Exploring difficult and often heart-wrenching themes, some of the best movies about child abuse bring critical awareness to an issue that affects countless individuals worldwide. These films not only serve as a poignant reminder of the harrowing experiences faced by many but also amplify the importance of advocacy and support for child abuse victims. Through powerful storytelling and compelling performances, these movies aim to shed light on the complexities and emotional depth intertwined with child abuse, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire is a deeply moving film that portrays the struggles of a young girl enduring severe physical and emotional abuse. With stunning performances, particularly by Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique, the movie offers a raw, unfiltered look into the life of its protagonist. Bastard Out of Carolina delivers a similarly intense narrative, focusing on a young girl dealing with neglect and abuse in the American South. The film’s unflinching portrayal of its characters’ hardships makes it a powerful watch. An American Crime recounts the true story of Sylvia Likens, whose tragic experience of abuse is brought to life by an outstanding cast, including Ellen Page and Catherine Keener, showcasing the devastating effects of cruelty and neglect.
Now, it’s time for you to weigh in on these impactful narratives. We've assembled a list of the most powerful movies about child abuse, and we want your input on which ones resonate the most. Vote on the films that you believe offer the most poignant and necessary insights into this critical issue. Whether it's the raw emotion of Precious, the harrowing story in Bastard Out of Carolina, or the real-life horror depicted in An American Crime, your votes will help spotlight the films that best bring awareness and understanding to the plight of child abuse survivors.
- 1
Bastard Out of Carolina, a harrowing tale of abuse, boasts a stunning performance by Jena Malone as the resilient protagonist, "Bone." This film adaptation of Dorothy Allison's bestselling novel unapologetically shines a light on the dark world of child abuse and its impact, leaving audiences both horrified and inspired by the strength of Malone's character.
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Anjelica Huston
- 2
A celluloid gut-punch, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire stars Gabourey Sidibe as an obese, illiterate, and sexually abused teenage mother, struggling to find the strength to escape her nightmarish existence. With Mo'Nique's Oscar-winning portrayal of Precious' abusive mother, this impactful film will linger in our collective consciousness for decades to come.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Lee Daniels
- 3
An American Crime, based on a true story, features a chilling performance by Catherine Keener as the notorious, abusive Gertrude Baniszewski. This haunting movie lays bare the harrowing tale of Sylvia Likens (played by Ellen Page), a young girl subjected to unthinkable abuse in 1960s Indiana, leaving audiences aghast and transformed.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Tommy O'Haver
- 4
The critically acclaimed The Color Purple showcases Whoopi Goldberg's breathtaking performance as the abused protagonist, Celie. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film delves into themes of love in the face of adversity, racial injustice, and most impactfully, the heartrending issue of child abuse.
- Released: 1985
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- 5
Matt Damon and Robin Williams give outstanding performances in Good Will Hunting, a film exploring themes of trauma, identity, and self-worth. The film beautifully captures the protagonist's struggle to face his abusive past and ultimately conquer his demons, leaving a poignant impression on viewers.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Gus Van Sant
- 6
Flowers in the Attic
Heather Graham, Ellen Burstyn, Kiernan ShipkaFlowers in the Attic, a cult classic adapted from V.C. Andrew's novel, follows a group of siblings locked away in a sinister attic by their malevolent grandmother. Through the twisted tale of manipulation, the film manages to draw our collective attention to the horrors of child abuse.
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Deborah Chow
- 7
In This Boy's Life, a young Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a powerful and emotional performance as an abused teenager pitted against a domineering stepfather, played by Robert De Niro. The tragic story encapsulates the struggle many children face, fighting to break free from the tight grip of abuse.
- Released: 1993
- Directed by: Michael Caton-Jones
- 8
The Girl Next Door delves into the horrors of abuse with startling intensity. This true-story adaptation sends a chilling message about the consequences of unchecked sadism and the seemingly ordinary people who hide their ruthless cruelty behind closed doors.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Gregory Wilson
- 9
One of the defining films of the coming-of-age genre, The Perks of Being a Wallflower unearths the repressed abuse that fueled protagonist Charlie's mental health struggles. Logan Lerman's piercing portrayal of a trauma survivor resonates deeply with viewers who have experienced similar wounds.
