25 Must-Watch Near-Death and Afterlife Movies That Will Leave You Speechless

These movies on our list explore questions about what happens after we die or what our loved ones experience in the afterlife. They attempt to make sense of these mysterious moments and near-death experiences for us. Some are funny, some are sad, and others are just fantastical, but they are all outstanding examples of films that deal with the afterlife or life after death.

Without giving too much away, we’re excited to share our top 25 near-death films of all time with you! Scroll down to see the list.

The Shack (2017)

The novel, “The Shack,” follows a man named Mack whose daughter Missy vanished during a family trip and was presumed dead. A grisly find – a blood-stained dress – was made by law enforcement in a deserted cabin deep within Oregon’s wilderness. After four years, Mack, still mourning, receives an enigmatic message, extending an invitation to revisit that exact Shack.

He hesitates but eventually departs for an encounter, where he meets a representation of the Holy Trinity. This portrayal includes a joyful, large black woman named Elouise symbolizing the Father, a less conventionally attractive man of Middle Eastern descent representing the Son, and a serene Asian woman called Sarayu standing in for the Holy Spirit.

Enter the Void (2009)

Oscar along with his sibling Linda have recently relocated to Tokyo. Oscar was involved in petty drug dealing, while Linda held a job at a nightclub as an entertainer. However, one fateful evening, Oscar encountered a police officer and met an untimely death. Yet, this appears not to be the end for Oscar. Haunting the world like a spirit, he persists, taking up a role to safeguard his sister.

Heaven Is for Real (2014)

In the movie, Greg Kinnear portrays Todd Burpo and Kelly Reilly depicts Sonja Burpo, a true couple whose son Colton alleges to have experienced paradise during a near-death experience. Colton narrates his extraordinary voyage with an innocent demeanor and discusses events that occurred before his birth in a serious manner, details he couldn’t possibly know about.

Miracles from Heaven (2016)

As a movie lover putting myself in Christy’s shoes, I can tell you that when I learn my 10-year-old daughter Anna is battling a rare, incurable disease, my heart aches and my spirit stirs with determination to find a way for her recovery. Following an unexpected incident that left us all shaken, Anna undergoes a remarkable rescue that leaves the medical world baffled. This extraordinary event not only revives our family but also ignites hope within our community, inspiring everyone around us.

What Dreams May Come (1998)

In a perfect union, Chris (Robin Williams) and Annie (Annabella Sciorra) found immense joy. They built a picturesque family life together, raising two stunningly beautiful children. However, fate took a cruel turn as they endured the unimaginable – the loss of their children in a heart-wrenching car accident. Although they struggled to find solace, they managed to move forward, but their heartache was soon renewed when Chris met an untimely end in another car accident.

In a surprising turn of events, Chris finds himself in a place he had never envisioned, a realm so beautiful it’s called Paradise. His guide in this new world is none other than Albert (Cuba Gooding Jr.), his first medical colleague. Albert helps Chris reunite with his children, bringing him immense joy. However, in the real world, Chris’ wife Annie is plunged into despair. Having lost two children and her husband, she takes a drastic step and ends her life. Regrettably, this action does not grant her entry into Paradise. Left without happiness in his own presence, Chris, accompanied by Albert, ventures into the depths of Hell to free Annie from a curse, ensuring she becomes aware of the danger that looms over her.

Spirited Away (2001)

10-year-old Chihiro and her family are traveling towards their new suburban residence when her father opts for a quick detour instead. This unconventional route leads them to an enchanting yet eerie otherworld, where adults transform into swine, and Chihiro encounters spirits.

Defending Your Life (1991)

Daniel Miller, a well-known American businessperson (also known as A. Brooks), tragically passes away in a car crash upon coming home from work. To his surprise, he wakes up in an unfamiliar city, which turns out to be a sort of intermediary realm, similar to purgatory, for the deceased. Here, souls review their past actions before a tribunal, determining if they have earned entry into heaven.

In the intervals of his daytime commission exams, Daniel encounters spirits residing in this place, among them being Julia (Meryl Streep), a comparatively youthful soul who met an untimely demise. Could their relationship forged beyond the confines of earth evolve further?

