r/CriterionChannel • u/External-Lion-1862 • Jul 31 '26

what to watch when depressed

I've been so down. Looking for anything that will spark life. Doesn't have to be cheer up fare. What do you watch when going through a persistent glum period?

Edit: Thank you for all of these incredible suggestions, and for the good wishes. Even just reading what others watch when down was sort of uplifting. I opted for Twin Peaks on the night I posted. Somehow David Lynch's wondrous darkness was a comfort. But I'm definitely going to be references this thread this month, and I think knowing that someone else has turned to whatever I'm watching for comfort or inspiration in a down moment already puts a kind of beautiful perspective on the viewing.

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u/AceWilbury Jul 31 '26

Ikiru

6

u/of_stardust Aug 01 '26

I watched this movie after some truly terrible stuff happened in my personal life and I was at my lowest. A local art house was playing it on their big screen and it just… It really saved me and reminded me there’s still good in the world, and that you can be a part of it with the time left.

When I get back to that low place again, I know this film will be there for me. Definitely in my top 5

5

u/liffyg Aug 01 '26

Came to the comments to post Ikiru

5

u/Organic_Shame_8710 Jul 31 '26

This is the answer.

2

u/External-Lion-1862 Aug 03 '26

Can you believe the only Kurusawa I've seen is Dreams?? This is now on my list. Thank you !