27 Must-Watch Films to Help You Release Your Emotions

What makes Coco so special is that, as an adult, you’re not questioning if you’ll cry at the end—it’s about how intensely you’ll weep and how long it’ll take to recover. Children see a vibrant, musical animated film with playful skeletons from the afterlife. Adults experience a touching tale about family bonds and the significance of understanding one’s roots. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll leave feeling deeply moved. — Meghan Walbert, parenting editor

Where to stream: Disney+

Many children’s films appear on this list, likely because they aren’t afraid to tug at your heartstrings. Much like E.T., which it closely mirrors in its emotional beats, this tale of a robotic alien who crash-lands on Earth and forms a bond with a young boy doesn’t shy away from tapping into childhood fears of loss and loneliness. What truly brings tears to your eyes isn’t just the thought of the boy losing his colossal metallic companion, but the profound beauty in the machine’s selfless act to save him, encapsulated in a single word. (The word is “Superman.” If you’ve seen the film, you already know this, and you’re probably welling up just thinking about it.) —Joel Cunningham, managing editor

Where to stream: Tubi

The concept might be a mental leap for some—a film where Adam Sandler portrays Charlie Fineman, a man who lost his family in 9/11?—but for those who can embrace it, Reign Over Me offers a deeply emotional and cathartic experience. It’s one of my go-to films when I’m feeling low. Beyond its incredible soundtrack and breathtaking shots of New York City, it’s a touching narrative about friendship. Alan (Don Cheadle) appears to have everything yet feels unfulfilled, while Charlie has lost everything and is equally despondent. Their unexpected bond helps them rediscover hope and meaning in their lives, as the film masterfully blends charm, humor, and sorrow while exploring themes of love, loss, work, family, and friendship. —Jordan Calhoun, editor-in-chief

Where to stream: Fubo TV, Starz, DirecTV

This gripping, realistic thriller about a resourceful captain (Tom Hanks) enduring a Somali pirate hijacking is already riveting, but it’s the final scene that truly shocks. Instead of a quick cut to a family reunion, we witness a visibly shaken and tearful Phillips breaking down during a post-rescue medical check (remarkably, this scene was improvised with an actual medical examiner and wasn’t initially part of the script). This raw moment captures the emotional aftermath of the harrowing ordeal, and Hanks’s moving depiction of trauma and sorrow delivers the film’s most authentic and humanizing moment. —Mike Winters, finance writer

Where to stream: Fubo TV, digital rental

I’ve avoided watching this movie for years because it leaves me in tears every time. The scene where they abandon the fox is particularly heartbreaking. I don’t have any deep analysis—it’s just profoundly sad. I couldn’t handle it as a child, and even now, I’m hesitant to revisit it. —Claire Lower, senior food editor

Where to stream: Disney+

When I think of a “tearjerker,” Terms of Endearment immediately comes to mind. It chronicles the intricate, lifelong relationship between a mother (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter (Debra Winger). The story spans from the daughter’s birth through her turbulent adolescence, troubled marriage, and ultimately, her untimely...well, spoiler alert—tragedy strikes repeatedly. Shirley MacLaine’s portrayal of a fiercely loving yet overbearing mother adds depth, and trust me, it’s guaranteed to shatter your heart. —Joel Kahn, senior video producer

Where to stream: Fubo TV, DirecTV, Starz

Jojo Rabbit is the most recent film that brought me to tears in a theater. (Remember theaters?) It’s Taika Waititi’s unique take on Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. The protagonist, Jojo Betzler, is an enthusiastic member of the Hitler Youth, unaware that his mother is sheltering a young Jewish woman named Elsa. By the film’s conclusion, the characters endure immense trials, and Waititi masterfully conveys their relief, sorrow, and hope in a single, poignant scene of awkward dancing. It’s a moment that never fails to move me to tears. —Micaela Heck, podcast producer

Where to stream: HBO Max

If you’re unfamiliar with Selena’s story, prepare for an emotional journey (and a personal awakening, because her tale is essential). Selena was a young musical prodigy and fashion icon who performed with her family band, Selena Y Los Dinos. She captured the hearts of millions. The 1997 film traces the band’s rise to stardom and the tragic end to Selena’s life. Jennifer Lopez delivers a stellar performance as the beloved singer, whose vibrant style and infectious charisma made her a role model for countless young girls. The film’s heartbreaking climax, depicting her untimely death at the hands of an obsessed fan, will leave you in tears—no use fighting it. —Aisha Jordan, staff writer

Where to stream: HBO Max

Afonso Cuarón’s Roma is a film that evokes tears, not through overt manipulation but through its profound storytelling. The stunning cinematography and meticulous recreation of 1970s Mexico City are awe-inspiring, with the black-and-white visuals capturing the vibrancy of life more vividly than color ever could. If your eyes remain dry as you watch Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), an Indigenous housekeeper, navigate personal struggles and societal class barriers while working for an affluent family, then perhaps you’re immune to emotion. —Sam Blum, staff writer

