Brokeback Mountain is a heart-wrenching tale of forbidden love between two cowboys, beautifully portrayed by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film’s emotional depth and stunning cinematography make it a must-watch when you need a good cry. The tragic love story, much like Titanic, leaves you with a lingering sense of loss and longing.
Alright, let’s be real for a second: sometimes, you just *need* a good cry. Whether it’s to let out pent-up emotions, feel a deeper connection to your own heart, or simply to remind yourself that you’re not alone in navigating life’s emotional rollercoasters, there’s nothing quite like a truly gut-wrenching movie to provide that much-needed catharsis. These ‘weepies,’ as they were affectionately called in the classic Hollywood era, remain a wildly popular genre today, and honestly, many of them are simply among the best movies of all time.
So, why do we actively seek out films that promise to put us through the emotional wringer? It’s a fascinating paradox! But when the vicarious trauma is over, we often weirdly feel better. These powerful films bring us closer to our own hearts, allowing us to experience intense emotions and find solidarity in the shared human experience. Sometimes, tears even mix with moments of triumph and intimacy, helping us to more fully understand the profound depth of what it means to be alive.
Our handpicked selection includes everything from award-winning masterpieces and historical dramas tackling injustice, to heartwarming animated classics and romantic sagas that will sweep you off your feet. These aren’t just movies; they’re emotional journeys. But fair warning, friends: these films will absolutely destroy you, so grab that jumbo box of tissues, settle in, and prepare for a much-needed emotional release. You’re about to embark on a journey through stories that will touch your soul and leave you delightfully undone.
1. **Terms of Endearment (1983)**Get ready for a classic mother-daughter dynamic that’s as crazy as it is heartwarming! James L. Brooks’s 1983 film, ‘Terms of Endearment,’ brings Debra Winger and Shirley MacLaine together as the perfect, if sometimes exasperating, duo. They drive each other absolutely wild, yet at their core, they’re the ultimate besties, and their bond is the kind that feels deeply, painfully real.
Shirley MacLaine’s performance as the passionate mom was so captivating that she rightfully won the Best Actress Oscar for it. And honestly, you’ll understand why when you witness the sheer power of her performance. We dare you — truly, we double-dog-dare you — not to sob during that unforgettable scene when she yells at the nursing staff to bring her daughter that pain medication, stat! It’s a moment of raw, desperate love that hits you right in the gut.
And just when you think you’ve composed yourself, good luck keeping it together during the hospital goodbye scenes. This film is a rite of passage for any sob fest enthusiast, and once the tear duct levies break, there’s truly no going back. It’s a beautifully crafted story that explores the complexities of family love with both levity and profound sadness, making it a timeless tearjerker.
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2. **Dead Poets Society (1989)**Step into the hallowed halls of Welton Academy with ‘Dead Poets Society,’ where Robin Williams is at his absolute finest as the passionate English professor John Keating. His unconventional teaching methods inspire his students to truly ‘march to their own drums,’ challenging them to seize the day, or ‘Carpe Diem,’ in a world that often demands conformity. He teaches them to think freely, to see poetry in everyday life, and to find their own voices.
But as is often the case with free thinkers, Keating finds himself embroiled in controversy when one of his students takes his inspiring lessons a little too far. The film beautifully captures the magic of his influence and the tragic consequences that can arise when convention clashes with passion. The emotional stakes are incredibly high, pulling you right into the lives of these young men.
This is one of those sad movies where not only the characters can’t hold back the tears, but you absolutely won’t be able to either. Before the sobbing starts, listen closely for some of the most famous movie quotes of all time, which will stick with you long after the credits roll. ‘Dead Poets Society’ is a powerful reminder of the impact a single, inspiring individual can have, and the heartbreaking sacrifices made in the pursuit of individuality.
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3. **The Fault in Our Stars (2014)**Based on the wildly popular book by John Green, ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ introduces us to Hazel Grace and Gus, two incredible teens who meet in a support group. What follows is a romance that’s as heart-wrenching as it is full of life, as they bond and even crack jokes about the unique ‘perks’ of having cancer. Their connection is immediate and undeniable, built on a foundation of shared understanding and a fierce love for life, even amidst their struggles.
