Summary
- Emo movies are defined by dark themes, compelling characters, and profound storylines with emo traits and relatable struggles.
- Characters in emo movies often face hardships, seek justice, or embody angst, reflecting the emo subculture’s values and emotions.
- The best emo movies, such as
Donnie Darko
and
Twilight
, explore complex emotions, societal issues, and personal struggles in a unique way.
Warning: This article discusses dark topics, including extreme violence, rape culture, and child abuse.
The most prominent emo movies are best known for being dark and eerie, but also for their deeply profound storylines and compelling characters. The term has a varied definition, but at its core, emo is short for emotional. However, as the emo subculture has developed over time, the concept has grown. Emo can also be used as a label for all things edgy and moody, although it isn’t a requirement for a movie to be considered as such. In fact, many of the best movies of all time are emo to a degree.
Powerful and engaging emo movies typically revolve around characters who face hardships in the face of adversity, are fighting back against injustice, or are simply all-around angsty figures. Several movie characters with amazing development may share these traits with emo movie characters, but there are differences. While there are plenty of brilliant gothic films or titles that rely on iconic horror tropes for their characters, emo movies continue to prove themselves to be so much more than a darkened color palette and haunting cinematography.
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10 Donnie Darko (2001)
Is The End Of The World Real?
3.5 RDramaDocumentaryFantasyMysterySci-Fi
After troubled teen Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes on a local golf course after a night of sleepwalking, he has a vision of a man in a rabbit suit telling him that the world will end in 28 days. Returning home, Donnie sees that a jet engine has fallen on his bedroom in the night, and begins to feel increasingly detached from reality. Scrambling to make sense of the bizarre and unexplainable events that have altered his life, Donnie finds himself unravelling a tangled web of disaster and fate.
Director Richard Kelly Release Date October 26, 2001 Studio(s) Newmarket Films Distributor(s) Newmarket Films Writers Richard Kelly Cast Jake Gyllenhaal , Holmes Osborne , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Daveigh Chase , Mary McDonnell , James Duval Runtime 113 minutes Budget $6 million Expand
Donnie Darko leaves audiences concerned about their sleeping patterns and overall psyche. The film has an astonishing cult following, which is no surprise considering how powerful its story is. Donnie Darko stars Jake Gyllenhaal as the titular character, a troubled teenager who incredibly avoids being killed by a crashed jet after he sleepwalks out of his home one night. Donnie’s luck isn’t as good as expected, and his midnight walk results in him experiencing horrifying hallucinations about the end of the world. The film focuses on themes of mental health and isolation as Donnie questions his perception of reality.
While the frightful monster rabbit Frank in Donnie Darko isn’t real, audiences can still relate to Donnie’s story indirectly. Many people feel paranoia and disconnection from the real world, and these qualities are extremely emo. Donnie Darko’s timeline is convoluted, but it also reflects the titular character’s perspective and shows how easy it is to get caught up in a panic. Donnie feels unbelievably alone after his shocking ordeal, which makes him a very emo character.
9 Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Even Demons Hate Misogyny
1.5 RHorrorComedy
Directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody, Jennifer’s Body is a horror-comedy film starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. When a newly possessed high school cheerleader (Fox) turns into a succubus specializing in seducing and killing her male classmates, her best friend (Seyfried) is the only thing that stands in the way of her sultry killing spree.
Director Karyn Kusama Release Date September 18, 2009 Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Diablo Cody Cast Megan Fox , Adam Brody , J. K. Simmons , Johnny Simmons , Amanda Seyfried Runtime 102 minutes Budget $16 million Expand
Jennifer’s Body is led by the performances of Megan Fox as the titular character and Amanda Seyfried as Needy, who are a great example of polar opposite best friends in movies. Needy kicks off the film from inside solitary confinement, narrating a harrowing series of events that involve Jennifer being abducted and possessed by a sex-fueled demon. Jennifer’s Body initially appears to be a typical teen film, but it’s actually a fascinating take on some of the most brutal slasher movies ever.
Jennifer is quite an emo character, with a Fall Out Boy poster above her bed, but there is more about the film that fits the definition. The Megan Fox horror movie highlights societal issues of rape culture and the marginalization of women. The titular character’s experience of being harassed and categorized as nothing more than a pretty face is painfully accurate. While it doesn’t justify the demon’s murderous rampage exactly, it is understandable. Even though Jennifer has a host, the abuse she faces and the revenge she enacts still reflect a real-world approach to unwanted sexual attention and mental health.
