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.
Most of the time, movies work their way up to the peak of human creativity. They encompass all kinds of artistic aspects—acting, directing, cinematography, videography, sound design, animation, 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 photographic experiments, blended together to mimic the illusion of a moving picture.
The technology available at that time was still scarce, so movies were rare. They only became popular from 1906 onwards when movie theaters were the highlight of entertainment and social gatherings.
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 1920s and 1960s was even dubbed the Golden Age of Hollywood, because this was when a lot of experimental filmmaking was 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 automatically think of the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland. At present, 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. Many movie enthusiasts are drawn to films that leave a significant impact, even if they involve morbid themes, and there are always movies that these individuals just can't resist recommending to their friends.
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)
Movieclips Trailers2. American History X (1998)
Movieclips Classic Trailers3. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
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4. The Road (2009)
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5. Life Is Beautiful (1997)
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6. The Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
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7. Mary And Max (2009)
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8. Manchester By The Sea (2016)
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9. Dead Poets Society (1989)
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10. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
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11. Nightcrawler (2014)
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12. Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
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13. Stand By Me (1986)
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14. Schindler's List (1993)
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15. The Land Before Time (1988)
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16. The Boy In The Striped Pajamas (2008)
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17. Melancholia (2011)
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18. The Green Mile (1999)
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19. Bridge To Terabithia (2007)
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20. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
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21. The Pianist (2002)
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22. Dancer In The Dark (2000)
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23. Midsommar (2019)
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24. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
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25. Boys Don't Cry (1999)
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26. What Dreams May Come (1998)
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27. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
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28. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
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29. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
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30. Wind River (2017)
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31. Come And See (1985)
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32. The Hunt (2012)
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33. Steel Magnolias (1989)
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34. Requiem For A Dream (2000)
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35. Once Were Warriors (1994)
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36. Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
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37. Oldboy (2003)
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38. The Mist (2007)
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39. The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)
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40. Jojo Rabbit (2019)
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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 a significant impact on their viewers, but they were traumatizing and emotionally scarring enough not to repeat, because the impact won't be the same if you watch them again. What are you planning to watch first on this list?
Comment with your thoughts, or share this article with your family and friends!