As their relationship deepens, they fall head over heels for each other, and for a novel that becomes a central part of their journey. This shared literary love inspires them to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Amsterdam for a meetup with their favorite author, creating moments of pure magic and profound connection. It’s a story that beautifully blends the bittersweet realities of their situation with the exhilarating joy of first love.
Their story is tender, touching, and incredibly relatable, making you feel every laugh and every pang of sadness right along with them. You can fully expect to cry throughout their last act, as the film navigates the profound beauty and inevitable heartbreak of their bond. It’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and living fully, no matter the circumstances.
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4. **E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)**Yep, you read that right. Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic, ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,’ is a total tearjerker, and you’ll likely find yourself weeping long before the mothership flies away at the end. This iconic film, inspired by Spielberg’s own melancholic memories of his parents’ divorce, explores what might happen if a child with a huge hole to fill found his new best extra-terrestrial friend. It’s a magical concept that flourishes into something truly unforgettable.
Young Elliott befriends the short, endearing botanist from outer space, and they form an unbreakable bond over shared secrets and, famously, Reese’s Pieces. Who wouldn’t be captivated by this unlikely friendship? Their connection transcends words, relying on empathy and pure, childlike wonder, making their adventures incredibly engaging and profoundly moving. The film crafts a world where imagination and reality intertwine seamlessly.
Steady yourself, because the last few scenes are particularly designed to open the floodgates. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it’s to a friend from another world. But as E.T. puts it, with his glowing finger pointed right at your heart: “I’ll be right here.” It’s a moment of powerful reassurance that secures this film’s place as one of the most emotionally wrought and beautiful stories of all time. Magical to watch flourish and heartbreaking to see end on Earth, their time together is one of the best things to come out of the ’80s.
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5. **Imitation of Life (1959)**Step into the glamorous yet deeply ironic world of Douglas Sirk’s 1959 masterpiece, ‘Imitation of Life.’ Lana Turner stars as a single mom who claws her way to stardom, aided by her faithful maid and best friend, Juanita Moore, in an acclaimed, powerful performance. Sirk, a master of melodrama, lays on the irony as thick as the film’s dazzling glitz, exposing the societal facades beneath the surface.
Sandra Dee makes an appearance as Lana’s daughter in the second half of the film, adding another layer of family drama. In one particularly memorable scene, she begs her mom to “quit acting!” — a meta-commentary that underscores the film’s themes of authenticity and performance. The movie is unapologetically melodramatic, wonderfully soapy, and dripping in sequins, embodying the vibrant style of classic Hollywood.
Nevertheless, despite all the theatricality, you absolutely won’t be able to hold back the tears when the incomparable Mahalia Jackson bursts into song at a funeral fit for a queen. It’s a moment of transcendent emotional power that cuts through all the glitz and drama. If you adore Hollywood classics, this film offers both stunning visuals and a profound emotional punch that highlights racial and social injustices of the era.
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6. **Steel Magnolias (1989)**Gather ’round, because ‘Steel Magnolias’ is an absolute must-watch for anyone who loves stories about fierce female friendships and navigating life’s biggest challenges with humor and grit. Sally Field is an acting titan in this play-turned-movie, leading an incredible ensemble cast of best girlfriends who bond over hairstyles, gossip, and unwavering support in a small Southern town. Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, and Olympia Dukakis round out this legendary cast of women, each bringing their unique magic to the screen.
This group of women often finds themselves brooding over the serious illness of Julia Roberts’s character, Shelby. The film masterfully balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuinely heartbreaking ones, showcasing the strength and resilience required to face adversity. Their sisterhood is a powerful force, creating a safety net where they can share their deepest fears and wildest dreams.
Sally Field, in a performance that will haunt you long after viewing, acts her heart out in a funeral scene that will turn on your waterworks — big time. It’s a mascara-streaking comedy about life, death, and friendship that has a way of wrestling with one’s emotions, whether you’re laughing so hard you’re crying, or crying so hard you’re laughing. This movie is a true testament to the power of community and enduring love, leaving you an emotional wreck in the best possible way.