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Dr. Malcolm Crowe, portrayed by Bruce Willis, is a renowned professional in the field of children’s psychological issues and afflictions. Encountering young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who many perceive as an outcast, stirs a familiar feeling within him, reminding him of one of his past patients, Vincent (David Wahlberg). Unlike other cases, Dr. Crowe was unable to help Vincent, who grew into a deeply troubled young adult. In a chilling twist, it was Vincent who later broke into the home of Dr. Crowe and fatally wounded him.

Stepping tentatively towards Cole, Dr. Crowe gradually uncovers the tragic truth about the boy: he can see spirits of the dead and they seek his help. Living in perpetual fear of what he witnesses and the demands made by the deceased, Malcolm suggests to him, “Perhaps you should heed their voices.” On the next occasion, Cole follows his advice: the recently departed Kyra (M. Barton) gives him a box that her father was meant to have.

Heaven Can Wait (1978)

Joe Pendleton, the star American football player, finds himself mysteriously awake in a heavenly realm. Upon reflection, he understands that a novice divine helper (B. Henry), who had never carried out such a task before, erroneously transported him to heaven, mistaking Joe’s time-looping accident caused by a car collision for the end of his earthly life.

The divine power, Mr. Jordan (J. Mason), makes a personal effort to rectify the error and joins Earth once more, accompanied by Joe. Unfortunately, Joe’s body has already been cremated, leaving him in need of another vessel. After refusing several options, he eventually, albeit temporarily, agrees to inhabit the body of the deceased industrialist Farnsworth, who was murdered by his wife (D. Cannon) and her lover. Another suspect is Tony Abbott (C. Grodin), a wealthy personal secretary.

God-like figure, Mr. Jordan, comes back to Earth with Joe to fix a mistake. However, they find that Joe’s body has been cremated, so he needs another one. After turning down many offers, he eventually accepts the body of a rich industrialist named Farnsworth who was killed by his wife and her lover. Another possibility is a wealthy personal secretary named Tony Abbott.

He accomplished this by fixing his gaze on Betty Logan (J. Christie), who visited Farnsworth to request her to retract one of her projects, as it posed a potential threat to the well-being of the people in her region.

My Sister’s Keeper (2009)

The entire Fitzgerald clan is grappling with a severe health issue affecting their eldest daughter Kate (portrayed by Sofia Vassilieva). Her younger sibling Anna (Abigail Breslin) has proven to be an optimal donor, having undergone numerous tests, transfusions, and surgeries since her early childhood. Yet, as Anna enters her teen years, she encounters typical adolescent struggles and makes a hasty choice that brings turmoil and sorrow into the family. Could these actions ultimately impact Kate’s recovery?

The Lovely Bones (2009)

The story unfolds in the year 1973, set amidst a quaint town in Pennsylvania. Here, we find our protagonist, Susie Salmon, a 14-year-old girl who shares her life with her parents and younger sibling. Tragically, the innocence of her youth was shattered when her neighbor, George Harvey, enticed her into a secret hideout he constructed.

Shortly thereafter, Susie learns that she is deceased, having been a victim of Harvey’s twisted impulses. Unwilling to move on to the next realm, she instead haunts the world, losing control over its happenings. Consequently, she is powerless to prevent her heartbroken parents from divorcing or to aid Detective Fenerman (Imperioli) in solving her murder. Over time, her younger sister Lindsey matures and catches Harvey’s attention.

Ghost Town (2008)

In the course of a regular operation, character Bertram Pincus (portrayed by Ricky Gervais) temporarily dies and subsequently gains the ability to interact with spirits upon revival. However, once these spirits discover his unique ability to perceive and hear them, they start to torment the independent dentist, demanding various favors from him.

Luckily, the late businessman Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear) proposes a deal: He’ll ensure that bothersome individuals no longer cause trouble at the dentist’s office, provided he receives a minor favor in return – stopping his widowed wife Gwen (Téa Leoni) from marrying the annoying lawyer Richard Campbell, whom Frank considers as a money-hungry predator who wants to wed Gwen for her wealth.

