Movies carry an overload of emotions. Sometimes, they bring us joy and laughter, while other times, they leave us with a lump in our throat and tears in our eyes. As much as we adore light-hearted content for a good chuckle, there’s something about a good tearjerker that strikes a chord with even the toughest of souls. Here are 17 movies that made us cry.
Titanic
This James Cameron masterpiece stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as Jack and Rose, entwined in love amidst the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. This is a good example of epic scale, emotional depth, and a heart-wrenching portrayal of love. This movie continues to provoke waterworks in viewers no matter how many times it’s been watched.
Schindler’s List
Spielberg’s Holocaust portrayal in Schindler’s List unveils humanity’s best and worst moments. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who protects his Jewish workers during World War II. The moving final scene of Schindler breaking down emotionally is difficult to get through without some tissues.
Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies is hailed as one of the greatest war films of all time. It follows the struggles of a pair of siblings in WWII Japan post-firebombing. Orphaned, they rely on each other for survival. This highlights war’s devastating human toll. The film’s tragic tone, culminating in a bleak ending, delivers a significant message about the harsh realities of war.
Life Is Beautiful
This Italian film is as heartwarming as it is heart-wrenching. It portrays Guido, a Jewish man in a concentration camp, shielding his son with humor. He turns their ordeal into a game, bringing light to darkness. A testament to the human spirit’s strength, the film balances hope and tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
The Notebook
The Notebook is an iconic love story of Noah and Allie, separated by war and their parents’ disapproval, but reunited in later years. The film is a touching portrayal of enduring love, marred by Allie’s Alzheimer’s. The Notebook is one movie that’s guaranteed to move you to tears.
CODA
2022 Best Picture winner, CODA is a heartwarming drama about Ruby, the only hearing member in her Deaf family. She struggles to pursue her music passion without leaving her family behind. Ruby’s final performance, which shows her singing for her family, is profoundly moving and would have you tearing up in no time.
My Girl
My Girl is a ’90s dramedy starring Macaulay Culkin (Thomas) and Anna Chlumsky (Vada) as close friends in 1972 Pennsylvania. The film delves into heavy themes of death, grief, and adolescence. Thomas’s death from a bee attack and Vada’s emotional reaction at the funeral were simply heart-wrenching.
Hotel Rwanda
Hotel Rwanda, starring Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo, depicts the Rwandan genocide and the bravery of hotelier Paul and his wife Tatiana Rusesabagina. The film sheds light on political corruption, showcasing the couple’s courage in sheltering refugees of the war.
A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is an anime film that delves into the themes of redemption and friendship. Shōya, once a bully to a Deaf girl named Shōko, seeks redemption by befriending her before ending it all. Despite tearful moments, it concludes with a heartwarming smile, making it a must-watch for anime fans.
The Fault in Our Stars
Hazel, a cancer patient, connects with Gus, another teen from her support group. They bond over books and embark on an adventure to meet a reclusive author. This tearjerker movie, with its bittersweet ending, captures their heartfelt journey in an emotional tale.
All Quiet on the Western Front
Following World War I, a young teenager, Paul, voluntarily enlists in the German army. Initially thrilled to be drafted, it quickly dissipates once he faces the brutal realities of life on the war front, all the while living in trenches that bring more harm. The film’s ending is bound to leave you teary-eyed.
Bambi
This classic animated movie is about a baby deer that gets tragically separated from his mother. Although he goes ahead to make friends in the forest, the hunter scene traumatizes generations of kids. Bambi has all made us shed a tear at some point in our lives.
Forrest Gump
In this film, Tom Hanks delivers a stunning performance as an Alabama man with a low IQ, offering a unique perspective on U.S. history from the 1950s to the ’70s. His character, a lovable hero, navigates challenges and longs to reunite with his childhood sweetheart.
The Zookeeper’s Wife
Based on Diane Ackerman’s book, this WWII drama follows zookeepers Jan and Antonina Żabiński, who saved Jewish people from the Nazis. The film depicts their bravery amid the cruelty of the Third Reich. As with most films touching on the Holocaust, you will need your tissues for this one.
Sophie’s Choice
Starring Meryl Streep, Sophie’s Choice portrays Sophie, a Holocaust survivor, who is forced to choose between her daughters in Auschwitz. Its tragic and dark storyline builds to a devastating conclusion, making it a heart-wrenching cinematic experience.
Pieces of a Woman
After losing an infant, director Kornél Mundruczó and writer Kata Wéber created this intensely personal and powerful movie. Vanessa Kirby and Shia LaBeouf portray a couple grappling with the challenge of moving forward after the stillbirth of their baby.
Me Before You
In this emotional drama, Louisa, a cheerful young woman, becomes the caregiver for Will, a wealthy and adventurous man who becomes paralyzed after a tragic accident. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, Louisa discovers Will’s plan for assisted suicide, leading to heart-wrenching conversations about life, love, and choice.
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