Where to stream: Netflix

A superhero movie? Yes, I know. But consider the emotional wave you felt when every Avenger assembled to take on Thanos. And then the epic battle that followed (and its aftermath). No spoilers here, so the few who haven’t seen this cinematic masterpiece can still experience it fully. Keep tissues handy. —David Murphy, senior technology editor

Where to stream: Disney+

Is Beaches overly sentimental? Maybe, but who cares? This decades-old film is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring strength of female friendship. Even its legendary theme song, Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings,” has the power to bring tears to your eyes no matter when or where you hear it. If it’s been years since your last viewing, now’s the perfect time to revisit it. —Meghan Walbert

Where to stream: Fubo TV, digital rental

This unconventional blockbuster, a unique collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick—two directors with vastly different styles—failed to impress upon its 2001 debut. The sci-fi retelling of Pinocchio was often criticized for its seemingly saccharine conclusion, where the robotic boy’s dream of becoming human is realized. However, those who view the ending as cheerful have missed its true essence. It’s deeply somber, and Spielberg’s touch of whimsy only amplifies the emotional weight. —Joel Cunningham

Where to stream: Prime Video

Into the Wild, Sean Penn’s adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s novel, is the first film I watched as an adult that compelled me to rewatch it immediately, despite its lengthy 2.5-hour runtime. Emile Hirsch portrays Christopher McCandless, a privileged young man who abandons his comfortable life to seek solitude in the Alaskan wilderness, ultimately living—and dying—in a now-iconic bus. His story has inspired many to follow in his footsteps, prompting the Alaskan government to remove the bus to prevent further rescue missions. The film beautifully captures the majesty of America’s landscapes and the meaningful connections Christopher forms along his journey. It’s a movie I turn to whether I’m feeling low or inexplicably joyful. —Jordan Calhoun

Where to stream: Netflix

This obscure and quirky film still manages to tug at my heartstrings. Set in the 1980s, this French-Canadian movie follows two groups of kids locked in an escalating snowball battle, reminiscent of a Peanuts comic strip come to life, where parents are absent and most of the action unfolds outdoors. The climax features an intense snowball fight atop a massive snow fortress, which (spoiler and dog trauma warning!) collapses, tragically crushing a St. Bernard that had been joyfully trailing the children throughout the film. It’s only then that the kids grasp the true cost of their conflict, and they come together to bury the dog. This poignant parable left a lasting impact on me as a child, and even now, the sight of the lifeless dog being pulled from the snow brings tears to my eyes. —Mike Winters

Where to stream: Apple TV+

Barbara Kopple’s documentary delves into the harrowing coal miners’ strike in rural Kentucky. It’s both heartbreaking and uplifting, serving as an excellent introduction to the history of unions and labor struggles in the U.S. Kopple captures footage that is genuinely unsettling, showing clashes between workers, police, scabs, and strike breakers. The death of a worker is tragic, but it’s an elderly woman’s defiant declaration, “If I get shot, they can’t shoot the union out of me,” that never fails to bring tears to my eyes. —Claire Lower

Where to stream: HBO Max, YouTube

It’s no surprise Up made this list. It’s the quintessential Pixar tearjerker. The film is so emotionally powerful that I once woke up on a redeye flight to find the little girl in front of me watching the opening montage of Carl and Ellie’s life together. Even without sound, I burst into tears—on a plane, no less, just from glimpsing someone else’s screen. Now that’s the mark of a truly moving story. —Joel Kahn

Where to stream: Disney+

A Steve Martin film might not top most tearjerker lists, but hear me out. I tend to cry more at heartwarming moments than outright sad ones, and the idea of a father loving his daughter so deeply that he struggles to let her grow up and become independent strikes a chord with me. Adding to the emotional weight, my own father bore a striking resemblance to Steve Martin, making the character’s feelings even more relatable. —Micaela Heck

Where to stream: Digital rental

I’m not one to cry easily, but Seven Pounds unexpectedly brought me to tears. Will Smith portrays Ben Thomas, a man driven by guilt to help several individuals in need of organ donations. Along the way, he meets Emily (Rosario Dawson), who captures his heart. As the story unfolds (spoilers!), it becomes clear that Ben is donating his own organs to these people. I couldn’t decide what moved me more—his extraordinary selflessness or the heartbreaking irony of finding someone to love just as he gives her his literal heart. I watched this film alone and sobbed uncontrollably. —Aisha Jordan

