Ten films about grief and loss

Grief and loss are universal experiences, yet each person processes them in their own way. In difficult times, we often turn to creative works for solace, and film can play a particularly powerful role. Through drama, animation, and fantasy, certain films capture the complexities of mourning and offer both comfort and catharsis.

Below are ten films, some suitable for watching with children, that handle these themes with honesty and care.

1. Manchester by the Sea (2016)

This emotionally powerful film follows Lee Chandler, a man grappling with past trauma while becoming the guardian of his teenage nephew after his brother’s sudden death. Through raw performances and a poignant script, Manchester by the Sea offers a moving exploration of guilt, grief, and the struggle to move forward.

2. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

While it may appear to be a lighthearted children’s fantasy, Bridge to Terabithia is a poignant exploration of childhood grief and loss. A heartbreaking twist makes certain moments difficult to watch, yet the film never lingers in despair, it ultimately reminds us that there are many ways to honour the memory of a loved one.

3. Up (2009)

Pixar’s Up is a heartwarming yet bittersweet tale of Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower who embarks on an adventure to fulfil his late wife’s lifelong dream. With one of the most touching opening sequences in cinema history, Up masterfully portrays love, loss, and the courage to begin new chapters.

4. Big Fish (2003)

This whimsical film centres on the reconciliation between a son and his dying father. At its core, it is a story about preserving memories and love for future generations. Though Edward’s life is ending, his stories will live on, and in the end, he finds peace knowing his legacy will endure.

5. Coco (2017)

This vibrant animated film celebrates the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, emphasising the importance of remembering and honouring those we have lost. With breathtaking visuals and a heartfelt story, Coco reminds us that love transcends death and that those we have lost remain with us in spirit.

6. Soul (2020)

Another exceptional Pixar film, Soul follows a jazz musician who unexpectedly finds himself in the afterlife, leading to a beautiful exploration of grief, purpose, and the value of life’s everyday moments. After watching, it can open a meaningful conversation with children about loss and what makes life matter.

7. Rabbit Hole (2010)

Starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, Rabbit Hole follows a couple struggling with the devastating loss of their four-year-old son. The film portrays the complexities of grief and the different ways people process sorrow within a relationship, honest, quiet, and deeply affecting.

8. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

This poignant romance tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who fall in love while dealing with terminal illness. Their time together is filled with love, laughter and sorrow, highlighting the beauty of life even in the face of loss.

9. Steel Magnolias (1989)

A touching story of friendship, love, and loss, Steel Magnolias centres on a group of women who support each other through life’s joys and tragedies. The film emphasises the strength found in community and the power of resilience in the face of grief.

10. Wild (2014)

Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, Wild follows a woman who walks the Pacific Crest Trail alone after losing her mother. The film explores how grief can push us to redefine ourselves and find healing through self-discovery.

Grief is a deeply personal experience, but these films remind us that we are not alone in our sorrow. If you are living with grief and loss, exploring ways to cope with grief, reading about the stages of grief, or finding books on grief and emotional healing may also bring comfort alongside these films.