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
- 10
No Child of Mine
Brooke Kinsella, Colin Salmon, Billy GeraghtyA brutal and heart-wrenching TV film, No Child of Mine chronicles the harrowing life of young Kerry, a sexually abused girl repeatedly failed by the authorities. The raw, unfiltered portrayal exposes the dark underbelly of institutions meant to protect our most vulnerable.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Peter Kosminsky
- 11
The Elizabeth Smart Story movingly portrays the abduction and subsequent abuse of Elizabeth Smart. With an exceptional performance by actress Amber Marshall, the film maps out Elizabeth's journey from captive to survivor and her ultimate empowerment as a child safety advocate.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Bobby Roth
- 12
Radio Flyer, a unique blend of fantasy and harsh reality, centers around two brothers seeking a magical escape from their abhorrent, abusive stepfather. This mix of whimsical charm and gut-wrenching reality serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience found in the survivors of abuse.
- Released: 1992
- Directed by: Richard Donner
- 13
The chilling adaptation of Stephen King's novel, Carrie, brings to life the harrowing tale of a bullied and abused young girl who finds solace in her terrifying telekinetic powers. More than just another horror flick, the film prompts deep reflection on the effects of maltreatment and the consequences of being pushed to the brink.
- Released: 1976
- Directed by: Brian De Palma
- 14
A shocking portrayal of dissociative identity disorder, Sybil stars Sally Field as a woman haunted by a multitude of personalities as a result of her traumatic childhood abuse. This powerful film pulls back the curtain on the psychological impact of child abuse and the resilience of human spirit.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Joseph Sargent
- 15
Something About Amelia
Ted Danson, Glenn Close, Roxana ZalSomething About Amelia, a groundbreaking TV movie of its time, courageously addresses the taboo subject of sexual abuse within a seemingly ordinary family. This emotional drama forces us to confront the horrific reality of abuse that lurks beneath the surface of the perfect facade.
- Released: 1984
- Directed by: Randa Haines
- 16
In Dead Poets Society, Robin Williams' triumphant depiction of an inspiring teacher unveils the hidden scars of emotional abuse and the pressure to conform in the lives of his students. On its journey, the film touches on the necessity of nurturing a safe space for young souls to flourish.
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Peter Weir
- 17
In Song for a Raggy Boy, Aidan Quinn delivers a stirring and affecting performance as a teacher attempting to protect his students from the brutal and abusive Irish Reformatory School system. A searing indictment, this visceral film pulls no punches when confronting the devastating consequences of child abuse.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Aisling Walsh
- 18
In Antwone Fisher, a powerful biographical drama, a young sailor battles the lingering specter of abusive foster parents and a traumatic childhood. The film's exploration of pain, resilience, and resolution serves as an uplifting reminder of the human spirit's strength.
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Denzel Washington
- 19
Capturing the Friedmans, an unsettling documentary, unravels the shocking events within a seemingly ordinary family that result in the father and son being charged with child sexual abuse. As the film unfolds, viewers are left grappling with lingering questions about the truth, the legal system, and how childhood traumas impact individuals and families.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Andrew Jarecki
- 20
The Butterfly Effect, a time-bending thriller, delves into the reverberations of psychological and physical child abuse. Eagle-eyed viewers will glimpse a theme that emphasizes the devastating impact of abuse on one's future and the desperate need to rewrite the past in the pursuit of peace.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber
- 21
Mysterious Skin, an unflinching portrayal of the aftermath of child abuse, features standout performances by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Brady Corbet. Both vulnerable and raw, this harrowing film delves into the dark corners of the mind, unearthing buried trauma and its long-lasting effects.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Gregg Araki
- 22
Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story epitomizes the remarkable tale of a young girl who triumphs over abject poverty and abuse to study at one of the world's most prestigious universities. This inspiring film invites us to understand the courage and determination needed to rise above a traumatic upbringing.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Peter Levin
- 23
The Blind Side, a touching and inspirational film, stars Sandra Bullock in her Oscar-winning role as a woman who rescues a neglected teenage boy from the cusp of poverty. Through unconditional love and support, the movie conveys the life-changing impact of reaching out to a vulnerable and abused boy.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: John Lee Hancock
- 24
The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things, the adaptation of JT LeRoy's literary work, unearths the depths of abuse and neglect endured by the protagonist. Harrowing and evocative, the film thrusts viewers into the abyss of dysfunctional relationships, urging us to reflect on the implications of abuse.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Asia Argento
- 25
The Unloved
Robert Carlyle, Susan Lynch, Michael SochaThe Unloved, Samantha Morton's directorial debut, paints a bleak portrait of a young girl's life in a British care home as it exposes a system that fails to protect the children it is designed to serve. Heartbreaking and evocative, the film offers a grim look into the world of institutionalized children and their unspoken pain.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Samantha Morton
- 26
The eerie drama Serenity explores a broken man's battle against childhood trauma, leading viewers to examine the role of unresolved pain in shaping one's adult life. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting and healing from the wounds of abuse.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Steven Knight
- 27
Honey Boy, an autobiographical drama written by Shia LaBeouf, delves into the dark landscape of child fame and its toxic effects. Raw and introspective, the film casts a thought-provoking gaze at the complexities of childhood abuse and the path to healing.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Alma Har'el
- 28
I, Tonya peels back the scandalous headlines to reveal the heartrending emotional abuse experienced in the life of figure skater Tonya Harding. Emboldened by Margot Robbie's electrifying performance, the film captures the devastating effects of a turbulent upbringing on one's choices and success.
