Buzz
Sometimes, all you need is a good cry, and the perfect movie can provide just that emotional release.
These ten films are masterfully designed to pull at your heartstrings and bring on the waterworks. Arranged from newest to oldest, the list accounts for the fact that older films might be less familiar. Be warned—spoilers are included!
10. Me Before You (2016)
Jojo Moyes, the author of the novel Me Before You, deserves a word for the emotional turmoil she caused. Her story left us all utterly heartbroken.
Louisa Clark, a vibrant and eccentric young woman, becomes relatable as she takes on the role of caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy quadriplegic. Will, once a thriving entrepreneur and thrill-seeker, faces life-altering challenges after a motorcycle accident leaves him paralyzed.
Gradually, Will is charmed by Louisa’s warmth and her tales of whimsical adventures. However, their bond is tested when Louisa discovers Will’s heartbreaking plan to pursue assisted suicide in Switzerland. Determined to change his mind, she strives to prove that life holds meaning and joy.
Naturally, love blossoms between them (who could resist Emilia Clarke or Sam Claflin?). Yet, Will’s unwavering decision casts a shadow over their romance. As the story unfolds, you’ll find yourself yearning for Will to choose life with Louisa. His ultimate choice will leave you in tears, struggling to catch your breath.
As Will passes away surrounded by his loved ones, you come to grasp his longing to escape a life of suffering. While it’s a difficult truth to accept, his choice becomes comprehensible.
9. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Prepare yourself before diving into this poignant tale of two young cancer patients. While the ending may not be happy, it is undeniably beautiful. Okay? Okay.
Adapted from John Green’s acclaimed novel, The Fault in Our Stars centers on Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager battling lung cancer who joins a support group. In the “literal heart of Jesus,” she encounters Augustus Waters, a charismatic and clever boy recovering from osteosarcoma.
Hazel and Augustus connect over their mutual admiration for a novel titled An Imperial Affliction. Together, they embark on a journey to Amsterdam to meet the elusive author, Peter Van Houten, seeking closure for the book’s unanswered mysteries.
Despite Peter’s disappointing demeanor, their trip holds moments of joy—until Augustus’s cancer returns aggressively.
Witnessing his battle with declining health will trigger an emotional outpouring of tears that won’t cease until the film concludes.
8. My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
What lengths would you go to in order to save your sister’s life?
Inspired by Jodi Picoult’s novel, My Sister’s Keeper explores this profound dilemma. The narrative centers on Anna Fitzgerald, a teenager conceived via IVF specifically to serve as a genetic donor for her older sister, Kate, who suffers from leukemia.
Anna has endured countless medical interventions, from bone marrow donations to blood transfusions, all to sustain Kate’s life. When Kate’s health declines further, necessitating a kidney transplant, Anna takes legal action against her parents, seeking medical emancipation to gain control over her own body.
While the family has made immense sacrifices for Kate, the film raises the question: Is Anna being pushed beyond her limits?
While the entire premise of this film is enough to bring tears to your eyes, the farewell scene delivers the most emotional blow. Kate expresses regret for the suffering her existence and uncontrollable struggles have caused.
7. Becoming Jane (2007)
Who could have imagined that the most celebrated romance novelist in history would endure such a heartbreaking love life?
Becoming Jane is a fictionalized biographical drama drawing from the life of the iconic British writer Jane Austen. The film weaves real-life events and figures into its narrative for inspiration.
Portrayed by Anne Hathaway, Austen navigates the challenges of finding a suitable match in 18th-century England. Her life takes a turn when she encounters Tom Lefroy, an impoverished yet captivating young lawyer. Their initial clashes of intellect and passion eventually forge a deep connection.
As Jane and Tom’s relationship grows, they encounter resistance from their families and societal norms. Jane is torn between her longing for love, her obligations to her family, and the rigid expectations placed on women in her era.
This is the moment where the floodgates of emotion burst open.
Ultimately, the decision isn’t truly hers. Despite knowing the outcome, you can’t help but hope Tom will abandon all responsibilities for the sake of love. The final scene offers a glimmer of solace, revealing that Jane remained in his thoughts forever.
6. Finding Neverland (2004)
Given that this film revolves around the beloved play Peter Pan and its creator, one might expect a tale filled with whimsical adventure.
Think again. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster—bring tissues.
Finding Neverland, a historical fantasy drama helmed by Marc Forster, offers a fictionalized glimpse into the life of J.M. Barrie. The film garnered seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Johnny Depp portrays Barrie, who, while grappling with writer’s block, encounters a widow and her four sons. Their lives inspire him to create the enchanting world of Peter Pan, filled with pirates, fairies, and endless adventure, which captivates the boys.
As Barrie grows closer to the family, his unorthodox actions and perceived intentions draw scrutiny from his wife and society. Yet, he remains steadfast in his mission to bring this fantastical world to the stage, especially for the boys (and their mother… *wink*).
