Coping with Loss: Movies to Watch When You’re Grieving
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Introduction
Grieving is tough, and sometimes, finding solace in movies to watch while you’re grieving can make a world of difference. But can movies really help with grief? Absolutely. Films have a unique way of reflecting our experiences, showing us we’re not alone in our struggles, and offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.
Types of Movies to Watch When You’re Grieving
Dramatic Movies
These films serve as a gentle reminder that everyone faces hardships, fostering gratitude for the good times and reducing feelings of isolation in sorrow. Delving deep into human emotions and experiences, they offer inspiration and reflection, showcasing how resilience often emerges from life’s challenges.
Sad or Tragic Movies
While they may not lift your spirits, these films provide a profound exploration of grief and loss, acknowledging the universal human experience of sorrow. Offering catharsis and a sense of connection to others who have experienced similar pain, they validate the complexity of human emotions.
Happy Movies
Amidst the tears, a movie that offers empathy or understanding can provide a much-needed release. Celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, these films touch our hearts and remind us of the beauty and joy in life, offering a glimmer of hope and comfort.
Recommendations of Movies to Watch When You’re Grieving
Here’s a curated list of movies across different genres, each offering a unique take on loss, grief, and resilience:
Emotionally Impactful Animation
Inside Out (2015)
This Pixar masterpiece dives into the complex symphony of emotions inside 11-year-old Riley’s head, brought to life by five quirky characters—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. As Riley navigates the emotional rollercoaster of moving to a new city, Inside Out reminds us that sadness isn’t the villain; it’s an essential part of healing. Equal parts funny and deeply moving, this film wraps you in a warm emotional hug while whispering, “It’s okay to not be okay.”
Coco (2017)
A vibrant celebration of family, memory, and the afterlife, Coco is a visual and emotional feast set against Mexico’s Día de los Muertos. Aspiring musician Miguel embarks on an extraordinary journey to the Land of the Dead, where he discovers the power of honoring loved ones who’ve passed. With its stunning visuals and heartfelt messages about love, legacy, and connection, this movie feels like a soul-soothing serenade to those we’ve lost.
Up (2009)
Who knew a balloon house could carry so much emotional baggage? Up soars into your heart with its tear-jerking opening montage that captures a lifetime of love and loss in just a few minutes. But it’s more than just sadness—it’s an uplifting (pun intended) story about healing, adventure, and rediscovering purpose. With Carl’s grumpy charm, Russell’s boundless energy, and Dug’s hilarious squirrel obsession, Up reminds us that new beginnings can come from the most unexpected places.
Heartfelt Dramas
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Raw, unflinching, and quietly devastating, Manchester by the Sea is a masterclass in portraying grief at its most soul-crushing. When Lee Chandler, a man drowning in his own past, is tasked with caring for his teenage nephew after a family tragedy, we see how loss lingers and reshapes life. With its stark New England backdrop and heart-wrenching performances, this film doesn’t offer easy answers—just a profoundly human reminder that sometimes, surviving is enough.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith shines in this inspirational tearjerker about the resilience of the human spirit. Based on a true story, The Pursuit of Happyness follows Chris Gardner, a struggling single father who faces homelessness while chasing a nearly impossible dream of becoming a stockbroker. This movie doesn’t sugarcoat hardship, but its triumphant message—that persistence and love can conquer even the darkest days—will leave you cheering through the tears.
A Monster Calls (2016)
Hauntingly beautiful and achingly honest, A Monster Calls is a tale of a boy grappling with his mother’s terminal illness, guided by a towering, fantastical yew tree that teaches him the painful truth about loss. Part fairy tale, part gut-punch drama, this film is a cathartic masterpiece that shows how grief isn’t just sadness—it’s a storm of anger, confusion, and acceptance. With stunning visuals and a story that lingers, it’s the kind of movie that leaves you emotionally wrecked in the best way.
Family & Relationships
Big Fish (2003)
Whimsical, fantastical, and deeply poignant, Big Fish is a magical exploration of the stories we tell to make sense of our lives—and our deaths. When Edward Bloom’s tall tales clash with his son’s need for truth, it becomes a journey of reconciling the man with the myth. Tim Burton’s vibrant visuals and quirky charm add layers to this heartfelt film about love, legacy, and how our stories live on even after we’re gone. Bring tissues—lots of them.