A Ghost Story (2017)

In “A Ghost Story,” director David Lowery, known for films like “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” and “Pete’s Dragon,” delves into a unique examination of legacy, grief, and our universal yearning for purpose and connection. After his demise, a ghost, portrayed by Oscar winner Casey Affleck, visits his suburban home to comfort his grieving spouse, Rooney Mara, who has also earned an Academy Award nomination. However, in his spectral form, he finds himself trapped in time, watching helplessly as the life they shared and his beloved partner drift away from him.

Progressively drifting, the spirit embarks on a voyage across cosmic realms, delving into recollections and events, pondering life’s profound mysteries and the vastness of being. A poignant introspection on affection and sorrow, A Ghost Story offers an extraordinary, dreamlike journey that resonates deeply even after the final credits have played.

Beetlejuice (1988)

In a tragic car accident, sweethearts Barbara and Adam Maitland, a passionate couple, lost their physical lives. However, they discovered they’d become spirits, residing in their enchanting New England farmhouse. It took them some time to comprehend their new spectral existence, but ultimately, they were grateful for the chance to stay together and maintain tranquility within their home.

But that serenity didn’t last: a boisterous New York family, the Deetzes, purchased the property and planned extensive renovations.

The Maitlands employ every resource available to them as spirits, meticulously read through the ghost handbook, yet remain too refined and innocuous to deter an overbearing family. Consequently, they seek aid from Betelgeuse (Beetlejuice), a professional in expelling unwanted entities – essentially a living exorcist. However, Beetlejuice proves to be an even greater allure than the Deetz family.

A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

Following an extraordinary escape after leaping from a flaming aircraft, Royal Air Force pilot Peter Carter (David Niven) meets the American radio operator (Kim Hunter), to whom he had recently expressed his last wishes. On a peaceful English shoreline, they find themselves together and develop feelings for each other. However, when a representative from beyond arrives to rectify the administrative oversight that should have claimed his life, Peter must fiercely argue for the chance to remain on earth.

Always (1989)

Pete hails from Canada, where he serves as an aircraft pilot. Meanwhile, his partner Dorinda is equally skilled, not only piloting planes but also functioning as an operator within a firefighting command center.

In his bold actions while putting out fires, Pete frequently trusts his abilities implicitly. However, one fateful day, his audacity proves fatal during a mission. Later, reincarnated as a spirit, he offers guidance to his successor who develops feelings for Dorinda.

Hereafter (2010)

George, an ordinary American raised in a hardworking family, and Marie, a French journalist. Both have had profound encounters with death early in their lives – George since his childhood, while Marie’s experience was more recent, drastically altering her daily routine.

A young student named Marcus (the McLaren brothers, Frankie and George) is driven by an intense need for understanding as someone dear to him passes away in London. As their lives become entwined in a quest for the truth, their perspectives on what might lie beyond death will be significantly altered.

Ghost (1990)

In a state of blissful companionship, Sam (Patrick Swayze) and Molly (Demi Moore) share their lives joyfully. At work, however, Sam uncovers some unusual activities in the bank accounts belonging to his friend and coworker Carl (Tony Goldwyn). He brings this to Carl’s attention and proposes they delve deeper into the matter together. Regrettably, Carl decides to handle the investigation himself.

One night, following a trip to the theater, Sam and Molly find themselves confronted by the burglar Rick Aviles in a dimly lit alleyway, resulting in Sam’s tragic death. However, rather than departing from this world, Sam’s spirit remains with Molly. He uncovers that his murder was instigated by Carl, placing Molly in grave danger. Unable to communicate directly, he endeavors to alert his girlfriend about the danger but she is oblivious. The unique ability to perceive his presence belongs solely to the spiritual medium Oda Mae, portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg.

This Is the End (2013)

Six companions find themselves confined within a dwelling following a sequence of peculiar and devastating occurrences that leveled Los Angeles. As the world undergoes unprecedented turmoil, scarcity of vital resources like water and food, along with growing impatience, pose a significant risk to their bond of friendship.

