If you were captivated by the haunting mystery and emotional depth of 'Last Words' (2020), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share its themes of survival, dystopian futures, and profound human connections. Whether you loved the film’s bleak yet hopeful tone or its exploration of legacy, these picks will keep you engaged.

The Sixth Sense (1999)
Description: A psychological thriller that explores communication with the dead and the emotional impact of unresolved grief, with a twist that recontextualizes the entire story.
Fact: The iconic line 'I see dead people' was improvised by the young actor. The film's twist ending was kept secret even from most of the crew during production.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror story that plays with perceptions of reality and the unseen, centered around a mother protecting her children in a haunted house.
Fact: The film was shot entirely in natural light to enhance its eerie atmosphere. It was one of the highest-grossing Spanish films at the time of its release.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A haunting tale of maternal love and loss, blending supernatural elements with a deeply emotional core about confronting the past.
Fact: The film was produced by Guillermo del Toro, who also served as a creative consultant. It was Spain's official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.


Departures (2008)
Description: Delves into the beauty and solemnity of death rituals, portraying the emotional journey of those who handle the deceased with dignity and respect.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It features traditional Japanese burial customs and music.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: Uses horror as a metaphor for grief and the struggle to cope with loss, focusing on a mother and son haunted by an unseen presence.
Fact: The Babadook character was inspired by early 20th-century German expressionist films. The film's title is a play on the word 'babble' and 'dook,' a child's mispronunciation of 'book.'


The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Description: A chilling, slow-burn thriller that examines guilt, retribution, and the moral dilemmas surrounding life and death, with a clinical, detached tone.
Fact: The film's title references the myth of Iphigenia from Greek tragedy. The dialogue was deliberately written to be unnatural and unsettling.


A Ghost Story (2017)
Description: A meditative exploration of loss, time, and the lingering presence of the departed, using minimal dialogue and haunting visuals.
Fact: The ghost's costume was made from a single bedsheet. The film was shot in a


Hereditary (2018)
Description: A deeply unsettling portrayal of inherited trauma and the psychological toll of grief, blending family drama with supernatural horror.
Fact: The miniature models seen in the film were all handcrafted by the protagonist, mirroring the film's themes of control and fate. The film's score was composed using unconventional instruments to create an eerie atmosphere.


The Farewell (2019)
Description: Explores themes of grief, family secrets, and the emotional weight of unspoken truths, with a focus on cultural rituals surrounding death.
Fact: The film is based on director Lulu Wang's personal experience with her grandmother's illness. It was shot in both China and the United States.


Midsommar (2019)
Description: A visually striking exploration of grief and communal rituals, set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic but sinister festival.
Fact: The film's daylight horror aesthetic was inspired by Swedish folk art and pagan traditions. Many of the rituals depicted were based on actual historical practices.
