst.
As one of the defining teen films of the 2000s, it tackles a lot of the emotions that young people have to deal with, making it relatable despite its many baffling twists and turns. There is a darkness to this young man but also a need to connect, which is showcased through his relationship with Gretchen. It’s a cult classic that, for a brief period, made outcasts cool.
7
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Directed by Tim Burton
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Edward Scissorhands
PG-13
Romance
Fantasy
Drama
8/10
12
8.2/10
Release Date
December 14, 1990
Runtime
105 minutes
Cast
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-
Vincent Price
-
Dianne Wiest
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Embracing the outcast theme with a gothic twist and whimsical elements is Tim Burton’s specialty on a movie set, and the world he created in Edward Scissorhands is one that feels like a horror fairy tale. Johnny Depp’s otherwordly monochrome appearance is such a contrast to the picture-perfect pastels of the rest of the town. While his uniqueness is a draw at first, shaking up the sleepy society, ignorance ultimately rears its ugly head, and he is quickly shunned and ostracized.
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It’s a story as old as time, when someone who looks and acts differently to the norm gets a taste of love and acceptance only to have the rug pulled from under them. It happens in real life all the time, but Burton was able to show it in a poetic and visually striking way. Edward’s isolation is initially not what he wanted, but the death of his creator left him alone and unfinished. As he retreats to his scary mansion for a second time, he has even more knowledge of his own power and how dangerous he can be.
6
Her (2013)
Directed by Spike Jonze
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Her
R
Comedy
Documentary
Drama
Romance
Sci-Fi
8/10
9/10
Release Date
December 18, 2013
Runtime
126minutes
Cast
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Joaquin Phoenix
-
Rooney Mara
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A modern take on isolation, this film was meant to be a vision of a much more distant future than it actually ended up being. Just over 10 years later, and a lot of the plot of the film has seemingly come true, making it feel like frightening foreshadowing. Joaquin Phoenix is very good at playing outcasts, as he embodies the mild-mannered and shy Theodore, who writes letters for people who cannot express themselves on their own. This is highly ironic, as Theodore has that very same problem in real life.
As he falls in love with AI, he shuts down any of the rare possibilities at human connection even further. It certainly helps that it is voiced by Scarlett Johanson, but this blurring of the lines between reality and technology hits very close to home in this modern and chronically online world. The film has a remarkable 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and is a criminally underrated gem that needs to be seen.
5
The Elephant Man (1980)
Directed by David Lynch
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The Elephant Man
PG
Drama
Biography
10/10
Release Date
October 10, 1980
Runtime
124 Minutes
Cast
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Anthony Hopkins
-
John Hurt
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The story of John Merrick is filled with sadness and heartache. While he was a brilliant thinker, well-read and extremely knowledgeable, his physical deformities kept him isolated and removed from society. But, when he was given the opportunity to join the upper echelons as the guest of a well-respected doctor, he was able to not only showcase his impressive set of skills but experience emotions he never felt. A lifelong outcast finally being able to experience sparkling conversation and heated discussions was a revelation.
However, as it often is, all was too good to be true and as quickly as he became a hit, he was shunned and ridiculed once more.
David Lynch made sure that this powerful story was given the utmost care and attention with beautiful shots and outstanding performances from John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins. One of the original outcasts, Merrick was able to live on in the hearts of the viewers who were introduced to this fascinating and special human.
4
Carrie (1976)
Directed by Brian De Palma
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Carrie
R
Horror
Thriller
Release Date
November 3, 1976
Runtime
98 minutes
Cast
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Piper Laurie
Margaret White
-
Sissy Spacek
Carrie
-
Amy Irving
Sue Snell
-
William Katt
Tommy Ross
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Horror goes hand in hand with the theme of isolation and loneliness, as many outcasts get pushed to their limits and finally explode in an uncontrollable rage. That is exactly what happens in the Stephen King adaptation Carrie, as the telekinetic teen is bullied to the point of no return. The early scenes show just how tough she has it at school as well as at home, and there is a hint of something out of the ordinary about her. But, the infamous pig’s blood prank is the final straw, and the full force of her powers is unleashed at the school dance.
