Not many genres have earned appreciation of death. Since the 1970’s, death has often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s terminally ill teenagers, children with powers or aging fathers, the genre has created many compelling characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about death which deserve to be celebrated.
1. Ordinary People
It’s challenging facing the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low when our beloved housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper faced a tragic murder. Her devastating death left family mourning. Affected by depression, my family couldn’t deal with the sad loss of a housemaid we had regarded with affection. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how death can impact the lives of ordinary people as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Ever since its release in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about death. With the greatest film of his career, Redford used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a family impacted by death causing despair. Redford is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for making movies about death, and “Ordinary People” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker clearly. Redford effectively used flashbacks to capture an anxious family haunted by memories of a tragedy. For instance, the final scene in which Calvin has a moment of silence with his son Conrad grieving loss of a loved one causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Donald Sutherland, who portrayed an anxiety-ridden father struggling to cope with a tragic loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” my favourite film about death of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a bold message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of ordinary people impacted by upsetting passings of family members that are painful, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre producing movies about death which audiences consider special.
2. The Sixth Sense
Psychologists have shaped my personality. At an early age, I began seeing a psychologist delivering an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began meeting a therapist that helped me cope with adversity. His valuable guidance allowed me to cope with a painful experience. As someone treasuring fond memories of a psychologist that had sense, I adored “The Sixth Sense”. Released in 1999, M. Night Shyamalan’s horror movie captured child psychologists haunted by tragedies. Shyamalan has always had an aptitude for making movies about death evoking terror, and “The Sixth Sense” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Shyamalan effectively uses foreshadowing to capture a child haunted by visions of dead people that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Lynn discovers her son can communicate with dead people causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Haley Joel Osment, who embodied a child haunted by visions of death. Ultimately, what makes “The Sixth Sense” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as Cole’s sixth sense, it’s a bold reminder of a genre with commitment making movies achieving a following that’s immense.
3. Magnolia
Terminal illness has impacted my family. Several years ago, my family learned that our beloved uncle had been diagnosed with Cancer causing sorrow. I vividly remember my uncle was always an optimistic person that looked at the world from a positive perspective. His devastating death left my family emotionally affected. As someone mourning the loss of a terminally ill relative that caused trauma, I adored “Magnolia”. Released in 1999, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie offered a powerful portrait of death causing people to face trauma. Anderson used captivating montages capturing individuals impacted by loss in America. For instance, the scene in which Mackie breaks down crying after meeting his father on his deathbed after several years causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Cruise, who embodied a comedian impacted by family death. Ultimately, what makes “Magnolia” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of individuals in Los Angeles affected by loss causing trauma, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has made movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Harry Potter is a magical franchise that has shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. I recall memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s book series during my childhood that shaped my identity. Death has always been a central theme in the series, and it is most evident in the final film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. Released in 2011, David Yates’ final Harry Potter film brought the series to a satisfying conclusion. Yates uses captivating low-key lighting to capture a wizard confronting his death that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Harry summons the courage to confront his death offering himself to Voldemort causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a spellbinding performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied a wizard confronting his death. Ultimately, what makes “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a great Harry Potter film is its message. Unlike most movies in the magical franchise, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a heartbreaking message about the importance of confronting death which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic farewell towards a phenomenal franchise casting a magical spell, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has unforgettable stories to tell.
5. The Descendants
Single fathers often face obstacles that are challenging. Several years ago, a close friend of my family lost his wife to illness causing sorrow. Left devastated, he struggled to raise kids without his wife he appreciated. As someone that witnessed a father facing resentments, I admired “The Descendants”. Released in 2011, Alexander Payne’s movie captured a family torn apart by death causing tragedy. Payne has always had an aptitude for making compelling movies about death, and “The Descendants” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the sequence in which Matt begins crying experiencing a nervous breakdown after discovering his wife’s romantic affair causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is George Clooney, who embodied a father impacted by death. Ultimately, what makes “The Descendants” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about grief that would resonate with anyone. A heartbreaking depiction of a family grieving loss that’s devastating, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making engaging movies about death which are worth celebrating.
6. The Farewell
Death causing trauma affects families in China. In Chinese culture, families confront death in a different way than in the West. When relatives are about to die, the family must keep it a secret from them. The way in which Chinese families deal with relatives that are unwell is beautifully depicted in “The Farewell”. Released in 2019, Lulu Wang’s movie offered a powerful portrait of a Chinese family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Farewell” stand out is its strong depiction of families in China. Wang uses captivating montages to capture hardships families in China are facing. Assisted by Awkwafina who is amazing in the lead role, Wang honours families in China. A fantastic portrait of hardships Chinese families face, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which audiences embrace.
7. The Fault in Our Stars
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about death affecting stars, it’s worth discussing The Fault in Our Stars. Since its publication in 2012, John Green’s book has become a literary classic. In 2014, Josh Boone honoured the book in his movie “The Fault in Our Stars”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Fault in Our Stars” stand out is its depiction of terminal illness. Boone uses captivating montages capturing hardships that terminally ill teens are facing. The film captures the way death can affect terminally ill teenagers in an authentic manner. Assisted by Shailene Woodley who is spectacular in the lead role, Boone honoured a beloved book about illness. A powerful portrait of terminal illness causing lives of teens to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making engaging movies which audiences appreciate.
8. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a great book about death that has built a lasting legacy. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire overcoming poverty in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours a commemorated book published years ago. A great adaptation of a book about millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about the subject of death which audiences consider to be precious.
9. Just Mercy
The death penalty affects prisoners living in America today. America has built an image of being a country in which innocent convicts face the death penalty causing damage. The consequences of the death penalty in America are beautifully captured in the movie “Just Mercy”. Released in 2019, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured the death penalty. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Just Mercy” stand out is its depiction of racism. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing hardships that black convicts on death row are facing. Assisted by Jamie Foxx who is amazing in the lead role, Cretton created a captivating portrait of the death penalty. As strong as Bryan Stevenson’s desire to resolve his case, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences embrace.
10. The Lovely Bones
Few movies ever made about the death of children with lovely bones are as beloved as “The Lovely Bones”. Released in 2009, Peter Jackson’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about death. Jackson used captivating montages capturing a teen girl entering an afterlife that’s frightening. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is amazing in the lead role, Jackson captured child abduction. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of teen girls that are victims of death has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Susie’s desire to observe her family from heaven, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies about death causing people to face tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 