22 Tear-Jerking Movies to Watch When You Need a Good Cry

1. The Fault in Our Stars 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 404752, ID: 2582846
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The Fault in Our Stars is a poignant tale of love and loss, beautifully portrayed by Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. The film’s emotional depth and raw honesty make it a perfect choice for when you need a good cry. The chemistry between the leads and the heart-wrenching storyline will leave you reaching for tissues. It’s a touching reminder of the fragility of life and the power of love.
2. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 249828, ID: 0914798
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a haunting and powerful film that explores the innocence of childhood amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon deliver compelling performances as two boys from opposite sides of a barbed wire fence. The film’s devastating ending will leave you in tears, making it a must-watch for those seeking an emotional experience.
3. Titanic 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 1296767, ID: 0120338
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Titanic is an epic romance and disaster film that has become a timeless classic. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s performances as star-crossed lovers are unforgettable. The film’s stunning visuals and tragic love story will tug at your heartstrings, making it an ideal choice for when you need a good cry. James Cameron’s masterpiece is a cinematic experience like no other.
4. P.S. I Love You 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 219287, ID: 0431308
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P.S. I Love You is a heartfelt romantic drama that explores love, loss, and healing. Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler’s performances bring depth to this touching story of a widow receiving letters from her late husband. The film’s emotional journey and uplifting message make it a perfect choice for when you need a good cry. It’s a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of love.
5. The Shawshank Redemption 1994，IMDB Rating: 9.3, IMDB Votes: 2923248, ID: 0111161
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The Shawshank Redemption is a powerful story of hope and resilience set within the confines of a prison. The friendship between Andy and Red, played brilliantly by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, is the heart of the film. Their journey through despair and eventual triumph is deeply moving, making it an ideal choice for when you need a good cry. The film’s message of never losing hope resonates long after the credits roll.
6. The Notebook 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 628550, ID: 0332280
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The Notebook is a quintessential tearjerker that chronicles the enduring love between Allie and Noah. Their romance, portrayed by Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, is both passionate and heartbreaking. The film’s exploration of love, memory, and loss, especially in the face of Alzheimer’s, makes it a go-to movie when you need a good cry. The performances are heartfelt, and the story is timeless.
7. Fruitvale Station 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 86345, ID: 2334649
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Fruitvale Station is a poignant and heartbreaking film that recounts the last day of Oscar Grant’s life. Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of Oscar is both powerful and emotional, capturing the essence of a young man trying to do right by his family. The film’s raw depiction of police brutality and its impact on a community makes it a deeply moving watch, perfect for when you need a good cry.
8. Idi i smotri 1985，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 99961, ID: 0091251
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Idi i smotri (Come and See) is a harrowing depiction of the horrors of war through the eyes of a young boy. The film’s brutal realism and emotional intensity make it one of the most devastating war films ever made. Its portrayal of innocence lost and the impact of violence on the human spirit is profoundly moving, making it a must-watch when you need a good cry.
9. Dancer in the Dark 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 117646, ID: 0168629
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Dancer in the Dark is a gut-wrenching musical drama that follows the tragic story of Selma, a Czech immigrant going blind, who sacrifices everything for her son’s future. Björk’s powerful performance and Lars von Trier’s unique direction create an emotionally intense experience. The film’s blend of melodrama and musical elements makes it a unique tear-jerker that will leave you emotionally drained yet profoundly moved.
10. If Beale Street Could Talk 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 52820, ID: 7125860
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If Beale Street Could Talk is a beautifully crafted film that explores the themes of love, injustice, and resilience. Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of James Baldwin’s novel is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. The story of Tish and Fonny’s love, tested by a wrongful accusation, is heart-wrenching and deeply moving. The film’s poetic narrative and strong performances make it a perfect choice for a cathartic cry.
11. The Elephant Man 1980，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 260497, ID: 0080678
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The Elephant Man is a poignant biographical drama that tells the story of John Merrick, a severely deformed man in Victorian England. David Lynch’s direction and John Hurt’s remarkable performance bring out the humanity and dignity of Merrick’s tragic life. The film’s exploration of societal prejudice and the human spirit’s resilience makes it a deeply moving experience that will leave you in tears.
