There’s nothing like rewatching a perfect movie. It’s like a comforting slice of cake that always makes you feel good.
Some films, however, are a little too much for our tastes. They’re not bad or anything like that; far from it, in fact. They’re just dealing with some pretty serious themes that make watching them emotionally draining.
We absolutely love these movies to death, but watching them a second time is a little too much.
The Killing Fields
The 1984 biographical drama was nominated for seven Oscars at the 57th Academy Awards.
It covers the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia as experienced by journalists Dith Pran and Sydney Schanberg and is backed by incredible performances from its cast. Given the brutal reality of its subject matter, though, it’s a hard watch the first time, never mind subsequent viewings.
Hotel Rwanda
Based on the Rwandan genocide, Hotel Rwanda follows the efforts of Paul Rusesabagina and his attempts to save the lives of over 1,500 refugees.
It’s an incredibly powerful, yet still brutal, film that, remarkably, doesn’t even cover the true horrors of what was happening.
Fruitvale Station
Before Ryan Coogler impressed us with Black Panther and Sinners, his directorial debut was 2013’s Fruitvale Station.
Based on the events surrounding the murder of Oscar Grant, the movie does an excellent job of letting us spend the day with Grant, getting to know him and falling in love with the person he is, before his tragic death.
Bridge to Terabithia
I’d like to know who decided that Bridge to Terabithia is a story meant for children and young adults.
Yes, it’s an important story about loss and grief, but it was in no way, shape, or form advertised as such. We came into the movie expecting a whimsical young adult movie with a touch of fantasy. We left the theater crying our eyes out.
Grave of the Fireflies
Studio Ghibli is no stranger to incredibly moving films, but Grave of the Fireflies undoubtedly takes the cake.
It’s a surprisingly realistic portrayal of the aftermath of war, particularly when it comes to children. It’s the type of movie that’s important to watch at least once, but as one of the saddest movies of all time, it’s something that’s best left to watch once and never again.
Come and See
From one war movie to another.
The 1985 anti-war film is in a league of its own. No other war movie goes to the depths like Come and See when it comes to portraying the brutality of war.
The Road
I remember my friend and I actively wanting to see The Road in theaters when it came out. Another big screen adaptation of a Cormac McCarthy novel that stars Viggo Mortenstein? Count us in.
Little did we realize what we were getting into. It’s a heartbreaking story of a father and son doing whatever they can to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. The only problem with the movie is that it was too hard to watch.
The Whale
The long awaited return of Brendan Fraser to the spotlight that won him a well deserved Academy Award for Best Actor.
One of the biggest reasons I took so long to watch this movie was because I knew I would be a trainwreck by the end. Fraiser deserved every award he won that year; he carries the film from start to finish.
Uncut Gems
Speaking of a well deserved Academy Award, we all agree that Adam Sandler was robbed, right?
Uncut Gems is the definition of an anxiety attack that lasts for over two hours. Godspeed to those who can somehow watch this movie more than once.
The Iron Claw
I know exactly what happened to the Von Erich brothers, and I still broke down crying.
No matter how many times you learn about the family’s tragedy, it’s an incredibly depressing story that makes you cry every time.
The Passion of the Christ
Mel Gibson’s telling of the crucifixion is one of the most brutal films ever made.
There’s nothing Gibson holds back, and the decision for the entire film’s dialogue to be spoken in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin only adds to the intensity.
Midsommar
I just want to know who hurt Ari Aster.
His follow-up to the already unsettling Hereditary is the equally, if not more, unsettling Midsommar. It is unique, upsetting, and if you enjoy rewatching this movie, please consider seeking help.
A Clockwork Orange
Cinematic history is filled with terrible protagonists, but A Clockwork Orange‘s Alex takes the cake.
The film never shies away from showing us how horrible he truly is, making it hard to watch at times.
Room
Based on the Emma Donoghue novel of the same name, Room stars Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay as a mother and son forced to live in captivity.
It’s an incredibly traumatic experience showcasing Larson’s acting talents. Believe it or not, the book was an even more challenging read.
Synecdoche, New York
Written and directed by Charlie Kaufman, best known for writing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Synecdoche, New York is, unsurprisingly, a unique tale.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays a theater director who creates a replica of New York City. There’s just one problem: he struggles to comprehend the boundaries between what’s real and what isn’t.
Into the Wild
Based on the real life story of Christopher McCandless, Sean Penn’s Into the Wild is a heartbreaking tale.
Watching McCandless throw his life away due to his frustration with modern society. He throws his entire life away to live in the wild, only to realize what he left behind.
The Father
One of Anthony Hopkins’ best performances, this one hits a little too close to home for those who have had to deal with parents struggling with dementia.
The Father does too good of a job of accurately portraying what it’s like watching the disease consume a loved one’s mind.
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