While the film is laden with poignant moments, the death of Ms. Davies is particularly devastating. With the boys now orphaned, Barrie steps in as a pillar of support, helping them navigate their sorrow.
You’ll find yourself grieving alongside them, thanks to this deeply moving film.
5. Life Is Beautiful (1998)
Set in Italy during World War II, Life Is Beautiful tells the story of Guido, an Italian Jewish man portrayed by Roberto Benigni, who also directed this cinematic gem. After marrying his soulmate and starting a family, Guido and his young son, Giosue, are sent to a concentration camp.
To shield his son from the camp’s atrocities, Guido convinces him that their ordeal is a game, with the prize being a real tank. Through his father’s boundless optimism and creativity, Giosue finds moments of joy amidst the surrounding darkness.
This film doesn’t gloss over the grim realities of war, making it a profoundly emotional experience. If you’re seeking a heartfelt cry, this movie will deliver. Yet, its core message of resilience and hope makes every tear worthwhile.
Life Is Beautiful earned three Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film, Best Actor for Benigni, and Best Original Score. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, it is celebrated for its emotional richness, stellar performances, and inspiring narrative.
And make sure to watch it in Italian with subtitles. Believe me—it’s far more impactful that way.
4. My Girl (1991)
My Girl is a coming-of-age tale that both wounds and heals in ways you never expected.
Set in the summer of 1972, the film centers on 11-year-old Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky), a tomboy growing up in a funeral home run by her father, portrayed by Dan Aykroyd. It’s safe to say her childhood is anything but ordinary.
Caught between her unconventional upbringing and the lingering grief of losing her mother, Vada grapples with understanding death, teetering on the edge of hypochondria. As she navigates the trials of adolescence, she attends summer school for a crush on her teacher, experiments with makeup, and experiences her first period.
She embarks on countless adventures with Thomas J. (Macaulay Culkin), a timid boy. Over the summer, their bond grows stronger. Tragically, Thomas J., who has severe allergies, is stung by a swarm of bees.
Prepare for the tears to flow.
As Vada confronts the pain of his death, you’ll find yourself reevaluating your understanding of life and love. Yet, by the film’s end, you’ll walk away with a profound and lasting lesson.
3. An Affair to Remember (1957)
There’s a reason four female characters in Sleepless in Seattle weep over this film. It’s the quintessential romantic tale—the pinnacle of love stories. This timeless classic has earned its place as one of the greatest romance films ever made.
The narrative centers on Nickie Ferrante, a suave and affluent playboy (Cary Grant), and Terry McKay, a singer (Deborah Kerr). They meet aboard a transatlantic cruise and are instantly captivated by each other, despite being committed to other partners. They make a pact to reunite in six months at the Empire State Building’s summit.
Here’s the twist: Terry never arrives. A car accident leaves her paralyzed on the street below, while Nickie waits tirelessly through the night for a love that never comes. (Yes, the tears are already starting—but the most heartbreaking part is yet to come.)
The scene where they finally reunite, and Nickie discovers the truth, will drain the last of your Kleenex supply for the year.
2. Love Story (1970)
Jennifer Cavilleri (Ali MacGraw) might be one of the most exasperating protagonists ever, yet the film’s conclusion will leave you utterly heartbroken. Her charm grows on you, and the story evolves from fleeting passion to a profound, lasting bond.
Directed by Arthur Hiller and adapted from Erich Segal’s novel, Love Story follows Oliver Barrett IV (Ryan O’Neal), a privileged Harvard student with a name that screams pretension. He falls for Jennifer, a Radcliffe student from a modest background. Despite opposition from Oliver’s elitist family, they marry, only to confront harsh realities like his father’s disapproval, financial hardships, and Jennifer’s terminal illness.
This is the moment you’ll cry until exhaustion sets in—and Francis Lai’s haunting score will gently soothe you to sleep.
1. Steel Magnolias (1989)
The final twenty minutes of this film are guaranteed to reduce you to tears, no matter how many times you’ve watched it. It’s a movie best enjoyed with friends—after all, “I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence.”
Steel Magnolias is the ultimate celebration of friendship, packed with iconic lines and unforgettable characters. Directed by Herbert Ross and based on Robert Harling’s play, the story unfolds in a quaint southern town, focusing on the lives of a close-knit group of women.
Dolly Parton portrays Truvy Jones, the owner of a local beauty salon. Julia Roberts stars as Shelby, a young bride, alongside Sally Field as her mother, M’Lynn. The film beautifully captures their evolving relationship and highlights the strength of female camaraderie in navigating life’s highs and lows.
The emotional floodgates open in the final moments. As M’Lynn grapples with the loss of her daughter, Sally Field delivers a performance that is nothing short of extraordinary.
