Some films are made to entertain, others to teach, and then there are those that exist solely to make you feel. When you’re in the mood for a good cry, these movies deliver gut-punches of emotion that will leave you reaching for the tissues.
From tear-jerking romances to gut-wrenching tragedies, here’s a list of the top 10 movies guaranteed to bring on the waterworks.
Me Before You (2016)
The pain of seeing a love that could’ve been beautiful end in such a final, irreversible way is overwhelming. And even though you may disagree with Will’s decision, his final moments, surrounded by the people he loved, will make you sob uncontrollably.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
If you don’t cry during The Fault in Our Stars, you may want to check your heart. Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old with terminal cancer, meets Augustus Waters, a charming cancer survivor, and the two quickly bond over their shared love of a novel that inspires them to travel to Amsterdam to meet its reclusive author. But when Augustus’s cancer returns with a vengeance, their beautiful love story becomes a tragic journey toward the inevitable.
This heart-wrenching narrative pulls you in with moments of joy and humor, only to tear you apart when reality hits. You’ll be sobbing as you watch Augustus’s decline, leaving you feeling emotionally drained but somehow grateful for the beautiful love they shared.
My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
The premise of My Sister’s Keeper is a tough one to swallow. Anna Fitzgerald was conceived specifically to be a genetic match for her older sister, Kate, who has leukemia. As Anna undergoes numerous medical procedures to save Kate’s life, she begins to question the toll it’s taking on her own. The emotional core of the movie lies in Anna’s decision to sue her parents for medical emancipation, ultimately seeking to make her own decisions about her body.
The pain of watching a family divided by love and necessity will have you crying nonstop, especially when the heartbreaking final scenes unfold, leaving you questioning how far you would go to save someone you love.
Love Story (1970)
Love Story is a classic romantic drama that has captivated audiences for decades. The film follows Oliver Barrett IV, a wealthy Harvard student, and Jennifer Cavilleri, a working-class Radcliffe student, who fall in love despite their differences. But their happiness is short-lived when Jennifer is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
The heartbreak of watching a love so pure destroyed by fate is what makes Love Story unforgettable. The film’s iconic line, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” only adds to the emotional impact, leaving you in tears long after the final scene.
An Affair to Remember (1957)
An Affair to Remember is often considered the ultimate romance, and for good reason. The film tells the story of Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) and Terry McKay (Deborah Kerr), who meet on a transatlantic ocean liner and fall in love. They agree to meet in six months at the top of the Empire State Building, but tragedy strikes when Terry is paralyzed in a car accident, and she’s unable to keep their appointment.
The final moments of the film, as Nickie and Terry finally reunite, are heartbreaking yet hopeful. This movie has become the gold standard for romantic heartbreak, and its influence can still be felt today.
Finding Neverland (2004)
Who would have thought that Finding Neverland, a film about the creation of Peter Pan, would leave you in tears? The film explores the life of J.M. Barrie, the playwright behind the beloved children’s story, who forms a bond with a widow and her four sons, who inspired the story of Peter Pan. But the joy of watching Barrie create a magical world for the children is overshadowed by the heartbreaking loss of their mother.
The way Barrie supports the children through their grief, while also processing his own pain, makes this movie a profoundly emotional experience. The final scene, filled with a sense of both loss and hope, will leave you crying for the loss of innocence and the beauty of imagination.
Life Is Beautiful (1998)
Set during World War II, Life Is Beautiful follows Guido, a Jewish man who uses humor and imagination to protect his son from the horrors of a concentration camp. Guido convinces his young son that the horrific situation they’re in is all part of a game, and that if he plays along, he’ll win a tank. Despite the grim backdrop, Guido’s optimism creates a powerful, heartwarming experience.
The emotional impact of Life Is Beautiful comes from the way it showcases love, hope, and the protection of a child’s innocence, even in the darkest of times. The final moments, which show the price of this sacrifice, are devastating and unforgettable.
My Girl (1991)
The film’s climax, when Thomas J. dies unexpectedly, is a moment that will haunt you long after the credits roll. The emotional depth of Vada’s grief, coupled with the innocence of her age, makes this one of the most heartbreaking films to watch.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Steel Magnolias is a timeless story about friendship, loss, and resilience. Set in a small town in Louisiana, the film follows a group of women who lean on each other through thick and thin. The film’s emotional weight lies in the relationship between M’Lynn (Sally Field) and her daughter Shelby (Julia Roberts), whose life is tragically cut short by complications from diabetes.
The final moments, as M’Lynn breaks down at the funeral, will have you sobbing uncontrollably. The raw emotion of a mother’s love, coupled with the devastating loss, makes this one of the most tear-jerking films ever made.
Becoming Jane (2007)
Becoming Jane tells the fictionalized version of Jane Austen’s life, focusing on her doomed romance with Tom Lefroy, a penniless but charming young man who captures her heart. As Austen faces the struggles of love, family expectations, and the limitations of her time, it becomes clear that her choice between love and duty is impossible.
The final moments of the film, when Jane’s hopes are dashed, and she’s forced to move forward without the love she desperately wanted, will have you wiping away tears. Though the love story is fictionalized, it taps into the real pain of unfulfilled desires and the societal pressures that prevented her from living her truth.
Conclusion
The films on this list share one thing in common: they are all deeply emotional stories that leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s the pain of losing a loved one, the agony of unfulfilled love, or the heartbreak of a life cut short, these movies are designed to make you feel. So, if you’re in the mood for a cathartic cry, these ten films will more than deliver.