Movies That Will Make You Cry: Find Your Next Heartfelt Experience

Miss Emely Leuschke DVM 25 Jul 2025

Sometimes, a good cry is exactly what you need to feel more like yourself. Life, it seems, has a way of piling things on, and letting those feelings out can be incredibly helpful. Movies that will make you cry offer a special kind of release, a chance to truly connect with stories that touch your heart deeply. It's a way to feel things in a safe space, you know, without the real-world consequences.

There are, you might say, so many sad movies to watch, whether you're looking for a good cry or just need to get the feels. From big, well-known stories like "Titanic" and "The Notebook" to smaller, independent films such as "Coco" and "After Yang," there's a whole world of films ready to tug at your heartstrings. In fact, if you need to cry, there are plenty of sad movies to watch in 2025, which is pretty amazing, isn't it?

These films, you see, can bring on a range of feelings, from deep sadness to a sense of gratitude or even comfort. They help us explore emotions, and sometimes, that’s just what we need to function as human beings in this rather complicated world. So, if you're looking for a movie that will make you cry, get ready to find some truly powerful options here.

Why We Seek Out Movies That Will Make You Cry
Picking Your Perfect Tearjerker: Different Kinds of Movies That Will Make You Cry
Our Handpicked List of Movies That Will Make You Cry
Getting Ready for Your Emotional Movie Experience
Common Questions About Movies That Will Make You Cry
Your Next Step to a Good Cry

Why We Seek Out Movies That Will Make You Cry

It might seem a bit odd to purposefully watch something that makes you feel sad, but there's a good reason for it. We, as people, often look for movies that make us reach for the tissue box, not because we dislike ourselves, but because they show us just how much we can feel. It's a pretty human thing, actually.

The Power of Emotional Release

Sad movies can, for many, provide a very real emotional release. When you watch a story unfold, and you connect with the characters' struggles, it can help you process your own feelings. It's like a safe way to let tears flow, a kind of cleansing experience, so to speak.

Some folks say that sad movies can make you cry or get the feels for weeks or even years after viewing. That's how powerful these emotional movie experiences can be. It's almost as if the film stays with you, allowing those feelings to linger and sometimes even help you sort through things.

Finding Empathy and Connection

When you watch characters go through difficult times, it can build a sense of empathy within you. You start to understand different viewpoints and feelings, which is, you know, a pretty valuable thing. This connection to the characters can make you feel less alone in your own experiences, which is quite comforting.

These films often touch on universal themes of love, loss, and the challenges of being human. By seeing these themes played out on screen, we can find a common thread with others, and that's a powerful way to feel connected. It's like, we're all in this together, in a way.

A Safe Space for Feelings

Watching a sad movie gives you a chance to feel deeply without having to worry about real-life consequences. It's a controlled environment where you can let go of emotions you might otherwise keep bottled up. This can be incredibly therapeutic, allowing for a good cry that feels genuinely good afterwards.

It's a space where you can be completely open with your feelings, knowing that the story on screen is simply there to help you explore them. You can just let it all out, and that's, like, a really healthy thing to do for your emotional well-being. There's no judgment, just the story and your response to it.

Picking Your Perfect Tearjerker: Different Kinds of Movies That Will Make You Cry

Not all movies that make you cry are the same, you know. Sad films can come from almost any genre. It's not just intense dramas that will make you reach for the tissues; sometimes, even comedy movies will make you cry. It really just depends on what kind of emotional journey you're in the mood for.

Tragic Romances That Tug at the Heart

There's definitely a time and a place for sad romance movies. These films often explore the ups and downs of love, sometimes ending in heartbreak or separation. The chemistry between the leads and the raw honesty of their relationships can make these stories incredibly impactful, leaving you with a lasting sense of emotion. They really do tug at your heartstrings.

Think about stories where love faces impossible odds or ends too soon. These kinds of plots are almost guaranteed to break our hearts, especially when we've grown to care deeply for the characters. It's a classic way to get those tears flowing, and for good reason, too.

Heartbreaking True Stories

Sometimes, knowing that a film is based on real events makes it even more powerful. Heartbreaking true stories can show us the resilience of the human spirit, but also the immense pain and loss that people have experienced. These films often deliver a very deep kind of cry, one that comes from a place of genuine understanding and sorrow for what happened. They are, in a way, very moving.

These movies often make you think about how fleeting love and life can be, which is a pretty profound thought. They leave you with a sense of gratitude for what you have, and perhaps a deeper appreciation for the moments we share with others. It's a powerful experience, really.

