2 Movies That Are Based On Major Myths About Psychology

These two movies may be classics, but their attention to psychological detail is lacking at best. ... [+] Have you seen them before?

We can learn a lot more about fundamental aspects of psychology from movies than what you may think—about life, love and even the workings of the mind. In this sense, films can be powerful storytellers; they can shape our worldviews and, sometimes, even impart valuable wisdom and knowledge. However, not all the lessons we take away from Hollywood are accurate, as not all films are created equally.

While some do indeed provide genuine insights into human psychology, others are built on complete misconceptions. How many of the psychological concepts we’ve learned from the silver screen are based on reality, and how many are pure fiction? Here’s two movies that you likely know and love that are, to put it bluntly, based on absolute psychological hogwash.

Inside Out (2015) is a beloved family movie that captures the emotional journey of a young girl, Riley, as she navigates a major life event: moving to a new city. The film puts forward a unique and literal portrayal of her emotional turmoil, with her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust—brought to life as characters within her mind. Notably, central to the plot is the role of memories—depicted as glowing orbs that store Riley’s experiences.

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