Some movies are designed to make you laugh, others try to induce fear, but some push the emotional factor. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, and the feeling of sadness has created some of the most memorable movies of all time, proving that people enjoy shedding a few tears. So grab the tissues because these 21 movies will leave you crying.
Still Alice
Julianne Moore provides a stunning performance in Still Alice as her character deals with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The story follows her journey as she comes to terms with the diagnosis and begins to lose her memory. It serves as a reminder to make every day count due to how quickly life can change and provides a detailed look at the devastation this cruel disease can provide.
Up
Pixar movies are branded as family-friendly fun, but Up leaves audiences in tears during the opening moments without a word being said. The Married Life section follows the journey of Carl and Ellie from when they first met until Ellie’s passing. It’s beautifully animated, with the emotions being clear as the highs and lows of their lives are documented. It provides the necessary backstory for Carl’s adventures, but it’s also a gut punch of emotions, which does continue at times throughout the film as Carl’s bond with Russell grows.
Dallas Buyers Club
Matthew McConaughey gives a stunning performance in this one as he ultimately committed emotionally and physically to tell the story effectively. His character, Ron Woodroof, is diagnosed with AIDS, and after being given just one month to live, he opts to try and fight the odds. Smuggling drugs and helping others at the same time is uplifting yet harrowing in equal measure.
Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias is about a group of women who attempt to help their friend deal with the issues surrounding her type 1 diabetes diagnosis. While it provides a powerful example of friendship and its positive impact, it’s also an emotional movie that will make people cry as they follow the journey.
Schindler’s List
Focusing on the life of a German who allows his factory to be used his factory to rescue Jewish refugees, this movie will make people cry. The Academy Award-winning movie is one of the greatest of all time, but it does focus on emotional and sad tones. The fact that this is based on a true story heightens the emotional impact that this one provides.
Marriage Story
Marriage Story is a unique romance movie because it follows a couple going through a messy divorce. Showcasing the delicate balance they have to provide when not on the same terms but sharing custody of their son and trying to work out what’s best for everyone creates a complicated emotional whirlpool. It’s a story that many people can relate to, and the brilliant performances of Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson only help push the emotional aspect even further.
Precious
Precious follows Claireece Jones, who has dealt a difficult hand in life. Coming from an abusive home, she doesn’t learn how to read or write correctly but then gets the chance to move schools, which has the potential to turn her life around. Seeing how she overcomes the obstacles in front of her is breathtaking but will undoubtedly lead to some tears being shed.
Jojo Rabbit
Jojo Rabbit might be full of comedy, but there’s also an emotional undertone that runs throughout. The movie tackles anti-Semitism, death, loneliness, and the difficulty children have understanding serious topics and how influenced they can be. One scene in this movie provides a lot of sadness as Jojo learns his mother’s fate, and it’s hard to fight back the tears throughout that.
Titanic
It’s a classic for a reason: this James Cameron movie is one of the greatest ever to be made. With tons of iconic scenes and stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, audiences will be hooked on their romance by the time the film is done. However, due to this voyage’s disastrous fate, there are many emotional moments when things begin to go wrong.
Toy Story 3
Sometimes franchises dip in quality the deeper they get, but that’s not the case with the Toy Story movies. They’re all impressive, and the third installment brings the most compelling villain and a handful of exciting new characters. However, the bonds that audiences have built up with the main characters make this so emotional, as the scenes of them accepting their fate at the furnace together and their final moments with Andy are all excessively emotional.
Lion
Lion is a powerful movie about family and one man’s desire to travel across the globe in a bid to find his birth parents. Audiences are taken on an incredible journey, and the highs and lows culminate in a very emotional ending.
The Elephant Man
This movie tells the real-life story of a deformed man and his life. Balancing judgments from those around him and the genuine risks that came to his life due to his condition is an incredible story of perseverance and not letting anyone put you down. Seeing it all play out creates a powerful message that will be a tearjerker.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Don’t let the title fool you with this one, as it’s a rather bleak and emotional movie. The focus is on a father-and-son bond, strengthened by Will and Jaden Smith taking up the lead roles, who cannot catch a break in life. With Smith’s character struggling with work, which leads to them battling with hopelessness, there are many emotions for people to deal with in this one.
Marley & Me
Marley & Me might have many funny moments and cute scenes, but it ultimately leaves audiences in tears. Following a Labrador throughout its life, this movie perfectly encapsulates a pet’s impact on a home. Unfortunately, that journey has a brutal ending that few people can watch without crying.
Dead Poet’s Society
Dead Poets Society deals with some serious themes, and Neil’s lack of connection with his father ultimately leads to an emotional situation unfolding. There’s a lot for audiences to take in, and the fantastic acting throughout only enhances that experience.
The Notebook
The Notebook is a romance movie done right. Audiences buy into the connection between Allie and Noah immediately. This strong connection makes the ending bittersweet and guarantees tears.
The Green Mile
Stephen King adaptations are usually associated with horror, but this example is one of the saddest movies ever. Featuring brilliant performances from Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan, the movie is set on death row and teaches a lesson about not judging a book by its cover. While John Coffey might appear scary and vicious on the outside, his sweet personality and incredible supernatural gift prove he’s completely different in reality. But the ending of this one is sure to leave viewers floored with a flood of emotions.
Manchester by the Sea
Manchester by the Sea focuses on the theme of loss and the grief that comes with it. These are sad topics that people are aware of when they come into this film. But that doesn’t stop it from being a beautiful tragedy, as the movie provides some stunning acting and a plot that will induce tears from people.
Five Feet Apart
Five Feet Apart brings two characters together who have cystic fibrosis. Not only does it highlight the emotions as they tackle that, but their relationship is one where they’re forced to be kept apart by several feet. There are twists and turns and some highly emotional moments that will upset people.
Brokeback Mountain
Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal put together incredible individual performances in this movie while bringing excellent on-screen chemistry. As lovers who are unable to be together due to the culture and society of the time, it’s a story that’s sure to raise emotions from anyone watching on.
The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars is extremely emotional. It focuses on teenagers who are diagnosed with cancer and opt to try to make the most of their existing time. Hazel falls in love with Gus, and their efforts to make the best of such a difficult scenario are inspiring but highly emotional.
