How do we move on after losing someone or something dear? Movies have a long history of tackling difficult topics, and grief is no exception.
By exploring characters grappling with loss, these films can offer comfort, validation, and even a glimmer of hope. This list includes heart-wrenching dramas, heartwarming animated features, and even a touch of magical realism.
Let’s dive into 10 movies that showcase the raw and nuanced realities of grief.
Table of Contents
- Manchester by the Sea
- Estiu 1993 (Summer 1993)
- Three Colors: Blue
- Wild
- Pig
- Rabbit Hole
- A Ghost Story
- Up
- The Fault in Our Stars
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
1. Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Casey Affleck delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as Lee Chandler, a man shrouded in grief.
When his estranged brother dies, Lee is forced to return to his hometown, a place that holds nothing but painful memories. Throw in a teenage nephew who needs a guardian, and you’ve got a recipe for hilarious awkwardness, tear-jerking moments, and enough emotional baggage to fill a cruise ship.
Buckle up and get ready for a powerful journey of grief, forgiveness, and maybe even a sliver of hope.
2. Estiu 1993 (Summer 1993) (2017)
Has fate taken a giant shovel and completely flipped your life script? Six-year-old Frida (Laia Artigas) gets it.
After losing her mom, she’s whisked away to live with her relatives in rural Spain. This Spanish film, which holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, is a gentle reminder that even in the face of tragedy, life goes on – complete with ice cream, swimming pools, and the occasional tantrum.
Be prepared for moments of pure sweetness alongside the bittersweet pangs of loss.
3. Three Colors: Blue (1993)
Imagine losing everything you love in the blink of an eye. That’s Julie’s (Juliette Binoche) reality in “Three Colors: Blue,” the first film in Krzysztof Kieślowski’s stunning trilogy. Devastated by a car crash, she shuts herself off from the world, seeking solace in silence.
This hauntingly beautiful French film, which holds a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, isn’t afraid to take you to the dark corners of grief, but there’s also a quiet hope that flickers in the distance.
Get ready for a melancholic masterpiece that will leave you pondering the depths of human emotion.
4. Wild (2014)
Based on a true story, “Wild,” directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, follows Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) on a solo hike that’s more than just conquering a mountain range.
Witness her journey of self-discovery as she confronts her grief, grapples with her past, and finds solace in the beauty of nature. This film proves that sometimes the best therapy is a good pair of hiking boots and a whole lot of blisters.
5. Pig (2021)
Nicolas Cage delivers a captivating performance (because when does he not?) as Rob, a truffle hunter living a life of solitude in the Oregon wilderness. When his beloved pig is stolen, Rob is forced to revisit his past as a celebrated chef and confront the unspoken grief he carries.
This movie, which holds an impressive 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, explores loss, memory, and the unexpected connections we form.
6. Rabbit Hole (2010)
This film isn’t afraid to get real about grief. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart star as a couple struggling to cope with the unimaginable loss of their child.
As they navigate their pain in different ways, “Rabbit Hole” offers a poignant look at love, loss, and the unpredictable path to healing.
7. A Ghost Story (2017)
Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck star in a hauntingly beautiful exploration of loss, love, and the passage of time.
We follow a recently deceased man who sticks around in his old house, watching his wife grieve. Told from the perspective of a ghost draped in a bedsheet with eyeholes (yes, you read that right), this film will leave you pondering the meaning of life, death, and everything in between.
8. Up (2009)
This Pixar animation takes you on a whimsical adventure with Carl Fredricksen, a grumpy widower on a mission to fulfill a lifelong dream he shared with his late wife, Ellie.
Armed with a grumpy demeanor, a lifetime’s worth of balloons, and a determined spirit, Carl sets off on a hilarious journey to South America.
Beneath the fantastical adventure lies a heartwarming story about love, loss, and the courage to embrace new beginnings, even when you least expect it.
9. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Buckle up for a whirlwind romance between two extraordinary teenagers who share a love of books, cynicism, and living life to the fullest, despite battling cancer.
This isn’t your typical tearjerker romance. Sure, there’s love, loss, and enough metaphors to fill a hospital wing, but Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) will have you laughing until you cry (or maybe cry-laughing?).
This film, based on John Green’s novel of the same name, is a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of hope, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
10. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) is one mad mama on a mission. After months with no leads in her daughter’s murder, she decides to take matters into her own hands – with three giant, rage-filled billboards calling out the town’s police chief.
This dark comedy, directed by Martin McDonagh, is a wild ride that tackles grief, anger, and the search for justice in a small town with a whole lot of secrets. Get ready for sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and a story that’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.
Are you looking for more movies about similar topics?
If so, consider checking out ‘10 Movies About Depression,’ ‘Best Movies About Addiction,’ and ‘10 Movies About Dementia.’
