Most Tragic But Great Movies of All Time

The Way We Were (1973)

An unlikely couple faces immense strain on their relationship due to their radically different personalities and political views during the Spanish Civil War, WWII, and the Red Scare.

Autumn Sonata (1978)

A famous pianist visits her estranged daughter, encountering her other disabled daughter. They reveal long-buried feelings, opening the path to reconciliation despite past tragedies.

The Elephant Man (1980)

David Lynch s film about John Merrick, a disfigured man who transitions from circus sideshow to high society, explores exploitation and humanity. Inspired by Joseph Merrick s life.

Sophie s Choice (1982)

Sophie, a Polish immigrant in post-WWII Brooklyn, recounts to a writer the horrific choice she made in Auschwitz: deciding which of her two children would survive.

Silkwood (1983)

Meryl Streep stars as Karen Silkwood, a whistleblower exposing safety violations at a plutonium plant. Her efforts lead to tragic harassment and consequences in this gripping drama.

Mask (1985)

This true story of Rocky Dennis, a teenager with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, showcases his journey of overcoming prejudice and gaining acceptance with the support of his tough mother.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

This harrowing anime follows a young brother and sister in Japan during WWII s final days. It s known for its profound emotional depth, called the most human animated film by critics.

Paperhouse (1988)

An ill 11-year-old girl, Anna, creates a dream world where she meets Marc, who exists in real life. Based on a 1958 novel, it s a blend of fantasy and reality.