Best Sad Movies on Netflix: Emotional Rollercoasters for Your Viewing Pleasure

A Man Called Otto (2022)

The film “A Man Called Otto” narrates the tale of Otto (Tom Hanks), an ill-mannered elderly man who has been living alone since his wife died. Otto finds it difficult to understand, though, how a new family who moves in next door brings Otto into their world. What happens in this Marc Forster-directed film is how he begins to perceive the world differently. When we witness how he is unable to return his new neighbours’ affections for him, the sadness that arises from wondering how he must be feeling on the inside, alone and without the one person he loves the most, only grows. He’s not a horrible man or a miserable man. All he’s been alone for is a long while. The narrative is based on Fredrik Backman’s 2012 book “A Man Called Ove.” Here is where you can watch “A Man Called Otto.”

Alex Strangelove (2018)

Claire and Alex Truelove have been best friends, if not lovers, for a long time. Alex’s mother receives a cancer diagnosis while they are doing well in high school. When Alex is feeling lonely and alone, he turns to his friend Claire, who is always there for him. They quickly begin dating and make plans for their first sex. In addition, Alex meets the gay man Elliot, with whom she develops conflicting feelings, much to Claire’s dismay. Despite Alex’s mixed feelings about the whole relationship thing, the two of them decide to go to the prom together.

To Alex’s surprise, Claire has secretly asked Elliot to prom. After that, Alex and Elliot share their first kiss. The story of “Alex Strangelove” revolves around a closeted gay adolescent with social anxiety whose inner self finds it difficult to accept the social norms around him. You can view the movie right here.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

A war movie isn’t supposed to be happy, is it? It all comes down to the various ways in which the filmmakers are able to convey the brutality of war and its effects on people. German film “All Quiet on the Western Front” tells the story of four boys who, inspired by patriotism, enlist in the German army only to be exposed to the horrors of the Western Front, one of the war’s hotspots. The film received nine nominations, including a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars 2023. We are reminded that nothing good ever comes out of a war, and nothing ever will, as hopes and dreams are dashed and friends are lost. Edward Berger is the director of the film. Here is where you can watch “All Quiet on the Western Front.”

Barfi! (2012)

“Barfi,” a masterful drama in Indian Hindi language directed by Anurag Basustars Ashish Vidyarthi, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ileana D’Cruz, and Ranbir Kapoor. It tells the unlikely love story of autistic girl Jhilmil (Chopra Jonas) and deaf and mute Murphy Chhetri, also known as Barfi (Kapoor), set in the 1970s. When Barfi’s first girlfriend, Shruti (D’Cruz), leaves him and marries a “normal” man, he meets Jhilmil, who unintentionally becomes entangled in a plot involving Jhilmil’s father, Durjoy Chatterjee (Vidyarthi). When Shruti sees Barfi again, she discovers that she has never stopped loving him, even though Barfi and Jhilmil are on the run and being sought after by the authorities. This film is a must-watch because of the conspiracy and the way the creators woven it into a heartwarming love story. It was India’s official submission for the 2013 Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Here is where you can watch the movie.

Beasts Of No Nation (2015)

“Beasts Of No Nation,” a Netflix original film, was written and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The film is set in a fictitious West African nation and centres on the life of a young girl named Agu, whose nation is destroyed by violence after the government falls. A rebel army recruits Agu and trains him to be a killer with no regrets at all. The man in charge of this army goes by the moniker “Commander.” Being a rather sadistic person, he rapes the new child recruits without even thinking twice. This movie depicts the devastation caused to the lives of numerous children in these African nations who are brought up to be drug addicts and rifle shooters. The two main characters in the movie, Abraham Atta as Agu and Idris Elba as the Commandant, lend a great deal of authenticity to the narrative. Here is where you can view the film.

Blonde (2022)

The fictional drama “Blonde,” helmed by Andrew Dominik, revolves around Marilyn Monroe’s alter ego, Norma Jeane Baker. Although the author of the book “Blonde: A Novel,” Joyce Carol Oates, makes it obvious that the story is fictitious, it is difficult to watch the film depicting the protagonist’s tragic life and everything she had to give up to achieve immortal fame. It is admirable and heartbreaking all at once how Ana de Armas brings the character to life. Here is a link to stream “Blonde.”

