Movies on Death?

I was wondering if anyone has seen any helpful movies on death (whether popular or not)? While not always treated as a serious topic by popular media, it may be interesting if anyone saw a movie that helped them deal with death in some way.

This all came about as I was watching Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. While animated, it definitely shows a more lighthearted look at death.

The ol’ stand-by chick flicks talk about death in a dignified and healthy manner:
*Beaches—grief from a friend and daughter’s point of view
*Steel Magnolias—grief from mainly a mother’s view
*Stepmom—A mom prepares her family for her death. Very poignant movie
*My Girl—not only deals with the death of a child, but the way a child handles it…(as well as a small look into the dealings of a funeral home)

I’m sure there are more, but these are off the top of my head.

These are great movies Mary Beth- thanks for listing them. I had forgotten about My Girl- that’s an excellent movie, and like you mentioned, especially for kids. If you have anymore, I’d love to hear them. Anyone else have any title of interest, as well?

One of my favorit movies is “A Walk to Remember”.  It is so good.  I also liked “Meet Joe Black”.  That movie came out when my husband had cancer.  It helped both of us have a good cry.  Finally, a movie I highly recommend is “The Ultimate Gift”.  I think every family should watch that movie.

Generally, I try to avoid movies that try to make me cry. When I watch a movie, especially during the past few years, I want something that will make me laugh. But, one of my favorite movies is What Dreams May Come. It deals more with the afterlife than with death itself, but it’s a fascinating concept and I find it very comforting as well.

These are awesome suggestions, and I think everyone is making good points. Sometimes, you need a good cry (like Christine suggested), but I agree with you too Holly, sometimes it’s better to have a good laugh; there’s nothing like a good laugh to help you feel better, especially when you are dealing with a tough topic like death.

When I was in middle school, I remember having sleep overs where we’d watch Beaches and Steel Magnolias back-to-back and have a good cry. But now that I’m an adult, there’s too much other drama in my life that I don’t need it on the screen. I think I’d be more interested in movies that explore death from a less emotional point-of-view.

I just remembered another of my favorite movies that deals with death—Harold and Maude. I loved the movie and my husband hates it. ThHere are really a few different ways to interpret the sympolism and overall meaning of the movie. I saw it as Maude’s last chance at happiness before dying. Harold was just the means by which she found it.

Hi Holly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that movie, but it sounds as if it’s pretty good- I love movies heavy on the symbolism because it gives you something to think about. These are all such great suggestions; I think I’m going to have to make a “must-see” list :-)