55 Best Sad Movies That Will Make You Cry

My Sister’s Keeper (2009)

The first time I watched this movie, I made a bet with myself that I wouldn’t cry. But I lost the bet. It was terrible. I am not talking about just a few tears, but a full-blown sobbing fest. I managed to hold up pretty well until the beach scene. You’ll know what I mean if you watch it, unless you’ve already seen it, then you know.

A Star is Born (2018)

I never expected to be so moved that it would make me cry, but I was wrong. Ally and Jackson’s story is one that will stay with you for days after you watch it. Basically, you will feel like an emotional train wreck, especially when listening to the songs after watching the movie. Now, every time I listen to “Shallow” and “Always Remember Us This Way,” those feelings of sadness come back to me.

Five Feet Apart (2019)

Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson star in this tear-jerking romance about two 17-year-old cystic fibrosis patients who fall in love with each other despite having to stay six feet apart at all times. Heart-wrenching and tragic, this is definitely a must watch for anyone who wants to see a touching and emotional romance featuring some amazing stars.

A Walk to Remember (2002)

I have watched A Walk to Remember twice now. The first time I watched it, I didn’t cry. However, the second time I watched it, it was a totally different story. I don’t know if I’m becoming more emotional with age, but boy, was this movie an emotional rollercoaster. For me, the most tear-jerking part wasn’t the end, but rather everything in the middle. Be sure to keep a box of tissues nearby and maybe even a towel. The tissues won’t last forever.

Me Before You (2016)

I read the book before seeing the movie, so I thought I was prepared for everything I knew would happen. Well, that didn’t last very long. Will Traynor and Louisa Clark don’t have the typical love story. It’s the type that’s born from friendship and trust, so of course you’re rooting for them from the get-go, but there’s one problem: Will no longer has the will to go on. My recommendation is to read the book before watching the movie to experience the full effect and be ready for the emotional moments.

Armageddon (1998)

Armageddon may not seem like a typical sad movie, but it can be quite emotional. The film does an excellent job of creating a deep connection between the audience and the characters, which makes every mishap in the movie all the more heartbreaking. The last two times I watched this movie, I found myself tearing up each time. I would love to say more, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. All I can say is that you should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Based on the Hutu-Tutsi conflict, Hotel Rwanda tells the story of how hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina protected over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide, lasting over the span of 100 days.

The Fault In Our Stars (2014)

The first few times I watched The Fault In Our Stars, I did not cry. Then I rewatched it with my sister over the summer, and boom! Let’s just say there was not a dry eye between the two of us. 

The Last Song (2010)

When The Last Song was released, I was excited to watch it. At that time, I was not aware that it was based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks or that it had a sad storyline. I had watched it primarily for Miley Cyrus. However, in 2010, I did not feel emotional while watching it. Since then, I have revisited the movie several times and noticed that it has become increasingly depressing. The progression of Ronnie’s relationship with her father is heart-wrenching, and it catches you off guard. The song “When I Look At You” is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

Room (2015)

Watching Room is an emotional experience that is hard to put into words. The film follows the lives of Joy and her son Jack, and from the very beginning, you know that it’s going to be a heart-wrenching story. It’s not an easy film to watch, especially when you consider how Jack grew up in a small, confined space without any knowledge of the outside world. However, the bond between Joy, Jack, and their family is powerful and heartwarming. Room is undoubtedly one of the best sad movies of 2015, and I highly recommend watching it with a jumbo box of tissues.

Marley & Me (2008)

If you plan on watching Marley & Me, make sure to bring a box of tissues with you. It’s important to know what you’re getting into before clicking play, so be prepared for the waterworks. The movie is heartbreakingly raw, and it’s one of the best sad dog movies on this list. You’ll find yourself sitting there, staring at the screen, wishing you never put the movie on in the first place.

The Notebook (2004)

The Notebook has not always been one of those sad movies that have brought me to the brink of tears. That is, until a few months ago. Noah and Allie’s relationship was never easy, making it all the more realistic and raw. Nothing is ever easy in life, so when we see this tragically beautiful love story, it will move us in one way or another. Lately, it’s been a bunch of leaky pipes, especially during the scenes at the nursing home. 

Still Alice (2014)

Still Alice is a rough movie to get through. Based on the book by Lisa Genova, I recommend reading the book before watching the movie. It is an emotional read, and the movie is simply phenomenal. As the story progresses and Alice loses more and more of herself, you feel hopeless, especially when thinking about how common it is as people age. So get ready for that baseball lodged in your throat feeling because it is heartbreaking. 