Alright, tissues still within reach? Because if you thought the first batch of films had you reaching for the jumbo box, get ready for another round of cinematic masterpieces that dive even deeper into the human condition. We’re talking forbidden loves that defy society, powerful stories of fighting for dignity against injustice, and even poignant takes on the beauty of the natural world and the devastation that can befall it. These next seven films are guaranteed to inspire a truly cathartic cry, exploring emotional landscapes that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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7. **Sense and Sensibility (1995)**Get ready to swoon and maybe even shed a few happy tears with this gorgeous Jane Austen adaptation, expertly directed by Ang Lee. While Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson play a rather ill-fated couple in the background, the true emotional rollercoaster belongs to Marianne Dashwood, brought to life by a captivating Kate Winslet, and her, shall we say, *questionable* taste in boyfriends. It’s a classic tale of societal pressures clashing with passionate hearts, where love often feels just out of reach.
You’ll find yourself utterly swept away by the drama unfolding around Marianne as she navigates the rigid social conventions of the era, making choices that pull at your heartstrings. Her journey through infatuation and heartbreak is incredibly relatable, making you root for her to find the true, steady love she deserves. This film beautifully captures the essence of young love’s trials and tribulations, all set against a backdrop of stunning English landscapes.
But just when you think your heart can’t take any more emotional twists and turns, enter the dashing Colonel Brandon, played by the late, great Alan Rickman. His quiet strength and unwavering devotion eventually win Marianne’s heart, leading to a conclusion that might just surprise you with its sheer emotional payoff. Prepare for the kind of joyous, messy, can’t-hold-’em-in tears that really hit the spot, proving that sometimes, the best happy endings are the ones you didn’t quite see coming. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a testament to patience, true affection, and finding love in unexpected places.
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8. **Brokeback Mountain (2005)**If you’re ready for a love story that will absolutely gut you with its beauty and its tragedy, then Ang Lee’s critically acclaimed ‘Brokeback Mountain’ is your next stop. This groundbreaking LGBTQ+ film features truly engrossing performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger, who play two ranch hands whose lives become irrevocably intertwined while tending sheep alone on a remote mountain. Their connection is immediate and undeniable, blooming in a place where societal judgment cannot reach.
Their powerful and tender love story unfolds across many years, even as they each attempt to navigate their lives and the expectations placed upon them, trying to forget a bond that refuses to be extinguished. The film masterfully portrays the quiet yearning, the stolen moments, and the profound sadness of a love that is forced into secrecy. It’s a poignant exploration of identity, longing, and the devastating cost of hiding one’s true self.
By the film’s end, you’ll be completely immersed in their lives, feeling the raw ache that exists beneath a love forbidden by the bigotry and hate of the world they inhabit. The emotional impact is immense, leaving you with a deep understanding of the sacrifices made and the dreams shattered. It’s a reminder of how powerfully love can endure, even when faced with insurmountable obstacles, and the heartbreak that comes with a world not yet ready to accept it.
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9. **Bambi (1942)**Okay, before you scroll past, thinking, “Wait, a *cartoon*?” — trust us on this one. Disney knows how to tug at the heartstrings like no other, and ‘Bambi’ is an animated classic that manages to infuse striking beauty with relatable, incredibly painful themes. The gorgeous visual design might initially lull you into a sense of calm, but this story hits hard, revealing the harsh realities of the natural world and the devastating impact humans can have.
This film introduces us to the adorable young deer, Bambi, who must contend with the brutal ways of the world and nature after experiencing one of cinema’s most infamous and heartbreaking moments: the shooting death of his mother by a hunter. And yes, that moment is as profoundly sad as it sounds. It’s a scene that has traumatized generations of viewers, etching itself into the collective consciousness as a primal experience of loss.
‘Bambi’ powerfully illustrates the devastation humans bring to the natural world, highlighting the ways our actions threaten the wilderness and the innocent creatures who scamper within it. Researchers have even called some of the scenes the saddest movie scenes of all time, and honestly, we agree. It’s not just a film about a deer; it’s a profound, early environmental commentary cloaked in animation, teaching us about life, death, and the fragility of existence.
