It’s been said that movies are made to make you feel. And it’s true – films can evoke a wide range of emotions, from happiness and laughter to fear and sadness.
One emotion that seems to be particularly potent is crying. There are certain movies that have the ability to reduce even the most stoic viewer to tears.
Why do these sad movies make us cry?
What is it about them that is so effective at tugging on our heartstrings?
In this article, we will explore the top 15 sad movies that make you cry and analyze what it is about them that makes them so emotionally powerful.
When to watch a tearjerker movie
Sometimes, you just need a good cry. Maybe you’re going through a tough time in your life and need an outlet for your emotions.
Or maybe you just want to experience the catharsis that comes from watching someone else’s pain on screen.
Whatever the reason, sad movies can be incredibly therapeutic.
Just be warned – you may want to have some tissues handy.
Top 15 tearjerker movies you must see
1. Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is a sad movie that tells the story of a simple man who goes through some of the most momentous events in 20th century America. While Forrest himself is an innocent bystander to history, the people around him are not so lucky. His mother dies of cancer, his best friend is killed in Vietnam, and his first love is left disabled and pregnant.
What makes Forrest Gump so sad is that it shows how even the best intentions can’t protect someone from the trials and tribulations of life. Forrest is a good man who loves deeply and tries his best, but he still ends up being hurt by the people he cares about.
2. The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption is a sad movie about hope and friendship set in a maximum security prison. The story follows Andy Dufresne, a man who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank.
While in prison, Andy befriends Red, the prison contraband dealer. Red is initially skeptical of Andy, but he eventually comes to see him as a friend. Together, they form a bond that helps them get through the struggles of prison life.
What makes The Shawshank Redemption sad is that it shows how even in the darkest of places, there can be glimmers of hope and humanity. It also highlights the importance of friendship, and how even the unlikeliest of people can become close.
3. The Green Mile
The Green Mile is a sad movie about death and justice set on Death Row in a Louisiana prison. The story follows Paul Edgecomb, the head guard on Death Row, as he comes into contact with John Coffey, a man convicted of rape and murder.
From the moment they meet, Paul is struck by John’s gentle nature, and he comes to believe that he is innocent of the crimes he has been accused of. As Paul gets to know John, he starts to question the fairness of the death penalty.
What makes The Green Mile sad is that it explores the human capacity for both good and evil. It also highlights the fallibility of the justice system, and how even well-intentioned people can make mistakes.
4. The Notebook
The Notebook is a sad love story about two young lovers, Noah and Allie, who are forced to part ways due to their different social backgrounds. Allie’s family is wealthy, while Noah is from a poor, working-class background.
Despite the odds, they manage to find their way back to each other. However, their relationship is put to the test by the onset of World War II.
What makes The Notebook sad is that it shows how even true love can be challenged by the cruel hand of fate. It is a story of sacrifice and loss, but also of hope and enduring love.
5. Schindler’s List
Schindler’s List is a sad movie about the Holocaust set in Nazi-occupied Poland. The story follows Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who employs Jews in his factory in order to save them from concentration camps.
As the war progresses, Schindler’s conscience starts to trouble him, and he risks his own life to save as many Jews as he can.
What makes Schindler’s List sad is that it is a reminder of the horrible atrocities that were committed during the Holocaust. It is also a story of hope and courage, as Schindler shows that one person can make a difference.
6. Her
Her is a sad movie about love and connection set in the near future. The story follows Theodore Twombly, a man who falls in love with an artificial intelligence program named Samantha.
While their relationship starts out as purely physical, Theodore eventually comes to love Samantha for her mind and personality. However, as time goes on, it becomes clear that their relationship is not meant to last.
What makes Her sad is that it shows how even the most perfect relationships can be doomed to fail. It is a story of love and loss, but also of hope and understanding.
7. The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars is a sad movie about young love set against the backdrop of cancer. The story follows Hazel and Augustus, two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group.
Despite the odds, they fall in love. However, their relationship is put to the test by the realities of their illness.
What makes The Fault in Our Stars sad is that it shows how even young love can be challenged by the harsh realities of life. It is a story of hope and courage, but also of loss and sadness.
8. To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is a sad movie about racial injustice set in the American South during the 1930s. The story follows Atticus Finch, a white lawyer who defends a black man accused of rape.
Despite the odds, Atticus manages to prove his innocence. However, the trial takes a toll on him and his family.
What makes To Kill a Mockingbird sad is that it shows how even the most just people can be victimized by racism. It is also a story of hope and courage, as Atticus stands up for what is right despite the odds.
9. Y Tu Mama También
Y Tu Mama También is a sad movie about love and loss set in Mexico. The story follows two teenage boys, Julio and Tenoch, who embark on a road trip with an older woman, Luisa.
While at first the trip is just a way to escape the boredom of their small town, Julio and Tenoch eventually fall in love with Luisa.
However, their relationship is put to the test by the harsh realities of life.
What makes Y Tu Mama También sad is a reminder that life is short and that even the strongest relationships don’t last forever.
10. Up
Up is a sad movie about growing old set against the backdrop of adventure. The story follows Carl Fredricksen, a man who sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream of exploring South America.
However, his plans are derailed when he meets a young boy named Russell. Despite their age difference, the two become friends and embark on a journey together.
What makes Up sad is that it shows how even the most adventurous life can be tempered by the realities of age and illness. It is a story of hope and courage, but also of loss and sadness.
11. The Danish Girl
The Danish Girl is a sad movie about love and identity set in the early 20th century. The story follows Einar Wegener, a Danish artist who begins to identify as a woman after posing for a female model.
Einar eventually undergoes surgery to transition into a woman, but the decision comes at a great cost.
What makes The Danish Girl sad is that it shows how even the most accepting people can be challenged by the realities of gender identity. It is a story of love and loss, but also of hope and courage.
12. The Pianist
The Pianist is a sad movie about the Holocaust set in World War II. The story follows Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jewish pianist who is sent to a concentration camp.
However, Szpilman manages to survive the Holocaust by hiding in the Warsaw ghetto.
What makes The Pianist sad is that it shows how even the most talented people can be victimized by hatred and bigotry. It is a story of hope and courage, but also of loss and sadness.
13. The Help
The Help is a sad movie about racial injustice set in the American South during the 1960s. The story follows Skeeter Phelan, a white woman who becomes friends with a black maid named Aibileen.
Together, they help to write a book about the experiences of black maids in the South.
What makes The Help sad is that it shows how even the most well-meaning people can be complicit in racism. It is a story of hope and courage, but also of loss and sadness.
14. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a sad movie about love and loss set in the present day. The story follows Joel Barish, a man who has his memories of his ex-girlfriend erased.
However, as he begins to forget her, Joel realizes that he still loves her.
What makes Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind sad is that it shows how even the most painful memories can be cherished. It is a story of love and loss, but also of hope and courage.
15. Finding Neverland
Finding Neverland is a sad movie about love and loss set in the early 20th century. The story follows J.M. Barrie, a playwright who finds inspiration in the lives of four young boys.
However, as the boys begin to grow up, Barrie must come to terms with the fact that they will eventually leave him behind.
What makes Finding Neverland sad is that it shows how even the most magical friendships can be temporary. It is a story of love and loss, but also of hope and courage.
Final thoughts
Movies can be a great way to experience different emotions and explore different aspects of life.
The sad movies on this list are some of the most effective at bringing people to tears.
Each of these films tells a unique and powerful story that is sure to move audiences.
Get your tissue box out, these are real tearjerkers!
