Sad movies can make you cry, emotional, and it doesn’t matter if you see them on the big screen, on Netflix at home, if they’re fictional or based on true stories.
Below, find a list of our all-time favorite sad movies that are all but guaranteed to induce a cathartic crying jag.
1. Our Friend (2019)
Based on True Stories
Watch Trailer
A friend who stuck with a family through their struggles. He was there for their challenges in physical and mental health. Putting his own life on pause, he stuck with them till it was time to let go.
Reason You’ll Cry: watching the love of your life slowly decline in health hit home for a lot of viewers. Once again, cancer takes over and the characters lose a mother, a partner and a friend. The realness of their emotions will touch you in every corner of your heart.
Sadness Level: you’ll be reaching for your tissues reflecting on all your friendships thus far.
2. Fatherhood (2021)
Based on True Stories
Watch Trailer
A man who recently became a new father unexpectedly gets widowed. The movie shows how he learnt to navigate in his new role despite doubts and fears. Though heartbroken, he was determined to be a good parent to his daughter.
Reason You’ll Cry: watching the love of your life slowly decline in health hit home for a lot of viewers. Once again, cancer takes over and the characters lose a mother, a partner and a friend. The realness of their emotions will touch you in every corner of your heart.
Sadness Level: There will be parts where you may feel sad but it’ll put a smile on your face in the end.
3. Christine (2016)
Based on True Stories
Watch Trailer
A reporter who shot herself on live television. The story of a real life victim of depression turned suicidal.
Reason You’ll Cry: anyone who was close to a suicide victim can relate. For most cases, there was no warning of any sort. That person could seem normal but out of the blue, they take their life. This starts a wave of guilt and regret that makes people around them wish that they could’ve done something to prevent that.
Sadness Level: the soreness in your heart will make you call all your loved ones to make sure they’re mentally healthy.
4. The Vow (2012)
Based on True Stories
Watch Trailer
A man who was broke, determined to take care of his child after his wife left him. The movie showed all sorts of hardship the man had to encounter before getting into a financially stable state to provide for his child.
Reason You’ll Cry: watching someone struggle an uphill battle can get very emotional especially when you know that he is doing the best he can.
Sadness Level: you may shed a few silent tears and start being grateful for the life you have now.
5. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on True Stories
Watch Trailer
A man who was broke, determined to take care of his child after his wife left him. The movie showed all sorts of hardship the man had to encounter before getting into a financially stable state to provide for his child.
Reason You’ll Cry: watching someone struggle an uphill battle can get very emotional especially when you know that he is doing the best he can.
Sadness Level: you may shed a few silent tears and start being grateful for the life you have now.
6. The Green Mile (1999)
Just Pure Tragic
Watch Trailer
An ex-prison guard takes a stroll through memory lane. In his tale, he met an inmate who was sentenced to death for murdering two girls. Eventually they found out that the inmate was innocent and had extraordinary powers.
Reason You’ll Cry: an innocent man with intentions to help was degraded to a criminal. There were deaths of other characters that just will pull your heartstrings.
Sadness Level: when you think you’re done bawling, the movie will give you more reason to keep reaching for the tissues.
7. Les Miserables (2012)
Just Pure Tragic
Watch Trailer
A story about revolution, life, love and heartbreak in post-revolution France.
Reason You’ll Cry: there are too many reasons why this movie is sad. The characters went through what we could only imagine is our worst nightmare to survive. As you witness the unjust treatments and the misery of characters, you can feel a sickening outrage for the fates of these characters.
Sadness Level: prepare for a weep-fest. Prepare some ice for later to cold compress your swollen eyes. Remember to rehydrate after the good cry.
8. A Walk to Remember(2002)
Health
Watch Trailer
The life transformation of a boy after meeting a girl in high school. They fell for each other but she had terminal leukemia and she knows their time is limited.
Reason You’ll Cry: The tragic ending to pure young love.
Sadness Level: cue Coldplay “Tears stream down your face, when you lose something you can’t replace..”
9. To the Bone (2017)
Health
Watch Trailer
A girl’s self discovery journey while battling anorexia nervosa. Under the support of some family members, she moved into a recovery home to try again after many attempts at different recovery programs.
Reason You’ll Cry: the way the main character feels apologetic for being a burden to people around her. She blames herself for being anorexic and on some level, viewers can relate to how she felt.
