Tragic Drama backdrop

Tragic Drama movies

A downfall or irreversible loss shapes the story, with painful consequences instead of a clean victory.

Tidal Wave

1. Tidal Wave

Action Drama Thriller Epic Action Tragic Drama
5.5
20092h

Overview

On Haeundae Beach, a guilt-ridden fisherman takes care of a woman whose father accidentally got killed. A scientist reunites with his ex-wife and a daughter who doesn't even remember his face. And a poor rescue worker falls in love with a rich city girl. When they all find out a gigantic tsunami will hit the beach, they realize they only have 10 minutes to escape.

Themes

Trust crisis resilience, Redevelopment pressure locals backlash, Intergenerational bonds strain, Loss loyalty strain, Cooperation survival process, Duty romance conflict

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

My Sister's Keeper

2. My Sister's Keeper

Drama Tragic Drama
7.3
20091h 49min

Overview

Sara and Brian live an idyllic life with their young son and daughter. But their family is rocked by sudden, heartbreaking news that forces them to make a difficult and unorthodox choice in order to save their baby girl's life. The parents' desperate decision raises both ethical and moral questions and rips away at the foundation of their relationship. Their actions ultimately set off a court case that threatens to tear the family apart, while revealing surprising truths that challenge everyone's perceptions of love and loyalty and give new meaning to the definition of healing.

Themes

Medical decision making, Bodily autonomy under duress, Sibling dynamics under illness, Family loyalty vs individual rights, Legal intervention in family, Ethical dilemmas in care

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Prayers for Bobby

3. Prayers for Bobby

Drama History TV Movie Tragic Drama True-Story TV Movie
8.0
20091h 29min

Overview

Bobby Griffith was his mother's favorite son, the perfect all-American boy growing up under deeply religious influences in Walnut Creek, California. Bobby was also gay. Struggling with a conflict no one knew of, much less understood, Bobby finally came out to his family.

Themes

Grief and coping, Coming out under pressure, Religious intolerance, Parental influence on sexuality, Advocacy after loss, Homophobia in faith communities

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Hulu
Hoopla
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Seven Pounds

4. Seven Pounds

Drama Tragic Drama
7.6
20082h 3min

Overview

An IRS agent with a fateful secret embarks on an extraordinary journey of redemption by forever changing the lives of seven strangers.

Themes

Deception and impersonation, Blood type ethics, Tax collector duty, Guilt and personal cost, Organ transplant ethics, Pianist vulnerability

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Departures

5. Departures

Drama Tragic Drama
8.0
20082h 10min

Overview

Daigo, a cellist, is laid off from his orchestra and moves with his wife back to his small hometown where the living is cheaper. Thinking he’s applying for a job at a travel agency he finds he’s being interviewed for work with departures of a more permanent nature – as an undertaker’s assistant.

Themes

Ostracism of funeral work, Memory through ritual, Duty and personal longing, Professional identity struggle, Emotional labor and gratitude, Family strain and acceptance

Available on

Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Boy A

6. Boy A

Crime Drama Serial Killer Crime Tragic Drama
7.6
20081h 46min

Overview

Freed after a lengthy term in a juvenile detention center, convicted child killer Jack Burridge finds work as a deliveryman and begins dating co-worker Michelle. While out on the road one day, Jack notices a distressed child, and, after reuniting the girl with her family, becomes a local celebrity. But when a local newspaper unearths his past, Jack must cope with the anger of citizens who fear for the safety of their children.

Themes

Media sensationalism, Reintegration challenges, Moral ambiguity in rehabilitation, Public perception vs private life, Stigma after wrongdoing, Trust vs disclosure

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Felon

7. Felon

Crime Drama Thriller Action Prison Crime
7.4
20081h 43min

Overview

A family man convicted of killing an intruder must cope with life afterward in the violent penal system.

Themes

Deception and coercion, Institutional corruption, Penal system brutality, Family strain under incarceration, Power dynamics in prisons, Violence for protection

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Waltz with Bashir

8. Waltz with Bashir

Drama Animation War Documentary Tragic Drama
8.0
20081h 30min

Overview

An Israeli film director interviews fellow veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memories of his term of service in that conflict.

Themes

Memory as defense, War memory fragmentation, Trauma and testimony, Veterans and civilians impact, Witnessing and recollection, Media and memory ethics

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Martyrs

9. Martyrs

Horror Drama Thriller Psychological Horror Revenge Thriller
7.0
20081h 39min

Overview

A young woman’s quest for revenge against the people who kidnapped and tortured her as a child leads her and her best friend, also a victim of child abuse, on a terrifying journey into a living hell of depravity.

Themes

Cycle of abuse, Survivor guilt dynamics, Revenge and coercion, Dehumanization through torture, Secret society ritualism, Transcendence through pain

Available on

Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Revanche

10. Revanche

Crime Drama Romance Thriller Organized Crime
7.5
20082h 1min

Overview

A bank job on the edge of nowhere erupts into chaos when ex-con Alex floors the getaway car and a single shot from rural cop Robert tears through the windshield—and through Tamara’s future. As her body falls still, guilt, rage, and grief ignite a dangerous collision course between a brothel enforcer, a broken marriage, and a quiet village that can’t stay innocent.

Themes

Extramarital affair, Deception and risk, Loss and longing, Prostitution dynamics, Brothel environment, Bank robbery

Available on

Amazon Video
HBO Max
Criterion Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.