Get set to explore a lineup of movies that stir emotions, making viewers feel uneasy, tense, or deeply moved. Audiences have shared their experiences with these gripping and memorable cinematic journeys when discussing impactful movies.
From the sinister horrors of “Midsommar” to the emotionally devastating “Grave of the Fireflies,” prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as we explore these films that are not for the faint of heart.
1. Midsommar (2019)
This sinister horror film starring Florence Pugh follows the characters on a doomed trip to Sweden. As they travel the idyllic land, they encounter a series of disturbing twists that are in stark contrast to their vibrant surroundings, captured in artistically-framed shots.
Several users claimed that this movie made them very uneasy and uncomfortable. It makes use of extremely unsettling scenes and gruesome imagery that left viewers “scarred” by the experience.
2. Uncut Gems (2019)
Adam Sandler, one of Hollywood’s richest actors, plays a jeweler entangled in a frantic pursuit of treasures. Driven by greed, he claws his way out of sticky situations, outsmarts competitors, and squashes one threat after another, only to arrive at a bitter conclusion.
One person in the discussion called the movie “stressful,” while someone else admitted that they could not even sit through the whole thing. Another user warned, “the movie is made with the intention of raising your anxiety.”
3. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Unraveling four parallel storylines, the film depicts the gut-wrenching consequences of dealing with addiction. The lead protagonists’ narrative arcs explore how human desire can transform and taint even the purest souls.
According to many, its bleak ending will take a few days to emotionally recover from. One user expressed that the film’s sheer absurdity stuck with them for a long while. A second user remarked, “it was like watching multiple trains cinematically crash into each other.”
4. Schindler’s List (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie revolves around a businessman who unexpectedly becomes a savior to factory laborers. It is set during the Holocaust, one of the darkest periods in history.
Some people called this movie “heartbreaking” and stated that one viewing session was all they could stomach. Although these users appreciated how poignantly the movie handled such an important subject matter, they decided “not to see it a second time.”
5. The Road (2009)
This movie is a grim narration of apocalypse survivors slowly making their way towards the sea, as they believe it will be a safe place to inhabit. The relentless conditions present them with some morally questionable decisions.
Watchers described this movie as “depressing,” which made them decide that it was not worth rewatching.
6. Event Horizon (1997)
This movie about a group of astronauts investigating a lost spacecraft is apparently so off-putting that many people vowed never to see it again. According to those who have seen it, the bloody scenes are especially haunting.
7. What Dreams May Come (1998)
Love and loss are intertwined in this heavy-hitting film about a man grieving his beloved wife and children. It portrays the afterlife in a surreal, yet profound way.
Someone in the thread commented that seeing What Dreams May Come at the age of 10 made them “aware of their mortality for the first time.” And though most people had great things to say about the movie, they agreed that watching it once is enough.
8. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Studio Ghibli’s animated take on the anti-war ideology left viewers devastated. When you consider how realistic the movie’s events are, it becomes even more upsetting. One user even gave it the title, “the most depressing movie they had ever seen.” Another wrote, “I don’t have the emotional capacity to watch it more than once in my life.” If you plan to watch Grave of the Fireflies someday, make sure to have a box of tissues ready.
9. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Contrary to the other movies on this list, this one was mentioned not because it’s horrifying or depressing, but due to its notoriety for being one of the worst book-to-film adaptations of all time.
The original story by best-selling writer Rick Riordan was watered down and altered in disappointing ways. When the movie was released, fans of the book series were distraught, and it received many scathing reviews.
10. Eragon (2006)
Here’s another disappointing movie based on a successful book series. According to IMDb, it received an average score of 5.1 (out of 10), while the review site Rotten Tomatoes shows an aggregated approval rating of 16%.
Commenters labeled it a “low-budget garbage production” and talked about the running joke among fans wherein they would ignore it altogether, as if to mentally “delete” it from existence. If you liked reading the book, steer clear of the adaptation and avoid ruining your perception of the media.
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Source: Reddit
Marga is a freelance content writer. She creates informative and engaging blog articles about entertainment, travel, and simple living.
Aside from writing, Marga’s background in psychology fuels her work in education and training, where she nurtures her love for lifelong learning.
Find all her published work on Muck Rack.