Some touching drama the best movies of all time. They are also well-received by audiences, and for good reason. Such films touch on themes revolving around addiction, suicide, bullying, deteriorating health, and broken families.
These dark themes and the way they are depicted with such sincerity have the ability to resonate with audiences. Still, films containing such heavy content don't always make for the best movies to rewatch. The bleak essence of these films is best experienced once or very few times. In truth, audiences are better off watching these devastating films as little as possible to ensure they don't become desensitized to the emotional stories. Luckily, a few exceptionally dark movies make it easier to hold off on watching them again.
10 Scum (1979)
Directed by Alan Clarke
Scum
- Release Date
- September 12, 1979
- Runtime
- 98 minutes
- Director
- Alan Clarke
Cast
Mick FordArcher
Carlin-
Julian FirthDavis
-
John BlundellBanks
WHERE TO WATCH
Scum is a gritty drama set in a British Borstal reformatory. Released in 1979, the film depicts the harsh conditions and struggle for survival faced by two boys, as they navigate life within the confines of this notorious institution.
The script for Scum began as a television play that would air on the BBC, but the violence within the story was considered to be too strong, and the script was made into the 1979 film instead. The British drama takes place in a youth detention center, or a borstal, and follows a young man, Carlin (Ray Winstone). To survive and become a dominant figure, Carlin immerses himself in the borstal's violent atmosphere.
Compared to the production for BBC, the final product is much more vulgar and graphic with its themes. Scum is a tough watch with harrowing depictions of violence, racism, and suicide. Still, the film is an important watch as, beyond Carlin's personal journey with abuse, Scum highlights the flaws within the borstal's system that have allowed for such a brutal environment to develop.
9 The Whale (2022)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
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The Whale
- Release Date
- December 9, 2022
- Runtime
- 117 minutes
- Director
- Darren Aronofsky
WHERE TO WATCH
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, The Whale is based on a 2012 stage play of the same name by Samuel D. Hunter. The film star Brenden Fraser as Charlie, a reclusive and obese English teacher who, faced with his own mortality and guilt-ridden over his past, attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter Ellie, played by Sadie Sink. The film was part of Fraser's comeback to acting and earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Brendan Fraser's career was revitalized at the start of the decade where he ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Actor after 2022's The Whale. Fraser stars in the film as Charlie, a morbidly obese English teacher who only wishes to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Ellie (Sadie Sink). The film earned a mixed critical response, mainly due to its portrayal of obesity and the use of a prosthetic suit for Fraser.
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Yet, the comeback story of Fraser, and the actor's performance, in addition to the work of Sink and Hong Chau, has prompted audiences to watch the film. Despite its controversy, The Whale is guaranteed to evoke an emotional response from audiences, as Charlie's daily struggles and unsuccessful attempts to reconnect with Ellie are upsetting to witness. However, until the emotional impact of the film has dwindled, one viewing is enough.
8 Requiem For A Dream (2000)
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
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Requiem for a Dream
- Release Date
- December 15, 2000
- Runtime
- 102 minutes
- Director
- Darren Aronofsky
Cast
Ellen Burstyn-
Marlon Wayans
WHERE TO WATCH
Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream follows the lives of four drug addicts as they fall deeper into their addiction and pull their loved ones on a downward spiral along with themselves. The 2000 psychological drama is an adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr.'s eponymous novel and counts with a star-studded cast that includes the likes of Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans, Christopher McDonald, and Mark Margolis.
Only Darren Aronofsky's second feature film, Requiem for a Dream provides a grim look into the lives of individuals coping with drug addictions. The film is based on Hubert Selby Jr.'s eponymous 1978 novel and tracks its characters as they plunge further into their addictions, altering their physical, emotional, and mental states. Requiem for a Dream's bleak tone is unwavering, which makes the film difficult to watch once, let alone twice.
The considerate portrayal of deterioration as a result of addiction sets Aronofsky's film apart from others who have attempted to do the same thing.
Still, the considerate portrayal of deterioration as a result of addiction sets Aronofsky's film apart from others who have attempted to do the same thing. Requiem for a Dream has continued to be praised over the years for its poignant narrative, direction, and performances, particularly that of Ellen Burstyn and Jared Leto, who play a mother and son duo each battling a heartbreaking drug addiction.
