The Best Movies About Funerals

Ranker Film
Updated January 12, 2024 285.0K views
Ranked By
1.6K votes
436 voters

By encompassing raw emotions, cultural traditions, and even humor, the best movies about funerals present an in-depth insight into the complex world of farewell ceremonies and rituals. Dealing with the challenging emotions and themes surrounding death, the best funeral movies present a unique cinematic experience that evokes laughter, tears, and contemplation. These films tackle the sensitive topic of loss and mourning by showcasing various cultural traditions and rituals, providing a deep exploration of human emotions associated with saying farewell to loved ones. 

Featuring an array of genres such as comedy, drama, and thriller, these funeral movies offer heartfelt, authentic portrayals of grief, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Each film masterfully showcases the significance, beauty, and sometimes humor in the process of bidding adieu. Audiences are left with a newfound appreciation of life, relationships, and commemorating the dearly departed, making these the finest movies about funerals. 

For instance, Death at a Funeral cleverly combines elements of farce and comedy, illustrating the absurdity and unpredictability of life and loss. This Is Where I Leave You takes a humorous yet emotional journey into the lives of a grieving family as they deal with the passing of their father. All About My Mother, on the other hand, delves into more profound themes of gender, identity, and maternal love, revealing the intricate connections between life and death. These exceptional films continue to entertain and resonate with people who appreciate the complexities of movies about funerals. 

In skillfully weaving together themes of grief, love, and remembrance, the best funeral movies leave an indelible mark on their audience, profoundly influencing our understanding and appreciation of life's most delicate moments. They not only serve as thought-provoking sources of entertainment but also help viewers navigate the emotional terrain of their own personal experiences, transcending the silver screen and leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of their audience.

Latest additions: Good Grief
Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies About Funerals
  • Death at a Funeral
    1
    Matthew McFadyen, Keeley Hawes, Andy Nyman
    37 votes

    Chaos and hilarity ensue in this outrageously funny film that takes a twisted turn when a family discovers their deceased father's dark secrets during his funeral. With an ensemble cast that brings laughter through their denial, grief, and dysfunction, it's a movie you won't want to miss. As tensions rise, packed with unexpected surprises and knee-slapping humor, it's hard not to crack a smile even as the subject matter deals with death.

  • This Is Where I Leave You
    2
    Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda
    55 votes

    A touching dramedy that explores the trials and tribulations of adulthood through the eyes of four siblings who return to their childhood home after their father's passing. Hilarity ensues as they awkwardly navigate old rivalries, blossoming romances, and emotional baggage during their weeklong sitting shiva. With laughs and tears aplenty, it's hard not to relate to the lovable yet flawed characters as they band together in their collective grief.

  • All About My Mother
    3
    Cecilia Roth, Eloy Azorín, Marisa Paredes
    5 votes

    A heartwarming tribute to the complexity of motherhood and its many forms, this powerful drama follows a grieving mother's journey to reconnect with her past in the wake of her son's tragic death. A kaleidoscope of colorful characters come together at the funeral to celebrate life rather than mourn it – and in doing so, they expose their vulnerabilities and heal old wounds. With passionate performances and thought-provoking themes, this beautifully crafted film is one for the ages.

  • Waking Ned
    4
    Ian Bannen, David Kelly, Fionnula Flanagan
    5 votes

    In this quirky comedy set in a charming Irish village, an unexpected lottery win leads to uproarious consequences as the townspeople join forces to ensure they all benefit from their late neighbor's newfound fortune. As they scheme and plot their way through the inevitable funeral celebrations, side-splitting mishaps unfold. With its witty banter, delightful accents, and uniquely hilarious scenario, this film is bound to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

  • Plots with a View
    5
    Naomi Watts, Christopher Walken, Alfred Molina
    5 votes

    A delightfully dark comedy that brings together two funeral directors as they scheme to create the most extravagant burial service in their small Welsh town. The film is a hoot-and-a-half, filled with the perfect blend of macabre humor and heartfelt moments. As the duo navigates their strange world of death, love, and rivalry, it's impossible not to be charmed by their endearing chemistry and determined spirit.

  • August: Osage County
    6
    Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor
    5 votes

    Explore the depths of family dysfunction in this gripping drama that showcases raw emotion and powerhouse performances by a talented ensemble cast. When a crisis brings them together in their rural Oklahoma home, simmering tensions boil over during the funeral wake. With biting dialogue and intense interactions, this portrayal of a fractured family at its breaking point will leave you captivated.

  • Swan Song
    7

    Swan Song

    Udo Kier, Jennifer Coolidge, Linda Evans
    5 votes

    A poignant tribute to the resilience of the human spirit; this film follows a retired hairdresser on an epic journey as he fulfills the dying wish of a former client, reuniting him with long-lost friends and igniting his own passion for life. As he travels from funeral home to funeral home, meaningful encounters turn this heart-rending tale into a life-affirming masterpiece.

