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.

18. We Live in Time (2024)

7. American History X (1998)

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!