Movies like Birdy

Jacob's Ladder presents a haunting journey through the mind of a Vietnam veteran as he experiences disturbing visions, resonating with Birdy's themes of psychological struggle and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.

Highlighting the theme of mental health and institutional settings, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a classic film that weaves a compelling narrative around friendship and the human spirit, themes similarly navigated in Birdy.

Exploring the effects of war on its characters, The Deer Hunter delves into the emotional transformations of friends from a small industrial town affected by the Vietnam War, much like Birdy captures the traumatic aftermath of combat and its impact on the psyche.

Mystic River portrays the lasting impacts of a traumatic childhood event on a group of friends, echoing Birdy's exploration of how past experiences shape our lives. It's a gritty, character-driven drama that probes deep into the emotional scars left behind.

Awakenings, the story of a doctor's efforts to revitalize catatonic patients, touches upon the fragility of the human mind and the possibility of healing, akin to the personal struggles and transformations depicted in Birdy.

Chronicling the life of a paralyzed Vietnam War veteran dealing with the trauma of war, Born on the Fourth of July echoes Birdy's examination of the physical and psychological effects of conflict and the journey towards acceptance.

As a powerful depiction of the Vietnam War's influence on the personal lives of servicemen and their families, Coming Home mirrors the poignant exploration of trauma and friendship in Birdy, making it a must-watch for those who appreciated the latter's intimate character studies.

Adapted from Kurt Vonnegut's novel, Slaughterhouse-Five explores the non-linear experiences of a World War II soldier dealing with his past, present, and future, paralleling Birdy's narrative style and its treatment of trauma and memory.