12. Killer of Sheep (1978) 2022，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 31379657
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Killer of Sheep is a powerful and poetic portrayal of life in a low-income African-American neighborhood in Los Angeles. Charles Burnett’s film captures the beauty and struggles of everyday life with a raw and honest lens. The film’s emotional depth and the resilience of its characters make it a poignant and tear-inducing watch. Its realistic depiction of hardship and hope is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
13. Past Lives 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 126519, ID: 13238346
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In ‘Past Lives,’ Celine Song crafts a poignant tale of love and missed connections that will tug at your heartstrings. The film follows childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung, whose lives diverge and reconnect over decades, exploring the tender and bittersweet nature of relationships. With its nuanced storytelling and heartfelt performances, ‘Past Lives’ is a beautiful reminder of the power of love and the pain of what might have been.
14. Dead Poets Society 1989，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 555094, ID: 0097165
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Robin Williams shines in ‘Dead Poets Society,’ a film that celebrates the transformative power of education and the importance of seizing the day. As English teacher John Keating, Williams inspires his students to embrace their individuality and pursue their passions, leading to both triumph and tragedy. This emotional journey will leave you reflecting on the impact of mentorship and the fragility of youth.
15. Roman Holiday 1953，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 148897, ID: 0046250
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Audrey Hepburn’s enchanting performance in ‘Roman Holiday’ is a timeless delight. The film tells the story of a runaway princess who finds love and freedom in the streets of Rome, only to face the bittersweet reality of her royal duties. With its charming romance and picturesque setting, ‘Roman Holiday’ is a perfect escape that will leave you both smiling and teary-eyed.
16. Atonement 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 302500, ID: 0783233
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Atonement’ is a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy star as lovers torn apart by a lie, with devastating consequences. The film’s stunning visuals and emotional depth make it a powerful and unforgettable experience that will leave you reaching for tissues.
17. Blue Valentine 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 212938, ID: 1120985
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Blue Valentine is a heart-wrenching exploration of a disintegrating marriage, brought to life by the raw performances of Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The film’s intimate storytelling and unflinching portrayal of love and despair make it a perfect choice for when you need a good cry. The emotional depth and vulnerability displayed by the characters resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer.
18. My Girl 1991，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 89933, ID: 0102492
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My Girl is a bittersweet coming-of-age tale that beautifully captures the innocence and heartbreak of childhood. Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin deliver touching performances as best friends navigating the complexities of life and loss. The film’s poignant moments and genuine portrayal of grief make it an ideal choice for those seeking an emotional release.
19. The Green Mile 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1423979, ID: 0120689
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The Green Mile is a powerful and emotional film that delves into the lives of death row inmates and their guards. Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan deliver unforgettable performances, bringing to life the story’s themes of justice, compassion, and the supernatural. The film’s poignant moments and thought-provoking narrative make it a perfect choice for when you need a good cry.
20. Schindler’s List 1993，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 1466636, ID: 0108052
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Schindler’s List is a harrowing and deeply moving portrayal of the Holocaust, directed by Steven Spielberg. Liam Neeson’s powerful performance as Oskar Schindler, combined with the film’s stark black-and-white cinematography, creates an unforgettable and emotional experience. The film’s exploration of humanity, sacrifice, and redemption makes it an essential watch for those seeking a profound and cathartic cry.
21. Brokeback Mountain 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 387838, ID: 0388795
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Brokeback Mountain is a heart-wrenching tale of forbidden love between two cowboys, beautifully portrayed by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film’s emotional depth and stunning cinematography make it a must-watch when you need a good cry. The tragic love story, much like Titanic, leaves you with a lingering sense of loss and longing.
22. The Pursuit of Happyness 2006，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 568135, ID: 0454921
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The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspiring and emotional journey of a father’s determination to provide a better life for his son. Will Smith’s powerful performance tugs at your heartstrings, making it a perfect film to watch when you need a good cry. The film’s message of hope and perseverance resonates deeply, similar to the emotional impact of Titanic.