Sadness Level: this film isn’t weepy sad, but it feels disheartening to see someone in her shoes.
10. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Health
Watch Trailer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Watch Trailer
Two cancer patients find each other in a support group as they battle with their illness and inner demons. They spent a lot of time together in the brief period and traveled to see an author that the female lead admired. Later the male lead finds out that his cancer had spread throughout his body and was terminal.
Reason You’ll Cry: they found solace in each other but it got torn apart as fast as it began.
Sadness Level: though the ending can make you shed a few tears you may feel warmth and appreciation for life.
11. Me Before You (2016)
Health
Watch Trailer
A girl’s self discovery journey while battling anorexia nervosa. Under the support of some family members, she moved into a recovery home to try again after many attempts at different recovery programs.
Reason You’ll Cry: the way the main character feels apologetic for being a burden to people around her. She blames herself for being anorexic and on some level, viewers can relate to how she felt.
Sadness Level: this film isn’t weepy sad, but it feels disheartening to see someone in her shoes.
12. Five Feet Apart (2019)
Health
Watch Trailer
A tale about two patients with cystic fibrosis who fell for each other. As the title suggests, they are not allowed to go near each other in fear of cross infection. The minimum distance they are allowed to be in proximity of each other is six feet but they went against that rule and hence the movie title.
Reason You’ll Cry: a love so close yet so far.
Sadness Level: prepare a bucket for a waterfall of tears.
13. The Joy Luck Club (1993)
Family
Watch Trailer
Stories of first generation US immigrant mothers and their daughters trying to understand each other despite the difference in culture growing up. The film reveals the hidden stories of the mothers’ pasts which justifies their behavior.
Reason You’ll Cry: though the film portrayed four different mother-daughter relationships, they all revolve around the theme of mothers’ love. There were difficult moments throughout the film that could lead to viewers feeling emotional. It was hard to watch what the ladies back in China had to do to survive.
Sadness Level: warm up your tear ducts, get them ready for a workout.
14. The Last Song (2010)
Family
Watch Trailer
The reconciliation of a father and a teen daughter. They used to be very close but she hated him after the divorce. He moved away and in the movie, she visits him to live with him for a while when she finds out he is terminally ill. She then spends more time with him in his last days.
Reason You’ll Cry: watching a daughter hanging on to the last days she can spend with her father is heartbreaking. The unique bond between the father and daughter is unique.
Sadness Level: a few tissues will suffice, the ending is quite heartwarming so all is well.
15. The Farewell (2019)
Family
Watch Trailer
A girl finds out her grandmother who lives in China got diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Everyone in her family flew back to attend a cousin’s wedding as an excuse to spend some time with her without letting her know that they were there to say their final goodbyes.
Reason You’ll Cry: viewers will get swept up by the emotional performance of the main character as she tries to hide her sadness from her grandmother. There are comedic moments here and there that lightens the heavy theme in the movie.
Sadness Level: just a few silent tears streaming down your face in between laughs.
16. My Sister’s Keeper(2009)
Family
Watch Trailer
A story of a family who gave birth to a child with the purpose of keeping her older sister with leukemia alive. She was born because her other family members were not genetically compatible to give the sick sister their blood.
Reason You’ll Cry: it is heartbreaking for parents to experience having a child with an illness. Moreover, what moved a lot of the viewers was the love between the two sisters.
Sadness Level: get boxes of tissues ready because the tears will not stop spilling.
17. If I Stay (2014)
Family
Watch Trailer
On the way to their grandparents house, a family drove in the snow and met with an accident. The only survivor was the daughter and she went into a coma. During that time, she had an out-of-body experience and when she woke up, she was met by the painful reality that everyone else in her family is gone.
Reason You’ll Cry: just imagine waking up from slumber to find out your parents and siblings died. The movie is a nightmare.
Sadness Level: hand clutched hitting your chest in attempts of banging the pain away.
18. The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
Animal
Watch Trailer
The movie showed flashbacks of significant moments of a family’s life from a dog’s point of view as it succumbs to death. His human is a race car driver who got married then had a daughter. However due to his career choice, he was not able to be there for his family at some significant times. After his wife died of cancer, his in-laws almost took full custody of his daughter. However it all ended well for the family so the ending was quite heartwarming.
Reason You’ll Cry: do I need to say more?
Sadness Level: watch it in a dark room so no one can see how ugly you look when you cry.
