Latest additions: Eric LaRue
Most divisive: The Name of the Rose
Over 30.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
Some movies deliver a gut-wrenching portrayal of the human condition. Depressing movies have a long-standing history of moving audiences, often reflecting the darkest, yet most profound aspects of reality. These films hold the viewers attention through their raw, unforgiving storytelling, shedding light on the difficult and frequently shrouded corners of life. Their importance lies not just in their sorrowful content but in their ability to foster empathy and provoke thought, encouraging viewers to confront harsh truths and moral complexities.
Depressing movies run the gamut from historical tragedies to intimate personal dramas. These films are some of the saddest films ever made because they unflinchingly depict heartbreak, loss, and despair. Their narratives are not for the faint of heart, and they guide the audience through an emotional ringer. Some of the most depressing movies manage to balance harrowing sadness with beautiful storytelling, ensuring a poignant experience. By tackling stories that touch upon universal struggles and deeply personal tales of sorrow, these films create an unparalleled emotional impact.
A prime example is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, a film that delves into the innocence and tragic naivety of childhood set against the horrors of the Holocaust. The film's gut-wrenching conclusion and stark depiction of innocence corrupted by the cruelty of war validate its place among the saddest movies ever. Grave of the Fireflies takes a different approach, using animation to tell the heart-rending tale of two siblings struggling to survive in post-World War II Japan. Its beautiful animation juxtaposed with its devastating storyline brings viewers to tears. Sophie's Choice presents an even more intense emotional experience, chronicling a Holocaust survivor's harrowing choices and the lingering trauma. These are just some examples of movies that are depressing, showcasing the varying ways filmmakers can evoke profound emotional responses.
The saddest films resonate with viewers on a deeply emotional level, encouraging introspection and compassion. These movies, marked by their inescapable sadness, serve as powerful reminders of humanity's trials and tribulations. Despite their somber themes, they hold a peculiar beauty in their honest portrayal of life's darkest moments, proving that while sorrow can be overwhelming, it can also be illuminating. The world of depressing movies offers a somber but rich cinematic experience for those willing to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion.
- 1
A German businessman's journey to save over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust unfolds in this unbelievable true story. The film's harrowing portrayal of the Nazi atrocities and its powerful black-and-white cinematography evoke an immense sense of loss and sorrow, making it one of the most poignant films on this dark period in history.
- Released: 1993
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- 1Saving Private Ryan260 Votes
- 2Hacksaw Ridge248 Votes
- 3Fury164 Votes
- 4All Quiet on the Western Front35 Votes
- 2
In the midst of World War II, a lonely 8-year-old boy forms an unlikely friendship with a Jewish child through the barbed-wire fence of a concentration camp. The film's powerful story, exceptional performances by Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon, and its exploration of innocence amidst unimaginable cruelty make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Mark Herman
- 3
A gentle giant with supernatural powers forms an unlikely bond with a death row prison guard, as they navigate the complexities of life and death in a 1930s penitentiary. Starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan, the Stephen King adaptation explores themes of injustice, empathy, and redemption.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Frank Darabont
- 4
A group of individuals become consumed by their addictions, leading to a harrowing downward spiral that exposes the dark side of human desires. The film's portrayal of drug addiction and its consequences is both visually striking and emotionally devastating, as it highlights the tragic impact on relationships, mental health, and the characters' ultimate self-destruction.
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
- 5
A gifted musician's struggle for survival and the power of music in the midst of war-torn Warsaw captures hearts and minds. The film, based on a true story, depicts the harrowing experiences of Władysław Szpilman, who witnesses his family being taken away to concentration camps while he remains behind and endures unimaginable suffering.
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Roman Polanski
- 6
A young writer becomes entangled in the lives of a Holocaust survivor and her lover, leading to an unforgettable decision that will haunt them forever. The film's heart-wrenching portrayal of Sophie's impossible choice between her two children during the Holocaust makes it an enduringly tragic tale about love, loss, and sacrifice.
- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Alan J. Pakula
- 7
A brave hotel manager risks everything to protect over a thousand refugees during a brutal genocide in Africa. Based on true events, the film highlights the devastating consequences of ethnic conflict and international indifference during Rwanda's 1994 crisis.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Terry George
- 8
A heart-wrenching tale of two siblings struggling to survive in war-torn Japan during World War II. The film, based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Akiyuki Nosaka, is known for its realistic portrayal of the devastating effects of war on innocent civilians and the emotional bond between the brother and sister.
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Isao Takahata
- 9
A transformative friendship between two outcasts leads to the creation of a magical world that helps them navigate life's challenges. The film features captivating performances by Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb, along with its heartfelt exploration of imagination, friendship, and resilience in the face of tragedy.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Gabor Csupo
- 10
A childhood tragedy resurfaces, entwining the lives of three friends as they navigate a web of suspicion and betrayal in their tight-knit Boston community. This emotionally charged drama delves into the depths of grief, guilt, and vengeance as it explores the devastating ripple effects that one terrible event can have on multiple generations.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Clint Eastwood
- 11
A group of rabbits embark on a harrowing journey to find a new home amidst the destruction of their warren, facing danger and adversity at every turn. The film's dark themes, intense imagery, and depiction of animal suffering make it an unexpectedly sad and thought-provoking animation.
- Released: 1978
- Directed by: Martin Rosen
- 12
A teenage girl watches over her grieving family and her killer from the afterlife, as they struggle to come to terms with their loss. The film poignantly explores themes of grief, loss, and acceptance through a visually stunning portrayal of the in-between world that lies between life and death.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Peter Jackson
- 13
A young transgender man navigates love and identity in rural Nebraska, only to face brutal consequences. Based on a true story, this powerfully upsetting film delves into the tragic fate of Brandon Teena, whose life was cut short by hate and intolerance.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Kimberly Peirce
- 14
Robin Williams stars as a man who embarks on a surreal journey through the afterlife to reunite with his beloved wife, who is trapped in her own personal hell. Following the character into heaven and hell, the film explores love, loss, and redemption.
- Released: 1998
- Directed by: Vincent Ward
- 15
A young man struggles to care for his mentally disabled brother and morbidly obese mother while trying to find his own happiness in a small town. The film poignantly portrays the weight of family responsibilities, the desire for personal growth, and the emotional turmoil that arises from balancing both.
- Released: 1993
- Directed by: Lasse Hallström
- 16
Two childhood friends weather life's ups and downs, ultimately facing their greatest challenge when one is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, the 1980s classic explores the complexities of friendship and loss as it takes viewers on an emotional journey through love, laughter, and heartbreak.