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

You’d never guess this coming-of-age fantasy film would be a tearjerker until that moment. If you’ve seen it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, it’s time to figure out why Bridge to Terabithia is one of the best sad family movies. 

Adrift (2018)

When a couple unknowingly sails right into the middle of a cataclysmic hurricane, surviving the 40-foot waves is only the beginning. It’s in the aftermath of the storm, when they run out of food and water, that will prove most trying. 

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

Set in 1970s Harlem, If Beale Street Could Talk tells the story of two childhood friends turned lovers, Tish (Kiki Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James), who are torn apart after Fonny is falsely accused for a crime.

Marriage Story (2019)

In this candid portrait of divorce, we see the end of a marriage and how it bleeds into the lives of everyone involved. 

All the Bright Places (2020)

All the Bright Places follows the heartbreaking story of Violet and Finch, two teens suffering from their own personal struggles, as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. If you’ve read the book or seen the movie, you know this is the type of story that can only end in tears. 

My Girl (1991)

Make sure to have a box of tissues handy because you are almost guaranteed to shed a couple tears during this harrowing coming-of-age film featuring Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin.

Titanic (1997)

Celine Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’… need I say more? 

Stepmom (1998)

Meeting your boyfriend’s children is tough as it is without them making it clear that they’re firmly on their mother’s side. When tragedy strikes, they will be forced down a road littered with obstacles and hardships that will bring them closer as a family. Just remember to have a couple tissues on hand.   

Ghost (1990)

Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore star as two star-crossed lovers, separated by death. After Carl (Patrick Swayze) is murdered by a trusted business partner, he must figure out how to warn his girlfriend Molly (Demi Moore) or else she’ll be destined to join him.

The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)

Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith, star as a single father and son duo who face homelessness after being evicted from their apartment. In search for a job, Chris Gardener lands an internship at a prestigious brokerage firm, but with no income, they must continue living in shelters as they hope of making their dreams their reality.

Up (2009)

The list wouldn’t be complete without a Pixar movie. If you’re looking for sad movies that will make you cry, simply watch the beginning of Up. It’ll get you every time. 

Terms of Endearment (1983)

At its core, Terms of Endearment examines a prickly mother-daughter relationship that has its own fair of struggles and hardships. From heartbreaking roadblocks to heartwarming moments, you’ll be witness to this family’s life across the span of three decades.  

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Blue Valentine (2010)

Blue Valentine is a film that beautifully captures the essence of a dying marriage as their flame is smothered and later extinguished. Expect a heart-wrenching story that will leave you contemplating everything. 

P.S. I Love You (2007)

After the death of her husband Gerry (Gerard Butler), Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) begins receiving pre-written letters from him that take her on a journey of acceptance and self-discovery to help her move on. Gerard Butler will have you mourning his loss from beyond the grave. Just you wait.

Seven Pounds (2008)

If you don’t tear up during that emotionally-charged scene in Seven Pounds, your tear-ducts must be going through a drought. Will Smith plays a man determined to help a handful of people who are in desperate need of specific vital anatomical parts.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

The person with a genius-level IQ at one of America’s most prestigious universities isn’t one of the students, it’s the guy who cleans the classrooms. Will Hunting comes from a working class family and during a chance encounter, he is given an opportunity to reach his full potential.

Beautiful Boy (2018)

Based on the real-life accounts from father and son David and Nic Sheff, Beautiful Boy chronicalizes a father’s desperate attempts to save a son struggling with addiction. Be prepared to tear up during this emotionally-charged movie because there’s just no avoiding it.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

In this tragic film set in World War II, an 8-year-old German boy forms an unlikely friendship with a young Jewish boy trapped behind the barbed wire fence of a concentration camp. Don’t expect any dry eyes after this heart-wrenching movie.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

“O Captain, My Captain.” Once you watch Dead Poets Society, you’ll never be able to say Carpe Diem without thinking about Robin Williams. 

Gladiator (2000)

In the wake of the Roman emperor’s murder, the esteemed general Maximus is sold into slavery to become a gladiator. Tears will be shed, hearts will be broken and anger will take root in your hearts. Gladiator had such a profound impact on my dad that he couldn’t watch any movies with Joaquin Phoenix for years to come…  which certainly speaks to Phoenix’s performance as Commodus.

