Buzz
Similar to a poignant blues tune or a heartfelt country melody, films that explore sadness have the ability to make us feel connected, reminding us that we're not alone in our struggles. These movies can offer a sense of emotional release or simply allow us to immerse ourselves in our feelings. However, a sad film isn't necessarily the same as a feel-bad film: while Beaches might bring tears to your eyes, a movie like The Road can completely shatter your belief in the possibility of good in the world. These films aren't enjoyable in the traditional sense, though they may have moments of dark humor, but they are undeniably thought-provoking; and that's where their allure lies. In a world dominated by blockbusters that reassure us everything is fine and our lives are safe for consumerism, it can be oddly exhilarating when that sense of security is abruptly taken away.
It's also comforting to feel validated: while it's not the full picture, there are plenty of reasons to feel disheartened about the state of the world. There are genuine causes for anger and fear, and the relentless optimism of summer blockbusters can sometimes feel like a form of emotional manipulation. These films won't offer much comfort, but they will acknowledge your feelings and remind you that it's okay to believe that many things have gone awry.
The Mist (2007)
This adaptation of Stephen King's work was helmed by Frank Darabont, who is more famously known for his uplifting King film, The Shawshank Redemption. However, there's no sense of redemption in this story, as a group of townspeople trapped in a grocery store during a Lovecraftian apocalypse turn on each other instead of uniting against the external horrors. Despite some questionable CGI effects, the film has grown more relevant over time, making it even more difficult to watch now than in the comparatively optimistic 2000s. And then there's the devastating ending, which stands as one of the most brutally bleak conclusions in cinema history.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Humphrey Bogart once remarked about his now-legendary character Fred C. Dobbs: “Wait until you see my next film; I portray the most despicable character you’ve ever encountered.” He wasn’t exaggerating. The film leaves some ambiguity as to whether Dobbs is morally corrupted by the titular treasure or if he was inherently flawed from the start. Throughout the movie, he rationalizes his reprehensible actions by convincing himself that he’s merely preempting his partners from betraying him—a justification many of us might recognize in our own lives. Needless to say, the story doesn’t end well for most of the characters involved.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Precious (2009)
While Precious doesn’t have the most devastating conclusion on this list, that’s little comfort given the harrowing life endured by Gabourey Sidibe’s character by the age of 16—a life marked by unimaginable abuse and neglect. Sidibe’s performance, which earned her a well-deserved Best Actress Oscar nomination, is both heart-wrenching and unforgettable, making the film a profoundly difficult yet impactful watch.
Where to stream: Peacock
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream offers no redemption for its star-studded cast of characters battling heroin and amphetamine addictions. As the title implies (though downplays), the film portrays the tragic end of any dream beyond the desperate need to survive long enough to secure more drugs, often by any means possible. Far from being a preachy after-school special, the film’s escalating desperation and intense visuals deliver a far more compelling argument against drug use than any educational video ever could—if only overcoming addiction were that straightforward.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Tubi, Redbox, Pluto, Plex
The Road (2009)
In this hauntingly beautiful yet relentlessly grim adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, an unnamed father and son (referred to only as “man” and “boy”) navigate an unspecified apocalyptic world. Struggling to survive on their journey to the coast, driven by rumors of better conditions, they face cannibals, scavengers, and starvation. The faintest glimmer of hope lies in the single bullet Viggo Mortensen’s character carries, a grim contingency for when things inevitably worsen. The film serves as a powerful metaphor for the pervasive despair many endure, though it’s far from a feel-good cinematic experience.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Vudu, Tubi, Redbox, Plex, Freevee
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969)
What could possibly be more entertaining than a dance marathon? Sydney Pollack’s depression-era drama feels more relevant than ever, mirroring the struggles of modern America. The film centers on an exhausting, non-stop dance competition lasting over a month, where couples dance with minimal breaks, hoping to win $1,500 or gain minor fame (a practice rooted in reality, as the story is based on a 1935 novel). In today’s world of social media, reality TV, and exploitative labor practices, the idea of individuals sacrificing their dignity and health for a chance at fleeting recognition or meager rewards feels all too familiar. They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? starkly reminds us that this cycle of exploitation is nothing new.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Pet Sematary (1989)
While the 2019 remake is more polished as a film, the 1989 adaptation of Stephen King’s bestselling novel remains the more iconic, thanks to its unique mix of genuine terror and (possibly unintentional) campiness. Like the book, the movie powerfully argues that oblivion might be preferable to life’s tragedies, suggesting that the afterlife could be even more horrifying. As Fred Gwynne’s Jud Crandall aptly puts it: “Sometimes, dead is better.”
(Was there ever a more perfect casting than Gwynne as Jud?)
Where to stream: Paramount+, Epix
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
Noir films are known for their bleak conclusions, so unhappy endings are expected. The Motion Picture Production Code mandated that criminals and morally ambiguous characters meet grim fates, and noir embraced this by glorifying flawed protagonists who fight against their inevitable doom, even if they rarely succeed. Shakespeare’s tragedies often end in death, and Kiss Me Deadly distinguishes itself in the genre for two reasons: its protagonist, Mike Hammer (Ralph Meeker), is a ruthless, amoral private detective, and the film’s ending isn’t just dark—it’s cataclysmic. The enigmatic briefcase, central to the plot, and its ultimate fate have influenced countless filmmakers.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel
Dancer in the Dark (2000)
The film that indirectly inspired Björk’s famous swan dress at the Oscars is far less whimsical than that iconic fashion moment might suggest (the singer performed “I’ve Seen It All,” which was nominated for Best Song). Drawing inspiration from 1950s and ‘60s Hollywood melodramas, filtered through the bleak lens of Danish director Lars von Trier, Björk delivers a stunning performance as Selma Ježková, a Czech immigrant and factory worker losing her eyesight. Her desperate efforts to save money for a surgery that could save her son from the same fate spiral into tragedy. This musical drama is a powerful, heart-wrenching experience that demands to be seen at least once, though it’s unlikely to become a regular rewatch for most.