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Garry Marshall
- 17
A father's unwavering love and determination to protect his young son from the horrors of a concentration camp lead him to create an imaginative game in the midst of tragedy. The film poignantly portrays the sacrifices made by parents during wartime, showcasing both the beauty and heartbreak of human resilience through its deeply emotional storytelling and unforgettable performances.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Roberto Benigni
- 18
A young African-American girl, born into poverty and segregation in the early 1900s, endures unspeakable hardships while discovering her own strength and self-worth. The film's gripping portrayal of familial dysfunction, domestic violence, racism, and sexual assault make it a deeply moving exploration of resilience amidst adversity.
- Released: 1985
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- 19
A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man who is mistreated while scraping a living as a side-show freak, and discovers the intelligent, sensitive soul trapped beneath his monstrous exterior. The film's emotional weight stems from its exploration of societal cruelty and ignorance towards physical deformities, as well as the struggle of the protagonist to find acceptance and dignity in an unforgiving world.
- Released: 1980
- Directed by: David Lynch
- 20
A free African-American man is abducted and sold into slavery, enduring unimaginable hardships as he struggles to regain his freedom. The harrowing true story of Solomon Northup's experience, set in pre-Civil War United States, provides a tragic examination of the cruelty and dehumanization faced by enslaved individuals.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Steve McQueen
- 21
A young girl seeks medical emancipation from her parents, who rely on her to keep her leukemia-stricken sister alive. Based on Jodi Picoult's novel, the drama explores the ethical dilemmas faced by a family in crisis, ultimately leading to a devastating twist that leaves viewers in tears.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
- 22
A determined young woman defies all odds to become a professional boxer, only to face an unexpected tragedy that changes her life forever. The film's narrative explores themes of loss, disability, and euthanasia, while showcasing the powerful bond between the protagonist and her grizzled trainer.
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Clint Eastwood
- 23
A mentally challenged father fights to keep custody of his young daughter, as he navigates the complexities of parenthood and societal expectations. The emotional turmoil arises from the protagonist's unwavering love for his child, despite society's doubts about his ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment due to his intellectual disability.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Jessie Nelson
- 24
A group of townspeople find themselves trapped in a supermarket, surrounded by an ominous mist concealing deadly creatures. The film's heart-wrenching conclusion, where the protagonist makes a devastating decision to protect his loved ones from the horrors lurking within the fog, leaves viewers contemplating the true nature of humanity and sacrifice.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Frank Darabont
- 25
A young girl navigates the harsh realities of poverty, abuse, and illiteracy in pursuit of a better life for herself and her child. The film's raw portrayal of emotional and physical trauma, coupled with the protagonist's unwavering determination to overcome her circumstances, creates a heartbreaking narrative that resonates deeply with audiences.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Lee Daniels
- 26
A father and son traverse a post-apocalyptic wasteland, struggling to survive while clinging to their last shreds of humanity. The film's bleak atmosphere, harsh character interactions, and the constant threat of danger create a deeply emotional experience that leaves viewers contemplating the true meaning of love and sacrifice.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: John Hillcoat
- 27
A young rebel unexpectedly falls for a kind-hearted girl with a life-changing secret, leading them on an unforgettable journey of love and self-discovery. The film's narrative is rooted in the couple's unwavering devotion to each other despite the impending tragedy of terminal illness, making it an emotionally charged exploration of love's resilience.
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Adam Shankman
- 1Mandy Moore19 Votes
- 2Lauren German14 Votes
- 3Jonathan Parks Jordan7 Votes
- 4Shane West23 Votes
- 28This sweeping English drama, based on the book by Ian McEwan, follows the lives of young lovers Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy). When the couple are torn apart by a lie constructed by Cecilia's jealous younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), all three of them must deal with the consequences. Robbie is the hardest hit, since Briony's deception results in his imprisonment, but hope for Cecilia and her beau increases when their paths cross during World War II.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Joe Wright
- 29This is the story of Seth (Nicolas Cage), an angel who wanders the Los Angeles area invisible to humans. As the demise of an individual approaches, he spends time near them and becomes visible while acting as their traveling companion during their trip to the great hereafter. His discovery of distraught heart surgeon Maggie (Meg Ryan) inspires him to forego his immortality and exist on earth with her as a feeling and mortal entity.
- Released: 1998
- Directed by: Brad Silberling
- 30
A melodramatic tale of two star-crossed teenagers who find love and solace in each other while battling terminal cancer. The film poignantly portrays the struggles, fears, and emotions faced by young cancer patients as they navigate life, love, and loss with a limited amount of time.
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Josh Boone
- 31In 1935 when it is more common for Irish families to leave their famine-stricken country for America, the impoverished McCourt family does the reverse. Following the sudden death of her 7-week-old daughter, Angela (Emily Watson) and her unemployable, alcoholic husband, Malachy Sr. (Robert Carlyle), set sail from New York Harbor to Cork with their four children.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Alan Parker
- 32After an unusually short pregnancy, Karen Powell (Diane Lane) gives birth to a baby boy whose body ages much faster than the normal rate. With her husband, Brian (Brian Kerwin), Karen raises their son, Jack (Robin Williams), who appears to be a 40-year-old man when he is only 10. Though Jack ages rapidly physically, he is mentally and emotionally still a young boy, which causes him considerable difficulty. Eventually, Jack gains the support of his peers, which helps him live a fuller life.
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
- 33
A struggling salesman navigates the hardships of homelessness while striving to create a better life for himself and his young son. Based on a true story, the inspiring drama film showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity as Chris Gardner overcomes countless obstacles to secure a future for his family.
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
- 34Set in the throes of the Great Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird unfolds in a sleepy Southern town where racial tension simmers beneath the surface. Scout Finch (Mary Badham) and her older brother Jem (Phillip Alford) navigate their childhood under the watchful eyes of their father, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck). Peck's portrayal earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. This film adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel delves into themes of racism, morality, and innocence lost. The story climaxes when Atticus, a principled lawyer, defends Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a black man unjustly accused of rape, inciting a flurry of societal backlash.
