Watching good movies can be an emotional rollercoaster, and while romantic and scary films have their own appeal, fans of tearjerkers know that sad movies can provide a cathartic release of emotions. Studies have even shown that crying can be a form of stress relief, as noted in a recent article by the American Psychological Association.
Netflix has a lot to offer when it comes down to this, some of these movies focus on doomed romances, while others are historical dramas that aim to provide a viewpoint on the past. Teen movies are also a popular choice, as raw emotions of teenage years can be especially powerful. Many of the movies available on Netflix are based on real-life stories, which can escalate the emotional influence of the film.
Some films offer an amalgamation of all these elements, taking the viewers on the journey that will have them laughing at one and crying at one moment, in the leaving them with a warm and hopeful feeling by the end. So here are some of the saddest movies on Netflix.
1. To The Bone:
This film revolves around a 20 year aged girl named Ellen portrayed by Lily Collins, who is a college dropout dealing with anorexia. Despite her unwillingness, she makes the decision to enrol in a residential treatment program in hopes of getting over her eating disorder. Throughout her stay, Ellen forms a strong bond with fellow residents, but finds it hard to to gain control over her condition as she continues losing weight. The movie portrays the obstacles of recovery and the struggles that individuals with eating disorders face.
2. Irreplaceable You:
A heart-wrenching love story follows Abbie and Sam, who have never been apart since childhood and are now engaged to be married. They share a deep rooted connection and an unshakeable bond, until Abbie’s life is turned upside down with a devastating cancer diagnosis.
As they realise the reality of Abbie’s illness, Abbie must struggle with the agonising decision of whether to live her life to the fullest with Sam or plan a future for Sam without her. In the face of indecisiveness and fear, the couple traverse through the complications of their relationship and the hitting realities of cancer treatment.
3. Roma:
Nominated for an Academy Award, this moving film records the life of Cleo, a committed maid who works for a middle-class family in Mexico City during the early 1970s. Over the course of a year, viewers are invited to witness the everyday struggles and triumphs of Cleo’s life.
4. Five Feet Apart:
In the heart-wrenching film “Five Feet Apart,” the main characters, Stella and Will, face a seemingly overwhelming obstacle to their relationship: both have cystic fibrosis, a condition that requires them to maintain a strict physical distance of five feet from each other to avoid cross-infection.
Despite this serious medical limitation, the two find a deep connection with each other and form a powerful bond that transcends their illness. As they navigate the challenges of living with cystic fibrosis, Stella and Will offer each other support, encouragement, and understanding.
5. Marriage Story:
The acclaimed film by Noah Baumbach, which received a Best Picture nomination, offers an honest and straightforward portrayal of a family that is in the midst of a painful divorce. With sensitivity and nuance, the film explores the complex emotions and dynamics at play when a family is torn apart by separation and divorce.
Viewers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as they witness the raw and intimate moments shared by the family members, from tender and poignant exchanges to explosive arguments and bitter confrontations. Through it all, the film encourages empathy and understanding for each of the characters, even as they struggle to come to terms with the end of their family unit.