There isn't a single defining characteristic that distinguishes a great film from a true masterpiece. Masterpieces transcend the boundaries of their genres, presenting timeless and striking truths about the human condition. However, no matter how much of a masterpiece a film may be, some are so heavy that watching them becomes quite challenging.

There are many factors that can make a cinematic masterpiece heavy. Elements such as being emotionally devastating, having a long runtime, requiring patience with its pacing, or presenting a bleak atmosphere can elevate heavy films to the ranks of the greatest masterpieces in cinema history. This list proves this by presenting ten magnificent examples ranked from worst to best.

The Chinese artistic drama "An Elephant Sitting Still," which runs for over four hours, may not be suitable for everyone; however, those seeking a truly impressive slow-burn experience need to watch this masterpiece at least once in their lives. Moreover, being one of the most pessimistic films of the last decade adds an extra layer of difficulty to an already challenging viewing experience.

This slice-of-life anti-drama reflects the suffocating absurdity and sense of isolation that comes with living with depression. The film's director, Hu Bo, was only 29 years old when he completed the film and was also struggling with depression himself. He took his own life shortly after the film was finished. This background adds even more weight to an already extremely heavy film, while also providing a reason to acknowledge the immense legacy Bo left behind.