The Best Movies Ever Made About Loss Ranked

Not many genres have gained appreciation of depression. Since the 1970’s, stories of grieving people have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s grieving janitors, wallflower teenagers or depressed screenwriters, the genre has created many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about grief which deserve to be celebrated.

1. Ordinary People

It’s challenging to confront loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit crushing lows when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper faced painful murder. Her devastating death left family mourning. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from heartbreaking loss of a housekeeper that tragically died. Few films I’ve seen have captured how painful deaths of people affect families as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Following release in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie has stood test of time as the greatest film ever made about loss. With the greatest film of his career, Redford used innovative cinematic techniques capturing families facing loss despair. Redford is one of those filmmakers that has always had aptitude making family dramas, and “Ordinary People” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Redford effectively used flashbacks capturing a family haunted by a death causing 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 greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who proved how great of an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” my favourite film about loss of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about dysfunctional families which are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. A phenomenal portrait of ordinary people impacted by passings of family members that are insurmountable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable films about consequences of loss that audiences consider special.

2. 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 grief-stricken poet in English history. Campion successfully used montages capturing the struggles of a grief-stricken poets suffering from terminal illness. For instance, the scene in which Fanny first becomes aware that John Keats suffers from 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. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of poetry to appreciate it. 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 a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about grief audiences appreciate.

3. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming bonds with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. A person with larger-than-life presence, he always offered students valuable guidance. His words of wisdom motivated me to pursue film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my identity, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured teachers witnessing loss of teens in a boarding school. Weir used captivating montages capturing the strong bond between a poetry professor and his students he grows to treasure. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids farewell to his students standing on chairs in a classroom is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is Robin Williams, who proved how great of an actor he was before he passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which are outdated, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a bold message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of teachers that play a role guiding teens to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which deserve to be celebrated absolutely today.

4. 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 modern-day Cinema.

5. Manchester by the Sea

Grief is an emotion that has impacted my friend deeply. Several years ago, my friend’s mother passed away from Cancer causing sorrow. Left devastated, my friend couldn’t cope with a terrifying tragedy that left him affected. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from the death of his mother that left him terrified. As someone that witnessed a friend face grief following family tragedy, I adored “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured a grieving janitor affected by a family tragedy. Lonergan has always had an aptitude for making compelling family dramas, and “Manchester by the Sea” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Lonergan uses captivating flashbacks to capture a grieving janitor. For instance, the scene in which Lee Chandler reunites with his wife several years after a tragic accident causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Casey Affleck, who embodies a grieving man impacted by family tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about depression which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of grief that causes fragile families to fall apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has commonly produced meaningful art.

6. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Grief can often cause family tragedy. Several years ago, my housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Left devastated, my family never recovered from death of a housemaid that wasn’t investigated. As someone witnessing family tragedy, I adored “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”. Released in 2017, Martin McDonagh’s movie captured family tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” stand out is its depiction of revenge. McDonagh uses captivating symbolism capturing mothers seeking vengeance for daughters’ killing. Assisted by Frances McDormand who is amazing in the lead role, McDonagh created a captivating drama. As precious as billboards protesting murder, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences commonly treasure.

7. Inception

Christopher Nolan is a great filmmaker that has made memorable movies about loss earning recognition. Loss has always been a central theme in Nolan’s movies, and it is most evident in “Inception”. Released in 2010, Nolan’s science-fiction movie captured a man mourning loss of his wife. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Inception” stand out is its depiction of dreams. Nolan uses captivating cross-cutting capturing a thief mourning the loss of his wife that has passed away in accidents. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Nolan created a captivating science-fiction movie about loss. As strong as Cobb’s desire to make dreams come true, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that manufactured unforgettable movies about the frightening consequences of loss which audiences commonly value.

8. The Farewell

Loss causing trauma affects families in China. In Chinese culture, families confront loss 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.

9. The Descendants

Alexander Payne is a fantastic filmmaker that has often made movies about families facing pain. Payne has built an image of being a director that thrives at capturing families facing emotional damage. Payne’s strength for making movies about families facing resentments is clearly evident in his film “The Descendants”. Released in 2011, Payne’s movie captured a family impacted by a boating tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Descendants” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Payne effectively uses tragicomedy to capture a family impacted by tragedy. Assisted by George Clooney who is amazing in the lead role, Payne created a powerful portrait of families facing pain. As strong as Matt’s bond with his daughter, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences commonly treasure.

10. The Lovely Bones

Few movies ever made about the loss 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 loss. 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 loss 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 that has made unforgettable movies about loss causing families to face tragedy which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.