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. To Kill a Mockingbird
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a legendary piece of literature that always inspired by father. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a father that acknowledged books about the segregation era. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love discussing iconic books that he considered to be precious. He would often speak fondly about books capturing the death penalty influencing his identity. Through his lifelong love for great books about mockingbirds, my father inspired me to make film criticism dreams come true. In 1962, my father’s favourite book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Ever since its release in the 1960’s, Robert Mulligan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about death. Mulligan always had an aptitude for making great movies about death causing danger, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Mulligan effectively used dramatic monologues to capture racism during the segregation era. For instance, the scene in which Atticus delivers his final monologue in court about all men being created equal during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gregory Peck, who embodied a lawyer fighting racism in history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” my favourite film about death of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about bold lawyers fighting discrimination in an intense courtroom case, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has made bold movies about death that audiences embrace.
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 making memorable movies achieving a following that’s extremely immense.
3. 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 commonly tell.
4. The Green Mile
The Green Mile is a legendary book about prison my teacher always loved dearly. I remember my teacher was once a huge fan of a legendary book he considered to be timeless literature. He would often strive to educate students about a book capturing the death penalty causing prisons to deteriorate. In 1999, Frank Darabont honoured the iconic book about hostile prisons in his movie “The Green Mile”. Darabont used captivating montages capturing hardships that inmates facing the death penalty in prisons are experiencing. For instance, the scene in which John Coffey performs a miracle saving a deceased rat in the prison causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tom Hanks, who portrayed a death row guard facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Green Mile” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most prison movies, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about hope that will resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of frightening prisons that are hostile, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which are worthwhile.
5. Bright Star
Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of a legendary poet in English history. Campion successfully used montages capturing the struggles of a legendary poet with terminal illness that is dying. For instance, the scene in which Fanny first becomes aware that Keats has died from his terminal illness causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ben Whishaw, who portrayed a poet inspiring awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about poets, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a poet that readers celebrate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making movies audiences appreciate.
6. Ordinary People
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my housekeeper passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His sad passing left my family mourning. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured painful emotions of losing relatives as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s extraordinary movie depicted a family faced tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Ordinary People” stand out is its strong sense of realism. Robert Redford created a portrait of family tragedy that’s realistic. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who reminds us how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. A powerful portrait of grief impacting the lives of ordinary people, it’s an extraordinary reminder of a genre that audiences consider extremely special.
7. Magnolia
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned the recognition of Paul Thomas Anderson. With their thought-provoking themes, strong storytelling and amazing acting, Anderson’s movies have earned a huge following. In 1999, Anderson showcased his strength for making movies about death causing trauma in his movie “Magnolia”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Magnolia” stand out is its depiction of Los Angeles. Anderson uses captivating montages capturing hardships individuals affected by death in L.A. are facing. Assisted by Tom Cruise who is amazing in the lead role, Anderson created a compelling death drama. A powerful portrait of individuals in Los Angeles affected by loss causing trauma, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which attract audiences towards Cinema.
8. The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games is great literature capturing death that causes danger. Since its publication in 2008, Suzanne Collins’ book has become a classic readers appreciate. Death has always been a central theme in the legendary book. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the book about games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hunger Games” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Ross uses captivating montages capturing an impoverished girl facing games that are frightening. Assisted by Jennifer Lawrence who is amazing in the lead role, Ross created a captivating adaptation of a celebrated book about poverty. As strong as Katniss’ desire to become a feminist hero, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies giving audiences dreams to commonly follow.
9. 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 commonly 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 become victims of death tragedy has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Susie’s desire to watch over her family, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about death causing adversity which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 