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8 Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)
Outsiders Can Control Their Own Narrative
3.5 PG-13ActionAdventureComedyFantasyRomance
Based on Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim series of graphic novels, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World follows the titular slacker musician (Michael Cera) as he strives to earn a record deal by winning the Battle of the Bands organized by music mogul Gideon Graves (Jason Schwartzman). After meeting and falling in love with Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Scott learns that he must also defeat her seven evil exes. Chris Evans, Aubrey Plaza, Brandon Routh, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick, and Brie Larson round out the film’s star-studded and quirky ensemble.
Director Edgar Wright Release Date August 12, 2010 Studio(s) Marc Platt Productions , Big Talk Films , Closed on Mondays Entertainment , Dentsu Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Edgar Wright , Michael Bacall Cast Michael Cera , Alison Pill , Mark Webber , Johnny Simmons , Ellen Wong , Kieran Culkin Runtime 113 minutes Franchise(s) Scott Pilgrim Budget $60 million Main Genre Action Expand
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an amazing emo movie full of hilarious lines of dialogue, quirky and unique characters, and a phenomenal soundtrack. Michael Cera portrays the titular character, an oddball who is unlucky in both his personal and professional life, but all of that changes when he meets the enigmatic Ramona Flowers. The enthralling female lead is an absolutely iconic emo figure because of the ever-changing color of her hair, disconnection from the mainstream, and ability to not care about people’s opinions. Even in 2024, Ramona Flowers cosplays are still highly popular.
Scott’s characterization is also rather emo. His awkward persona is relatable, and his difficulty finding a purpose and place in the world is a prominent theme throughout the film. Even when he is faced with defeating Ramona’s seven evil exes in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Scott keeps blundering on. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World gives audiences hope that the biggest outcasts have the potential to be the main characters of their own story, even if they believe that it isn’t possible.
7 Twilight (2008)
Teen Relationships Are Even More Complicated When You’re A Blood-Sucking Creature
3.0 PG-13RomanceFantasyDrama
Based on Stephenie Meyer’s book of the same name, Twilight follows Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), who falls madly in love with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), who she soon finds out is a vampire. Falling in love with her at the same time, Edward and Bella must overcome obstacles to preserve their forbidden relationship.
Director Catherine Hardwicke Release Date November 21, 2008 Writers Melissa Rosenberg Cast Robert Pattinson , Ashley Greene , Peter Facinelli , Rachelle Lefevre , Elizabeth Reaser , Kristen Stewart , Nikki Reed , Jackson Rathbone , Cam Gigandet , Kellan Lutz , Taylor Lautner , Anna Kendrick , Billy Burke Runtime 121 minutes Franchise(s) The Twilight Saga Sequel(s) The Twilight Saga: New Moon , The Twilight Saga: Eclipse , The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 Budget $37 million Expand
Twilight is one of the best teen movies of all time, and not just because of the supernatural love triangle. All of the Twilight movies are smothered in angst from start to finish, but the first installment sets up a standard that other titles have yet to achieve properly. Bella Swan’s never-ending love for vampire Edward is ridiculously emo, with significant pain and heartache happening on both sides of the relationship. Edward’s constant fears for Bella’s safety and her persistent curiosity about his past are prominent factors in both the film and their characterizations.
Bella’s struggle to pick between the two is more than who is the better boyfriend; it’s also about courage and fate
Both frequently reflect on their feelings for one another and what the world would think if they knew the truth about the Cullen family, which is deeply emo. Even Twilight’s best quotes about love are textbook emo, especially as each line of dialogue is layered with a somber tone. Other typical teen romances are definitely an inspiration for the love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob, but the moody atmosphere that comes along with it makes it stand out. Bella’s struggle to pick between the two is more than who is the better boyfriend; it’s also about courage and fate.
6 Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Appearances Aren’t Everything
4.0 PG-13RomanceFantasyDrama
From director Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands follows the titular character, an artificial human created by an inventor, who has scissor blades instead of fingers. After his creator’s death, Edward is taken in by a normal suburban family and becomes attracted to the family’s teenage daughter, Kim Boggs. Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder star as Edward and Kim.
Director Tim Burton Release Date December 14, 1990 Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Writers Caroline Thompson Cast Vincent Price , Dianne Wiest , Anthony Michael Hall , Johnny Depp , Winona Ryder , Kathy Baker Runtime 105 minutes Budget $20 million Expand
Edward Scissorhands is one of many Tim Burton and Johnny Depp movies and an absolute cinematic masterpiece. One thing that is so memorable about Depp’s performance as the titular character is that he is mainly silent throughout the film. However, this doesn’t negatively impact Edward Scissorhand’s tragic story; in fact, it makes it more powerful. Edward sporting blades for fingers is an unusual premise, but the primary message of the film isn’t truly about that; it’s really the focus on society’s response to him.
