40 Emotionally Scarring Movies That Everyone Must See At Least Once In Their Lifetime

Because you will be too traumatized to see it for the second time.

Sophia

• Published in Film & TV
• January 25, 2022

Most of the time, movies work their way up to the peak of human creativity. It includes all kinds of artistic aspects—acting, directing, cinematography, videography, sound design, animating, and sometimes, singing.

You have probably wondered, What was the first movie ever made? It was actually way back in the late 1880s that the first movies began to develop, but they were in the form of photo experiments, blended together to mimic the illusion of a moving picture.

The technology available at that time was still scarce, so movies were still rare. They only became popular from 1906 onwards, when movie theaters were the highlight of entertainment and social gatherings back then.

Movies, or motion pictures, didn't have any sound or music until 1927, though. That did not stop the industry from gaining popularity—the time between the decades of '20s and '60s were even dubbed as the Golden Age of Hollywood, because this is when there was a lot of experimental filmmaking done by five major studios: MGM, Paramount, Fox, Warner Bros., and RKO.

When we think of the highlights of Hollywood from the past century, we would automatically think of the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland. At present time, the industry has definitely branched out and given birth to the fame of many talented artists, each admired by people for their distinct way of bringing out the best in their characters, such as Meryl Streep or Sarah Paulson.

However, movies are also more than just the actors starring in them—it's also about the story and the production. A lot of movie enthusiasts are drawn to movies that leave a significant impact, even if it involves a lot of morbid themes, and there are always movies that these people just can't resist but recommend for their friends to watch.

That being said, a user on Reddit u/akambe asked “What movie is so good you'd recommend it to all your friends, but so emotionally traumatic that you'll never watch it again?” and the people on the platform delivered.

Here are some of the best ones you need to watch at least once in your lifetime!

1. We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011)

2. American History X (1998)

3. Full Metal Jacket (1987)

4. The Road (2009)

5. Life Is Beautiful (1997)

6. The Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)

7. Mary And Max (2009)

8. Manchester By The Sea (2016)

9. Dead Poets Society (1989)

10. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

11. Nightcrawler (2014)

12. Leaving Las Vegas (1995)

13. Stand By Me (1986)

14. Schindler's List (1993)

15. The Land Before Time (1988)

16. The Boy In The Striped Pajamas (2008)

17. Melancholia (2011)

18. The Green Mile (1999)

19. Bridge To Terabithia (2007)

20. Hotel Rwanda (2004)

21. The Pianist (2002)

22. Dancer In The Dark (2000)

23. Midsommar (2019)

24. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

25. Boys Don't Cry (1999)

26. What Dreams May Come (1998)

27. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

28. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

29. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

30. Wind River (2017)

31. Come And See (1985)

32. The Hunt (2012)

33. Steel Magnolias (1989)

34. Requiem For A Dream (2000)

35. Once Were Warriors (1994)

36. Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)

37. Oldboy (2003)

38. The Mist (2007)

39. The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)

40. Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Have you seen any of these movies already? If not, then this is your sign to finally free up your time and watch them one by one!

These movies left so much impact on their viewers, but it was traumatizing and emotionally scarring enough not to repeat because the impact won't just be the same if you watch them again. What are you planning to watch first on this list?

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for your family and friends to see!

Sophia