- Released: 1962
- Directed by: Robert Mulligan
- 35
A man with a heavy burden embarks on an extraordinary journey to change the lives of seven strangers, seeking redemption for his own past mistakes. The film's emotional weight lies in the protagonist's self-sacrificial quest, as he confronts guilt and seeks atonement through impacting others' lives.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
- 36In early 20th-century Montana, Col. William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) lives in the wilderness with his sons, Tristan (Brad Pitt), Alfred (Aidan Quinn) and Samuel (Henry Thomas). Eventually, the unconventional but close-knit family encounters tragedy when Samuel is killed in World War I. Tristan and Alfred survive their tours of duty, but, soon after they return home, both men fall for Samuel's gorgeous fiancée, Susannah (Julia Ormond), and their intense rivalry begins to destroy the family.
- Released: 1994
- Directed by: Edward Zwick
- 37Held captive for years in an enclosed space, a woman (Brie Larson) and her young son (Jacob Tremblay) finally gain their freedom, allowing the boy to experience the outside world for the first time.
- Released: 2015
- Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson
- 38Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) leaves his university studies to enlist in combat duty in Vietnam in 1967. Once he's on the ground in the middle of battle, his idealism fades. Infighting in his unit between Staff Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger), who believes nearby villagers are harboring Viet Cong soldiers, and Sergeant Elias (Willem Dafoe), who has a more sympathetic view of the locals, ends up pitting the soldiers against each other as well as against the enemy.
- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Oliver Stone
- 1Willem Dafoe19 Votes
- 2Johnny Depp17 Votes
- 3Charlie Sheen18 Votes
- 4Tom Berenger13 Votes
- 39Terms of Endearment is an engaging drama directed by James L. Brooks. The plot centers around the thirty-year relationship between mother Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter Emma Horton (Debra Winger). Their bond, filled with love, conflict, and reconciliation, forms the heart of the narrative. Jack Nicholson adds another layer to the story as retired astronaut Garrett Breedlove, a charming yet unconventional neighbor who becomes romantically involved with Aurora. The movie won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director for Brooks, and Best Actress for MacLaine. It's a captivating exploration of familial ties and personal growth.
- Released: 1983
- Directed by: James L. Brooks
- 40In Awakenings, Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams) is a dedicated and innovative neurologist at a Bronx hospital in the late 1960s. Stumbling upon a group of patients who have been catatonic for decades, victims of a severe form of encephalitis, he finds hope in an experimental drug, L-Dopa. One patient, Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro), emerges from his life-long stupor, inspiring Sayer to administer the treatment to others with miraculous results. As Leonard grapples with a world drastically changed, and Sayer faces the implications of his medical breakthrough, the film explores human resilience and the power of medical science. This drama, based on a true story, was nominated for three Academy Awards.
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Penny Marshall
- 41In 1963, rodeo cowboy Jack Twist and ranch hand Ennis Del Mar are hired by rancher Joe Aguirre as sheep herders in Wyoming. One night on Brokeback Mountain, Jack makes a drunken pass at Ennis that is eventually reciprocated. Though Ennis marries his longtime sweetheart, Alma and Jack marries a fellow rodeo riders, the two men keep up their tortured and sporadic affair over the course of 20 years.
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Ang Lee
- 42Set in the changing world of the late 1960s, "Girl, Interrupted" is the searing true story of Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder), a young woman who finds herself at a renowned mental institution for troubled young women, where she must choose between the world of people who belong on the inside -- like the seductive and dangerous Lisa (Angelina Jolie) -- or the often difficult world of reality on the outside.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: James Mangold
- 43The Deer Hunter is a gritty war drama that explores the lives of three steelworkers whose existences are irrevocably shaken by the Vietnam War. Michael (Robert De Niro), Steven (John Savage), and Nick (Christopher Walken) are drawn into the heart of darkness, their friendships tested against a backdrop of horror and heroism. Directed by Michael Cimino, this 1978 film scooped five Academy Awards including Best Picture. Notable for its harrowing Russian roulette scenes, The Deer Hunter delivers an unflinching portrayal of war's impact on ordinary lives.
- Released: 1978
- Directed by: Michael Cimino
- 44New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg (Sam Waterston) is on assignment covering the Cambodian Civil War, with the help of local interpreter Dith Pran (Haing S. Ngor) and American photojournalist Al Rockoff (John Malkovich). When the U.S. Army pulls out amid escalating violence, Schanberg makes exit arrangements for Pran and his family. Pran, however, tells Schanberg he intends to stay in Cambodia to help cover the unfolding story -- a decision he may regret as the Khmer Rouge rebels move in.
- Released: 1984
- Directed by: Roland Joffé
- 45Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) are teammates on the mid-1960s Chicago Bears. At a time when professional football still bears a certain amount of race-based segregation, the growing friendship between the white Piccolo and the black Sayers, as well as their wives, Joy (Shelley Fabares) and Linda (Judy Pace), becomes a symbol of harmony during the civil rights era. That bond grows stronger still when Piccolo receives some shattering and unexpected news.
- Released: 1971
- Directed by: Buzz Kulik
- 46The implausible escape of a brilliant murderess brings U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner (Mark Ruffalo) to Ashecliffe Hospital, a fortress-like insane asylum located on a remote, windswept island. The woman appears to have vanished from a locked room, and there are hints of terrible deeds committed within the hospital walls. As the investigation deepens, Teddy realizes he will have to confront his own dark fears if he hopes to make it off the island alive.
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Martin Scorsese
- 47After 19 years as a prisoner, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) is freed by Javert (Russell Crowe), the officer in charge of the prison workforce. Valjean promptly breaks parole but later uses money from stolen silver to reinvent himself as a mayor and factory owner. Javert vows to bring Valjean back to prison. Eight years later, Valjean becomes the guardian of a child named Cosette after her mother's (Anne Hathaway) death, but Javert's relentless pursuit means that peace will be a long time coming.
- Released: 2012
- Directed by: Tom Hooper
- 48Adapted from the novel by John O'Brien, this acclaimed drama follows alcoholic screenwriter Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) as he drinks himself into oblivion in Las Vegas. When Ben meets the beautiful prostitute Sera (Elisabeth Shue), they strike up an unconventional relationship -- one where she can't ask him to curb his drinking, and he can't fault her for her job. Though they offer each other support, Ben's self-destruction threatens to eclipse their bond.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Mike Figgis
- 49In 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
- 50In The Virgin Suicides, an enigmatic tale unfolds in a quiet suburban neighborhood. The Lisbon sisters, Lux (Kirsten Dunst), Mary (A.J. Cook), Therese (Leslie Hayman), Bonnie (Chelse Swain), and Cecilia (Hanna Hall) are the focus of fascination for a group of neighborhood boys. Guided by the strict hand of their mother (Kathleen Turner) and passive presence of their father (James Woods), these girls navigate adolescence under a heavy shroud of repression and mystery. As the film meanders through this labyrinth of teenage turmoil, it subtly explores themes of isolation, longing, and the tragic consequences of suffocating innocence. This dramatic piece is directed by Sofia Coppola, who won Best First Feature at Independent Spirit Awards for this haunting debut.
