Do you ever sit in your bed, wondering what to watch and have the underlying need to feel? The sad films listed below are some that pop up after clicking the search bar. Each movie will be rated on a 1–10 hollowness scale — 1 being the least hollow, 10 being the most — to give you an idea of how empty it will leave you feeling once it is over. Grab your favorite comfort blanket and a tissue box, and let’s watch!
“Moonlight” (2016)
“Moonlight” reflects the life of our protagonist Chiron, who we see grow up throughout the movie in three sections: “Little,” “Chiron” and “Black.” Chiron lives with his drug-addicted mother, who creates a complicated relationship between him and his only parent, as his dad is not in the picture. He finds solitude with the local drug dealer and his wife, who teaches him lessons of life and belonging. The viewers will face bullying, love interests, heartbreak, family issues, loss and rekindling, right beside our main character.
This movie portrays a Black man discovering himself through the toxic masculinities of the community in which he resides. The cinematic lighting and score heighten the overall soul of this movie, making it an aesthetically pleasing watch. Although I do not believe this movie was a massive tear-jerker, it was beautifully filmed. Do not think you are safe; however, there will be some moments that leave you feeling bitter and sad.
Hollowness level: 6/10
“I cry so much that I could simply turn into liquid and roll into the ocean.”
“Call Me by Your Name” (2017)
This story is set in 1983 in Northern Italy. It is about a summer fling between a graduate student, Oliver, and Elio, the son of Oliver’s professor. Oliver stays at Elio’s family home for the summer and the two start to develop feelings. An organic love blooms over weeks of time spent with one another. Will they find their happy ending?
This movie showed the rawest form of intimacy and innocence. There are hints of push and pull that build the tension around Oliver and Elio’s relationship. The location they chose to film the movie fit perfectly with the ambiance of a secluded but ever-growing love blooming in a remote town in Italy. I would give the soundtrack of this movie a 10/10, for it played into the curiosity and heartbreak of the characters. The twist at the end was like a slap in the face — unexpected to say the least.
Hollowness level: 9/10
“Is it better to speak, or to die?”
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019)
This movie takes place in France in 1770. It starts with Marianne, who was hired to paint a portrait of Héloïse. The portrait must be sent to the man Héloïse is arranged to marry to carry on with the proposal. However, Héloïse refuses to show her face to painters, as she does not want to be in the marriage. Marianne must keep the true intentions of her unexpected company of Héloïse concealed, or she risks being exposed.
After watching this movie, something felt missing. The dynamic and development between the two characters are almost inorganic. I was hoping there would be more of a climax that struck the two characters, but it ended rather bluntly. I would not say there were any tear-jerking parts, but the movie was beautifully captured, which kept me entertained.
Hollowness level: 3/10
“Do all lovers feel like they’re inventing something?”
“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” (2009)
This story begins with a dog named Hachi who was forgotten at a train station. Parker, a professor, found Hachi by himself on his way home from work after getting off his train. He takes the dog in, with heavy resistance from his wife, and decides to keep him. Ever since then, Hachi and Parkers’ bond has grown deep at the roots and sprouted into an incredible relationship between a man and his best friend.
Loyalty would be the main theme of this story. This movie illustrates a remarkable friendship, which stays with you for days after watching. “Hachi” made me feel like I was ripped from my bed and plunged into a sea of ice water. This movie will make you grab your dog and hug them tight. Hachi’s close bond with Parker will make the ending even more impactful for the viewers.
Hollowness level: 10/10
“You don’t have to wait anymore, he’s not coming back.”
“20th Century Girl” (2022)
“20th Century Girl” portrays an innocent high school love story that goes wrong. Bo-Ra is tasked to keep a close eye on a man from their school who her best friend, Yeon-du, took a liking to before she left for heart surgery. As she is away, Bo-Ra finds a special friendship with the best friend of the boy she is supposed to be watching. When her friend comes back, Bo-Ra must make tough decisions between love and friendship.
“Wow” was the first word I said after watching this movie. The cinematography complemented this movie wonderfully, making it aesthetically pleasing to watch. Bo-Ra’s innocence brings a fresh and relatable aura to the different dynamics between her and the characters. You would never believe this was a sad movie until the cold awakening you experience in the last 30 minutes of the film.
Hollowness level: 8.5/10
“I want to see you, Bo-Ra of the 21st century.”