Animated Films with Deep Feelings

Don't let the animation fool you; some of the most moving movies are cartoons. These films can often explore complex emotions and themes in a way that resonates with both children and adults. They have a knack for delivering powerful messages about family, loss, and finding your place in the world, often with a surprising depth that can really make you tear up. "Coco" is a great example, actually.

The beauty of animation sometimes makes the sad moments even more striking, as they often come from a place of innocence or pure heart. These stories can sneak up on you, leaving you feeling a profound sense of emotion long after the credits roll. They are, you know, very effective at getting to your feelings.

Indie Gems That Surprise You

Beyond the big studio productions, there are many independent films that offer unique and deeply moving experiences. These indie gems often explore niche stories or present emotions in a raw, unfiltered way. They might not be as widely known, but they can deliver some of the most powerful cries you'll ever have. "After Yang" is one such film that comes to mind.

These films often focus on character development and subtle emotional shifts, which can create a very personal connection with the viewer. They remind us that powerful stories can come from anywhere, and sometimes, the quietest films are the ones that hit the hardest. It's like finding a hidden treasure, you know?

Unexpectedly Sad Comedies

Who would have thought a comedy could make you cry? Yet, some films that are mostly funny can have bittersweet endings or moments that truly break your heart. The contrast between the laughter and the sudden sadness can make the emotional impact even stronger. It’s like a punch to the gut after a good laugh, and it’s very effective at bringing out the tears.

Most of the film might elicit more laughs than tears, but it’s that bittersweet ending that’s guaranteed to make you cry every single time. It shows that sadness can exist even within joy, and that's a pretty realistic portrayal of life, isn't it?

Our Handpicked List of Movies That Will Make You Cry

Looking for a movie that will make you cry? We've got you covered. This list pulls from a wide range of films, from well-loved classics to some that might be new to you. These are the kinds of films that will tug at your heartstrings, whether they are tragic romances or heartbreaking true stories. So, get your tissues out!

Classic Tearjerkers

Some movies have simply earned their place in the hall of fame for making people weep. These are the ones that come up again and again when you talk about sad films, and for good reason. They've stood the test of time, and their emotional impact is still very strong, even today, in June of 2024.

Titanic: This epic romance is, of course, a prime example. The story of Jack and Rose on the ill-fated ship is known worldwide for its dramatic conclusion. It's a love story that ends in profound loss, and it gets most people every single time. It's pretty much a given that you'll cry.
The Notebook: A staple in the sad romance genre, this film follows a love story through many years, showing its enduring power and the pain of memory loss. It's one of those films that explores love and aging in a way that truly hits home, making it a very popular choice for a good cry.
Beaches: This story of a lifelong friendship between two women, through thick and thin, often brings viewers to tears. It covers themes of loyalty, support, and the inevitable challenges life throws our way, making its sad moments feel very real and earned. It's a classic for a reason, you know.

Modern Heartfelt Stories

Newer films continue to explore emotional depths, offering fresh takes on stories that make us feel deeply. These are some of the more recent additions to the list of movies that will make you cry, showing that the power of storytelling to move us is still very much alive.

A Star Is Born: Whether it's the 2018 version with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper or earlier iterations, this story of love, fame, and personal struggles is almost guaranteed to make you cry. The raw performances and the tragic arc of the characters make it incredibly impactful. It's one of those films that really gets to you, honestly.
The Fault in Our Stars: This teen flick about two young people with cancer who fall in love is a powerful tearjerker. It deals with themes of illness, first love, and the preciousness of life, making it a very emotional experience for many viewers. It's a film that will make you cry, laugh, and feel, which is quite a feat.

Animated Wonders

As mentioned, animation can be just as potent as live-action when it comes to bringing on the tears. These films are often beautifully crafted and tell stories that resonate deeply with the human experience.

Coco: This vibrant film about a boy who travels to the Land of the Dead to discover his family's history is incredibly moving. It explores themes of family, memory, and legacy in a way that is both joyful and deeply sad, especially towards the end. It's an indie gem that really makes you feel, you know?

Thought-Provoking Dramas

Some films don't just make you cry; they also make you think. These are the ones that stay with you, prompting reflection on life, love, and loss long after the credits have rolled. They offer a different kind of emotional journey, one that is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

After Yang: This film is a good example of an indie gem that might not be on everyone's radar but delivers a profound emotional experience. It's a thoughtful science fiction drama that touches on themes of grief, memory, and what it means to be human, leaving a lasting impression. It’s a very unique way to make you cry.