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10. **Philadelphia (1993)**Here’s a film that tackles societal injustices head-on, delivering a powerful and deeply moving story that earned Tom Hanks an Oscar for Best Actor. Directed by Jonathan Demme, ‘Philadelphia’ stars Hanks as Andy, a brilliant lawyer who hires Denzel Washington’s character, Joe Miller, to sue the law firm that fired him after he contracted AIDS. It’s a harrowing portrayal of courage in the face of prejudice and a desperate fight for dignity.
As Andy copes with the devastating effects of the disease, we also see the profound support and love he receives from his partner, played by Antonio Banderas, and his family. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the physical and emotional toll of AIDS, but it also beautifully highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassionate connection during times of unimaginable hardship. It’s a testament to the power of unwavering support.
You’ll find yourself empathizing with Andy throughout the entire movie, not only as he suffers from the disease itself but also from the cruelties of discrimination that permeate society. ‘Philadelphia’ is a groundbreaking film that brought the AIDS crisis and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights into the mainstream, using its powerful narrative to foster understanding, challenge prejudice, and inspire a deep sense of justice. Have a hanky handy, because this one will definitely get you.
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12. **Fruitvale Station (2013)**Get ready for one of those sad movies that’s even more emotionally devastating because it’s based on a true story. Ryan Coogler’s ‘Fruitvale Station’ is a powerful and essential drama that follows the excruciating events leading up to when police unjustly detained a young Black man, Oscar Grant III, in a train station on New Year’s Eve. The film serves as a heartbreaking and infuriating account of systemic injustice.
From the moment the film begins, you’re drawn into Oscar’s final day, experiencing the small joys, frustrations, and tender moments of his life. This intimate portrayal makes the ensuing tragedy even more impactful, humanizing a story that, for many, became a symbol of a much larger struggle. Coogler masterfully builds a sense of dread and inevitability, making the climax incredibly hard to watch, yet impossible to look away from.
You’ll find yourself filled with a profound sorrow and a righteous rage, the kind that sparked widespread activism against police brutality against people of color in Oakland, California, where these events took place, and in ensuing years across the nation. ‘Fruitvale Station’ is not just a film; it’s a vital piece of cinema that demands reflection, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about justice and inequality. It’s a raw, unflinching look at a real-world tragedy that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
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13. **Me Before You (2016)**If your idea of a good cry includes a captivating love story with a bittersweet twist, then ‘Me Before You,’ adapted from Jojo Moyes’s wildly popular novel, is absolutely for you. Directed by Thea Sharrock, this romance stars the effervescent Emilia Clarke as Lou, a quirky and vibrant young woman hired as a caretaker for a wealthy, intelligent, and disabled man named Will Traynor, played by Sam Claflin. Their initial dynamic is a charming mix of love-hate vibes and vastly different backgrounds.
Despite their contrasting worlds, Lou and Will gradually form an incredibly close bond, eventually falling deeply in love. The film beautifully portrays their evolving connection, highlighting the unexpected joy and profound understanding they find in each other’s company. It’s a journey that shows how love can blossom in the most unforeseen circumstances, bringing light and laughter even amidst life’s gravest challenges.
However, this drama also leans into a sentimental depiction of disability and primarily focuses on Lou’s journey through love, loss, and difficult choices. While audiences went wild for the story, turning it into a blockbuster hit, it’s the exploration of unconditional love and the complex decisions that arise from it that truly makes this film a tear-jerker. Prepare for a poignant and emotionally charged experience that will leave you contemplating the true meaning of living life to the fullest, even in the face of profound sadness.
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And there you have it, folks! Fourteen incredible films that prove there’s nothing wrong with leaning into your emotions and letting it all out. Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, celebrating the power of connection, or simply needing to feel a little bit more human, these movies offer a profound journey into the depths of our shared experience. So, the next time life throws you a curveball, or you just need a good old-fashioned emotional cleanse, you know exactly which cinematic gems to turn to. Your heart (and your tissue supply) will thank you!