After Life (1998)

Satoru Kawashima (S. Terajima), Takuro Sugie (N. Takashi), Takashi Mochizuki (Arata) and Shiori Satanaka (E. Oda) handle the recently departed individuals in their respective offices, and they inform them that within a span of three days, they must select one significant life event that holds the greatest significance for them.

1. The officers and their team will record and reenact the incident for posterity, and those who have perished will carry this memory with them to an afterlife where they will only remember this event. Recalling and choosing the crucial moment is challenging for many individuals, and it’s particularly difficult for 70-year-old Ichiro Watanabe (portrayed by T. Naito) and 21-year-old Iseya (Y. Iseya).

2. The officers will reenact the event on video for future generations, and those who have passed away will take this memory with them to an afterlife where they can only remember this incident. Deciding on the most significant moment is tough for many people, and it’s especially challenging for 70-year-old Ichiro Watanabe (played by T. Naito) and 21-year-old Iseya (Y. Iseya).

3. The incident will be filmed again by the officers and their team, ensuring it is preserved for future generations. Those who have died will carry this memory with them to an afterlife where they can only recall this event. Deciding on what was most important is a challenge for many people, especially 70-year-old Ichiro Watanabe (T. Naito) and 21-year-old Iseya (Y. Iseya).

4. The officers will reenact the event for posterity on camera, ensuring it is remembered in future times. Those who have died will take this memory with them to an afterlife where they can only remember this event. Choosing the most important moment is difficult for many people, particularly 70-year-old Ichiro Watanabe (portrayed by T. Naito) and 21-year-old Iseya (Y. Iseya).

5. The officers will recreate the event on film for future generations to see, and those who have passed away will carry this memory with them to an afterlife where they can only recall this incident. Remembering and deciding on the most significant moment is a struggle for many people, especially 70-year-old Ichiro Watanabe (played by T. Naito) and 21-year-old Iseya (Y. Iseya).

As time goes by, it becomes clear that the funeral directors of this group are individuals who either couldn’t or chose not to participate in the most significant life event and embark on eternal life then. They were subsequently encountered by the funeral service. Among them, Mochizuki, who is physically seventy years old but remains the same as a 22-year-old, forms a special bond. Additionally, there’s Shiori, who is only eighteen years old in appearance.

Coco (2017)

Against a longstanding musical prohibition within his family that has endured for generations, Miguel harbors dreams of turning into a renowned musician, much like his hero Ernesto de la Cruz. Driven by an urgent need to demonstrate his ability, Miguel finds himself in a vibrant, kaleidoscopic Land of the Dead as a result of a sequence of mysterious occurrences.

During their travels, he encounters the charismatic swindler Hector, and with him, begins an extraordinary adventure to uncover the authentic tale behind Miguel’s ancestral lineage.

All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

A lively tale follows the story of a canine named Charlie, who comes back from a heavenly realm amongst the living, with a mission to retaliate against his foe, Carface. In this endeavor, Charlie enlists the aid of his pal Ichi and a girl residing at an orphanage who communicates with animals, both of whom assist him in his quest for justice.

Truly Madly Deeply (1990)

In a bygone era, there existed two individuals deeply in love, named Nina and Jamie. Their lives were blessed with a contentment that doesn’t always prevail, and they seemed destined for a lifetime of shared joy. Tragically, Jamie passed away, leaving Nina to face a dwelling infested with rats, a team of handymen, a profession teaching English to foreigners, and a void in her heart that echoes across the darkened heavens.

Tuesdays with Morrie (1999)

A reporter begins to ponder the meaning of his existence as his terminally ill friend shares profound insights and guidance on navigating personal relationships, professions, and societal norms.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Following the desire of George Bailey (James Stewart), who longed for a life unlived, an angel (Henry Travers) descends to Earth, tasked with fulfilling his wish. As George contemplates the implications, he comes to understand the vast number of lives he has affected and the drastically different outcomes if he had never existed.

2025-05-18 01:47