7 Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Directed by Mike Figgis
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Leaving Las Vegas
- Release Date
- February 9, 1996
- Director
- Mike Figgis
WHERE TO WATCH
Leaving Las Vegas is a drama directed by Mike Figgis, featuring Nicolas Cage as Ben Sanderson, an alcoholic screenwriter who decides to drink himself to death in Las Vegas. Elisabeth Shue stars as Sera, a prostitute who forms a complex relationship with Ben. The film explores themes of addiction, despair, and human connection.
Nicolas Cage won his first and only Academy Award so far for his performance in Leaving Las Vegas. In the film, Cage plays Ben, an alcoholic Hollywood screenwriter who is struggling in life. The film is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by John O'Brien. Cage's Ben heads to the titular city intent on drinking himself to death. However, while in Las Vegas, Ben meets a sex worker named Sera (Elisabeth Shue), and the two form a connection.
Throughout the film, the two become increasingly frustrated with each other's behavior—incessant drinking and sex work—but there's an apparent love between them. Leaving Las Vegas can be greatly appreciated for its lead performances and the way it tackles a heartbreaking narrative. Yet, like other films with harsh depictions of dependency, the film is certainly difficult to revisit.
6 Boys Don't Cry (1999)
Directed by Kimberly Peirce
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Boys Don't Cry
- Release Date
- September 2, 1999
- Runtime
- 118 minutes
- Director
- Kimberly Peirce
- Writers
- Andy Bienen
- Producers
- Caroline Kaplan, Christine Vachon, Eva Kolodner, John N. Hart, John Sloss, Jonathan Sehring, Pamela Koffler
Cast
-
Chloë SevignyLana Tisdel
Hilary SwankBrandon Teena
Peter SarsgaardJohn Lotter-
Brendan Sexton IIITom Nissen
Boys Don't Cry is a film that chronicles the journey of a young transgender man, Brandon Teena, as he navigates his gender identity and desires for love in the rural landscape of Nebraska. The film explores themes of identity, acceptance, and societal confrontation.
Pulling inspiration from the devastating real-life story of Brandon Teena, Boys Don't Cry earned widespread critical acclaim and Hilary Swank her first Academy Award. Swank portrays Brandon, a transgender man, in the film, which sees him navigate his identity and fall in love, before being brutally attacked in a hate crime. Like many biographical dramas, Boys Don't Cry does embellish certain details, and people who knew of Brandon in real life have criticized the film for its inaccuracies.
Yet, the facts that Boys Don't Cry does stick to produces a grim film about violence and the actions of bigoted individuals. The film explores a number of themes, including transgender identity, social class, violence against the LGBTQ+ community, and romance. Boys Don't Cry is an important film to watch, but understandably so, it takes a lot for audiences to willingly return to it.
5 Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Directed by Clint Eastwood
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Million Dollar Baby
- Release Date
- December 15, 2004
- Runtime
- 132 minutes
- Director
- Clint Eastwood
Cast
-
Hilary Swank
Mike Colter
WHERE TO WATCH
Million Dollar Baby is an Oscar-winning sports drama directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. It follows Maggie Fitzgerald, a young female boxer, as she trains under the guidance of her trainer, Frankie Dunn, and tries to make it to the top.
One of underdog sports movie. However, the film then takes an unexpected and dramatic turn.
Seamlessly transforming into a moving drama, Million Dollar Baby touches on themes of sacrifice and tragedy and sees its characters forced to make one of life's toughest choices. The tonal shift of Eastwood's film wonderfully elevates its formulaic sports story but makes it a difficult film to frequently return to. Million Dollar Baby wound up winning four of its seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
4 Manchester By The Sea (2016)
Directed by Kenneth Lonergan
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Manchester By the Sea
- Release Date
- November 18, 2016
- Runtime
- 137 Minutes
- Director
- Kenneth Lonergan
Cast
Kyle Chandler
WHERE TO WATCH
Manchester By the Sea stars Casey Affleck as Lee Chandler, a divorced man grieving the deaths of his three children who is forced to move back to his hometown when his brother dies in order to take care of his orphaned nephew. Set in a small fishing village in Easter Massachusetts, the film deals with themes of depression, guilt, and dysfunctional family dynamics. Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges, and Kyle Chandler also star.
Dealing with heavy themes of guilt and grief, Manchester by the Sea sees a family torn apart by a tragic accident. In the film, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is depressed and left with a tremendous amount of guilt after said accident, but becomes the legal guardian of his nephew (Lucas Hedges) after his brother (Kyle Chandler) dies of cardiac arrest. Lee's grief is persistent, leaving little room for levity throughout the film.
