Tearjerker Movies That Will Have You Sobbing (In a Good Way!)
Let’s be honest—sometimes we all need a good cry, and nothing delivers that emotional release quite like a heart-wrenching movie. Tearjerkers aren't just films that make you sad, though. They're the ones that move you, stick with you, and remind you what it means to be human. So, grab the tissues and settle in, because we're diving into some of the most emotional, tear-inducing movies ever made.
1. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith delivers a truly unforgettable performance as Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness . Based on a true story, the film follows Chris and his young son as they navigate homelessness, all while Chris strives to achieve his dream of becoming a successful stockbroker. What makes this film such a tearjerker is the raw depiction of struggle and resilience.
At its core, The Pursuit of Happyness is about the lengths we go to for the people we love. Chris’s dedication to providing a better life for his son, even when they’re sleeping in shelters and facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, will tug at your heartstrings. That final scene, where all his hard work pays off? It’s impossible not to cry along with Chris, feeling every bit of his relief and joy.
2. Schindler's List (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s Schindler's List is a masterpiece that isn’t just a tearjerker—it’s an emotional gut punch. The film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. What makes this film so powerful is its unflinching portrayal of one of the darkest times in human history.
Watching the horrors of the Holocaust unfold on screen is incredibly hard to stomach, but it’s Schindler’s transformation that hits you the hardest. As he realizes the depth of the atrocities around him, he goes from indifferent businessman to someone willing to risk his life to save others. The ending scene, where Schindler breaks down, regretting he couldn't save more lives, is guaranteed to leave you in a puddle of tears. It’s a poignant reminder of both the horrors of war and the power of individual compassion.
3. The Green Mile (1999)
If you’re looking for a movie that will completely wreck you emotionally, The Green Mile is it. Based on Stephen King’s novel, this film is set in a death row prison in the 1930s and follows Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), a prison guard who forms a close bond with an inmate named John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan). Coffey, a gentle giant with supernatural healing powers, has been convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.
The relationship between Paul and John is what makes this film so heart-wrenching. John’s innocence and kindness in the face of his tragic fate will have you questioning everything about justice, humanity, and life itself. The final scenes are nothing short of devastating, as John walks his “green mile” toward his execution. You’ll be left with a heavy heart, contemplating the meaning of mercy and redemption long after the movie ends.
4. Life Is Beautiful (1997)
At first glance, Life Is Beautiful might not seem like a tearjerker—it’s filled with humor and whimsy, thanks to Roberto Benigni’s portrayal of Guido, a Jewish father who uses comedy and imagination to protect his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. But as the story unfolds, the emotional weight of their situation becomes clear, making this one of the most unique and heartbreaking films about the Holocaust.
The juxtaposition of Guido’s lighthearted antics against the grim reality of their circumstances is what makes Life Is Beautiful such a powerful film. You’ll laugh at his attempts to shield his son from the truth, but by the end, you’ll be crying as you witness the sacrifices he makes to keep his son’s hope alive. It’s a beautiful, tragic story about love, resilience, and the lengths a parent will go to for their child.
5. A Star is Born (2018)
Music and heartbreak go hand in hand in A Star is Born , a modern remake that captured audiences worldwide. Starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, the film tells the story of Jackson Maine, a musician struggling with addiction, and Ally, a young singer he discovers and falls in love with.
While their love story starts off sweet, the film gradually unravels into a heart-wrenching tale of loss and self-destruction. The performances—particularly Gaga’s raw vulnerability—make every emotional beat hit harder. The final moments of the film, with Ally’s tribute to Jackson, will leave you sobbing and humming the tear-inducing “I’ll Never Love Again” long after the credits roll.
6. Marley & Me (2008)
If you’ve ever owned a pet, Marley & Me will hit you right where it hurts. This film follows the life of Marley, an adorable but mischievous dog, and the family who loves him. As we watch Marley grow from a rambunctious puppy into an older dog, the bond between him and his owners (played by Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson) only grows stronger.
But of course, as with all tearjerkers, there's a twist. Marley’s health begins to decline, leading to a heart-wrenching final act that will have you bawling uncontrollably. It’s a bittersweet story about unconditional love, companionship, and the inevitable sadness of saying goodbye.
7. Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks is no stranger to playing characters who pull at our heartstrings, and Forrest Gump is no exception. In this film, Hanks plays Forrest, a man with a low IQ but a heart of gold, who unwittingly becomes part of key historical moments in the 20th century.
What makes Forrest Gump so emotional is the way it explores life’s ups and downs. Forrest's unshakeable optimism in the face of tragedy—whether it’s the loss of loved ones or the emotional struggles of his friend Jenny—gives the film a bittersweet tone. You’ll laugh, cry, and reflect on how life really is “like a box of chocolates.”
Conclusion
There’s something cathartic about a good tearjerker. These movies, whether they focus on personal struggles, historical tragedies, or simply the bonds between people (and pets), remind us of the beauty and fragility of life. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a good cry, revisit these films. Just don’t forget the tissues!"