Manic
Follows the fate of Lyle, a violent adolescent who, in lieu of prison, is placed in a juvenile mental institution, where he encounters a group of equally troubled teens. This motley crew—abused, sexually confused, violent, and yet hanging on by their grit and anger—becomes Lyle's last lifeline as he fights to find meaning in a world that seems to defy understanding.
Release Year
2001
Runtime
102 min
Audience Score
6.9
Genres
Drama
Story Snapshot
Follows the fate of Lyle, a violent adolescent who, in lieu of prison, is placed in a juvenile mental institution, where he encounters a group of equally troubled teens. This motley crew—abused, sexually confused, violent, and yet hanging on by their grit and anger—becomes Lyle's last lifeline as he fights to find meaning in a world that seems to defy understanding.
Why This Page Helps
Manic is a immersive pick with medium complexity, which makes it a strong option when you want something that feels specific instead of generic.
DISCOVERY PATHS
These curated pages are the fastest way to keep the same mood, genre, or recommendation intent going.
Topics
Awards Buzz
Follow prestige movies, serious dramas, and conversation-driving titles that tend to dominate award season chatter.
Crime and Mystery
A hub for crime shows, mystery series, thrillers, investigations, and twist-heavy stories.
Detective Cases
Investigations, clues, interrogations, and mystery stories for viewers who want smart case-driven entertainment.
Who Should Watch
Best Fit Viewers
SIMILAR MOVIES
If you liked this one, these are good places to keep going.
Short Term 12
Short Term 12 makes sense here because it matches the same viewing mood and gives this page a stronger next-click option.
Starred Up
Starred Up makes sense here because it matches the same viewing mood and gives this page a stronger next-click option.
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden makes sense here because it matches the same viewing mood and gives this page a stronger next-click option.
Better Man
Better Man makes sense here because it matches the same viewing mood and gives this page a stronger next-click option.
Out of the Blue
Out of the Blue makes sense here because it matches the same viewing mood and gives this page a stronger next-click option.
Coldwater
Coldwater makes sense here because it matches the same viewing mood and gives this page a stronger next-click option.
Movie FAQ
Questions People Usually Search
Who should watch Manic?
Manic is best for viewers who want drama without having to browse blindly.
What tone does Manic have?
The tone is best described as immersive, which is why this page links into more mood-based guides instead of leaving you with genre labels alone.
How complex is Manic?
Manic lands at medium complexity, so it works both as a direct pick and as a springboard into deeper recommendation pages.
What should I watch after Manic?
Use the similar picks, related guides, and recommendation paths below to stay in the same viewing mood without starting a new search from scratch.