19. Marley and Me (2008)
Animal
Watch Trailer
Marley is a Labrador retriever adopted by this couple who wants to prepare themselves for a kid. He is a destructive, disobedient but lovable dog. He lived with the family for years and was part of their journey as the couple started having kids and moved into a bigger house. The movie ends with the last moments of Marley with the family as they bury him in their yard.
Reason You’ll Cry: for the most part, it is quite comedic. It gets really sad when they know Marley will not make it.
Sadness Level: get some tissues ready for the end.
20. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
Animal
Watch Trailer
A man found a dog by chance at a train station and took him home. Day by day their bond got stronger and they lived happily together with their family. Hachi the dog will come running to the train station as soon as he hears the train and waits for the man every day. One day the man died at work. Hachi still came to the station every day at the same time till the day it gets reunited with the man in the afterlife.
Reason You’ll Cry: the faithfulness of Hachi to the man will just wreck you.
Sadness Level: it will break your heart and your eyes will start to well up every time you hear “Hachi”.
21. The Fox and The Hound (1981)
Animal
Watch Trailer
The friendship of two animals destined to be enemies. The fox and the hound were best of friends when they were younger but later an incident caused the hound to despise the fox. One day, the hunter who raised the hound brought him into a forest reserve to hunt the fox but was met with a bear. The hound also got injured when the fox came to its rescue. They both reconciled and lived their lives separately.
Reason You’ll Cry: a misunderstanding was the reason for a rift to an otherwise great friendship. Under the influence of peers, one can change their mind about a friend. This may hit home for some viewers in real life.
Sadness Level: this isn’t much of a tearjerker but it certainly is an emotional roller coaster.
22. The Old Yeller (1957)
Animal
Watch Trailer
The old Yeller is the dog’s name. He was initially a menace to the family till he protected the family from a bear. The family grew to love the dog. There were other incidents where the old Yeller protected the family but he caught rabies during that final fight with a wolf. They had to shoot him to prevent him from attacking the family.
Reason You’ll Cry: the movie is as devastating as it sounds. It would be a nightmare to be in the position to fire that shot.
Sadness Level: there is no way you can keep it together. You’ll be bawling waterfalls.
23. Marriage Story (2019)
Romance
Watch Trailer
A story of two people falling apart in a divorce but still genuinely care about each other.
Reason You’ll Cry: the love they have for each other is obviously still there. They just wanted a smooth agreement on their son’s custody. It was frustrating to watch the whole divorce process but for this case, it was necessary.
Sadness Level: it is very relatable so you can definitely feel the character’s emotions seep through. It’s not weepy, it’ll just feel bitter.
24. A Star is Born (2018)
Romance
Watch Trailer
A love story between an established musician and a struggling singer-songwriter. She was given an opportunity that led her to a brighter career in music.
Reason You’ll Cry: this movie shined a light on mental illness and suicide awareness. The declining mental state of the male lead that led to a sudden suicide could break you. Watching a loved one going though that is devastating.
Sadness Level: you’ll need to lock the door and prepare a full box of tissues.
25. The Notebook (2004)
Romance
Watch Trailer
The Notebook is a go-to sad love story where the couple couldn’t have the ending they wanted.
Reason You’ll Cry: this story between the two lovers was deep and personal. You may relate to the characters or know people who were in their shoes. Social class difference is a knife that could easily cut through the thread of love, especially if one between the couple lets go.
Sadness Level: you won’t be able to hide the sniffles between the mumbling about how nothing is fair.
26. PS I Love You (2007)
Romance
Watch Trailer
Before the husband died from an illness, he wrote many letters to help his wife ease into a life without him. She then received them on her 30th birthday and so on. Her friends were there to do what was instructed with the letters.
Reason You’ll Cry: it is heartwarming to see a love that lives after death and yet tragic to see that death in the first place.
Sadness Level: let’s see if you can get through this movie with a dry eye.
27. Ghost (1990)
Romance
Watch Trailer
After his murder, Sam lingered on Earth as a ghost. He stayed on to find out who murdered him and why. Later he learns that the love of his life is in danger, so he found ways to protect her and finally when he fulfilled his tasks he left for good.
Reason You’ll Cry: to be robbed of the chance to spend your life with someone you love.
Sadness Level: it’ll tug on your heartstrings for sure.
