Tough, relentless, and utterly unforgettable,Incendiesgoes to some very dark placesand is suitably stirring.

American History Xis a tough and challenging movie executed with supreme conviction.

Even at his earliest stages, Kevin (Ezra Miller) displayed concerning and odd behaviors.

The Von Erich brothers on the poster for The Iron Claw striking poses

Image via A24

Eva struggles to build a bond with Kevin, and a seed of resentment is planted between the two.

Eventually, when Kevin is a teenager, Eva senses that he is a danger to those around him.

Simply put,We Need to Talk About Kevinisthe worst nightmare of any parent.

Nawal Marwan looks distraught in front of a burning wreckage

Image via Entertainment One

He refuses assistance from his pleading daughter (Olivia Colman) despite his deteriorating condition.

While the concept itself is undeniably potent,The Fatherworks so well because of Hopkins' performance.

It’s possibly the best of the legendary actor’s career and truly heartbreaking to watch.

A shirtless Derek Vinyard spreading his arms in ‘American History X’

Image via New Line Cinema

In many ways,The Fatherisone of the most haunting movie experiencesone could have because it’s so raw.

Unfortunately, one sudden catastrophe paves the way for many more to come.

The subject, as well as the real figures depicted, is handled with tact.

Eva and Franklin sitting on a bench looking numb in We Need to Talk About Kevin

Image via Oscilloscope Laboratories

Despite some theatrical elements that occasionally lighten the load,The Iron Clawis somber by nature.

Precious narrates her troubled life and fantasizes about a better one.

Despite how bleak of a movie it can be,Preciousis a wonderfully crafted and potent experience.

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vPreciousisn’t a particularly fun watch, but itshowcases a very human storythat’s well worth the time.

Lee is woefully unprepared for the drastic lifestyle change but soon finds value in Patrick’s company.

Lee’s return to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea forces him to confront his troubled past once again.

Olivia Colman and Anthony Hopkins as Anne and Anthony talk in a living room in The Father’ (2020)

Image via Embankment Films

Manchester by the Seais adeeply moving and melancholic moviethat assigns real depth to its characters.

Naturally, movies based on the slave trade are going to be bleak and dismal.

There, he struggles to survive as a refugee and witnesses the calamities of the tyrannical occupation.

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The Pianistis aharrowing docudrama that is blunt and concisein its depiction of the animosity driving nazism.

A retired widow is addicted to television and lives in her fantasies.

A young heroic addict and his friend set out to make it big as drug dealers.

The four Von Erich children posing for a group picture in Iron Claw

Image via A24

NEXT:10 Classic Horror Movies That Are Still Disturbing Today

The Iron Claw (2023)

Gabourey Sidbe as Precious sits at her desk in class surrounded by other students in Precious.

Image via Lionsgate

Precious Movie Poster

Randi and Lee talking on the street in Manchester By the Sea

Image via Roadside Attractions

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Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup on a plantation in 12 Years a Slave.

Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures

12 Years a Slave Movie Poster

Adrien Brody as Wladislaw playing the piano in The Pianist (2002)

Image via Pathé Distribution

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Harry and Marion “push off” on a heroin fix together in ‘Requiem For a Dream’ (2000)

Image via Artisan Entertainment

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The Iron Claw

Requiem for a Dream