Where to stream: Kanopy
In a Lonely Place (1950)
While not exactly a forgotten gem, Nicholas Ray’s In a Lonely Place never quite secured its place in Humphrey Bogart’s celebrated filmography, possibly due to its somber conclusion. The film is intensely gripping, featuring career-defining performances from Gloria Grahame and, particularly, Humphrey Bogart. Bogart portrays Dix Steele, a troubled Hollywood screenwriter who becomes romantically involved with a lonely neighbor while under suspicion for murder. The noir elements serve as a backdrop to the gradual unraveling of a deeply dysfunctional relationship, one that’s inevitably doomed but never uninteresting. The film also carries a subtle meta-commentary on Hollywood’s obsession with formulaic movies and celebrity culture—themes that remain relevant even after seven decades.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Logan (2017)
In a landscape dominated by superhero films designed to comfort rather than challenge, Logan stands apart by posing the question: “What’s the point of it all?” Hugh Jackman’s Logan, now a limo driver in El Paso, spends his days caring for Patrick Stewart’s Professor Xavier, who suffers from dementia that’s both heartbreaking and perilous given his telepathic powers. Superhero stories often thrive on maintaining a static status quo, but Logan critiques this stagnation, envisioning a world where decades of heroism have yielded little progress. By the film’s end, there’s a glimmer of hope that a new generation might learn from past mistakes, though no promises are made.
Where to stream: FX Now, Freevee
Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
The lingering scars of the Vietnam War cast a long shadow over Jacob’s Ladder, a film that often gets overlooked among the ‘80s movies addressing America’s involvement in that prolonged conflict. Tim Robbins stars as Jacob Singer, a Vietnam veteran now residing in New York, who is haunted by surreal and terrifying visions that foreshadow the unsettling atmospheres of films like Requiem for a Dream and games like Silent Hill. While it may not fully encapsulate the weight of traumatic stress, it masterfully conveys its disorienting, nightmarish essence. Without spoiling the film’s iconic twist ending, it’s worth noting that it reinforces the movie’s overall melancholic tone.
Where to stream: Paramount+
Atonement (2007)
In this adaptation of Ian McEwan’s World War II-era novel, the impulsive accusation of a 13-year-old girl, driven by a mix of spite and misunderstanding, reverberates across decades. While it carries the hallmarks of a romantic drama, Atonement underscores how a single act of cruelty, even if unintentional, can ripple through and irrevocably alter the lives of many. It’s a poignant reminder to tread carefully in our actions.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Welcome to the Dollhouse (1996)
Nearly any Todd Solondz film could find a place on this list; his (unremarkable) debut, titled Fear, Anxiety & Depression, hints at his early recognition of his talent for crafting bleak, depressive comedies. Welcome to the Dollhouse earns its spot for introducing Dawn Weiner (Heather Matarazzo), one of his most vividly portrayed and beleaguered characters. In this film, Solondz captures how adolescence, especially for those who don’t fit conventional molds, isn’t just awkward—it’s devastating. Yet, it’s also darkly humorous. Dawn reappears in other Solondz films, each time facing a different, equally sorrowful fate, offering a choose-your-own-adventure of melancholy.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Blue Valentine (2010)
The Mills Brothers’ line, “You always hurt the ones you love,” resonates deeply in many romantic films, but rarely is it portrayed with such heartbreaking finality as in Blue Valentine. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star as a couple who, despite early struggles, appear to be laying the groundwork for a stable future together. Until everything falls apart. The film employs a non-linear narrative to weave through the highs and lows of their relationship, from its hopeful beginnings to its devastating conclusion. This structure doesn’t confuse—it intensifies the emotional impact, juxtaposing their happiest moments with the inevitable heartbreak that follows.
Where to stream: Peacock
Never Let Me Go (2010)
Mark Romanek and Alex Garland’s dystopian sci-fi drama, based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, envisions a world where scientific breakthroughs have significantly extended human life. The twist? Human clones exist solely as organ donors for the privileged. While this might seem like a boon for those who benefit, for the clones, it’s a grim existence. The film offers a haunting exploration of ethics, identity, and the cost of progress.
Where to stream: Max Go
Videodrome (1983)
David Cronenberg’s early body-horror masterpiece centers on a Toronto TV station known for its extreme and sensational content. Max (James Woods), the station’s president, becomes obsessed with a broadcast showcasing the torture and murder of unidentified individuals. While military-backed moral crusaders target the station, the film suggests that censors aren’t always acting in our best interest, nor can they shield us from our own dark impulses. In classic Cronenberg fashion, the narrative spirals into increasingly bizarre and surreal territory, yet at its core lies a prescient commentary on modern entertainment and the ongoing tension between moral crusaders and the relentless tide of exploitative media.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
Nicholas Roeg’s The Man Who Fell to Earth is a profound allegory about the dangers of wealth and fame, blending rock-infused sci-fi with a tale of captivity and addiction—featuring an alien protagonist. David Bowie stars as Thomas Jerome Newton, whose journey from celebrated extraterrestrial to a broken, substance-dependent recluse is poignantly foreshadowed by the film’s title. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the corrosive effects of human vices, even on those from beyond our world.
Where to stream: Digital rental