One Day (2011)

If you want a good cry, watch One Day. Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess play two friends who meet once a year, on the scheduled date of July 15th, over the course of two decades.  

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

For one of the best coming-of-age romantic dramas, do yourself a favor and watch Call Me By Your Name. Days will go by and your mind will continue to wander back to this beautiful masterpiece. 

Atonement (2007)

In this stunning cinematic revival of Ian McEwan’s novel Atonement, Cecilia Tallis and Robbie Turner are torn apart by a lie fabricated by Cecilia’s naive younger sister Briony. 

The Best of Me (2014)

You better get your box of tissues ready because The Best of Me will take you on a gut-wrenching journey that will touch your heart and empty out your tear ducts. It’s Nicholas Sparks after all. 

The Color Purple (1985)

Based on Alice Walker’s highly acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple tells the powerful story of Celie (Whoopie Goldberg), a young black woman living in the South, over the course of four decades.

Sophie’s Choice (1982)

Sophie’s Choice is a haunting story brought to life by Meryl Streep’s compelling performance as Sophie, a Holocaust survivor who has to make an unthinkable choice.

Les Misérables (2012)

Interesting Fact: Anne Hathaway fully committed to her role as Fantine in this historical musical when she shaved her head and lost a significant amount of weight. 

Steel Magnolias (1989)

Steel Magnolias will make you laugh, cry and appreciate life with its memorable performances and touching storyline. 

Lion (2016)

Be prepared to watch this movie through the hazy curtain of tears shrouding your vision. Lion centers around a boy separated from his family who eventually decides to search for them over two decades later.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Heartbreaking and tragic, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two men forced to keep their star-crossed love affair under wraps over the span of twenty years as they go on to marry and start their own families. You may not cry, but your heart will break alongside Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis’s (Heath Ledger).

Remember Me (2010)

A romantic drama that revolves around two people falling in love: Tyler (Robert Pattinson), a boy who has a tense relationship with his dad, and Ally (Emilie de Ravin), a girl with a free spirit and a positive take on life. Together, they will find true happiness as Ally helps Tyler heal and discover inner peace. But then life butts into the equation and we all know how life can throw some wicked curveballs.    

The Spectacular Now (2013)

Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller star in this romantic drama centered around two high school seniors: Sutter, a hardcore partier who is in a constant state of inebriation, and Aimee, the introverted girl determined to reach her future goals. Opposites in almost every way, complications arise that challenge their relationship. 

Inside Out (2015)

Riley’s childhood imaginary friend Bing Bong will be the main source behind all your tears in this touching animated Pixar film.   

Manchester By The Sea (2016)

In the wake of his brother Joe’s death, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) learns that he has become the sole caretaker of his 16-year-old nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges), pushing him to return to his childhood town where he is forced to confront the past.

Schindler’s List (1994)

Based on the true story of German businessman Oskar Schindler, Schindler’s List tells the profou story of one man’s fight to save as many innocent lives as possible during the Holocaust.

The Champ (1979)

Billy will do anything to hold onto his son, even if that means returning to the ring. If you’re looking for movies that will make you ugly cry, you need to watch The Champ. It’ll destroy you in every way. 

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) 

Divorces are never easy, especially when children are involved. Kramer vs. Kramer is the perfect movie to watch in order to better understand how divorce can impact children and everyone involved.  

If Anything Happens I Love You (2019)

This Netflix short film manages to deliver an emotional punch to the gut in the span of 12 minutes. By the end, you’ll be reduced to a blubbering mess. 

Forrest Gump (1994)

As Forrest Gump’s mom said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” This is a classic must-watch that you need to see if you want to laugh, cry and cheer Forrest on as he races through life.

The Green Mile (1999)

In The Green Mile, Tom Hanks portrays Paul Edgecomb, a death row guard whose life is irrevocably changed when he meets an inmate named John Coffey. 

Cast Away (2000)

That moment when he loses Wilson… If you’ve seen Cast Away, you know what I mean.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Saving Private Ryan is a powerful film that sheds light on the devastating realities of war and the horror of warfare. This World War II film will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings. If you’re watching it in your high school history class, prepare to shed a couple tears.

Coco (2017)

Coco is the type of movie you expect to be lighthearted and happy until the emotional punches suddenly come out of left field. If you don’t think you’ll tear up during this heartwarming animated Pixar film, you’re dearly mistaken.