We don’t really expect much from films when we walk into a cinema. For an increasingly hefty sum we sit in a dark room for two hours and hope to at the very least be entertained and distracted from our daily woes. Yet every so often we stumble across films of such overpowering depressive style that rather than amuse, they deeply shatter our faith in humanity and ruin the remainder of the day.

A very recent personal example is my experience with The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever suspected that a movie which included the most comfortable of evening wear in its title would have induced such high levels of emotional trauma. I walked in thinking I was about to enjoy a Disney fun-filled romp and exited the cinema craving a stiff drink.

We have compiled the top ten films that are guaranteed to ruin your day. Watching these films will reduce even the toughest of cinema viewers into a sobbing mess in desperate need of nap to forget the events just witnessed. I’d say enjoy but even watching these clips could require years of counselling.

** Warning, there will be spoilers ahead. **

10. Hard Candy (2005)
Before everyone fell in love with Ellen “Juno” Page she starred in this incredibly oppressive bit of celluloid. The film is basically a showdown between predator and prey but the plot and twists weave and incredible tale that you won’t easily forget.



9. Se7en (1995)
What’s in the box?!



8. Funny Games (1997, 2007)
Manipulative to say the least but either version test the tolerance of most viewers and the final image will haunt you for days.



7. Lilja 4-ever (2002)
16 year-old Lilja believes she'll be moving to the US but unfortunately her Mum leaves without her and she is left to fend for herself. This is but the first gut wrenching moment in what is the epitome of the anti-feel good movie.



6. Dancer In The Dark (2000)
While for many seeing Björk put through such a torturous existence would constitute great entertainment, the ending left this cinema goer sobbing in a foetal position in the cinema aisle.



5. 21 Grams (2003)
Sean Penn can do tortured soul quite like no other.



4. They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969)
Set during the great depression the movie shows the dark side to dance marathons where participants would go to exhausting extremes to win a few dollars.



3. The Deer Hunter (1978)
The movie looks at the lives of Vietnam vets and their attempts at leading a normal life. Depressing beyond words but it is a great example of why Christopher Walken was considered a great actor before falling into self parody.




2. Irreversible (2002)
This is the cinematic equivalent of literally being hit in the face with a sledge hammer. No one’s idea of entertainment but if you’re in the mood for challenging cinema go right ahead.



1. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
The final few minutes are so difficult to watch, viewing them is somewhat similar to the re-education scene from A Clockwork Orange.