Carrie herself is a tragic outcast in that she’s been so abused both at home and school that she resorts to violence and murder in order to enact her revenge. It shows the very serious ramifications of what being constantly ostracized and pushed out of the loop can do to a person. There may be suffering and anger bubbling beneath the surface, which can sometimes be taken out on oneself, but it can also be taken out on others. As one of the most iconic horror films of all time, Carrie is also one of the most well-known outcasts.
3
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
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A Clockwork Orange
R
Crime
Documentary
Drama
Sci-Fi
8/10
10/10
Release Date
February 2, 1972
Runtime
136 minutes
Cast
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-
Malcolm McDowell
-
Patrick Magee
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A Clockwork Orange is the second Stanley Kubrick movie on this list. As a classic dystopian drama, it subverts expectations and focuses on an outcast who chooses to isolate himself from society of his own accord. A rebel with a violent streak, Alex thrives in this lawless world, as he and his gang live a life of brutality and crime. However, once he is detained and sentenced to a life of feeling extreme pain whenever he wants to act on a violent impulse, his life changes completely, and he becomes a different kind of outcast.
The film is a masterpiece of satire and scathing social commentary with some of the most iconic shots in the director’s vast filmography.
While before, he had his own free will and chose to live the life he led, afterward, he is forced to be a mindless pawn under government control, everything he absolutely hates. The film is a masterpiece of satire and scathing social commentary with some of the most iconic shots in the director’s vast filmography. It is also very challenging, as it showcases a character who is deplorable at his core, but still makes viewers feel sympathetic towards him as it’s shown how society tries to “correct” those who are different.
2
Joker (2019)
Directed by Todd Phillips
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Joker
R
Superhero
Action
Adventure
Crime
Film Noir
Thriller
5/10
25
8.3/10
Release Date
October 2, 2019
Runtime
122 minutes
Cast
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-
Joaquin Phoenix
-
Robert De Niro
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Taking a well-known character and making them more emotionally rich and nuanced is not an easy task, and yet it is done extremely well by Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix. The character of the Joker is one of the most fascinating comic book characters, and it’s no surprise there have been so many outstanding portrayals of this layered villain. Heath Ledger was phenomenal, Jack Nicholson was perfectly over the top, but the Arthur Fleck from this version is perhaps the most real.
Everything he goes through is relatable and painful, and watching the film is very much like taking in a gritty drama rather than a DC Comics adaptation. A lot of the issues he deals with are grounded in reality, and society treats him appallingly. When he finally snaps and puts on the infamous face paint, the audience understands his motivation and probably even roots for him. One of the ultimate outcasts, the Joker knows what it’s like to be misunderstood.
1
Taxi Driver (1976)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
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Taxi Driver
R
Drama
Crime
10/10
9/10
Release Date
February 9, 1976
Runtime
114 Minutes
Cast
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-
Robert De Niro
-
Jodie Foster
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Robert De Niro has given the world many memorable performances, but his portrayal of outcast Travis Bickle is one of the most iconic of his career. A Vietnam veteran suffering from a lot of trauma, he feels isolated from a society that seems to go on as if nothing had happened. His job lets him observe all the goings-on in New York City, including a lot of crime and corruption that further makes him feel even more separated. He willingly stays away from the depravity that he finds so appalling, which Scorsese is able to showcase with his usual flair.
Though he tries to connect, most notably with Betsy and Iris, played by the outstanding Jodie Foster and Cybill Shepherd respectively, he manages to sabotage both relationships with his own social awkwardness. He’s one of the most relatable types of outcasts: those who do want that human connection but do not know how to go about getting it as they lack the communication skills. As Travis ultimately descends into violence and madness, the audience is shown everything that happens from his unreliable perspective, making it difficult to discern what in Taxi Driver is real and what is simply in Travis Bickle’s head.
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Category: Entertainment