- Released: 1999
- Directed by: Sofia Coppola
- 51Into the Wild is a riveting biographical drama that chronicles the life of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a young man who abandons societal norms to embark on an odyssey into nature. Directed by Sean Penn, this cinematic masterpiece scooped up numerous awards for its poignant depiction of human longing for freedom and truth. The film's narrative unfolds in the wild expanses of Alaska, where McCandless seeks solace and self-discovery. Along his journey, he encounters a series of characters that shape his understanding of life and survival. His quest is not merely physical; it's a deep spiritual journey into the unknown. Into the Wild, while being a tale of adventure, also explores themes of solitude, identity, and the human relationship with nature.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Sean Penn
- 52Amoral teen Telly (Leo Fitzpatrick) has made it his goal to sleep with as many virgin girls as possible -- but he doesn't tell them that he's HIV positive. While on the hunt for his latest conquest, Telly and his best friend, Casper (Justin Pierce), smoke pot and steal from shops around New York. Meanwhile, Jenny (Chloë Sevigny), one of Telly's early victims, makes it her mission to save other girls from him. But before she has a chance to confront him at a party, everything goes horribly wrong.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Larry Clark
- 53The Joad clan, introduced to the world in John Steinbeck's iconic novel, is looking for a better life in California. After their drought-ridden farm is seized by the bank, the family -- led by just-paroled son Tom (Henry Fonda) -- loads up a truck and heads West. On the road, beset by hardships, the Joads meet dozens of other families making the same trek and holding onto the same dream. Once in California, however, the Joads soon realize that the promised land isn't quite what they hoped.
- Released: 1940
- Directed by: John Ford
- 54Set amidst the turmoil of World War II, Empire of the Sun is a captivating tale of survival and resilience. The film features young Jim 'Jamie' Graham (Christian Bale in an early role), a British boy living in Shanghai, who becomes separated from his parents when Japan invades China. Struggling to survive in an alien land, Jamie faces the harsh realities of war, imprisonment in internment camps, and the loss of innocence. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on J.G. Ballard's semi-autobiographical novel, this movie is a unique fusion of history and drama that explores human endurance against overwhelming odds. Despite not winning any major awards, Empire of the Sun remains an important entry in Spielberg's filmography for its compelling narrative and Bale's memorable performance.
- Released: 1987
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- 55In 1938, young orphan Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) arrives at the home of her new foster parents, Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson). When Hans, a kindly housepainter, learns that Liesel cannot read, he teaches the child the wonders of the written language. Liesel grows to love books, even rescuing one from a Nazi bonfire. Though Liesel's new family barely scrape by, their situation becomes even more precarious when they secretly shelter a Jewish boy whose father once saved Hans' life.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Brian Percival
- 56Road to Perdition is a gripping crime drama set during the Great Depression. The story follows Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), an enforcer for Irish mob boss John Rooney (Paul Newman). When Sullivan's son, Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin), inadvertently witnesses a killing, their lives are thrown into chaos. Father and son find themselves on the run, pursued by a ruthless hitman (Jude Law). Directed by Sam Mendes, this film is a dark exploration of loyalty, morality, and the bonds of fatherhood. It earned Paul Newman an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2003.
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Sam Mendes
- 57Aging wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) is long past his prime but still ready and rarin' to go on the pro-wrestling circuit. After a particularly brutal beating, however, Randy hangs up his tights, pursues a serious relationship with a long-in-the-tooth stripper (Marisa Tomei), and tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). But he can't resist the lure of the ring and readies himself for a comeback.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
- 58Convinced of his irresistible appeal to women, Texas dishwasher Joe Buck (Jon Voight) quits his job and heads for New York City, thinking he'll latch on to some rich dowager. New York, however, is not as hospitable as he imagined, and Joe soon finds himself living in an abandoned building with a Dickensian layabout named Enrico "Ratso" Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman). The two form a rough alliance, and together they kick-start Joe's hustling career just as Ratso's health begins to deteriorate.
- Released: 1969
- Directed by: John Schlesinger
- 59In a small New England town, Dolores Claiborne (Kathy Bates) works as a housekeeper for the rich but heartless Vera Donovan (Judy Parfitt). When Vera turns up dead, Dolores is accused of killing her elderly employer -- so her estranged daughter, Selena (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a well-respected New York City journalist, decides to visit her mother and investigate the matter for herself. As Selena digs deeper into the case, she uncovers shocking truths about the murder and her own childhood.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Taylor Hackford
- 60Factory worker Trevor Reznik (Christian Bale) suffers from insomnia so severe that his condition has taken its toll on his weight and his mental health. When Trevor unintentionally causes an on-the-job accident that horribly injures a coworker (Michael Ironside), he begins to become even more troubled. Despite a relationship with Stevie (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a pretty prostitute, Trevor descends further into paranoia, blaming his problems on an enigmatic figure named Ivan (John Sharian).
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Brad Anderson
- 61When young Sara (Liesel Matthews) is sent to a boarding school by her well-meaning World War I-bound father (Liam Cunningham), the imaginative girl makes the best of things by entertaining her friends with fanciful tales. After running afoul of the strict headmistress, Miss Minchin (Eleanor Bron), Sara receives some heartbreaking news, and is forced to work in servitude. As she struggles to keep her spirits up, she makes some remarkable discoveries that may change her seemingly bleak fate.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón
- 62Dr. Alice Howland (Julianne Moore) is a renowned linguistics professor at Columbia University. When words begin to escape her and she starts becoming lost on her daily jogs, Alice must come face-to-face with a devastating diagnosis: early-onset Alzheimer's disease. As the once-vibrant woman struggles to hang on to her sense of self for as long as possible, Alice's three grown children must watch helplessly as their mother disappears more and more with each passing day.
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland
- 63In the dystopian genre film Children of Men, humanity grapples with infertility, a crisis threatening extinction. The protagonist, Theo Faron (Clive Owen), is a disillusioned bureaucrat who gets entangled in a mission to protect the world's only pregnant woman. Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore), an activist and Theo's ex-lover, leads this desperate quest for survival. The movie, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, won acclaim for its immersive storytelling and technical excellence, particularly its long-take action sequences. It offers a bleak yet poignant exploration of hope amid despair, challenging viewers to reflect on society's resilience in the face of impending doom.