28. The Best of Me (2014)
Romance
Watch Trailer
This movie is based on a Nicolas Sparks novel, so we know how it goes. In short, Dawson and Amanda were in love since high school but Dawson had to spend 4 years in jail. He cut ties with Amanda so she would move on with life. They reunited a few years later and were still in love. However, what they had was short lived because he died. The story ends with Amanda finding out that he donated his heart to her son who was in need of a heart transplant.
Reason You’ll Cry: love as intense and as true as theirs but never destined to be together is just pure tragedy.
Sadness Level: restock your tissues, you’ll need them.
29. Atonement (2007)
Romance
Watch Trailer
An author tells a story between the reunion of her sister and his lover after he was sent to jail for being falsely accused for sexual assault. The author was the one responsible for putting him in jail. She later found out the truth and wrote that fictional story. In reality, the two never got to reunite and died separately.
Reason You’ll Cry: the main character practically ruined the lives of her sister and lover at 13 by misinterpreting the situation. She was unable to atone for her doings and lived in guilt her whole life.
Sadness Level: don’t stop yourself from crying your eyes out. No one can judge you for that.
30. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Romance
Watch Trailer
A love story between a beautiful performer and a writer that ends with the loss of the female lead to a terminal illness.
Reason You’ll Cry: after an uphill battle with external resistance, a couple finally had the courage to profess their love for each other. Bam! Death hits and now everyone is sad.
Sadness Level: you’ll feel your eyes well up as you try to still your trembling chin.
31. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Romance
A forbidden love story between two men in a homophobic community.
Reason You’ll Cry: it is heartbreaking to watch people denying themselves from loving and being being with someone because of societal pressures.
Sadness Level: if you need a good cry, this movie is it.
32. Dear John (2010)
Romance
Watch Trailer
The love story of a soldier and woman from his hometown. He leaves for war and they exchanged letters for awhile but she broke up with him and married someone else.
Reason You’ll Cry: it is very frustrating to witness the mismatched timings and events that led them to not be together.
Sadness Level: maybe a piece of tissue is needed, just a few tiny tears but otherwise a heartwarming ending.
33. The Lucky One (2012)
Romance
Watch Trailer
A marine sergeant finds a photo of a woman on the battlefield in Iraq. Not knowing who she is and whom this picture belongs to, he looks for the woman out of curiosity.
Reason You’ll Cry: the characters bring a lot of emotions to the screen. The hurt, turmoil, betrayal, anger can be felt as you follow the storyline.
Sadness Level: this movie is generally sad but not weepy. You can save your tissues for another movie.
34. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Animated Film
Watch Trailer
A Japanese film about two siblings undergoing the struggles desperately through the second world war.
Reason You’ll Cry: this war story takes you on an emotional roller coaster but in only one direction, downwards. It gets more heartbreaking the more you watch. The kids had to fend for themselves as they lost their guardians, faced rejection and you get to feel their emotions in times of desperation.
Sadness Level: be prepared to ugly cry. Make sure you’re alone.
35. I Want To Eat Your Pancreas (2018)
Animated Film
Watch Trailer
A Japanese film about an emotionally distant boy who discovers his bubbly classmate’s secret. She does not have long to live.
Reason You’ll Cry: it is a gentle tale with many emotional moments. The female lead has a terminal illness, so you can see where this goes. There are heartwarming parts when the male lead opens up to embracing life but generally, it is quite bittersweet.
Sadness Level: it will break your heart. Bring a loved one and cry together.
36. A Silent Voice(2016)
Animated Film
Watch Trailer
A Japanese film regarding a boy’s guilt from bullying a deaf girl.
Reason You’ll Cry: it is a gentle tale with many emotional moments. The female lead has a terminal illness, so you can see where this goes. There are heartwarming parts when the male lead opens up to embracing life but generally, it is quite bittersweet.
Sadness Level: anyone who can relate to the main character may feel guilt and may want to start apologizing.
37. Dear Ex (2018)
Drama
Watch Trailer
Dear Ex is Taiwanese drama film about the life of the loved ones of a man after his death. He was married to a lady and had a child. However, years later he revealed that he was actually gay and had a secret lover the whole time.
Reason You’ll Cry: the movie takes the viewers on an emotional roller coaster. First you’ll feel the anger and frustration of the wife. Then you’ll get mad at the son for being so difficult to his mother while somewhere in between you get why he feels so uneasy and rebellious. On the other hand, you’ll feel a little judgmental of the man’s lover in the beginning but later you’ll start to be quite fond of him. Towards the end of the film, the film portrayed the sincerity of the gay couple. The lover nursed him throughout his illness. Though he is a cheerful and free-spirited person in general, he was crushed when he lost the man that he loved. The film will leave you feeling with mixed feelings and that life isn’t fair.