While such a dark story has the potential to create an exhausting viewing experience for audiences, the performances of the film's cast ground Manchester by the Sea and make it more palatable. Screenwriter and director Kenneth Lonergan is considerate of Lee's emotions and aims to be realistic with his efforts to confront his past. This makes it easier for audiences to connect with the film's harrowing narrative, though it's still not a movie with a lot of rewatch value.
3 The Father (2020)
Directed by Florian Zeller
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The Father
- Release Date
- December 23, 2020
- Runtime
- 96 minutes
- Director
- Florian Zeller
Cast
Anthony
Anne
The Man
The Woman
WHERE TO WATCH
The Father is a drama film released in 2020, featuring Anthony Hopkins as an aging man struggling to retain his autonomy despite declining mental health. Olivia Colman stars as his daughter, who faces challenges in assisting him as he becomes increasingly suspicious of those around him.
Anthony Hopkins became the oldest Best Actor winner following his career-best performance in The Father. The film explores the subject of dementia but does so in a way that is refreshing and allows audiences to experience the deterioration of its subject's mind up close. Hopkins leads the film as Anthony, an elderly man and father with dementia. The narrative in the film is subjective and told from Anthony's point of view, which often blurs the line between what is real and what is not.
The storytelling in The Father is extremely personal and emotional, especially towards its end as Anthony tearfully re bits and pieces of his mother.
Audiences are invited into Anthony's mind and are presented with a gradually confused interpretation of events, representing his worsening condition. The storytelling in The Father is extremely personal and emotional, especially towards its end as Anthony tearfully re bits and pieces of his mother. The Father earned lots of critical acclaim, rightfully so, but its meaningful story is best enjoyed once, and only a few times after that.
2 Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
Directed by Isao Takahata
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Grave of the Fireflies
- Release Date
- April 16, 1988
- Runtime
- 89 Mins
- Director
- Isao Takahata
Cast
-
Tsutomu Tatsumi
-
Ayano Shiraishi
WHERE TO WATCH
Amidst the devastation of WWII, siblings Seita and Setsuko strive to survive in war-torn Japan after losing their mother. Facing starvation and cruelty, they cling to each other in a desperate bid for survival. As tragedy unfolds and hope dwindles, their poignant journey reveals the resilience of the human spirit amidst unimaginable suffering, culminating in a hauntingly beautiful reunion beyond the realms of earthly sorrow.
From Studio Ghibli comes the brutal war movie Grave of the Fireflies. The animated film follows the journey of siblings Seita and Setsuko and their struggle to survive as World War II comes to a close. Orphaned and with their home devastated by conflict, young Seita and Setsuko face inhumane conditions. The film is a drastic, yet crucial departure from the magical, adventure-filled worlds Studio Ghibli is commonly associated with.
Grave of the Fireflies has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Told from the perspective of younger victims of war, the bond between the film's siblings and the anti-war narrative has touched audiences for years. There's something remarkably disturbing about witnessing the siblings' loss of innocence and worsening well-being. The film is consistently grim, and Grave of the Fireflies' ending packs one last emotional punch for audiences, making it likely for them to hold off on revisiting the film for quite some time.
1 Schindler's List (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
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Schindler's List
- Release Date
- December 15, 1993
- Runtime
- 195 Minutes
- Director
- Steven Spielberg
WHERE TO WATCH
Schindler's List is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, chronicling the efforts of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes, the film vividly portrays the atrocities committed during World War II while highlighting Schindler's transformation from a profit-driven industrialist to a humanitarian savior.
Any movie about the Holocaust is bound to garner an emotional response from audiences, with Schindler's List featuring one of the most devastating stories. The film depicts the transformation of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) from an apathetic German industrialist to a humanitarian after he saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish people. Steven Spielberg earned his first Best Director and Best Picture Academy Awards with the film, and Schindler's List has continued to be recognized as one of the best films of all time.
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The film has earned acclaim for its honest, yet accessible historical narrative and Spielberg has been positively recognized for his use of color in the film, most memorably with the young girl in a red coat. The portrayal of the Holocaust in Schindler's List is unflinching and purposefully uncomfortable to sit through, leaving very few people willing to frequently return to the film after their first viewing.
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