Where to stream: Starz, DirecTV

The characters in Stepmom are so relatable that it’s hard to decide who to support in any given scene. For me, the most emotional moment is when Isabel (Julia Roberts) and Jackie (Susan Sarandon) discuss what life will look like after Jackie is gone. Isabel says, “I imagine being alone with her, adjusting her veil, smoothing her dress, telling her she’s the most beautiful bride ever. But I’m terrified she’ll be thinking, ‘I wish my mom were here.’” Jackie responds, “And I’m afraid she won’t.” Cue the tears. —Meghan Walbert

Where to stream: Starz

I considered adding Titanic to this list, but that felt too predictable (even though I cry nonstop from the scene where the old lady recounts the story of Tír na nÓg to the children as water floods in, all the way to the dreamlike ending). Instead, I’ll spotlight a lesser-known yet critically acclaimed classic. This 1966 French film, directed by Robert Bresson, follows the life of a donkey named Balthazar, who is passed from owner to owner, enduring the harsh realities of existence. Just as he finds kindness, his fortune reverses, and he encounters cruelty once more. The film is a metaphor for life—Jean-Luc Godard called it “the world in an hour and a half”—but it’s also the donkey’s soulful eyes that truly break my heart. —Joel Cunningham

Where to stream: The Criterion Channel

I rarely cry, which makes Ryan Coogler’s debut film particularly memorable: It was the first movie that ever brought me to tears. Coogler teamed up with Michael B. Jordan, who portrays Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old tragically shot by police in California on New Year’s Day 2009. The film builds up Oscar’s life—his struggles, his love, his dreams—so vividly that I couldn’t help but hope, against all odds, that his fate might change. When the inevitable happens, the raw grief of those who loved him was too much to bear, even portrayed by actors. While I admire the film deeply, I haven’t been able to watch it again. —Jordan Calhoun

Where to stream: Netflix

This recent film chronicles the life and legacy of Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), the Chicago Black Panther leader who was assassinated by police in his home in 1969. The narrative centers on Bill O’Neil (LaKeith Stanfield), a betrayer within the Panthers, who plays a pivotal role in Hampton’s downfall. The film’s tension is palpable, keeping me on the verge of tears throughout. Hampton’s powerful words and the significance of his work stirred a mix of anger and empathy within me. It’s a film that moves you to tears because it’s rooted in truth, and that truth is deeply painful. —Aisha Jordan

Where to stream: Digital rental

I don’t cry easily, but documentaries have a way of breaking through my defenses. This new documentary about Tina Turner’s life and career is no exception. Beyond her undeniable star power, Tina’s story is captivating, and the fact that she’s still thriving in her Swiss chateau adds to the emotional weight. Come for the incredible music, but stay for the heartfelt moments that will leave you in tears. —Joel Kahn

Where to stream: HBO Max

No list of tearjerker movies would be complete without The Lion King. It’s almost unnecessary to mention, but Mufasa’s betrayal by Scar and his tragic death in the wildebeest stampede is one of the most heartbreaking moments in cinematic history. First, witnessing the noble and loving Mufasa realize his own brother is willing to let him die is devastating. Then, seeing young Simba nudge his lifeless father, unable to accept his loss and blaming himself, is utterly gut-wrenching. Even the most stoic viewer would struggle to hold back tears. —Micaela Heck

Where to stream: Disney+

This touching and unconventional true story follows a granddaughter, Billi (Akwafina), as she comes to terms with her grandmother Nai Nai’s (Shuzhen Zhao) terminal illness. To spare Nai Nai the pain of knowing her fate, the family decides to keep her diagnosis a secret and instead organizes a fake wedding as a farewell celebration. Billi travels to China, pretending her tears are tears of joy rather than sorrow. The film will undoubtedly make you cry, but it’s a cathartic cry—one that helps you confront your fears and make space for happiness. —Aisha Jordan

Where to stream: Prime Video, Kanopy

In this 1937 melodrama, Barbara Stanwyck portrays Stella Martin, a working-class woman who marries into wealth and has a daughter, only to see her marriage crumble due to class differences. These differences also strain her relationship with her daughter, as Stella’s lack of refinement clashes with her daughter’s high-society fiancé’s family. In a particularly poignant scene, Stella overhears cruel remarks about herself, made within earshot of her daughter. Realizing she’s a hindrance to her daughter’s future, Stella deliberately distances herself to secure her daughter’s happiness. The film’s climax is heart-wrenching, as Stella watches her daughter’s wedding from outside in the rain, unseen and unnoticed. Stanwyck’s performance is flawless—radiant with pride yet shattered by her sacrifice. —Mike Winters

Where to stream: Prime Video

Lars Von Trier delivers a musical so heart-wrenching that it leaves you in a fetal position, overwhelmed by uncontrollable sobs. This bleak tale, featuring Icelandic singer Bjork as a visually impaired factory worker fighting to support her son, who shares her genetic condition, is far from realistic—but then again, what musical is? While I often shed tears during uplifting musicals, nothing compares to the emotional devastation of this one. —Joel Cunningham

Where to stream: Hoopla, digital rental