Brain on Fire (2016)

From a theoretical standpoint, the true story “Brain on Fire,” which is based on a novel, is intriguing. The novel opens with real-life character Susannah Cahalan celebrating her 21st birthday with her boyfriend and her now-divorced parents. Susannah appears to have her life together as an intern reporter for the New York Post. But when she starts exhibiting odd, albeit unintentional, manic behaviour, everything falls apart. Seizures ensue, and she continues to hear voices in her head nonstop. What medical professionals initially diagnose as schizophrenia actually turns out to be a rare brain disorder known as “Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis” that manifests as a deep state of psychosis after a headache. “Brain on Fire” aims to produce something incredibly brilliant, but falls short because of the premise’s incoherence. You can watch the movie right here.

Cargo (2017)

In the alternate world of “Cargo,” a pandemic is causing people to turn into zombies 48 hours after being bitten or exposed. Despite not being able to save his wife, Andy (Martin Freeman) needs to protect his infant daughter Rosie and figure out a way to get her to safety. The only issue is that he needs to move quickly because he has also been bitten. The film tells the story of how he makes it through the perilous terrain and makes sure his daughter survives. This film, which tells a tale of love, sacrifice, and farewell, is incredibly powerful on many levels. You can watch it right here.

Fatherhood (2021)

Kevin Hart demonstrated his versatility with “Fatherhood,” demonstrating his depth beyond humour. Not that comedy is absent; on the contrary, there is a great deal more of it. The film, which was directed by Paul Weitz, is mostly about Matt (Hart), who loses his wife during childbirth and is left to raise his daughter alone. The film is a heartbreaking story of fatherhood and love, based on Matthew Logelin’s “Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love.” Watch “Fatherhood” online at this link.

First They Killed My Father (2017)

“First They Killed My Father,” which is centred on the Ung family and is set in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is straight out of actor-director Angelina Jolie’s cat. Pa and his young daughter Loung, along with the rest of the Ung family, are running out of time to flee their cosy home as the Khmer Rouge soldiers close in on the city. The Ung family is cautious not to reveal Pa’s true identity as they prepare to enter the city and arrive at a refugee camp, as doing so could put them in danger.

Pa is put to death for having ties to the government, and Loung is enlisted and brainwashed to become a child soldier. Despite her distaste for the situation, Loung continues to look for reasons to be optimistic about the future. Following the destruction of their army by Vietnamese bombing, Loung and numerous other children are set free and taken to yet another cosy and secure home. ‘First They Killed My Father’ is a victorious story about Loung and her overcoming adversity. Among the saddest films on this list is this one as well. Here is where you can watch “First They Killed My Father.”

If Anything Happens I Love You (2020)

 

Despite being a 12-minute 2-D animated film, it is deserving of a spot on this list. The unheard-of flood of emotions evoked by this short film is remarkable. It is a story about a father and mother who lost their young daughter in a school shooting, and it was written and directed by Will McCormack and Michael Govier. We can only persuade you to watch this because it was awarded the 2021 Best Animated Short Oscar, and for good reason. You can watch the movie right here.

I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

When young Lucy (Jessie Buckley) visits her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) at home, she first meets his parents. The meeting doesn’t go as planned, though, because she starts to see herself and everything around her in a different light. We, the viewers, are treated to a thorough examination of life and what it means to be human as she considers ending things. Charlie Kaufman, the writer and director of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” is behind the camera. You can watch the movie online here.

Irreplaceable You (2018)

Sam and Abbie fell in love when they were just teenagers. Sam is a teacher, and Abbie works for a publisher. Abbie learns she is expecting a child while they are both preparing for their wedding and future together. Her world collapses when she learns that the reason for her swollen belly wasn’t her pregnancy but rather a tumour during their visit to the doctor. Abbie starts her chemotherapy and joins support groups knowing full well that she is not going to survive. She decides to find Sam another girl who will be able to look after him after she dies. You are welcome to watch the film here.

Kodachrome (2017)

Bruce Greenwood, Elizabeth Olsen, Ed Harris, and Jason Sudeikis are among the cast members of this Mark Raso-directed movie. It is predicated on A.G. The film depicts the heartbreaking road trip of a terminally ill father and his son, accompanied by the father’s nurse, to Kansas, where the father shall have his last Kodachrome rolls processed before the lab, the last of its kind, closes down forever. This is based on Sulzberger’s 2010 New York Times article titled “For Kodachrome Fans, Road Ends at Photo Lab in Kansas.” “Kodachrome,” a moving movie viewed from several perspectives, illustrates how everything ages and eventually dies. It is available for streaming here.