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Craig Gillespie
- 29
Aurora
Cristi Puiu, Clara Voda, Luminița GheorghiuAurora offers an unflinching and haunting look at the lasting impact of abuse on a young woman's life. Complex and devastating in equal measure, the film uncovers the darkness beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary existence and its devastating impact on the psyche.
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Cristi Puiu
- 30Una is an American-British-Canadian drama film directed by Benedict Andrews based upon the play Blackbird. A woman (Rooney Mara) confronts an older man (Ben Mendelsohn) to find out why he abandoned her after they had a sexual relationship when she was thirteen.
- Directed by: Benedict Andrews
- 31
The Tale, a deeply personal narrative by filmmaker Jennifer Fox, examines the intricacies of memory and the repressed trauma of childhood sexual abuse. Laura Dern's unforgettable portrayal of Fox draws attention to the lasting impact of abuse, while also navigating the precarious nature of the healing process.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Jennifer Fox
- 32
Gracie's Choice, based on a true story, narrates the life of a determined teenager who is hell-bent on rescuing her siblings from the clutches of an abusive, addict mother. Compassionate and inspiring, it highlights the value of selflessness and courage in the face of adversity.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Peter Werner
- 33
Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls reveals the many forms of abuse that can seep into the lives of vulnerable children. As the film weaves through multiple storylines, it touches on the importance of protecting loved ones from the potentially devastating effects of maltreatment.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Tyler Perry
- 34
Short Term 12, featuring Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr., is a stirring portrayal of life in a group home for troubled teenagers. The film's raw, emotional narrative delves into the complexities of child abuse and the healing power of compassion and connection, making it one of the most impactful movies on the subject.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton
- 35
Once Were Warriors tells the heartrending story of an indigenous family grappling with poverty, gang culture, domestic violence, and child abuse in urban New Zealand. Raw and unflinching, the film starkly underscores the resilience and courage needed to confront and break free from such a traumatic environment.
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Lee Tamahori
- 36
Hounddog, featuring a stirring performance by a young Dakota Fanning, peeks behind the veil of poverty and abuse in rural America. The film courageously confronts the injustice faced by a young girl haunted by childhood abuse while seeking solace in music, reminding us of the importance of resilience in overcoming adversity.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Deborah Kampmeier
- 37
Chronicle, though primarily a found-footage sci-fi thriller, subtly weaves the tragedy of an abused teen into the narrative, emphasizing the psychological impact of abuse and the dire need for compassion and support in a young person's life.
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Josh Trank
- 38
The Glass House, a suspenseful thriller, unravels the disturbing tale of two orphans entrusted to friends only to discover their guardians harbor malicious intentions. The film echoes the deeper theme of adult exploitation of innocent children, drawing attention to the need for vigilance in caregiving roles.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Daniel Sackheim
- 39
Lost Children
In the gripping documentary Lost Children, the horrifying reality of child trafficking is unmasked. Shedding light on a global problem, this compelling film delves into the abuse suffered by these forgotten children and the urgent need for intervention and awareness.
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Oliver Stoltz, Ali Samadi Ahadi
- 40
In Cries from the Heart, a compelling TV movie, a nonverbal autistic boy's artistic abilities expose the horrifying abuse he has undergone. Unveiling the pain hidden beneath the surface, the film sheds light on the importance of giving a voice to the voiceless, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding.