This Is Where I Leave You (2014)
Equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and achingly bittersweet, this family dramedy finds the Altman siblings sitting shiva after their father’s passing. With simmering tensions, long-buried secrets, and a whole lot of sibling chaos, This Is Where I Leave You is a chaotic, relatable ride through the messy realities of family and grief. It’s a hug of a movie that says, “It’s okay if your family is dysfunctional—everyone’s is.”
My Girl (1991)
A coming-of-age classic that will break your heart and piece it back together, My Girl follows young Vada Sultenfuss as she navigates life, loss, and friendship in small-town America. With her quirky personality and a sweet bond with best friend Thomas J., Vada’s journey through childhood innocence and first heartbreak feels achingly real. Equal parts funny and devastating, this film is a nostalgic tearjerker that reminds us how profoundly loss shapes us.
Philosophical + Thought Provoking
“The Fountain” (2006)
A mesmerizing tapestry of love, death, and rebirth, The Fountain intertwines three timelines to tell a single story of a man’s desperate quest to conquer mortality and save the woman he loves. Hugh Jackman delivers a deeply emotional performance as Tommy, a modern-day scientist, Tomás, a 16th-century Spanish conquistador, and a future traveler in space. Each era is bound by his love for Rachel Weisz’s character, who faces mortality with grace and acceptance. Visually stunning and profoundly philosophical, this film explores grief and the human need to find meaning in loss through breathtaking imagery and an unforgettable score.
“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” (2011)
In Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, we follow Oskar Schell, a precocious boy processing the loss of his father in the 9/11 attacks. His journey across New York City, spurred by a mysterious key left behind by his dad, unravels as a quest to reconnect with his father’s memory while learning about human connection and resilience. This heart-wrenching drama balances Oskar’s raw grief with moments of hope, offering a poignant look at the ways loss reshapes families and individuals alike.
“All of Us Strangers” (2023)
For me, All of Us Strangers takes the crown. This film isn’t just a story—it’s a raw, soul-stirring experience that gets under your skin and stays there. It blurs the line between the real and the surreal, diving headfirst into grief, memory, and love in a way that feels achingly human. The performances are heartbreakingly good, and the cinematography? Pure poetry. It’s the kind of film that lingers, leaving you reeling with its beauty and emotional depth. It doesn’t just push cinematic boundaries—it smashes them, redefines them, and reminds you why movies matter.”
Cross-cultural Exploration
“The Farewell” (2019)
Bittersweet, heartfelt, and laced with humor, The Farewell centers on Billi, a young Chinese-American woman, as she grapples with her family’s decision to keep her beloved grandmother in the dark about her terminal cancer diagnosis. Together, they stage a fake wedding in China as an excuse to gather and say goodbye. Awkwafina’s tender performance captures the pull between cultural expectations and personal grief, making this film a poignant exploration of love, family, and the unspoken bonds that hold us together. It’s a touching reminder that goodbyes don’t always need words—they’re often written in the quiet moments shared.
Subtitled
“The Three Colours Trilogy – Blue” (1993)
A masterpiece of emotional depth and visual poetry, Blue is the first installment of Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colours Trilogy. It follows Julie (Juliette Binoche), a woman attempting to rebuild her life after losing her husband and daughter in a tragic accident. As she isolates herself from her past, the film gently explores themes of freedom, grief, and the inevitability of connection. With hauntingly beautiful cinematography and an unforgettable score by Zbigniew Preisner, Blue is a meditative journey that immerses viewers in the raw, messy beauty of healing. It’s not just a film; it’s an experience of finding light through darkness.
Word of Caution
While these films can offer comfort and a sense of connection during times of grief, they also have the power to unearth deep and complex emotions. It’s entirely normal to feel overwhelmed or raw after watching them, as they often mirror the pain and beauty of real-life experiences. Take your time processing your feelings, and don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust if you need to talk. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or mental health professional, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Remember, it’s okay to pause, breathe, and prioritize your emotional well-being as you navigate your journey through loss and healing.
Conclusion- Movies to Watch when you’re Grieving
The best movie to watch when grieving is a personal choice, but each of these films should offer some comfort, catharsis or a shared understanding during tough times. So grab some tissues and let the healing begin.
As a funeral celebrant, funeral director, and death doula, my work revolves around supporting individuals through their grief journeys in meaningful and compassionate ways. I’m particularly interested in exploring tools like cinema that provide solace, validation, and healing for those navigating loss. Whether it’s creating a space to cry, reflect, or simply feel seen, these films serve as gentle reminders that we’re not alone in our sorrow. Through my services, I aim to help people find comfort and connection, guiding them through grief with understanding and care.
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