Family Films About Coping with Loss

Description: This drama examines a family's struggle to cope with the death of their eldest son, focusing on the surviving son's journey through guilt, depression, and therapy.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Redford.

Description: A coming-of-age story where a young girl, Vada, learns about life, love, and loss after her best friend Thomas J. dies unexpectedly. It's a poignant look at childhood innocence and the first encounters with grief.

Fact: Macaulay Culkin, who played Thomas J., was already famous from "Home Alone" when he took on this role.

Description: This adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel involves a young girl who discovers a hidden garden, which becomes a place of healing and connection after the loss of her parents.

Fact: The film was shot in England, and the garden was created from scratch for the movie.

Description: While not directly about death, this film deals with the loss of family and culture as three Aboriginal girls escape from a government camp to return home, highlighting the emotional and cultural loss experienced by many Indigenous families.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of the "Stolen Generations" in Australia.

Description: From Alice Sebold's novel, this film follows a young girl who watches over her family from heaven after her murder, exploring themes of loss, justice, and moving on.

Fact: The film features a unique visual style for the afterlife, which was a challenge for the visual effects team.

Description: This film adaptation of Katherine Paterson's novel deals with the sudden loss of a friend, exploring themes of friendship, imagination, and coping with grief in a way that resonates with both children and adults.

Fact: The film was shot in New Zealand, and the magical world of Terabithia was created using a mix of practical effects and CGI.

Description: Pixar's "Up" begins with one of the most memorable sequences about love and loss, setting the stage for an adventure that helps the protagonist, Carl, find new meaning in life after losing his wife.

Fact: The opening montage of Carl and Ellie's life together was so moving that it reportedly made audiences cry during test screenings.

Description: This animated masterpiece from Pixar explores the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, where Miguel, a young boy, journeys to the Land of the Dead to unlock the real story behind his family's history. It's a touching exploration of remembering and celebrating those who have passed away.

Fact: Coco won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Remember Me."

Description: Based on John Green's novel, this film follows two teenagers with terminal illnesses who fall in love, dealing with the harsh realities of their conditions and the impending loss of each other.

Fact: The film was shot in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Amsterdam, where much of the story takes place.

Description: This film tells the story of a boy dealing with his mother's terminal illness through the help of a tree monster who tells him stories to help him cope with his grief and fear.

Fact: The film was adapted from Patrick Ness's novel, which itself was inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd, who passed away before she could write it.