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Michael Switzer
- 41
In Prisoners, a heart-pounding thriller at its core, the film deftly explores the long-term effects of childhood abduction and abuse. The complex psychological journey follows characters seeking retribution, forcing viewers to reflect on the impact of violence, trauma, and the nature of justice.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
15 Captivating Movies Like 'Prisoners'See all
- 1Zodiac17 Votes
- 2Seven17 Votes
- 3Mystic River7 Votes
- 42In this biographical film, glamorous yet lonely star Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway) takes in two orphans, and at first their unconventional family seems happy. But after Joan's attempts at romantic fulfillment go sour and she is fired from her contract with MGM studios, her callous and abusive behavior towards her daughter Christina (Diana Scarwid) becomes even more pronounced. Christina leaves home and takes her first acting role, only to find her mother's presence still overshadowing her.
- Released: 1981
- Directed by: Frank Perry
- 43
Exodus Fall
Rosanna Arquette, Christopher Atkins, Dee WallaceIn Exodus Fall, set in 1974 Texas, three siblings, played by Jesse James, Adrien Finkel and Devon Graye, flee their dysfunctional home life, embarking on a journey to find their estranged mother. This poignant film, starring Rosanna Arquette and Christopher Atkins, is a powerful exploration of child abuse, familial bonds, and resilience, making it a compelling watch in the realm of social realism cinema.
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Chad Waterhouse, Ankush Kohli
- 44
In the chilling adaptation of Stephen King's novel, Carrie, a bullied and abused young girl finds solace in her terrifying telekinetic powers. More than just a horror movie, the film provokes reflection on the consequences of maltreatment and the dire consequences of being pushed to the edge.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Kimberly Peirce
- 45
Gardens of the Night explores the unsettling and dangerous underworld of child abduction and sexual abuse with disturbing realism. The unflinching portrayal of lost innocence reverberates deeply, underscoring the urgency of addressing such harrowing societal issues.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Damian Harris
- 46
The chilling Not Without My Daughter, based on a true story, unfolds the tale of an American woman who endures escalating abuse and captivity in Iran while struggling to escape with her young daughter. The gripping narrative spotlights the fierce bond between a mother and child in the face of adversity.
- Released: 1991
- Directed by: Brian Gilbert
- 47
Pretty Baby, a deeply controversial film set in the early 20th century, explores the grim life of a young girl growing up in a New Orleans brothel. The lens unabashedly focuses on the child's precocious sexualization and her vulnerability to exploitation, showcasing societal failings in protecting the innocence of a child.
- Released: 1978
- Directed by: Louis Malle
- 48When the daughter of ex-con Jimmy Marcus is murdered, two of his childhood friends from the neighborhood are involved. Dave, a blue-collar worker, was the last person to see her alive, while Sean, a homicide detective, is heading up the case. As Sean proceeds with his investigation, Jimmy conducts one of his own through neighborhood contacts. Eventually, Jimmy suspects Dave is the culprit and considers taking the law into his own hands.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Clint Eastwood
- 49
Moonlight, a coming-of-age film crafted with poignant lyricism and tenderness, delves into themes of identity, sexuality, and the lingering effects of childhood trauma. The film leaves an indelible mark on the audience as it explores the complexities of child abuse and the rippling consequences throughout life.
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Barry Jenkins
- 50Little Jeliza-Rose (Jodelle Ferland) has a very warped childhood. Her parents (Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Tilly) are both drug addicts, and one of her daily chores is to prepare their syringes. After her mother dies of an overdose, her father, Noah, takes her away to his childhood home, but his own mother has passed away and the house is decaying. Then Noah overdoses, and while his body rots in his chair, Jeliza-Rose meets a taxidermist and her unstable brother.
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Terry Gilliam
- 51
Dogtooth, a disturbing and surreal study of extreme isolation and psychological abuse, follows a twisted family living in forced seclusion. This Greek film challenges the viewer's comfort and compels us to consider the horrifying consequences of unchecked power and absolute control.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
- 52In 1950s Soviet Russia, secret police agent Leo Demidov (Tom Hardy) loses everything when he refuses to denounce his wife, Raisa (Noomi Rapace) as a traitor. Finding themselves exiled to a grim provincial outpost, Leo and Raisa join forces with Gen. Mikhail Nesterov (Gary Oldman) to capture a serial killer who preys on young boys. They soon find that their investigation threatens a system-wide cover-up enforced by Vasili (Joel Kinnaman), Leo's psychopathic rival.
