Why Are All The ‘Good’ Movies Sad?

More critically acclaimed films are those that depict tragedy or trauma. While these concepts are worthy of exploration onscreen, why are they often placed above more joyful pieces of media? 

What makes a movie good? Is it how it makes you feel, how good it looks, the artistic boundaries it crosses? Think Citizen Kane, Moonlight, Million Dollar Baby, Titanic, Dead Poets Society. These films are great, many are personal favorites. But they’re held in such higher regard than other films–why is that? Thankfully, the recent release and enormous success of Everything Everywhere All At Once has opened a conversation about fun’s place in critical response. However, in the broader scheme of things, laughing doesn’t seem to be deemed as sophisticated as crying and it isn’t pointed to as a symptom of high art so easily.

Established award shows like the Oscars, BAFTAs, and SAG awards almost exclusively lay their focus on drama films. The Golden Globes do offer awards for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, but how much is that worth? The unorthodox combination of genres within this pool of eligible nominees is indicative of the lack of respect afforded to films that create laughter, and not tears. 

Some of the most joyous films are placed under the banner of the ‘chick flick’, but I believe they’re just as important as the most harrowing stories brought to screen. Many of the films that depict a happy, or at least non-tragic, ending for women are often brushed to the corners of critical acclaim as ‘easy viewing.’ Misogynistic attitudes towards taste and culture also come into play when considering the treatment of films, especially those that showcase happy endings for women. This consideration can also be applied to the treatment of many marginalized communities within cinematic narratives. 

For example, Mamma Mia! is a modern classic. Yes, that can somewhat be attributed to the already beloved soundtrack and the star-studded cast, but Mamma Mia! burst onto the screen and into people’s hearts upon release. Mamma Mia! and its underestimated successor Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again are films that depict women in main roles, having a good time. Yes, there’s some conflict and confusion to advance the plot, but the film’s power as an expression of joy, is just as crucial as expressions of grief through the likes of Manchester by the Sea or The Descendants.

Similarly, the underestimation of the tastes of women ties in with the broader disregard of the ‘teen’ film. Young women make up a significant demographic of audiences when it comes to pop culture, but the music, products, and media geared towards them often aren’t treated seriously. 10 Things I Hate About You, Easy A, and Booksmart are some indisputably wonderful movies. They feature funny, flawed and well-rounded women as main characters. Spoiler alert, but these films end well for their female characters, there aren’t any major tragedies to slap the audience in the face and say ‘can you see how good this film is yet?’ Turn your attention to the positive critical reception of Room, Pieces of a Woman and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. These films are decidedly sad, with brutal depictions of tragedy and trauma within the character arch of its female protagonist. In the eyes of the awards circuit, this made them better. A gut-wrenching performance is deemed more worthy of an Oscar than a hilarious, heartwarming, or fun one ever will. 

Many beloved films develop a cult status because of how good they can make you feel, not how deeply they can make you feel. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure is a good film. Why? Because it’s a good time, as is the whole Bill and Ted trilogy. Not because of the cinematography, the story, or even the performances, it’s the vibes. You’re going to tell me that George of the Jungle isn’t essential cinema? Non-stop laughs, self-aware fourth wall breaking, and king of the 90s (and the jungle) Brenda Fraser. I say with my whole chest that Ratatouille is one of the greatest films of all time, and I believe this would be a more common judgment if the opening was recognized as a traumatic event. But it isn’t taken seriously because it’s ‘for kids’, it’s animated, and it’s 111 minutes of fun.

Let go of your preconceptions about good cinema. Don’t read the reviews. If you do, don’t take them as scripture. Take critical responses with a few grains of salt. Some of my favorite films of all time are less than 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, and I used to be ashamed of that. Just enjoy movies.