Like Father (2018)

Rachel, played by Kristen Bell, is a girl abandoned at her altar. Considering how meticulous and workaholic she has always been, she had carefully thought out every detail of her unforgettable honeymoon, which is currently in jeopardy. She somehow finds herself on the cruise ship she had reserved for her honeymoon with her father, Harry, following a wild night out. She hates the decision at first, but as she muses over the disagreements she and her father have always had, she soon comes to the conclusion that she wasn’t being fair to him. Rachel and Harry get along well after a few heartwarming, bonding moments, but the former is still looking for her first real love. Though it does so infrequently, “Like Father” is a watchable story about a father and daughter that is both humorous and depressing. Here is where you can view the film.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which is based on the play of the same name by August Wilson and recounts the life of significant blues singer Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, highlights the racial issues of the 1920s while telling the story of Ma Rainey’s band. As early blues music drifts into your ears, the film presents you with an accurate depiction of how black people are treated. The acting is outstanding, adding to the film’s poignant and nostalgic atmosphere. Michael Potts, Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, Chadwick Boseman, and Viola Davis are among the outstanding cast members. You will undoubtedly feel moved by it, especially in light of the fact that this is Boseman’s final performance. You can watch the movie online here.

Marriage Story (2019)

Filmmaker Noah Baumbach approaches marriage’s complexities and difficulties in a way that no other filmmaker has. Both his 2005 film “The Squid and the Whale” and his 2019 masterwork “Marriage Story” explore divorce and its aftermath, but whereas the former tells the story from the viewpoint of the couple’s children, the adults are the main focus of this one. Charlie and Nicole Baker, played by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, are a couple going through a divorce. Although they do want to resolve it amicably, the involvement of lawyers muddies the process beyond their wildest dreams.

There is some of the best screen acting you will ever see in Johansson and Driver’s performances. Because of how authentically they both play their parts, you’re not even sure who you should be rooting for. Baumbach has woven a tale of love in which, despite one’s best efforts, many things remain unsaid in an attempt to depict a scene of separation. Here is a link to stream “Marriage Story.”

Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019)

Mehmet Ada Öztekin is the director of the Turkish film “Miracle in Cell No. 7,” which is based on the Korean film of the same name. The premise centres on the bond between a father with a developmental disability who was wrongfully imprisoned and his 6-year-old daughter, whom his friends manage to sneak into his cell so they can spend time together. We learn in the movie whether or not the father is cleared and, if so, how. We advise you to watch the movie here on streaming while packing some tissues.

My Best Friend Anne Frank (2021)

Most of us are familiar with Anne Frank. For those who don’t know, she was a Jewish girl of German descent who kept a diary while hiding with her family under an office on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands, for two years (1942–1944). After the Nazi troops found them in 1944 (during World War II), they were taken to a concentration camp, where Frank, then fifteen years old, died of typhus in 1945. One of the most well-known books of all time is her diary, “The Diary of a Young Girl,” also known as “The Diary of Anne Frank,” which was first published in 1947.

The film “My Best Friend Anne Frank,” helmed by Ben Sombogaart, draws inspiration from American author Alison Leslie Gold’s memoir “Memories of Anne Frank: Reflections of a Childhood Friend.” The friendship between Anne and Hannah Goslar, who ended up in a Nazi concentration camp after leaving their hometown of Amsterdam, is examined in this film. In 1945, Goslar was saved from a train. In Jerusalem, Israel, in 2022, she passed away. Aiko Beemsterboer plays Anne Frank in the movie, and Josephine Arendsen plays Hanneli Goslar. Watch the movie right here.

Paddleton (2019)

Paddleton, helmed by Alexandre Lehmann, is unquestionably among the most depressing films streaming on Netflix. It tells the tale of two neighbors/close friends, Ray Romano as Andy and Mark Duplass as Michael, who decide not to go with a whimper after learning that Michael has terminal stomach cancer and drives to the closest pharmacy to get the medication. Andy is forced to accept Michael’s plan even though he doesn’t want to let him end his life. The two guys’ experiences fill the six-hour drive, and you can’t help but smile wistfully because you know what’s coming. The journey is more important than the destination, which is something we all know. To share in the friendship between Michael and Andy, you will encounter “Paddleton” in this place.

Passing (2021)

The story, which is set in 1920s New York, centres on two light-skinned Black women who are childhood friends named Irene (Tessa Thompson) and Clare (Ruth Negga), whose lives dramatically intersect. When Irene runs into Clare, she is pretending to be white and is married to a racist white man. But now that she’s met Irene, Clare is willing to take a chance and tell the truth in order to finally spend time in her hometown. We’ve already laid out the basic idea for you; to tell you any more would be to spoil it. We can guarantee you that it has an unexpected climax, which will only heighten your desire. Rebecca Hall directed the black-and-white feature film. Here is where you can view it.