  • My Girl
    8
    Anna Chlumsky, Macaulay Culkin, Dan Aykroyd
    20 votes

    A poignant coming-of-age story that tugs at the heartstrings, chronicling the life of a young girl who struggles with loss in her small-town community. A touching tale of friendship, love, and innocence, audiences will be moved by the extraordinary performances and gut-wrenching emotions displayed throughout. The protagonist's navigation of life at her father's funeral home adds depth to this touching story that leaves viewers reaching for tissues by the end.

  • Four Weddings and a Funeral
    9
    Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas
    77 votes

    A charmingly witty romantic comedy that follows a likeable group of friends through various milestone celebrations – including a somber yet memorable funeral that underscores the importance of love and friendship amidst life's ups and downs. The delightful ensemble cast and sharp script make this classic British film a timeless delight worth revisiting time and again.

  • Death at a Funeral
    10
    Keith David, Loretta Devine, Peter Dinklage
    135 votes

    An uproarious remake of the 2007 British comedy classic, this version boasts an all-star cast that breathes new life into the story of a family funeral gone awry. When a mysterious stranger appears with damning secrets about the deceased, mayhem quickly unfolds as the family scrambles to contain the madness. With slapstick humor, outlandish situations, and rapid-fire dialogue, this side-splitting movie offers a unique twist on the traditional funeral film.

  • The Big Chill
    11
    William Hurt, Glenn Close, Kevin Kline
    28 votes

    A beloved classic, this ensemble dramedy brings together college friends who reunite after years apart to mourn the loss of one of their own. As they confront old rivalries and rekindle lost passions during the funeral weekend, these endearing characters remind us that sometimes laughter is the best medicine in times of grief. With a pitch-perfect soundtrack and standout performances, this movie is an unforgettable tribute to friendship, memories, and resilience.

  • Get Low
    12
    Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray
    10 votes

    A captivating drama that chronicles the story of a reclusive man who plans his own living funeral as a means of atoning for past sins. With stellar performances and masterful storytelling, audiences are drawn into this gripping tale as it probes the depths of human connection and redemption in the face of death. Equal parts tender and darkly humorous, this film is a thought-provoking exploration of legacy and forgiveness.

  • Grown Ups
    13
    Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock
    82 votes

    This hilarious comedy features lifelong friends reuniting to honor the memory of their beloved basketball coach. As these middle-aged pals engage in juvenile antics throughout their nostalgic trip down memory lane, viewers can't help but giggle at these relatable yet absurd characters. While this troupe of comedians might be attending a funeral, their contagious laughter provides a light-hearted celebration of life.

  • Harold and Maude
    14
    Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, Cyril Cusack
    9 votes

    Delightfully offbeat, this cult classic tells the story of an unlikely romance between a death-obsessed young man and a vivacious older woman. As they attend funerals together and bond over their shared fascination with life's impermanence, their heartwarming relationship challenges social norms and expectations. With its blend of quirky humor, profound wisdom, and endearing characters, this film is a testament to the transformative power of love and connection.

  • Bernie
    15
    Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConaughey
    61 votes

    A true-crime dark comedy that showcases the exceptional talent of Jack Black as he plays a charming small-town funeral director who finds himself entangled in a scandalous murder case. As the eccentric community comes together to support their beloved undertaker, the twisted tale unfolds with surprising twists and turns peppered with pitch-black humor. Based on a real-life story, this movie cleverly blends tragedy and hilarity for an entirely unique cinematic experience.

  • P.S. I Love You
    16
    Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow
    66 votes

    An achingly beautiful romantic drama that demonstrates the healing power of love even after death. Grieving wife Holly receives a series of letters from her late husband filled with guidance, encouragement, and unexpected surprises that ultimately help her rediscover her own strength and happiness. A tear-jerking tale that will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced loss, this powerful film serves as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment with those we hold dear.

  • Another Round
    17
    Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang
    4 votes

    In this critically acclaimed dramedy, four middle-aged schoolteachers embark on a daring social experiment: maintaining a constant state of mild intoxication as they navigate their personal and professional lives. When one of their own passes away unexpectedly, the remaining friends forge ahead with their boozy philosophizing, using the funeral as a catalyst for self-reflection and growth. A fascinating exploration of camaraderie, loss, and the art of living, this Danish gem is not to be missed.

  • Uncle Frank
    18
    Paul Bettany, Sophia Lillis, Steve Zahn
    4 votes

    Set in the 1970s, this poignant coming-of-age tale follows a young woman who accompanies her gay uncle on an emotional journey home to attend his father's funeral. As they navigate past traumas and confront family secrets, they form an unbreakable bond that transcends generations. A beautifully acted and thoughtfully written film, this moving story illustrates the power of acceptance and the importance of forgiveness.

  • Frantz
    19
    Pierre Niney, Paula Beer, Ernst Stötzner
    4 votes

    A visually arresting post-World War I period piece that delves into themes of grief, guilt, and redemption through the eyes of two individuals brought together by the untimely death of a shared loved one. As they grieve for the titular character and their own unique ways, they are both drawn to his grave in search of solace. The film’s haunting black-and-white cinematography and lush musical score make it an evocative portrait of healing in the wake of loss.