His physical appearance makes Edward an immediate target for anyone who dislikes a person perceived as outside the norm. Edward is in a non-stop state of alienation from the world around him, and nobody cares that his hands aren’t his fault. His youth weighs heavily on his chest, and it alters what kind of adult he becomes, which is something many in the emo subculture can resonate with. However, what Edward Scissorhands does teach audiences is that despite someone’s beginnings, their endings are within their control, and nobody can change that.
Related 10 Things About Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands That Still Don’t Make Sense, 33 Years Later
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5 The Breakfast Club (1985)
Group Therapy Doesn’t Fix Everything, But It Can Help
5.0 RComedyDrama
After receiving detention, a group of five high-school students bonds as they realize they have quite a bit in common despite being from different friend groups. Despite being over 35 years old, The Breakfast Club still stands as one of the quintessential movies of the ‘80s and one of director John Hughes standout films.
Director John Hughes Release Date February 15, 1985 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers John Hughes Cast Molly Ringwald , Ally Sheedy , Anthony Michael Hall , Judd Nelson , Emilio Estevez Runtime 97 minutes Budget $1 million Expand
The Breakfast Club, one of the many Brat Pack movies from the 1980s, features various emo characters who are executed in different ways. Each member of the group is part of a typical high school clique, but they all have an underlying issue or struggle that proves they are more complex than their respective stereotypes. Claire’s peer pressure, Bender’s physical abuse, Andrew’s intimidation from his father, Brian’s panic over academic achievement, and Allison’s compulsive lying all cause significant pain that none of them feel that they can speak out loud about.
The Breakfast Club beautifully dissects the characters’ labels and focuses on the impact of emotional burdens. The film is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover, and the reflective lyrics of The Breakfast Club’s soundtrack make the most profound moments that much more poignant. Even The Breakfast Club’s ending is considered emo because it’s realistic. Nobody gets a happy ending necessarily, but their stories are wrapped up satisfyingly, and the group leaves detention with more optimism in life than when they entered.
4 Juno (2007)
Having Adult Responsibilities Can Be Heartbreaking
PG-13ComedyDrama
Starring Elliot Page, Juno follows the titular character, a teenage girl who unexpectedly becomes pregnant. Deciding to give the baby up for adoption once it is born, Juno finds and befriends Mark and Vanessa, and childless couple desperate for a baby, who she plans to let adopt her child once she gives birth. Michael Cera also stars as Juno’s boyfriend Paulie, with a further cast that includes Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, and J. K. Simmons.
Director Jason Reitman Release Date December 25, 2007 Studio(s) Searchlight Pictures Distributor(s) Searchlight Pictures , Summit Entertainment Writers Diablo Cody Cast Jason Bateman , Michael Cera , Allison Janney , Elliot Page , J. K. Simmons , Jennifer Garner Runtime 96 minutes Budget $7.5 million Expand
Juno is a beautiful tale about the titular character’s journey, which is full of doubt over motherhood, her future, and how one enjoyable night can change everything forever. Despite the mocking and torment she receives from her peers, Juno chooses to do what she thinks is right when she decides to give up her baby for adoption. Juno knows she doesn’t fit in with the rest of her high school, but she embraces her unconventional personality and never apologizes for it, even when it could protect her from judgment.
she has to face reality and force herself to be an adult, which is a difficult and heartbreaking experience for her
Juno‘s soundtrack reflects her love for alternative rock, but there are also songs that highlight the film’s emotions. Even though Juno always tries to put on a brave face, her misery perseveres, no matter what she does to try and put a positive spin on it. Ultimately, she has to face reality and force herself to be an adult, which is a difficult and heartbreaking experience for her. The specifics of Juno’s overwhelming responsibilities aren’t relatable to everyone, but the drowning feeling she constantly lives with very much is.
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3 The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)
A Fascinating Introspective Of Childhood Trauma
4.0 PG-13RomanceDrama
Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower tells the story of Charlie Kelmeckis, a high school freshman with a troubled past and history of mental health issues whose friendship with two seniors comes to define his first year of high school in surprising and dramatic ways. Logan Lerman stars as Charlies, alongside Emma Watson and Ezra Miller.