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón
- 64In the 1880s, after the U. S. Army's defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the government continues to push Sioux Indians off their land. In Washington, D.C., Senator Henry Dawes (Aidan Quinn) introduces legislation to protect Native Americans rights. In South Dakota, schoolteacher Elaine Goodale (Anna Paquin) joins Sioux native and Western-educated Dr. Charles Eastman in working with tribe members. Meanwhile, Lakota Chief Sitting Bull refuses to give into mounting government pressures.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Yves Simoneau
- 65After the death of his older brother Joe, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is shocked that Joe has made him sole guardian of his teenage nephew Patrick. Taking leave of his job as a janitor in Boston, Lee reluctantly returns to Manchester-by-the-Sea, the fishing village where his working-class family has lived for generations. There, he is forced to deal with a past that separated him from his wife, Randi (Michelle Williams), and the community where he was born and raised.
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Kenneth Lonergan
- 66After returning home from the Vietnam War, veteran Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) struggles to maintain his sanity. Plagued by hallucinations and flashbacks, Singer rapidly falls apart as the world and people around him morph and twist into disturbing images. His girlfriend, Jezzie (Elizabeth Peña), and ex-wife, Sarah (Patricia Kalember), try to help, but to little avail. Even Singer's chiropractor friend, Louis (Danny Aiello), fails to reach him as he descends into madness.
- Released: 1990
- Directed by: Adrian Lyne
- 67In Love Story, Harvard Law student Oliver Barrett IV (Ryan O'Neal) and music student Jennifer Cavilleri (Ali MacGraw) share a chemistry they cannot deny. Their romance blooms, challenged by the stark contrast of their backgrounds - Oliver's wealthy upbringing against Jenny's working-class roots. This 1970 classic, directed by Arthur Hiller, explores the depths of young love and sacrifice. It won an Academy Award for Best Original Score, with its iconic line - "Love means never having to say you're sorry" - immortalizing the film in popular culture. A tale as old as time, yet fresh with each viewing.
- Released: 1970
- Directed by: Arthur Hiller
- 68Romeo and Juliet breathes life into William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy of star-crossed lovers. Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Verona, the passionate love story of Romeo (Leonard Whiting) and Juliet (Olivia Hussey) unfolds, as their families, the Montagues and Capulets, are embroiled in a bitter feud. Their clandestine romance leads to tragic consequences, showcasing the profound costs of hatred and the transcendent power of love.
- Released: 1968
- Directed by: Franco Zeffirelli
- 69War has plunged Army soldier Joe Bonham (Timothy Bottoms) into an unending nightmare. Hit by an artillery shell in World War I, Joe has suffered injuries that have all but erased his humanity: he's lost his sight, speech, hearing and sense of smell. But he still has the ability to think and remember, which, in the end, may be more a curse than a blessing. Trapped in his body, Joe realizes there's only one way out of his misery: death. Can he get a sympathetic nurse to help him?
- Released: 1971
- Directed by: Dalton Trumbo
- 70After shock jock Jack Lucas (Jeff Bridges) inadvertently provokes a caller into murdering a group of innocent people in a Manhattan bar, he grows depressed and turns to booze. As he's about to hit rock bottom, Lucas meets a homeless man named Parry (Robin Williams), whose wife was killed by the caller Lucas pushed to the brink. Mentally scarred by his loss, Parry spends his days searching for the Holy Grail. Lucas, feeling culpable for the poor man's plight, pledges to help him in his quest.
- Released: 1991
- Directed by: Terry Gilliam
- 71Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) faces a parent's worst nightmare when his 6-year-old daughter, Anna, and her friend go missing. The only lead is an old motorhome that had been parked on their street. The head of the investigation, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), arrests the driver (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces Loki to release his only suspect. Dover, knowing that his daughter's life is at stake, decides that he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
- 72The fresh, funny, touching and true story of writer Beverly Donofrio (played by Drew Barrymore, who ages from 15 to 35 in the role), reveals her coming of age in the late 1960s and her whole life colored by an event that happened when she was 15. The events span more than two decades, as the young heroine experiences often-humorous, sometimes-irreverent, but certainly a unique personal journey to make something meaningful of her life.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Penny Marshall
- 73In the gritty drama Thirteen, Tracy Freeland (Evan Rachel Wood) is a promising student whose life spirals out of control after befriending the rebellious Evie Zamora (Nikki Reed). As Tracy plunges headfirst into a world of petty crime and substance abuse, her mother, Melanie (Holly Hunter), struggles to save her from self-destruction. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, this stark portrayal of adolescence earned Holly Hunter an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Thirteen is a riveting exploration of teenage turmoil, peer pressure, and parental desperation.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke
- 74Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet) always see themselves as far-removed from the conventionality of suburbia. Yet that is exactly what creeps up on them when they buy a house in Connecticut. He toils 10 hours a day in a job he hates, while she, as a 1950s homemaker, yearns for fulfillment and passion. Rebelling against the torpor of their lives, the couple plan an escape that may push them to their limits.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Sam Mendes
- 75Seventeen-year-old Stella spends most of her time in the hospital as a cystic fibrosis patient. Her life is full of routines, boundaries and self-control -- all of which get put to the test when she meets Will, an impossibly charming teen who has the same illness. There's an instant flirtation, though restrictions dictate that they must maintain a safe distance between them. As their connection intensifies, so does the temptation to throw the rules out the window and embrace that attraction.
- Released: 2019
- Directed by: Justin Baldoni
- 76In Melancholia, Justine (Kirsten Dunst) grapples with crippling depression during her disastrous wedding reception, held at the lavish estate of her sister, Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg). This familial drama unfolds against a backdrop of impending cosmic catastrophe, as a rogue planet, ominously named Melancholia, threatens to collide with Earth. Danish director Lars von Trier masterfully intertwines these narratives of personal and planetary despair in this visually stunning film. Melancholia is a poignant exploration of mental health and existential dread, underscored by its dramatic sci-fi twist. It was recognized for its outstanding performances and cinematography, notably securing Kirsten Dunst the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011.
- Released: 2011
- Directed by: Lars von Trier
- 77In the gripping drama Midnight Express, Billy Hayes (Brad Davis), an American student, faces a horrifying ordeal after he's caught smuggling drugs out of Turkey. His seemingly straightforward crime spirals into a nightmare when he's sentenced to thirty years in a Turkish prison. The film, directed by Alan Parker, is an intense exploration of one man's fight for freedom in a brutal and unforgiving system. It scooped up two Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay (Oliver Stone) and Best Original Score (Giorgio Moroder). Notable for its raw depiction of prison life, Midnight Express leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of cinematic history.