  • The Farewell
    20
    Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin
    4 votes

    This highly acclaimed dramedy follows a Chinese-American woman who returns to China under false pretenses for a hurriedly planned family wedding – all to spend time with her terminally ill grandmother without disclosing her imminent passing. Delving into themes of cultural differences, generational divides, and mortality, this heartfelt story will leave viewers laughing through their tears as they ponder the true meaning of family and love.

  • The Funeral
    21
    Chishū Ryū, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Hideji Otaki
    4 votes

    Set in the 1930s, this gritty crime drama follows two mobster brothers who must confront their brutal past after the murder of their youngest sibling. As they search for vengeance and attempt to make sense of their loss, the funeral becomes a catalyst for reflection and redemption. With compelling performances and an unflinching examination of the human condition, this gripping film is a haunting testament to the complexities of family loyalty and violence.

  • A Madea Family Funeral
    22
    Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, Patrice Lovely
    11 votes

    In true Tyler Perry style, this uproarious comedy features the larger-than-life Madea character at the center of yet another family crisis when a joyous family reunion turns into an unexpected funeral. Packed with outrageous hijinks, laugh-out-loud moments, and heartfelt lessons on love and forgiveness, this hilarious installment in the Madea series is a wildly entertaining romp amidst the solemnity of a funeral gathering.

  • Elizabethtown
    23
    Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon
    49 votes

    A touching romantic dramedy that follows a disillusioned young man returning to his Kentucky hometown for his father's funeral. In the midst of his grief, he finds solace and unexpected romance with a quirky flight attendant who helps him rediscover his zest for life. With strong performances and an uplifting message about self-discovery, this whimsical film is sure to pull at your heartstrings.

  • Yi Yi: A One and a Two
    24
    Elaine Jin, Wu Nien-jen, Issey Ogata
    3 votes

    A visually stunning Taiwanese drama that weaves together the complex lives of three generations as they grapple with love, loss, and the passage of time. At its heart lies a funeral that serves as both a tribute to a life lived and a reminder of the interconnectedness of existence. With its intimate storytelling and poetic meditations on life, this award-winning film is a tender portrait of humanity at its most raw and resilient.

  • Catch and Release
    25
    Jennifer Garner, Timothy Olyphant, Sam Jaeger
    35 votes

    This charming romantic comedy explores the complexities of love, relationships, and grieving as a young woman grapples with the sudden death of her fiancé. As she learns to navigate life without him, unexpected revelations arise that force her to reassess everything she thought she knew about love. With heartwarming moments and relatable characters, this delightful film reminds us that healing comes in many forms – even amidst the backdrop of a funeral.

  • Departures
    26
    Ryoko Hirosue, Masahiro Motoki, Kimiko Yo
    38 votes

    A deeply moving Japanese film that follows a recently unemployed cellist who finds a new lease on life when he takes a job as a mortician. As he learns the delicate art of preparing bodies for their final journey, he discovers profound insights into life, death, and the human spirit. Heartfelt, uplifting, and beautifully crafted, this award-winning masterpiece is an unforgettable exploration of our shared mortality.

  • Last Orders
    27
    Michael Caine, Bob Hoskins, Tom Courtenay
    30 votes

    A poignant British drama that chronicles the journey of four lifelong friends as they embark on an emotional road trip to scatter the ashes of their recently deceased mate. Along the way, they confront long-buried secrets and reckon with the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and duty. With powerhouse performances from an all-star cast, this tender film proves to be a bittersweet ode to camaraderie and acceptance in the face of loss.

  • The Loved One
    28
    Robert Morse, Jonathan Winters, Anjanette Comer
    31 votes

    Adapted from the satirical 1948 novel by Evelyn Waugh, this darkly humorous tale delves into the eccentricities of American culture and the funeral industry. When a young British expatriate arrives in Los Angeles for his uncle's funeral, he's met with bizarre characters that reveal an absurd side of death unknown to him. With razor-sharp wit and biting social commentary, this cult classic is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

  • The Six Wives of Henry Lefay
    29
    Tim Allen, Elisha Cuthbert, Paz Vega
    34 votes

    This quirky comedy follows a middle-aged woman burdened with arranging her womanizing father's funeral – and dealing with the multitude of wives and ex-wives who descend upon the event. Amidst the commotion, the family re-examines their relationships and learns to appreciate the humor in the midst of their grief. Filled with laughter, heartwarming moments, and a standout performance by Tim Allen, this light-hearted film is a unique take on the funeral genre.

  • Disobedience
    30

    Disobedience

    Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, Alessandro Nivola
    7 votes

    A powerful drama that delves into themes of forbidden love, religious identity, and personal freedom within London's Orthodox Jewish community. Following their rabbi's death, two women confront their hidden desires while struggling to maintain their loyalty to tradition. With compelling performances by Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, this sensitive portrayal of love and loss will tug on your heartstrings.