A Psychologist Goes to the Movies

by Alex Swan, The Great Courses

Movies have the astonishing ability to show us our world in a whole new light. They can help us understand tough concepts and even allow us to walk in someone else’s shoes. In particular, as Alexander Swan has discovered through his work with his students, movies can enlighten us about the workings of our own minds.

In the six lectures of A Psychologist Goes to the Movies, taught by Dr. Swan, you’ll see what films can tell us about the human mind, from the experience of amnesia to the ethics of psychological research and so much more. Featuring six movies from a variety of genres, styles, and periods, these lectures will give you the opportunity to explore the principles of psychology and consider fascinating neurological theories through the immersive magic of the silver screen.

From “Office Space” to “A Clockwork Orange” to “Inside Out,” the films featured in this course will demonstrate the inner workings of the mind in ways that will surprise and intrigue you. And not only will you probe these films for their psychological insights, but you’ll also gain a better understanding of the way movies achieve their vision through the lens of psychology and enrich your overall filmgoing experience.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published September 18, 2025

Reviews

[Alannah Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Psychologist Goes to the Movies is an engaging concept: blending psychology with film analysis to show how psychological principles play out on screen. Alex Swan clearly knows his subject, and the book shines when he explains complex ideas in an accessible, conversational way. Some chapters are genuinely fun, especially when he breaks down well‑known movies and highlights where they get the science right—or spectacularly wrong.
That said, the execution can feel a bit uneven. A few sections skim the surface rather than offering deeper insight, and some films receive much more attention than others, making the pacing feel slightly unbalanced. At times the tone leans more casual than analytical, which may appeal to some readers but leaves others wanting a bit more academic depth.
Overall, this is a solid, enjoyable read for psychology fans, film buffs, or anyone looking for a light, approachable crossover between the two. Not every chapter lands, but the concept is strong and the enthusiasm is clear.

[Stacy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Some very interesting information.

[Abdul Alhazred · Rating 3 out of 5]

These bite sized (podcast sized?) Great Courses audiobooks are usually a big drop in quality and seriousness from the longer material, but this one was pretty good. The selection is pretty varied; Memento, Lucy, A Clockwork Orange, Inside Out, Office Space and perhaps most on the nose - The Stanford Prison Experiment.

Speaking of which, a good sign of a quality production is actually mentioning how Zimbardo's "experiment" wasn't one, and how much he was pulling strings as a supposed observer. One of my personal bugbears given how he made a career on a shitty experiment and we're now stuck with countless textbooks that bring this up as some breakthrough discovery with far less skepticism.

We get memory and developmental psychology in Inside Out, behaviorism in A Clockwork Orange, memory formation in Memento, organizational psychology in Office Space. It's a pretty full spectrum of psychology topics with some decently deep cuts for a general audience. Recommended.

[Edie Kennard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Psychologist Goes to the Movies is one of those rare lecture series that makes you look at films a little differently after you’re done with it. Alexander Swan does a great job breaking down how movies don’t just entertain us—they quietly shape how we understand memory, identity, morality, and even ourselves. Using films like Office Space, A Clockwork Orange, and Inside Out, he connects psychological concepts to storytelling in a way that feels accessible without ever talking down to you.

What really stuck with me, though, is the underlying sadness threaded through it all—this idea that so much of what makes us us can be fragile or even lost. Discussions around memory, identity, and perception hit a little deeper than expected, especially when you start thinking about how many moments, feelings, and versions of ourselves just… disappear over time. It gives the lectures a surprisingly emotional edge beneath the academic surface.

If there’s any downside, it’s that with only six lectures, it sometimes feels like it’s just getting into the really interesting stuff before moving on. You kind of wish it went further or covered even more films and psychological angles. Still, it’s engaging, thoughtful, and a great blend of film appreciation and psychology that leaves you both more curious—and maybe a little more reflective—than when you started.

[Katie Morad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Psychologist Goes to the Movies is an engaging and insightful read that blends psychology with pop culture in a way that feels both accessible and thought-provoking. By analyzing well-known films through a psychological lens, the book invites readers to reflect on human behavior, relationships, and mental health without ever feeling clinical or heavy. It’s a smart, entertaining choice for anyone who loves movies and enjoys gaining a deeper understanding of what drives people—on screen and off.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting I would recommend it’s especially interesting for somebody that wants to be a counselor and how movies play into our psychology Also mentions office space one of my all-time favorites. Christina might like this book because she introduced me to that movie.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and investigative look at psychology tropes in movies! This lecture series/audiobook made my psychology heart sing. I enjoyed listening to Dr. Swan’s narrative commentary and psychoanalytical takes. This book gave me a new list of movies to go watch.
4.5/5 ⭐️

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun coarse. A clinical psychologist reviewed several movies and evaluates their premises to the science. I have see this done with showing how movies are following the history of events, but never with psychology. This was well worth it.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty good- would have preferred some more classic movies ( Vertigo, Psycho, etc.) but this is a nice set of films.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but I’ve read about most of these little insights into the movies mentioned with the exception of the Pixar cartoon ‘Inside Out’ - this was a ‘new’ bit of trivia.

[Adri G.M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5* I was so excited to dive into this and see movies through a different lense, but sadly it didn't deliver, imo.

[Christy N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

really enjoyed this from a psychological perspective, I likely would have enjoyed it more if I had seen most of the movies more recently. Definitely worth a listen.

[Alesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short but very interesting

[Laurie AH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly interesting. I expected more, so kinda disappointed. Narration was okay.