- Released: 1978
- Directed by: Alan Parker
- 78In 1964 the winds of change are sweeping through Sister Aloysius' (Meryl Streep) St. Nicholas school. Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a charismatic priest, is advocating reform of the school's strict customs, and the first black student has just been accepted. When a fellow nun (Amy Adams) tells Sister Aloysius that Father Flynn may be paying too much personal attention to the student, Sister Aloysius begins a personal crusade against the priest -- despite her lack of evidence.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: John Patrick Shanley
- 79Michael Berg (David Kross), a teen in postwar Germany, begins a passionate but clandestine affair with Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet), an older woman who enjoys having classic novels read to her. Then Hanna mysteriously disappears, leaving Michael heartbroken and confused. Years later, Michael, now a law student, gets the shock of his life when he sees Hanna on trial for Nazi war crimes.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Stephen Daldry
- 80"White Oleander" chronicles the life of Astrid (Alison Lohman), a young teenager who journeys through a series of foster homes after her mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) goes to prison for committing a crime of passion. Set adrift in the world, Astrid struggles to become her own person while coming to terms with the challenges of living life on her own.
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Peter Kosminsky
- 81Anney (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a poor single mother from the rural South, struggles to raise her young daughter, Bone (Jena Malone). They seem to find happiness when Anney marries a kindly man named Lyle (Dermot Mulroney) who treats Bone like his own child. However, after Lyle is killed in an automobile accident, Anney remarries to the hotheaded Glen (Ron Eldard), who abuses Bone physically and sexually, and begins to tear the once tight-knit family apart.
- Released: 1996
- Directed by: Anjelica Huston
- 82In the mid 1960s, suburban New York teenager Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) enlists in the Marines, fulfilling what he sees as his patriotic duty. During his second tour in Vietnam, he accidentally kills a fellow soldier during a retreat and later becomes permanently paralyzed in battle. Returning home to an uncaring Veterans Administration bureaucracy and to people on both sides of the political divide who don't understand what he went through, Kovic becomes an impassioned critic of the war.
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Oliver Stone
- 83Thirty years ago, aliens arrive on Earth -- not to conquer or give aid, but -- to find refuge from their dying planet. Separated from humans in a South African area called District 9, the aliens are managed by Multi-National United, which is unconcerned with the aliens' welfare but will do anything to master their advanced technology. When a company field agent (Sharlto Copley) contracts a mysterious virus that begins to alter his DNA, there is only one place he can hide: District 9.
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
- 84Dancer in the Dark is a poignant drama set amidst the gritty realism of 1960s Washington State. Selma Ježková (Björk), a Czech immigrant and single mother, toils in a factory while grappling with her deteriorating eyesight. She seeks solace in her love for classic Hollywood musicals, often escaping into vivid daydreams. Bill Houston (David Morse), her neighbor and a financially struggling cop, plays a pivotal role in the story's tragic unfolding. Directed by Lars von Trier, this film won the Palme d'Or at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival.
- Released: 2000
- Directed by: Lars von Trier
- 85Billy (Jon Voight) used to be a great boxer, but he's settled into a hardscrabble life that revolves around drinking, training horses, and the one bright spot in his existence -- his young son, T.J. (Ricky Schroder). Although Billy has had custody of T.J. since his wife, Annie (Faye Dunaway), left the family years ago, her return prompts a new struggle for the former fighter. Determined to hold on to T.J., Billy gets back into the ring to try and recapture his past success.
- Released: 1979
- Directed by: Franco Zeffirelli
- 86Haunted by memories of her late mother and abused by her father (Paul Bettany), 14-year-old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) runs away with her friend and caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) to the South Carolina town that holds the key to her mother's past. There, Lily meets the Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo), who take her in and teach her about beekeeping, honey, and the Black Madonna. Lily also discovers that the truth about her mother is closer than she thinks.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
- 87In this visual riff on Pink Floyd's album "The Wall," successful but drugged-out musician Pink (Bob Geldof) is looking back on his isolated childhood from the confines of a Los Angeles hotel room. Through a swirl of flashbacks and chemical-induced hallucinations, Pink recalls his lonely upbringing, during which he built a symbolic wall to the world as he coped with the death of his father (James Laurenson) and the overbearing ways of his mother (Christine Hargreaves).
- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Alan Parker
- 88In The Hours, three women from different eras grapple with the complexities of life, linked by the novel Mrs. Dalloway. In 1923, Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) battles mental illness while writing her novel. In 1951, Laura Brown (Julianne Moore), a pregnant housewife, finds solace in Woolf's work. In 2001, Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep), a modern version of Woolf's protagonist, prepares a party for her AIDS-stricken friend. This drama, rich in depth and introspection, won an Academy Award for Best Actress (Kidman). Each timeline unfolds simultaneously, creating a poignant tapestry of human struggle and connection.
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Stephen Daldry
- 89Based on the play by Tennessee Williams, this renowned drama follows troubled former schoolteacher Blanche DuBois (Vivien Leigh) as she leaves small-town Mississippi and moves in with her sister, Stella Kowalski (Kim Hunter), and her husband, Stanley (Marlon Brando), in New Orleans. Blanche's flirtatious Southern-belle presence causes problems for Stella and Stanley, who already have a volatile relationship, leading to even greater conflict in the Kowalski household.
- Released: 1951
- Directed by: Elia Kazan
- 90As 18-year-old Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) answers questions on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," flashbacks show how he got there. Part of a stable of young thieves after their mother dies, Jamal and his brother, Salim, survive on the streets of Mumbai. Salim finds the life of crime agreeable, but Jamal scrapes by with small jobs until landing a spot on the game show.
- Released: 2008
- Directed by: Danny Boyle
- 91Friends Kathy (Carey Mulligan), Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) grow up together at a seemingly idyllic boarding school in the English countryside. When they leave the school and the horrible truth of their true purpose is revealed to them, they must simultaneously confront deep-seated feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal that threaten to tear their friendship asunder.
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Mark Romanek
- 92Field of Dreams, a fantasy-drama, orbits around Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), an Iowa farmer who hears a mysterious voice. Guided by this voice, he transforms his cornfield into a baseball diamond. The ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) materializes on this field, followed by other specters from the 1919 Chicago White Sox. As events unfold, Ray uncovers life-altering truths about passion and regret. This 1989 film won an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, redefining the blend of reality and fantasy in mainstream cinema.