Pieces of a Woman (2021)

“Pieces of a Woman,” a deeply personal and poignant drama written and directed by Kornél Mundruczó and starring Kata Wéber, depicts how an expecting couple’s life transforms dramatically through an unfathomable tragedy that results in a personal loss. Along with the emotional roller coaster of grieving, they experience other negative emotions as well. We would be wrong to tell you more, so please watch it; however, be advised that it is quite depressing. Here is where you can watch “Pieces of a Woman.”

Roma (2018)

The Mexican movie is the first of its kind to take home the Oscar for Best Foreign Picture. “Roma,” directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a story about Cleo, a maid for a middle-class family, and her mistress Sofia, and how their lives unexpectedly intersect. It is set in Mexico City in the 1970s. While Cleo suspects she is pregnant and that her boyfriend will leave her if she tells him, Sofia believes her husband is having an affair. Go for “Roma” if you want to delve deeply into something feminine and intimate. You can view the movie right here.

Society of the Snow (2023)

Inspired by Pablo Vierci’s moving book, “Society of the Snow,” J. A. Bayona skillfully narrates the compelling story of the tragic Andes flight tragedy that occurred in Uruguay in 1972. The film, which draws from Vierci’s personal relationships with the 16 survivors, vividly tells the story of their terrifying journey. “Society of the Snow,” which showcases a gifted group mainly from Uruguay and Argentina, explores the human spirit’s unwavering perseverance in the face of unfathomable hardship. Long after the last scene fades, viewers are encouraged to reflect on the limits of human resilience and camaraderie by this deeply moving cinematic experience. Here is where you can view the film.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

The film is directed by the well-known actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and is set in the African country of Malawi. William’s father, Chiwetel Ejiofor, is a farmer in a poor area of Malawi, and he suffers when there is a drought. But William (Maxwell Simba) has lofty goals, and you will be amazed at what the human spirit is capable of when you see what he accomplishes with his creative mind—all despite having to drop out of school. The film examines William’s relationship with his father and their mutual trust, while also shedding light on the drought and the tragedies it can bring about. You can watch it right here.

The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)

Following the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939, director of the Warsaw Zoo in Poland Dr. Jan Łabiński (Johan Heldenbergh) and his wife Antonina (Jessica Chastain) convert their zoo into a haven for Jewish spies. In all, they may have saved 300 Jews. Based on a true story, “The Zookeeper’s Wife” is a film adaptation of the same-titled book by Diane Ackerman. Though not on par with Spielberg’s masterpiece “Schindler’s List,” the sheer brutality of the time and the dangers associated with saving the Jews fail to both horrify and make us weep for all the lives lost. Niki Caro is the director of the film. Here is where you can watch it.

tick, tick…BOOM! (2021)

Inspired by the life of the late playwright Jonathan Larson (Arden Garfield), who died before his plays “Rent” and “tick, tick, BOOM!” could be seen.’make it to Broadway; the film is excruciating from the inside out. It is heartbreaking to be able to witness the plays’ success while also knowing that the playwright was not able to experience it. Under the direction of Broadway playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, “tick, tick, BOOM!”‘ walks us through the phases of Larson’s life when he reexamined his decisions regarding his friendship, love, and career. It is available for streaming here.

To the Bone (2017)

Ellen, age 20, is battling anorexia nervosa. Following a consultation with an unconventional physician, Ellen is put in a group home with individuals dealing with various eating disorders. Her perspective on life shifts when she is forced to face the reality of her illness. The excellent drama “To the Bone” brings attention to illnesses that are frequently disregarded by society, including eating disorders. This Netflix original movie is a true gem that features a number of standout performances. You can watch it right here.

Worth (2020)

The biographical drama “Worth” takes place in the wake of the September 11 attacks on the United States. It depicts the difficult task that Michael Keaton’s character, attorney Kenneth Feinberg, faces in evaluating and distributing funds to the victims’ families as part of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. He needs to calculate the price of life and arrange for payment to be made. Is it even feasible to do this? “Worth” demonstrates Feinberg’s approach to the $7.375 billion processing schedule. But will the bereaved families accept it even if the government pays a portion of it? You’re going to be hit hard by this movie. It is available for streaming here.