Sadness Level: you’ll feel bitter throughout the film. Some parts may evoke tears.
38. Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)
Drama
Watch Trailer
Two high school friends became aware of the attraction between each other. Their love is forbidden because they’re in a Catholic school and they’re both male.
Reason You’ll Cry: this movie has the essence of Brokeback Mountain so if you feel moved there, you’ll probably feel similar here.
Sadness Level: grab your partner to watch this and tear up together.
39. First They Killed My Father (2017)
Drama
Watch Trailer
A Khmer language movie based in Cambodia about a helpless child during war. As the title suggested, the father of this child was killed in front of her and was dumped in a human mass grave. The family scrambles to stay alive after being separated.
Reason You’ll Cry: it is hard to describe the pain of losing a family member. To gradually lose everyone you love by an external factor like war is devastating beyond words.
Sadness Level: you won’t have enough tears to cry for this movie.
40. Ayla : The Daughter of War(2017)
Heart Wrenching
Watch Trailer
A Turkish sergeant found a half frozen little girl in the midst of war in Korea and named her Ayla. He risked his life to save her and she became an integral part of the army base. After 15 months the sergeant has to return to TUrkey. With a heavy heart, he had to leave Ayla behind.
Reason You’ll Cry: the bond that the sergeant and Ayla have is special. Being forced to leave Ayla behind was no doubt a difficult and heartbreaking move. Witnessing it isn’t easy either.
Sadness Level: heart wrenching. Get ready to bust your eyes.
41. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil(2016)
Heartbroken
Watch Trailer
A one-sided love for a woman. The male lead was in love with the female lead and tried to get her to like him back multiple times without success. Heartbroken but not disheartened, he had many arguments with her about the lack of romantic intentions from her side. She was later diagnosed with stage four cancer and passed away. The male lead becomes a famous singer and sings a song inspired by this one-sided love.
Reason You’ll Cry: you may not understand Hindi, but you can definitely feel his emotions through his voice.
Sadness Level: make sure you have some tissues and good audio. You won’t see it coming but his voice will transport you through an emotional journey.
42. Ode to My Father (2014)
Drama
Watch Trailer
In the Hungnam Evacuation in 1950, families were displaced from their homes during the Korean War. A boy lost his father and became the prime breadwinner of his family. Back then his father promised to reunite at a family store. He later buys the shop from his relative in hopes of reuniting with his father.
Reason You’ll Cry: the main lead made many sacrifices to provide for his younger siblings. He worked tirelessly for his family even though he didn’t get a lot in return.
Sadness Level: the movie will make you laugh, cry and go hug your dad.
43. HAN GONG-JU (2013)
Traggic
Watch Trailer
The Korean film is about the psychological and emotional damage on a victim of rape. On top of that she had no adult support from her parents or authorities. The movie is based on the Miryang gang rape incident in 2014.
Reason You’ll Cry: it is scary how victims of rape can be accused instead of protected. Anyone who has been sexually assaulted can feel the fear and withdrawal she feels in the show.
Sadness Level: the movie will evoke anger, sadness, pity, guilt or bitterness from any personal experience of sexual assault.
44. More Than Blue (2009)
Drama
Watch Trailer
Two orphans were inseparable in high school and lived together throughout their lives up till adulthood. The male lead has terminal cancer but keeps it a secret because he knows the female lead is afraid of being alone. His only wish is for her to be with a healthy and kind man. She then finds out about his illness and his wishes for her then pretends to fall for another man to fulfill his wishes.
Reason You’ll Cry: the title of this movie in Korean literally translates into “ A Story Sadder than Sadness”.
Sadness Level: if a story sadder than sadness doesn’t make you prepare your tissues, I don’t know what will.
45. Us and Them (2018)
Drama
Watch Trailer
This is a Chinese movie about two old lovers reminiscing after separating for years. Bringing back many memories of their past selves and how much has changed over the years.
Reason You’ll Cry: the present is very different from what they imagined it would be in the past. There is a lot of sadness and regret because it is about two lovers who care for each other but are not meant to be together.
Sadness Level: you may or may not cry, but you’ll start to miss your ex.
