Top Tearjerker Movies: Prepare for a Good Cry
You know those movies that just get you? The ones you watch and, no matter how many times you’ve seen them, they always make you grab a tissue (or five)? They’re the films that dive straight into the feels—love, loss, hope, all that good stuff that makes us human. If you’re ready to embrace a good cry and let your emotions run wild, these are the movies you need in your life.
1. “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014)
Let’s start with a classic tearjerker. The Fault in Our Stars is pretty much guaranteed to make you cry—and that’s not even a challenge. Based on John Green’s novel, it follows Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus (Ansel Elgort), two teenagers battling cancer who find love in the most unexpected place: a support group. What begins as a beautiful, if fragile, love story quickly becomes a heart-wrenching journey of two people trying to make sense of life and mortality. Seriously, prepare yourself—the emotions hit hard. If you don’t end up crying by the end of this one, I’d be shocked.
2. “A Walk to Remember” (2002)
If A Walk to Remember doesn’t bring out the tears, I don’t know what will. This one is the epitome of a timeless tearjerker. Landon (Shane West) and Jamie (Mandy Moore) are from two completely different worlds, but they come together in the most beautiful and heartbreaking way. It’s one of those stories that hits hard because it feels so real—love, loss, and the kind of deep connection that changes you. It’s a classic for a reason. There’s just something about watching them go through life, knowing what’s coming, that pulls at your heartstrings in the most painful way. You’re definitely going to need tissues for this one, trust me.
3. “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
Will Smith? Check. A father trying to make a better life for his son? Check. Tears? Oh, definitely check. The Pursuit of Happyness is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a single father who’s homeless but refuses to give up on giving his son a future. The whole film is an emotional rollercoaster. There’s a point where you feel his struggle so deeply, you can’t help but get teary-eyed. Watching Chris fight through everything—failure after failure—while keeping his son’s hope alive is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The moment when it all finally clicks? You’ll be crying happy tears, but still, tears.
4. “Marley & Me” (2008)
Let’s talk about Marley & Me. If you’ve ever had a dog, you know this movie will punch you right in the gut. It’s about a family, played by Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, who adopt a wild, lovable dog named Marley. What starts out as a chaotic, hilarious ride turns into something much more emotional as Marley becomes an irreplaceable part of their family. Anyone who’s ever loved a pet knows the pain of saying goodbye, and this movie captures that loss so perfectly. It’s equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking—and yes, you’ll cry. But it’s the kind of cry that reminds you of how lucky we are to have pets in our lives, even for a little while.
5. “My Girl” (1991)
My Girl is one of those movies that stays with you long after it’s over. Vada (Anna Chlumsky) is a quirky, lovable young girl who’s dealing with a lot of big emotions at a young age—everything from growing up to grappling with loss. Her best friend, Thomas J. (Macaulay Culkin), is her anchor, but as with all things in life, nothing lasts forever. The film is about childhood innocence, friendship, and the way life can hit you when you least expect it. It’s a coming-of-age story with a huge emotional punch, and the loss Vada faces is something we can all relate to on some level. Get ready for the tears—you’ll be an emotional wreck by the end of this one.
6. “Up” (2009)
Okay, Up might be an animated movie, but don’t let that fool you—it will wreck you. The opening montage, which shows Carl and Ellie’s love story, is so beautiful and heartbreaking that you’ll be crying before the credits even roll. Pixar knows exactly how to make you feel, and Up is one of their finest examples of that. As Carl sets off to fulfill his late wife’s dream, you can’t help but feel all the love and grief he’s carrying with him. The love story here isn’t just about romance—it’s about the memories we hold on to and the adventures life still has in store, even after loss. It’s the kind of movie that makes you realize, life’s tough, but there’s always something worth fighting for.
7. “Schindler’s List” (1993)
If you’re looking for a movie that will leave you emotionally wrecked, Schindler’s List is a must-watch. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this is a film about the Holocaust and the life of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved more than a thousand Jewish refugees during World War II. The film’s intensity is off the charts, and the heartache you’ll feel watching it is like nothing else. It’s raw, it’s painful, and it’s an absolute gut punch, but it’s also incredibly moving. It’s one of those films that stays with you long after you watch it, not just because of the tragedy, but because of the glimmer of hope in humanity that Schindler’s story represents.
Conclusion: Movies That Make You Feel Everything
These films have one thing in common—they’re real. They speak to our most basic emotions, from the joy of love to the pain of loss. They challenge us to feel deeply, to remember the fleeting beauty of life, and to acknowledge the strength it takes to keep going. So, when you’re in the mood to let it all out, curl up with one of these movies. Don’t just watch them—feel them. Get lost in the stories, cry your heart out, and maybe, just maybe, come away with a little more appreciation for the people and moments in your own life.