Ever found yourself crying into your popcorn during The Notebook, or maybe choking up while watching Coco? You’re not alone.
Tearjerker films have this uncanny ability to reach right through your chest and pull on those heartstrings. However sad we get while watching these films, we just can’t get enough. But why do we seek out these emotional rollercoasters, and what about the best sad movies that have us breaking down?
Caution: Spoilers ahead!
The science behind crying
Every time we watch a sad movie, our brain releases oxytocin, “the love hormone,” which boosts empathy and makes us feel deeply connected to the characters. Another reason could be the idea of mirroring—when we see someone showing a particular emotion, we’re likely to feel it, too.
Crying during a movie can be very cathartic. It helps you release pent-up emotions and sometimes even process your own life experiences. It’s like therapy but with popcorn.
What are the components of the best sad movies?
- The soundtrack. A perfectly timed piano score or building orchestral theme can open those floodgates. Think of the start of Up and how powerful the scene is with sad music and no dialog.
- Universal themes. We can relate to love, loss, family—all of these things, and they’re generally at the heart of every tearjerker.
- The build. The best sad movies are great at ramping up that emotional tension through powerful storytelling.
- Nostalgia. Great tearjerkers tap into that sweet spot of nostalgia, which can be an emotional goldmine!
Why do we love sad movies?
Being reduced to tears isn’t usually something we celebrate, but it’s different for a movie—we love those feelings! The best tearjerkers create an emotional bond between the audience and the story, and that can even happen in the broader sense with the people you’re watching them with. Think about the last time you were in a cinema, and everyone laughed or cried together—it creates a memorable experience!
The best sad movies ever
OK, enough of the theory—let’s dive in and look at some of the best sad movies out there and see what makes them work.
1. Titanic (1997)
A love story for the ages, despite the big sinking ship. Jack and Rose are doomed from the start, but that doesn’t stop us from rooting for them.
Biggest sob-worthy moment
Jack hangs off the door in the ocean while Rose promises, “I’ll never let go,” right before, er, letting go. There was room on the door, Rose!
2. Coco (2017)
This is a lovely Disney-Pixar film about family and memory. It examines the pain of being forgotten and how we all keep loved ones alive in our hearts.
Biggest sob-worthy moment
Miguel sings “Remember Me” to Mama Coco. There’s something in our eye.
3. Dead Poets Society (1989)
An English teacher and his students encompass all the beauty of self-expression and individuality. One student’s passion clashes with his family life, with tragic consequences.
Most sob-worthy moment
The boys standing on their desks saying “O Captain! My captain!” to their teacher.
4. My Girl (1991)
This is a sweet coming-of-age story of friendship and love, but it turns unexpectedly tragic when Thomas J. dies from a bee sting, and his best friend has to deal with the loss.
Most sob-worthy moment
Vada breaks down at Thomas J.’s funeral and cries out, “Where are his glasses, he can’t see without his glasses!”
5. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
One of the most depressing but beautiful films we’ve seen, this Japanese animation tells the story of two young siblings struggling to survive during the Second World War.
Most sob-worthy moment
The entire film is sob-worthy, but the poignant moment when Seita and Setsuko’s spirits are reunited at the end is especially moving.
6. Steel Magnolias (1989)
This film charts the ups and downs of a close-knit group of women in the American South as they go through their lives.
Most sob-worthy moment
Shelby’s funeral, where M’Lynn breaks down over her daughter’s death.
7. Beaches (1988)
Another tale of friendship, this is one of the best sad movies out there. It tells the story of two women and their experiences of love, distance, and terminal illness.
Most sob-worthy moment
CC saying goodbye to her best friend, Victoria, who is dying of cancer.
8. Bambi (1942)
For many of us, this timeless Disney cartoon was our first experience of emotional trauma and gave us years of angst.
Most sob-worthy moment
When Bambi’s mother is killed, obviously.
9. The Notebook (2004)
The Notebook is the ultimate love story of more recent times. It captures the essence of lasting love, the idea of a soulmate, and how we deal with the heartbreak of illness.
Most sob-worthy moment
Noah and Allie die together in a nursing home, hand in hand.
10. Marley & Me (2008)
Oh no, we love our pets so much—this is undoubtedly just a tale about a lovely little puppy, right? RIGHT?! We follow Marley through the years as he wreaks havoc in various crazy but lovable ways.
Most sob-worthy moment
John says, “You’re a great dog” to Marley.
Sad movies and their impact on pop culture
They don’t just destroy us emotionally—tearjerkers also leave a mark on pop culture. How often have you heard someone yell, “I’ll never let go, Jack!” or seen a meme of the Titanic door debate (there was definitely room on there, Rose!!)? The rain-soaked kiss between Noah and Allie in The Notebook has been recreated endlessly in wedding photos on social media.
Cry it out
Oof, those movies that hit us right in the feels—that’s a masterclass in storytelling, isn’t it? We fall in love with the characters, so their pain feels personal. They get the emotional build just right before shattering our brittle little hearts.
Tearjerkers are a sharp reminder that we’re all human, but maybe more than that, they also inspire us to create something with a heart so that we can make others feel as strongly as we’ve felt about a story, a character, or anything else! Got a favorite tearjerker that didn’t make our list? Let us know.
When you’ve stopped crying, why not check out the top filmmaking lessons we learned from the late David Lynch, the rise of 3D animation and its journey, and typographic trends in movie titles.