- Released: 1989
- Directed by: Phil Alden Robinson
- 93Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams) live a quiet life in a modest neighborhood. To the casual observer, everything appears normal, if a bit subdued. But a closer examination reveals a couple caught in a downward spiral. They appear to have the world at their feet at the outset of the relationship. However, his lack of ambition and her retreat into self-absorption cause potentially irreversible cracks in their marriage.
- Released: 2010
- Directed by: Derek Cianfrance
- 94Ode to Billy Joe is a 1976 film with a screenplay by Herman Raucher, inspired by the 1967 hit song by Bobbie Gentry, titled "Ode to Billie Joe". The film was directed and produced by Max Baer, Jr. and stars Robby Benson and Glynnis O'Connor. Made for $1.1 million, it grossed $27 million at the box office, plus earnings in excess of $2.65 million in the foreign market, $4.75 million from television, and $2.5 million from video. Gentry's song recounts the day when Billie Joe McAllister committed suicide by jumping off the Tallahatchie Bridge on Choctaw Ridge, Mississippi. When Gentry and Raucher got together to work on the screenplay, she explained that while the song was based on an actual event, she had no idea why the real person who inspired the character of Billie Joe had killed himself. Raucher thus had a free hand to pick one.
- Released: 1976
- Directed by: Max Baer, Jr.
- 95Reformed drug addict Kathy Nicolo (Jennifer Connelly) has her California coast house, which she inherited from her father, taken away by the county due to a misunderstanding about back taxes. The place is bought by Iranian immigrant Massoud Amir Behrani (Ben Kingsley), who intends to fix it up and sell it in order to provide a better life for his wife (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and son (Jonathan Ahdout). However, Kathy, desperate to get the house back, begins harassing Behrani so he will return it.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Vadim Perelman
- 96The invasion of a village in Byelorussia by German forces sends young Florya (Aleksey Kravchenko) into the forest to join the weary Resistance fighters, against his family's wishes. There he meets a girl, Glasha (Olga Mironova), who accompanies him back to his village. On returning home, Florya finds his family and fellow peasants massacred. His continued survival amidst the brutal debris of war becomes increasingly nightmarish, a battle between despair and hope.
- Released: 1985
- Directed by: Elem Klimov
- 97Bunker Hill Military Academy has been targeted by real estate developers for demolition. The students, outraged at the thought of their school being turned into condominiums, vow to fight back. Led by Cadet Maj. Brian Moreland (Timothy Hutton), they stage a school-wide rebellion that ends with them in charge of the campus. After winning over the headmaster (George C. Scott), Brian and his fellow cadets, Alex (Sean Penn) and David (Tom Cruise), face their toughest battle yet -- with the Army.
- Released: 1981
- Directed by: Harold Becker
- 98Peter Jackson's expansive remake of the 1933 classic follows director Carl Denham (Jack Black) and his crew on a journey from New York City to the ominous Skull Island to film a new movie. Accompanying him are playwright Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody) and actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), who is whisked away by the monstrous ape, Kong, after they reach the island. The crew encounters dinosaurs and other creatures as they race to rescue Ann, while the actress forms a bond with her simian captor.
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Peter Jackson
- 99Sarah (Kate Winslet) is a well-educated woman who cannot come to terms with her life as a housewife and mother. Brad (Patrick Wilson), a stay-at-home dad, is married to a beautiful filmmaker (Jennifer Connelly) and goes skateboarding instead of studying for the bar exam. The pair meet at a playground and soon begin having secret trysts while their children nap and their spouses are at work.
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Todd Field
- 100In this classic version of Theodore Dreiser's novel "An American Tragedy," George Eastman (Montgomery Clift), the nephew of a wealthy industrialist, is excluded from high society and given a blue-collar job at his uncle's factory. While ascending the ranks of the company, George becomes romantically involved with co-worker Alice Tripp (Shelley Winters). However, when he is introduced to socialite Angela Vickers (Elizabeth Taylor), he quickly falls for her, leading to a tragic love triangle.
- Released: 1951
- Directed by: George Stevens
- 101In the 1970s, an outwardly wholesome family begins cracking at the seams over the course of a tumultuous Thanksgiving break. Frustrated with his job, the father, Ben (Kevin Kline), seeks fulfillment by cheating on his wife, Elena (Joan Allen), with neighborhood seductress Janey (Sigourney Weaver). Their teenage daughter, Wendy (Christina Ricci), dabbles in sexual affairs too -- with Janey's son Mikey (Elijah Wood). The family's strained relations continue to tauten until an ice storm strikes.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Ang Lee
- 102Bud (Warren Beatty) and his high school sweetheart, Deanie (Natalie Wood), are weighed down by their parents' oppressive expectations, which threaten the future of their relationship. Deanie's mother (Audrey Christie) and Bud's father (Pat Hingle) caution their children against engaging in a sexual relationship, but for opposing reasons: Deanie's mother thinks Bud won't marry a girl with loose morals, while Bud's father is afraid of marriage and pregnancy that would ruin Bud's future at Yale.
- Released: 1961
- Directed by: Elia Kazan
- 103In 1952, Irish teenager Philomena (Judi Dench) became pregnant out of wedlock and was sent to a convent. When her baby, Anthony, was a toddler, the nuns took Philomena's child away from her and put him up for adoption in the United States. For the next 50 years, she searched tirelessly for her son. When former BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) learns of the story, he becomes her ally. They travel together to America to find Anthony and become unexpectedly close in the process.
- Released: 2013
- Directed by: Stephen Frears
- 104In this animation, Snitter (John Hurt) and Rowf (Christopher Benjamin) are two dogs trapped in a lab where they are repeatedly abused for testing purposes. One day, they accidentally find a way to unlock their cages and escape. In the wild, they must struggle to survive with the help of their guide, the Tod (James Bolam), a fox. Despite their hopes for a better life, they are discouraged by the increasing lack of food and vicious rumors the government is spreading that they carry the plague.
- Released: 1982
- Directed by: Martin Rosen
- 105Four fascists kidnap young men and women and subject them to torture and perversion.
