6 Movies To Watch When You’re Feeling Cynical About The Human Race
Some days, people surprise me.
Just when I’m about to give up on humanity, I’ll see a well-dressed hotshot drop a dollar for an unhoused person, or two New Yorkers will overcome their differences and navigate a tricky intersection with sophistication and grace. Just kidding. I’ve never seen either of those things happen. More often than not, people have confounded me with their talent for selfishness. If the world ever truly undergoes a planet-ending event, then we will all eat each other. Maybe you don’t agree. However, if you do, then you’re probably feeling as cynical as me today, and you might want to watch one of these movies to regain your affection for the human race.
1. Children of Men (2006)
Best for: When you believe we’ve already ruined everything.
What it’s about: In a future imagined by Alfonso Cuarón, humans can no longer reproduce, but not in a fun, everyone-is-gay way. Rather, society has devolved into authoritarian-led violence and despair. Luckily, the jaded Theo (Clive Owen) is up to the task when he discovers the first pregnant woman in 18 years, and must protect her.
Why it helps: Despite all the aforementioned dystopia, this movie also revels in acts of compassion. Even in dark times, decency goes a long way.
2. The Truman Show (1998)
Best for: When you’re questioning the mainstream media, or even reality in general.
What it’s about: Truman (Jim Carrey) is living a lie. Unbeknownst to him, his life is being filmed for millions of viewers in the form of a reality show. Once he starts to understand what’s really going on, he realizes that he’s seeking not only the truth, but also authenticity and liberation.
Why it helps: Now more than ever, The Truman Show exposes our voyeuristic tendencies and general talent for shamelessness. But its climax is ultimately a celebration of the human drive to embrace true connection and self-knowledge.
3. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Best for: When you’re already laughing at the absurdity of 2025.
What it’s about: Stanley Kubrick’s jet black cold-war comedy is not for the faint of heart. Imagining a scenario in which simple human stupidity is enough to trigger global nuclear apocalypse, it hits a little close to home in our current time of trigger-happy politicians.
Why it helps: With Peter Sellers playing no less than three roles, this movie is already an absurdist classic. But more importantly, it lets you laugh at the inherent ridiculousness of the flimsy power structures we tend to worship.
4. Ikiru (1952)
Best for: When you’re longing for simple kindnesses.
What it’s about: A bureaucrat in post-war Japan is dying of cancer and wants to spend his remaining days doing something meaningful. This is a slow but masterful story that shows how a single, sincere person can quietly change the world.
Why it helps: It’s a gentle reminder that some people aren’t obsessed with fame and money.
5. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Best for: When you think people are messy and imperfect, but you can’t seem to forgive them for it.
What it’s about: Frances McDormand plays a grieving mother whose daughter’s murder remains unsolved. She then challenges local police by posting provocative billboards that chastise their lack of action. Her fellow citizens react with equal parts apathy, cruelty, and unexpected kindness.
Why it helps: Some people change; some don’t. But Three Billboards argues that compassion for both types of people is radical and important.
6. Leave No Trace (2018)
Best for: When you’re seriously thinking of going off grid and moving to Canada.
What it’s about: A self-reliant PTSD-addled veteran and his daughter live off-grid in an Oregon forest, but things go awry when local authorities show up and demand their reintegration into society.
Why it helps: Feeling cynical might trick you into thinking that you don’t fit the mold – that you and only you see the world differently from others. But Leave No Trace is a necessary reminder that you can be a mold-breaker while simultaneously showing compassion towards other humans. This movie critiques all those haters out there who punish differences. It might make you cry, but maybe that’s exactly what you need to come out of your funk.
