A Non-Scientific List Of 20 Movies That Will Ruin Your Life In The Best Way

These movies are existential, soul-crushing, and so profoundly moving that you might find yourself staring at a blank wall for three hours after the credits roll. From quiet indie heartbreaks to mind-bending sci-fi, here are 20 of my favorite movies ranked that will ruin your life… in the best way possible.

Note: I’ve kept this list spoiler-free so you can experience these for the first time yourself, but I have included content warnings for the heavier titles.

19.

The Rider (2017)

18.

We Live in Time (2024)

17.

Pig (2021)

16.

Another Earth (2011)

14.

Take Shelter (2011)

12.

Mystic River (2003)

11.

Melancholia (2011)

10.

The Whale (2022)

9.

Interstellar (2014)

8.

Arrival (2016)

7.

American History X (1998)

6.

The Fountain (2006)

5.

Funny Games (2007)

4.

Snow Angels (2007)

3.

A Ghost Story (2017)

2.

The Father (2020)

1.

Aftersun (2022)

Note: This list is personal and subjective. There are many existential, depressing, and thought-provoking movies, but to keep the list concise, I chose movies that had a lasting impact on me. Which movie ruined your life? Let me know in the comments!