Director Stephen Chbosky Release Date September 20, 2012 Studio(s) Summit Entertainment Distributor(s) Summit Entertainment Writers Stephen Chbosky Cast Emma Watson , logan lerman , Ezra Miller , Paul Rudd , Nina Dobrev Runtime 105minutes Budget $13 million Expand
Charlie Kelmeckis in The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a beloved movie character, and it’s hard not to want to protect him as the lingering effects of his past experiences become increasingly unavoidable. Despite The Perks of Being a Wallflower’s feel-good soundtrack, it doesn’t stop Charlie’s narrative from being one of the most heartbreaking stories ever. What’s so powerful about Charlie as a character, however, is how hard he tries to push through and have a normal life. Like many, Charlie’s introversion is an obstacle to his ability to communicate with others.
His high school career isn’t that different from others, but his underlying secret about being sexually abused by his aunt as a child greatly alters him. Even though Charlie’s friends, Sam and Patrick, aren’t aware of this, they recognize that something about him is different and take him under their wings. Together, they are a bunch of oddball outcasts who find peace in one another’s company, which is a relatable quality of all alternative subcultures. This is perfectly encapsulated in one of the most impactful final movie lines ever, “And in that moment, I swear we are infinite.”
2 (500) Days of Summer (2009)
Breakups Aren’t The End
4.5 PG-13ComedyDocumentaryDramaRomance
Tom is a man who believes in true love. On the other hand, Summer is a more practical person who doesn’t want a serious long-term relationship. When their fates meet, the result is intense and complicated for him.
Director Marc Webb Release Date July 17, 2009 Writers Scott Neustadter , Michael H. Weber Cast Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Zooey Deschanel , Geoffrey Arend , Chloe Moretz , Matthew Gray Gubler , Clark Gregg Runtime 95 minutes
(500) Days of Summer is a movie that starts as a love story but actually isn’t. In reality, the film is actually about how a short-lived romance can impact someone’s life and attitude for years after its end. Tom and Summer’s approaches to relationships are the complete opposite, and their wide-ranging opinions on the topic result in heartbreak. (500) Days of Summer primarily focuses on Tom’s attempts to get over Summer, whom he believes is the love of his life, whereas she only wants something casual.
Even though Summer’s presence in Tom’s life is fleeting, she changes him as a person. Tom’s sorrowful realization that he and Summer aren’t meant to be is a painful and accurate story that many can relate to, especially because he desperately hopes her feelings will one day change, even though he knows that they probably won’t. The important lessons in (500) Days of Summer brilliantly highlight how the perception of a relationship can be very different for two people and that while being dumped feels like the end of the world, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
1 Beetlejuice (1988)
There’s Still Hope For Life, Even In Death
4.5 PGComedyFantasy
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice stars Michael Keaton as the titular “bio-exorcist”, an obnoxious spirit who specializes in driving living occupants out of homes. When Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die suddenly, they pass into the spirit realm, and must stay in their home. However, in the living world, the Deetz family purchases the house and moves in, prompting the Maitlands to enlist the help of Beetlejuice to drive them away.
Director Tim Burton Release Date March 30, 1988 Studio(s) The Geffen Film Company Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Writers Michael McDowell , Larry Wilson , Warren Skaaren Cast Catherine O’Hara , Michael Keaton , Geena Davis , Alec Baldwin , Winona Ryder , Jeffrey Jones Runtime 92 minutes Sequel(s) Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Budget $15 million Expand
Beetlejuice is another iconic title from Tim Burton. The film notably features Adam and Barbara Maitland, a ghost couple who haunt their former home and observe a new family settle in. The daughter of Beetlejuice’s Deetz family, Lydia, is a very emo figure because she labels herself as an outsider, but her ability to see the Maitlands offers her a form of comfort and belonging. The unhinged and creepy Betelgeuse brilliantly translates the dark humor and morbidness of the emo subculture, showing that the best way to cope with misery is to joke about it.
Beetlejuice
has a happy ending, but one that is unexpected
Beetlejuice is a perfect emo movie because it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being an outcast in two different ways. Lydia Deetz’s best quotes in Beetlejuice prove that she still has some sort of optimism, whereas Betelgeuse’s pain is redirected into creating chaos for others. Beetlejuice has a happy ending, but one that is unexpected. Although the Maitlands don’t get to pass over to the other side, they accept their fate and are relatively content with it. The film reinforces the message that someone can change and embrace the endless possibilities of life, no matter what anyone tells them.