- Released: 1975
- Directed by: Pier Paolo Pasolini
- 106Threads is a British television drama that first aired in 1984, providing a harrowing depiction of a nuclear attack on the United Kingdom and its devastating aftermath. The film follows two families in Sheffield as they face the terrifying prospect of a nuclear war and struggle to survive the subsequent winter. The main themes include societal fragility, the brutal realities of post-apocalyptic life, and the impact of global politics on individual lives. Threads stands out for its gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of the potential consequences of a nuclear conflict and serves as a stark warning about the dangers of escalation and warfare. The show is noted for its impact on the public perception of nuclear war. It remains one of the most powerful dramatizations of this subject matter.
- Released: 1984
- Directed by: Mick Jackson
- 107A barren soundstage is stylishly utilized to create a minimalist small-town setting in which a mysterious woman named Grace (Nicole Kidman) hides from the criminals who pursue her. The town is two-faced and offers to harbor Grace as long as she can make it worth their effort, so Grace works hard under the employ of various townspeople to win their favor. Tensions flare, however, and Grace's status as a helpless outsider provokes vicious contempt and abuse from the citizens of Dogville.
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Lars von Trier
- 108Middle-school student Dawn Weiner (Heather Matarazzo) faces degradation at school -- where she is teased constantly -- and at home. The middle child between nerdy older brother Mark (Matthew Faber) and perky younger sister Missy (Daria Kalinina), Dawn can't seem to find a place to belong. Although she has a crush on a cute boy (Eric Mabius) whom her brother knows, she can only catch the attention of bully Brandon (Brendan Sexton Jr.), who threatens her to show affection.
- Released: 1995
- Directed by: Todd Solondz
- 109Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a debt-ridden broker, needs some quick cash. He ropes his younger brother, Hank (Ethan Hawke), into a scheme to commit the perfect crime: to rob their parents' (Albert Finney, Rosemary Harris) jewelry store. The scheme goes horribly awry, and the family patriarch takes justice into his own hands, unaware that the criminals he is hunting are his own sons.
- Released: 2007
- Directed by: Sidney Lumet
- 110In the 14th century, William of Baskerville (Sean Connery), a renowned Franciscan monk, and his apprentice, Adso of Melk (Christian Slater), travel to an abbey where a suspicious death has occurred. Using his deductive powers, William begins investigating what he believes to be murder. During the course of his investigation, several more monks wind up dead. With fear running through the abbey, the church leaders call forth Bernardo Gui (F. Murray Abraham), William's nemesis, to find the truth.
- Released: 1986
- Directed by: Jean-Jacques Annaud
- 111Tom Cruise and Cameron Crowe reunite after "Jerry Maguire" for "Vanilla Sky," the story of a young New York City publishing magnate who finds himself on an unexpected roller-coaster ride of romance, comedy, suspicion, love, sex and dreams in a mind-bending search for his soul.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Cameron Crowe
- 112Starr Carter is constantly switching between two worlds -- the poor, mostly black neighborhood where she lives and the wealthy, mostly white prep school that she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is soon shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and decide to stand up for what's right.
- Released: 2018
- Directed by: George Tillman
- 113Summertime on the coast of Maine, "In the Bedroom" centers on the inner dynamics of a family in transition. Matt Fowler (Tom Wilkinson) is a doctor practicing in his native Maine and is married to New York born Ruth Fowler (Sissy Spacek), a music teacher. He is involved in a love affair with a local single mother (Marisa Tomei). As the beauty of Maine's brief and fleeting summer comes to an end, these characters find themselves in the midst of unimaginable tragedy.
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Todd Field
- 114A small mountain community in Canada is devastated when a school bus accident leaves more than a dozen of its children dead. A big-city lawyer (Ian Holm) arrives to help the survivors' and victims' families prepare a class-action suit, but his efforts only seem to push the townspeople further apart. At the same time, one teenage survivor of the accident (Sarah Polley) has to reckon with the loss of innocence brought about by a different kind of damage.
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Atom Egoyan
- 115A single father, John Leary (Danny DeVito), struggles to raise his two young boys, Jack (Robert J. Steinmiller Jr.) and Dylan (Miko Hughes), after his wife (Andrea Marcovicci) is killed in a car accident. Working as a TV horror movie host at night, John spends most of his free time drowning his sorrows in booze and fighting with his neo-Nazi neighbor, Norman (Gary Sinise). But when Norman kidnaps Dylan in an act of revenge, John is forced to wake up and take control of his life again.
- Released: 1991
- Directed by: Marshall Herskovitz
- 116Cake is a 2014 American drama film directed by Daniel Barnz. The acerbic, hilarious Claire Bennett (Jennifer Aniston) becomes fascinated by the suicide of a woman in her chronic pain support group.
- 117This dark ensemble-comedy is centered on the three Jordan sisters. Joy (Jane Adams) moves through lackluster jobs with no sense of purpose. Now employed teaching adults, she is dating a student, Russian taxi-driver Vlad (Jared Harris). Helen (Lara Flynn Boyle) is an esteemed poet who becomes amused by her perverted neighbor, Allen (Philip Seymour Hoffman). And eldest sister Trish (Cynthia Stevenson) is married to Bill (Dylan Baker), a psychiatrist with a very disturbing secret life.
- Released: 1998
- Directed by: Todd Solondz
- 118Lilja 4-ever is a 2002 Swedish-Danish drama film directed by Lukas Moodysson. Lilja 4-ever is an unremittingly brutal and realistic story of the downward spiral of Lilja, played by Oksana Akinshina, a girl in the former Soviet Union whose mother abandons her to move to the United States. The story is loosely based on the true case of Danguolė Rasalaitė, and examines the issue of human trafficking and sexual slavery. The film received positive reviews both in Sweden and abroad. It won five Guldbagge Awards including Best Film, and was nominated for Best Film and Best Actress at the European Film Awards.
- Released: 2002
- Directed by: Lukas Moodysson
- 119Dahlia (Jennifer Connelly) wants to move away from her ex-husband, Kyle (Dougray Scott), and take her daughter, Ceci (Ariel Gade), with her. Relocating to a dreary tower block, Dahlia and Ceci discover eerie, dark water leaking through the ceiling of their new apartment. Dahlia petitions the supervisor (Pete Postlethwaite) and the building's owner (John C. Reilly) to fix the leak, yet it only gets worse. Now having nightmares about the dripping, Dahlia is driven to confront the problem herself.
- Released: 2005
- Directed by: Walter Salles
- 120Based on the best selling novel, set in the mid 1980's before the prevalence of anti-depressants, it follows a young working class woman's (Christina Ricci) bout with depression during her first year at Harvard. The film explores this generation's struggle to navigate the effects of divorce, drugs, sex, and an overbearing mother (Jessica Lange).
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Erik Skjoldbjærg
