Life is replete with a myriad of emotions, and grief is undeniably one of the most challenging ones to process. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the general feeling of sorrow, grief can be overwhelming. However, art, in its various forms, has always been a salve for the soul. One such form, cinema, with its emotive storytelling capabilities, can serve as a cathartic medium. This article aims to guide you through a curated list of movies about grief that you might find relatable and healing during your emotional journey.
The Power of Cinema in Healing
Movies, with their powerful narratives and empathetic characters, can often provide comfort during challenging times. By watching characters navigate their feelings, viewers can gain insights, feel validated in their emotions, and even find strategies to deal with their own experiences. This especially rings true for movies about grief, which delve into the intricacies of loss, sorrow, and the journey towards acceptance and healing.
A Curated Selection of Movies about Grief
This selection ranges from poignant dramas to lighthearted comedies and profound children’s films, each providing a unique perspective on grief and loss.
Exploring Grief through Romance
Ghost (1990)
This movie intertwines romance and the supernatural, with the protagonist’s spirit trying to protect his loved one from impending danger. Viewers witness the unending bond of love that transcends the boundaries of life and death.
A Walk to Remember (2002)
A poignant tale of young love amid a life-threatening illness, this movie can stir your emotions while subtly demonstrating the healing power of love during times of grief.
Meet Joe Black (1998)
This film personifies death in the form of a young man named Joe Black. It explores the concept of death and life’s impermanence while highlighting the beauty of living and loving fully.
Dramatic Depictions of Grief and Loss
Marley and Me (2008)
A heartwarming tale of a lovable dog and his family, this film beautifully captures the joy pets bring into our lives, and the profound grief that follows their inevitable departure.
Something’s Gotta Give
“Something’s Gotta Give” is a 2003 romantic comedy film directed by Nancy Meyers. The movie stars Jack Nicholson as Harry Sanborn, a wealthy and charming playboy who prefers dating younger women. However, during a romantic getaway at a beachfront home, Harry has a heart attack and is rushed to the hospital.
There, he meets the mother of his girlfriend, Erica Barry, played by Diane Keaton. Erica is a successful playwright and a divorced woman in her 50s. Despite their initial differences, an unexpected romance blossoms between Harry and Erica as they spend time together during his recovery.
The film humorously explores the challenges and prejudices associated with age-gap relationships, as well as the complexities of love and personal growth. “Something’s Gotta Give” is known for its witty dialogue, strong performances, and heartfelt moments, particularly between Nicholson and Keaton. It’s a heartwarming story of late-life romance and self-discovery.
Field of Dreams (1989)
This movie masterfully uses fantasy and sports to explore the themes of loss and reconciliation with the past, making it a poignant reflection on father-son relationships and the grieving process.
Collateral Beauty
“Collateral Beauty” is a 2016 drama film directed by David Frankel. The movie follows the story of Howard Inlet (played by Will Smith), a successful New York advertising executive who is left deeply bereaved and emotionally disconnected after the tragic loss of his young daughter. In his complicated grief, Howard writes letters to abstract concepts: Love, Time, and Death, as a way to express his pain and seek answers.
To Howard’s surprise, his letters elicit responses from unexpected sources. Actors, hired by his concerned colleagues and friends, play the roles of Love (Keira Knightley), Time (Jacob Latimore), and Death (Helen Mirren) and confront Howard with their profound insights and wisdom.
“Collateral Beauty” explores themes of loss, love, and human connection, ultimately delivering a message of hope and the transformative power of reaching out to others in times of pain. The film encourages viewers to reflect on the profound interplay of these abstract concepts in our lives.
Me and Earl and The Dying Girl (2015)
This coming-of-age drama revolves around the friendship between high school students, one of whom is battling leukemia. The film skillfully interweaves humor with heavy themes like illness and grief.
Humorous Takes on the Theme of Death
Beetlejuice (1988)
A comedy about the afterlife, this great movie offers a light-hearted exploration of death and the hereafter, proving that even a subject as serious as death can be approached with humor.
Funny People (2009)
This film blends comedy and drama to tell the story of a comedian who receives a fatal diagnosis, offering a unique perspective on life, mortality, and the healing power of humor.
Children’s Films Tackling the Concept of Death
Soul (2020)
In this beautifully animated film, a jazz pianist’s soul ends up in an otherworldly place after his sudden death. The film cleverly integrates the concept of death into a narrative that is engaging for both kids and adults.
Coco (2017)
This visually stunning great movie takes viewers on a young boy’s journey to the Land of the Dead in search of his great-great-grandfather. Besides being an entertaining watch, it serves as a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and remembrance.
5. Movies that Reflect on Grief and Healing
The Descendants (2011)
This film revolves around a man who must reconcile with his daughters and family after his wife falls into a coma. It poignantly portrays the stages of grief and the struggle to move forward.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)
After losing his father in the tragic events of September 11th, a young boy embarks on a mission to understand his father’s life. The film beautifully captures the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound loss.
John Wick
“John Wick” is an action thriller film released in 2014, directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch. The movie stars Keanu Reeves as the titular character, John Wick, a retired hitman seeking vengeance for the death of his beloved dog and the theft of his car.
The story begins with John Wick mourning his wife’s recent death when he receives a final gift from her—a puppy named Daisy. His grief is further compounded when a group of Russian gangsters led by Iosef Tarasov (played by Alfie Allen) breaks into his house, steals his car, and kills his puppy. Little do they know that John Wick is a legendary assassin with a fearsome reputation.
In his quest for revenge, John returns to the world of organized crime, seeking out his former associate Winston (played by Ian McShane) at the Continental, a hotel that serves as a neutral ground for assassins. John navigates a world of assassins, contracts, and alliances, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake as he hunts down those responsible for his suffering.
Sixth Sense
“The Sixth Sense” is a 1999 supernatural thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film centers around Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist played by Bruce Willis, who is determined to help a young boy named Cole Sear, portrayed by Haley Joel Osment.
Cole possesses an extraordinary ability: he sees and communicates with the dead. However, his unsettling encounters with restless spirits have left him isolated and deeply frightened. Dr. Crowe takes on Cole as a patient and becomes determined to unravel the mystery behind his disturbing visions.
As Dr. Crowe delves deeper into Cole’s world, he also grapples with his own personal struggles and a troubled marriage. The movie gradually builds tension and suspense as it explores themes of fear, trauma, and the unknown.
Without revealing any spoilers, “The Sixth Sense” is renowned for its unexpected and iconic twist ending that redefines the entire narrative. The film is celebrated for its storytelling, psychological intrigue, and memorable performances, especially by Haley Joel Osment, and it remains a landmark in the thriller genre.
Comedies that Tackle the Concept of Death
The Bucket List (2007)
This film follows the journey of two terminally ill men who decide to live their remaining days to the fullest. Despite the grim premise, the film is filled with humorous moments that remind viewers to savor life’s experiences.
Films about Friendship and Loss
My Girl (1991)
This film is a poignant portrayal of a young girl learning to cope with her best friend’s sudden death. It’s a touching exploration of friendship, loss, and the grieving process in adolescence.
The Big Chill (1983)
In this film, a group of old friends reunite after one of them commits suicide. Through their shared grief, viewers witness the power of friendship in facilitating healing.
Conclusion
Movies about grief can offer solace, validate your feelings, and help you navigate the complex journey of grief. These films remind us that it’s okay to grieve, to cry, and to feel overwhelmed. They also show that healing is possible, and that joy can be found again, even after a profound loss. So, whether you’re in the mood for a tearjerker, a comedy, or a thought-provoking drama, give one of these movies a chance – you might find them therapeutic in ways you never imagined.
