Movies can transport us to different worlds and make us feel many emotions. However, some films are gut-wrenching and can leave us drained and emotionally exhausted.
Redditors nominated these top-voted films that tackle complicated and heavy subject matters such as loss, grief, and trauma and leave a lasting impact on the audience as the most emotionally draining of all time.
1. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Requiem for a Dream is a movie many refer to as “the greatest movie I never want to watch again.” Directed by Darren Aronofsky, it is a psychological drama.
The film explores the lives of four individuals struggling with addiction and its impact on their relationships and mental health. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans.
2. The Road (2009)
The Road is directed by John Hillcoat and is a post-apocalyptic drama following the journey of a father and his young son as they struggle to survive in a world where most of humanity has been wiped out. Starring Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Charlize Theron.
3. The Green Mile (1999)
Frank Darabont directs The Green Mile. It is a supernatural crime drama that follows the story of a death row corrections officer who develops a friendship with one of the inmates on death row, who possesses a magical gift.
Many in the thread agreed this movie reduced them to a puddle of tears. Starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, and David Morse.
4. The Hurt Locker (2008)
Kathryn Bigelow directs The Hurt Locker, a war drama that follows the lives of soldiers working as bomb disposal experts in Iraq. Starring two Marvel superheroes, Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty, many confessed this film is emotionally exhausting but an incredible story.
5. Schindler’s List (1993) (2008)
Schindler’s List was directed by Steven Spielberg and is a historical drama that portrays the accurate account of a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.
It stars Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley and is known as “a movie everyone should see once, but will likely never watch again.”
6. Dancer in the Dark (2000)
Dancer in the Dark is a musical drama directed by Lars von Trier. It stars Björk, Catherine Deneuve, and David Morse. The film tells the story of Selma, a Czech immigrant living in the United States who is going blind.
She is a single mother trying to save money for an operation to prevent her young son from suffering the same fate. She works in a factory and participates in community musicals to escape her struggles. Still, her life takes a tragic turn when someone steals her savings.
7. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Hotel Rwanda is a historical drama film directed by Terry George. The film stars Don Cheadle as Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide. The film also stars Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, and Joaquin Phoenix.
8. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Million Dollar Baby is a sports drama directed by Clint Eastwood and stars Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. The film tells the story of a down-on-his-luck boxing trainer named Frankie, who takes on a determined young woman named Maggie as his student.
Despite initial resistance, Frankie becomes Maggie’s mentor and father figure as she rises through the professional boxing ranks. Still, their relationship is tested when Maggie suffers a devastating injury in the ring.
9. Precious (2009)
Precious is a drama film directed by Lee Daniels. The film stars Gabourey Sidibe as Claireece “Precious” Jones, an overweight, illiterate, and pregnant teenager who is abused by her mother and turns to a new teacher for help. The film also stars Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, and Mariah Carey.
10. Melancholia (2011)
Melancholia is a psychological drama film directed by Lars von Trier. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as Justine, a bride whose life begins to unravel on the night of her wedding, and Charlotte Gainsbourg as her sister Claire, who tries to help her. The film also stars Alexander Skarsgård, Kiefer Sutherland, and Charlotte Rampling.
We hope you enjoyed this Reddit recommendation list of movies that will leave you an emotional wreck. This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Boss Level Gamer.
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