The Nicholas Sparks Collection

If you're truly looking for a reliable source of tears, the entire Nicholas Sparks catalog is, you know, practically designed for it. His books, turned into movies, consistently deliver tragic romances and heartbreaking moments. From "The Notebook" to "A Walk to Remember" and beyond, you can pretty much count on a good cry with any of his adaptations. They're basically a guarantee for a tearjerker.

These films often feature beautiful settings, passionate love stories, and, almost always, a deeply sad turn of events. They are perfect for when you're in the mood for a good cry and want something that hits home and brings a tear to the eye. It's like, his whole thing is making you cry, honestly.

Filipino Dramas

Beyond Hollywood, there are many international films that offer incredibly moving experiences. Filipino drama films, for instance, are known for their raw honesty and powerful storytelling, especially when it comes to themes of love and loss. These films often feature incredible chemistry between the leads and a very authentic portrayal of relationships.

One such film, as mentioned in "My text," doesn't just make you cry—it makes you think about how fleeting love and life can be. The chemistry between the leads and the raw honesty of their relationship make this one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful Filipino drama films about love and loss. It's a testament to how diverse and impactful sad movies can be, really.

Getting Ready for Your Emotional Movie Experience

Watching movies that will make you cry isn't just about pressing play. There are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of the experience and allow yourself to truly feel what the film offers. It's like preparing for a journey, in a way.

Grab Your Tissues

This might seem obvious, but seriously, have a box of tissues nearby. You don't want to be scrambling when the tears start to flow. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference in allowing you to stay immersed in the story without interruption. You know, just be prepared.

Having them within arm's reach means you can just focus on the film and let the emotions come naturally. It's a simple step that helps you fully engage with the emotional content, and that's pretty important for a good cry, isn't it?

Space Them Out

While a good cry can be cathartic, watching too many sad movies in a row might be a bit much for your feelings. We recommend you space them out with something soothing, like an episode of "Friends" or a lighthearted comedy. It helps to balance your emotional state, so you don't feel completely overwhelmed. It's, like, a good idea to give your heart a break.

Remember, we all watch movies that make you cry differently. Some people can handle a marathon of tearjerkers, but for most, a little break in between helps process the feelings. It's about finding what works for you, really.

Allow Yourself to Feel

The whole point of watching movies that will make you cry is to allow yourself to feel. Don't try to hold back the tears or feel embarrassed. Let the emotions wash over you. It's a healthy way to release tension and process feelings, and it's completely okay to do so. Just let it happen, you know?

These films are designed to deliver those emotional experiences, so lean into it. Whether you need empathy, gratitude, or comfort, these tearjerkers will deliver. It's an opportunity for a good cry, and sometimes that's precisely what your heart needs. For more insights on emotional well-being, you could visit a reputable mental health resource like Psychology Today.

Common Questions About Movies That Will Make You Cry

People often have similar questions when they're looking for movies that will make them cry. Here are some of the common ones, with some thoughts on what might make a particular film stand out in the tearjerker category.

What movie makes you cry the most?

This is a very personal question, as what makes one person cry might not affect another in the same way. However, films like "The Notebook," "A Star Is Born," and "Titanic" are frequently mentioned as top contenders for making people cry the most. Their powerful romantic narratives and tragic endings seem to resonate widely, you know.

Often, it's a combination of strong acting, a compelling story, and a truly heartbreaking plot point, like the deaths of beloved characters, that pushes a film into this category. It's the kind of movie that just hits you right in the feels, almost every single time.

What movie makes everyone cry?

While it's tough to say "everyone" cries at any single movie, certain films come very close to having a universal emotional impact. "Coco" is a strong candidate in the animated category, especially its "Remember Me" scene, which often brings tears to even the most stoic viewers. Similarly, "The Fault in Our Stars" has a wide reach among younger audiences and beyond.

Films that deal with themes of family, loss, and the beauty of life, often with a sense of bittersweetness, tend to be the ones that touch the most hearts. It's a shared human experience, you know, that feeling of profound sadness mixed with beauty.

What is a really sad movie on Netflix?

Netflix has a good collection of sad movies that will give you all the feels. While specific titles can change, popular ones that often make people cry include "Marriage Story," "All the Bright Places," and sometimes even older classics like "Forrest Gump" if they are available. You can also find tragic romances and teen flicks that are sure to make you grab your tissues.

To find the best sad movie for you on Netflix, you might search for categories like "emotional dramas"

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