- Released: 2015
- Directed by: Daniel Espinosa
- 53
A Mother's Right: the Elizabeth Morgan Story
Bonnie Bedelia, Terence Knox, Kenneth WelshA Mother's Right: The Elizabeth Morgan Story is a 1992 television film directed by Lisa Otto. Starring Bonnie Bedelia in the title role, the courtroom drama - which has also been released as Shattered Silence - chronicles the story behind the Elizabeth Morgan Act, in which a woman is put on trial when she sends her daughter to New Zealand to live with her grandparents, after her ex-husband is not found guilty for abusing their daughter, of which she suspects him.- Released: 1992
- Directed by: Linda Otto
- 54
Sons of Perdition
Bruce Barlow, Deloy Bateman, Michelle Benward"In the polygamist community cultivated by the notorious (and now incarcerated) "prophet" Warren Jeffs, women are a commodity, children are reared to be ignorant, and free thought is surrendered. For a group of teenage boys, the desire for autonomy means banishment from their homes and families. This fascinating documentary explores the heartbreaking losses and hopeful determination of these exiles as they struggle to make new lives in mainstream America." Quoting the description from the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival site.- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Jennilyn Merten, Tyler Measom
- 55After his family relocates from London to rural Devon, sullen British teen Tom (Freddie Cunliffe) spends most of his time moping about the house. When he inadvertently discovers an incestuous relationship between his older sister, Jessie (Lara Belmont), and their father (Ray Winstone), the revelation threatens to have dire consequences. The mother of the family (Tilda Swinton), unaware of the dark secret, has recently given birth, and the siblings must contend with the harrowing situation.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Tim Roth
- 56
Postcard To Daddy
"POSTCARD TO DADDY tells the autobiographical story of sexual abuse experienced between the ages of eight and sixteen by the filmmaker Michael Stock at the hands of his own father. Twenty-five years later he confronts his father and his family with this past – before a rolling camera. In doing so, the director digs deep into the history of his left-wing-liberal family in which sexual abuse would seem unimaginable. And yet a transgression did occur, which subsequently turned into years of sexual abuse. Why only the youngest of the three children was the target of this abuse is one of the many questions for which the film’s director is unable to find an answer – even as an adult. Yet time and again feelings of guilt and shame have forced Michael Stock to confront his traumatic past. In conversations with his siblings and his mother Margret at home in the Black Forest, he learns what consequences their family drama has had – and still has – for them today. His sister, Anja, a qualified social educator and the mother of two sons herself, has cut herself off from their father. Michael’s brother Christian, a political scientist and editor, is the only one who keeps in touch with their father, although he too condemns the abuse unequivocally. At the same time Christian remembers the good times, and his father’s bid to create for his children a happier childhood than he himself had known. Michael Stock also provides an insight into the extremes of his own life – a life that is still overshadowed by his childhood trauma. He discusses his shame, his feelings of guilt, his promiscuity and how he now lives with HIV. A heart attack in autumn 2007 prompts him to broach the subject of his trauma once again. On a trip to Thailand he decides to make POSTCARD TO DADDY, a video message to his father." Quoting the program notes from the 2010 Berlin Film Festival.- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Michael Stock
- 57
Capernaum, a heart-wrenching Lebanese drama, spotlights the harrowing life of a 12-year-old boy who endures untold suffering under extreme poverty and parental neglect. Through its exploration of the human condition, the film drives home the need for global action against child abuse and violation of basic human rights.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Nadine Labaki
- 58
In the intense drama The Monster, a heartrending mother-daughter relationship unfolds, exposing the toxic effects of untreated substance abuse on childhood innocence. Both harrowing and authentic, the film sheds light on the less-explored aspects of child abuse.
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Bryan Bertino
- 59
The Cell, although ostensibly a science fiction thriller, dives into the psychologically twisted world of a serial killer rooted in extreme childhood abuse. By embedding abuse as the backbone of the story, the film compels us to examine the catastrophic ripple effects triggered by a turbulent upbringing.
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Tarsem
- 60When Beth Raymond (Shannyn Sossamon) witnesses the deaths of two friends, she knows there is more at work than just a tragic coincidence; days before they die, both victims hear their terrifying final moments on cell phones. Though the police think Beth is crazy, detective Jack Andrews (Ed Burns), believes her. Together the pair try to unravel the mystery behind the horrifying messages before their own phone numbers come up.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Éric Valette
- 61Growing up in Greenville, Texas, Bart Millard suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father, Arthur. When Arthur becomes terminally ill, he finds redemption by embracing his faith and rediscovering his love for his son. Years later, Bart's troubled childhood and mended relationship with his dad inspires him to write the hit song "I Can Only Imagine" as singer of the Christian band MercyMe.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin
- 62The Book of Henry is an American drama film directed by Colin Trevorrow. A precocious 11-year-old boy, Henry Carpenter (Jaeden Lieberher), has a crush on their neighbor Christina (Maddie Ziegler), stepdaughter of the Police Commissioner (Dean Norris). To protect Christina from harm at the hands of her stepfather, Henry comes up with a plan to rescue her that he writes down in a book. Henry's mother discovers the book and decides that she and Peter will put Henry's scheme into motion.
