1. Casablanca
The Sad: In what is widely considered to be one of the best films ever made, Casablanca follows Rick Blaine as he goes through life as a jaded bar owner. It's not until an old fling from Paris, the beautiful Ilsa, stumbles upon his gin joint and reinvigorates Rick's life. There's just one catch: Ilsa is there with her husband, Victor Laszlo. Victor is a key resistance leader in World War II. The film concludes with Rick sending his love Ilsa away with her husband, knowing it to be best not just for her, but for the war effort. Rick then kills Major Strasser, aiding in the escape of Ilsa and Victor.
The Silver Lining: Despite the fact that Rick is now a murderer and no longer has his beloved Ilsa, the beauty of Casablanca is in its bittersweetness. Rick has transformed from the apathetic lush we met at the beginning of the film to a man of action, rejoining the war effort against the Nazis.
Honorable mentions: Big Fish, Amour. Thoughts? Leave a comment below or check out my podcast the Beast Duels Radio Hour for more movie talk.