Try To Hold Back Tears… 15 Tear-Jerking Movies

1. The Pursuit of Happyness 2006，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 567967, ID: 0454921
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The Pursuit of Happyness is a heart-wrenching tale of perseverance and hope. Will Smith’s portrayal of Chris Gardner, a man struggling to provide for his son, is both inspiring and deeply moving. The film’s tear-jerking moments, especially the scene where Chris finally lands a job, highlight the relentless pursuit of a better life. It’s a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience.
2. Bridge to Terabithia 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 175320, ID: 0398808
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Bridge to Terabithia is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story of friendship and loss. The film captures the magic of childhood imagination, but it’s the tragic twist that leaves a lasting impact. The bond between Jesse and Leslie is heartwarming, making the loss even more poignant. It’s a tearjerker that beautifully portrays the innocence and pain of growing up.
3. Pieces of a Woman 2020，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 56802, ID: 11161474
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Pieces of a Woman is a raw and emotional portrayal of grief and loss. Vanessa Kirby’s performance as a woman dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic home birth is both powerful and heart-wrenching. The film’s unflinching depiction of pain and healing makes it a deeply moving experience. It’s a tearjerker that resonates with anyone who has faced profound loss.
4. If Beale Street Could Talk 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 52813, ID: 7125860
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If Beale Street Could Talk is a poignant love story set against the backdrop of racial injustice. Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of James Baldwin’s novel is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. The film’s tear-jerking moments, especially the scenes of separation and hope, highlight the enduring power of love. It’s a beautiful and heartbreaking film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
5. Holding the Man 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 13475, ID: 3671542
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Holding the Man is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of love and loss. The film beautifully captures the essence of Timothy Conigrave’s memoir, depicting the enduring love between Tim and John amidst the backdrop of the AIDS crisis. The performances by Ryan Corr and Craig Stott are deeply moving, making it impossible not to shed a tear. The film’s raw portrayal of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community during the 70s and 80s adds to its emotional depth. A must-watch for anyone in need of a good cry.
6. Imitation of Life 1959，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 18429, ID: 0052918
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Imitation of Life is a classic tearjerker that delves into themes of race, identity, and motherhood. Douglas Sirk’s direction brings out powerful performances from Lana Turner and Juanita Moore, whose characters’ intertwined lives evoke deep emotions. The film’s exploration of societal issues and personal sacrifices is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. The final scenes, especially the funeral, are guaranteed to leave you in tears. A timeless masterpiece that resonates with audiences even today.
7. Marley & Me 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 168943, ID: 0822832
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Marley & Me is a heartwarming yet tear-jerking film that chronicles the life of a mischievous Labrador and his owners. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston deliver touching performances as they navigate the ups and downs of life with Marley. The film’s portrayal of the bond between humans and their pets is both joyful and heartbreaking. The ending, where Marley is put to sleep, is particularly emotional and will leave you reaching for tissues. A beautiful reminder of the unconditional love pets bring into our lives.
8. Forrest Gump 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2285474, ID: 0109830
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Forrest Gump is an iconic film that blends humor, history, and heartache. Tom Hanks’ portrayal of the titular character is both endearing and tear-inducing, especially in scenes involving his mother and Jenny. The film’s exploration of life’s unpredictability and the simple wisdom of Forrest’s perspective is deeply moving. The emotional highs and lows, from Forrest’s innocence to Jenny’s struggles, make it a perfect tearjerker. A film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
9. Beaches 1988，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 29187, ID: 0094715
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Beaches is a quintessential tearjerker that celebrates the enduring power of friendship. Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey shine as lifelong friends whose bond is tested by life’s challenges. The film’s emotional depth is heightened by its memorable soundtrack, including the iconic ‘Wind Beneath My Wings.’ The final scenes, depicting the loss and legacy of friendship, are incredibly moving. A film that will make you laugh, cry, and cherish the friends in your life.
10. La La Land 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 683436, ID: 3783958
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La La Land is a dazzling musical that beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of dreams and love. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s chemistry is electric, and their performances are heartfelt, making the audience root for their characters. The film’s vibrant colors and enchanting music create a whimsical atmosphere, but it’s the emotional depth of the story that truly tugs at the heartstrings. The ending is both heartbreaking and hopeful, leaving viewers with a mix of tears and smiles.
11. Up 2009，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1137723, ID: 1049413
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Up is a heartwarming adventure that begins with one of the most tear-jerking montages in animation history. The story of Carl and Ellie’s love and loss is beautifully told, setting the stage for Carl’s journey of healing and rediscovery. The film balances humor and emotion perfectly, with the colorful characters and whimsical plot providing plenty of laughs and smiles. Yet, it’s the poignant moments that linger, making Up a truly touching and unforgettable experience.
12. Casablanca 1942，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 610942, ID: 0034583
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Casablanca is a timeless classic that masterfully blends romance, drama, and wartime intrigue. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s performances are iconic, and their chemistry is palpable. The film’s themes of sacrifice and love resonate deeply, making it a perennial tearjerker. The famous line ‘Here’s looking at you, kid’ and the bittersweet ending leave a lasting impression, ensuring that Casablanca remains a beloved and emotionally powerful film.
13. The Green Mile 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1423613, ID: 0120689
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The Green Mile is a deeply moving film that explores themes of justice, humanity, and redemption. Tom Hanks delivers a powerful performance, and Michael Clarke Duncan’s portrayal of John Coffey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The film’s supernatural elements add a unique twist, but it’s the emotional depth and the exploration of human nature that make it a tearjerker. The Green Mile is a poignant and thought-provoking film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
14. Schindler’s List 1993，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 1466309, ID: 0108052
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Schindler’s List is a harrowing and profoundly moving depiction of the Holocaust. Steven Spielberg’s direction is masterful, and the performances by Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes are unforgettable. The film’s stark black-and-white cinematography adds to its emotional impact, making the story of Oskar Schindler’s efforts to save Jews from the Nazis even more powerful. Schindler’s List is a tearjerker that leaves a lasting impression and serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of history.
15. A Walk to Remember 2002，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 222998, ID: 0281358
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A Walk to Remember is a heartfelt tale of young love and redemption that will tug at your heartstrings. Mandy Moore and Shane West deliver touching performances as two high school students from different worlds who find solace in each other. The film’s sincerity and emotional depth make it a standout in the teen romance genre, despite its occasional clichés. It’s a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of love and faith.