- Directed by: Colin Trevorrow
- 63Trust is a 2010 American drama film directed by David Schwimmer and based on a screenplay by Andy Bellin and Robert Festinger. It stars Clive Owen, Catherine Keener, Jason Clarke, Viola Davis and Liana Liberato. The film is about a teenage girl who becomes a victim of sexual abuse when she befriends a man on the Internet.
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: David Schwimmer
- 64The Glass Castle is a 2017 drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, based on Jeannette Walls's 2005 memoir of the same name. Brie Larson stars Jeannette Walls, the eldest daughter of deeply dysfunctional Rex (Woody Harrelson) and Rose Mary Walls (Naomi Watts).
- Released: 2017
- Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton
- 65A small-town Oregon teacher and her brother, the local sheriff, discover that a young student is harboring a dangerous secret with frightening consequences.
- Released: 2021
- Directed by: Scott Cooper
- 66Mentally disabled Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) is released from the mental hospital where he has spent most of his life after murdering his mother and her lover. He soon forms a bond with Frank (Lucas Black), a boy whose father committed suicide. When Frank's mother, Linda (Natalie Canerday), lets Karl stay at their house, her cruel boyfriend, Doyle (Dwight Yoakam), tries to get Karl removed. Determined to protect his friend, Karl devises a way to save Frank from years of Doyle's abuse.
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Billy Bob Thornton
- 67Dolores Claiborne is a 1995 American psychological thriller drama film directed by Taylor Hackford, it is based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. In 1995, Dolores Claiborne (Kathy Bates) works as a domestic servant on Little Tall Island in Maine where she has a struggle with her elderly, paralyzed employer, Vera Donovan, in her mansion, subsequently being charged with the murder of her employer, Dolores' estranged daughter, Selena (Jennifer Jason Leigh), travels to Maine to support her mother.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Taylor Hackford
- 68In Joker, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), a struggling comedian in Gotham City, spirals into madness and emerges as the notorious Joker. This character-driven drama, directed by Todd Phillips, delves into the transformative journey of a vulnerable man disregarded by society. Set against the backdrop of a city steeped in crime and corruption, Fleck's descent is both haunting and compelling. Winner of two Academy Awards including Best Actor for Phoenix, Joker offers a gritty reinterpretation of the iconic Batman villain, challenging traditional comic book narratives while resonating with contemporary socio-political themes.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Todd Phillips
- 69Things Behind the Sun is a 2001 film starring Kim Dickens and Gabriel Mann and directed by Allison Anders. Its title is taken from a song by Nick Drake.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Allison Anders
- 70Torn apart from her sister and her children, Celie faces many hardships in life, including an abusive husband. With support from a sultry singer named Shug Avery, as well as her stand-her-ground stepdaughter, Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.
- Released: 2023
- Directed by: Blitz Bazawule
- 71A troubled musical prodigy and a new star pupil embark down a sinister path.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: Richard Shepard
- 72
Nasty Love
Angela Luce, Licia Maglietta, Anna BonaiutoNasty Love is a 1995 Italian thriller film directed by Mario Martone. It was entered into the 1995 Cannes Film Festival. It is based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante. The film was shot mainly in Naples, Italy.- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Mario Martone
- 73After rescuing a boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy's sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.
- Released: 2023
- Directed by: Alejandro Monteverde
- 74
The 9th Life of Louis Drax
Jamie Dornan, Sarah Gadon, Aiden LongworthAn acclaimed neurologist (Jamie Dornan) taps into the unconscious mind of a 9-year-old boy (Aiden Longworth) who has survived nine near-death accidents.- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Alexandre Aja
- 75As a child, Douglas was abused by a violent father who then threw him to the dogs. Instead of attacking him, the dogs protected him. Traumatised and leading a life on the margins of society with his dogs, Douglas descends into a murderous madness.
- Released: 2023
- Directed by: Luc Besson
- 76A college student embarks on a powerful journey of faith, redemption and healing as she confronts her estranged mother and unravels the layers of her painful childhood.
- Released: 2024
- Directed by: Benjamin Ironside Koppin
