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- There's no shortage of incredibly sad movies that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. From classic war movies to recent award-winning films, these are the perfect choices for nights when viewers just want to shed a tear.
It takes some serious emotional investment to really cry over a movie. That’s what makes it so special when a film can pull it off. Regardless of how tough we think we are, there’s just something about a story that can make us feel vulnerable and force us to confront our sadness. That said, if you’re looking for the saddest of the sad, take a seat — it’s time for some movie-watching!
From heartwarming tales of animal love and friendship in Hachi: A Dog's Tale, to heartbreaking stories of war like Grave of the Fireflies and Schindler's List, to more intimate dramas like The Pianist and A Silent Voice — there are sure to be tears ahead! Even if these stories don't move you to tears, they will surely make an impression: according to Redditors, these movies deeply affected them.
Updated on October 10, 2023, by Hannah Saab:
There's no shortage of incredibly sad movies that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. From classic war movies to recent award-winning films, these are the perfect choices for nights when viewers just want to shed a tear.
12 'A Silent Voice' (2016)
A Silent Voice is a beautifully animated film that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the importance of communication. The movie portrays the story of a young boy named Shoya, who makes efforts to make amends with a deaf girl named Shoko, whom he bullied in elementary school. The film highlights the themes of bullying and social isolation and emphasizes the importance of empathy, communication, and understanding.
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From Miyazaki essentials like Princess Mononoke to cyberpunk landmark Akira, this is Collider's ranking of the best anime movies ever.The film's touching conclusion leaves the audience with a deep sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the importance of kindness and compassion, which was confirmed by Redditor _XIV_ when they mentioned, "A Silent Voice [is an] anime movie that almost brought me to cry, and I never cry at movies."
11 'Bridge to Terabithia' (2007)
"Bridge to Terabithia (2007) is perfect because the 'incident' comes so outta left field," said the user Evil_King_Potato. The film is a beloved children's novel that was adapted into a film in 2007. The story follows two young friends, Jess (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb), who create an imaginary world together called Terabithia. The film is a beautiful tribute to childhood friendship and imagination, but it takes a sudden and tragic turn that leaves viewers in tears.
The film is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love. The young actors' performances are particularly impressive and heart-wrenching, making this a must-watch film for anyone who enjoys a good cry.
10 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (2022)
Everything Everywhere All at Once is a recent sci-fi film that explores the concept of parallel universes. The film follows laundromat owner Evelyn Quan Wang (Michelle Yeoh), who is called upon by an alternate version of her husband (Ke Huy Quan) to save the multiverse. The user qbookfox recommended it, describing how after they "let [their] guard down completely," and "before [they] knew it, [they were] crying harder than [they've] ever cried to a movie before."
Evelyn's journey is a poignant reminder of the importance of making meaningful connections with others and living life to the fullest. The film is a beautiful exploration of the human experience and a testament to the power of love and connection.
9 'Up' (2009)
An infamously touching Pixar film, Up tells the story of the 78-year-old balloon salesman, Carl Fredricksen. He flies away from his mundane daily routine by tying balloons to his house and steering it towards the South American wilderness, a lifelong dream he once shared with his wife Ellie.
As fans of the animated film already know, it's the opening sequence of Up that will make audiences cry. Within just a few minutes, the movie tells the beautiful love story between Carl and Ellie, which sadly ends when she dies of an unspecified illness. The user FallenButterflyTears shares how this gets them "every time," and viewers can expect a tear or two when the touching ending with the iconic book reveals Ellie's final message.
8 'Coco' (2017)
Coco is a massively popular Pixar film that tells the story of 12-year-old Miguel who dreams and hopes that one day he can be a talented musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. The big issue is that his family has a mysterious ban on music, and when he stumbles onto the Land of the Dead, he learns precisely why.
For anyone looking to cry uncontrollably, Coco is a great choice. The user originalcondition shares its impact on an entire country, writing that "there was literally a meme in Mexico about how it makes EVERYONE cry." They go on to admit that they "also cry like a b***h every time [they] watch it." Anyone who has seen it knows that there's one song that can infamously make even the toughest viewer sob.
7 'Marley & Me' (2008)
"What is it about animal movies that tugs at our heartstrings?" asks a deleted Redditor who admits they "bawled [their] eyes out" after watching Marley & Me. The 2008 film follows newlyweds John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Aniston), who move to their new home and adopt the unforgettable titular Labrador puppy.
As audiences watch John and Jenny's family change, Marley is right there growing up with them. Despite being a mischievous dog, it's impossible not to fall in love with him, which is why the film's inevitable conclusion is incredibly painful (especially for those who understand the pain of losing a beloved pet).
6 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale' (2009)
Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a heartbreaking film based on the true story of a dog named Hachiko and his owner, a professor named Parker (Richard Gere). The movie portrays the bond between humans and their pets, showcasing Hachiko's unconditional love and loyalty towards Parker. After Parker's sudden death, Hachiko waits for him at the train station every day for the rest of his life, highlighting the themes of loss and grief.
The film's emotional impact is powerful, leaving the audience with a lump in their throat and tears in their eyes. Frexxia was one among many Redditors who welled up to this film as they said, "I literally never cry from movies, but this one got me the closest."
5 'Life is Beautiful' (1997)
Life is Beautiful is a heart-wrenching film set during the Holocaust. The film tells the story of Guido (Roberto Benigni), a Jewish man who uses his humor and creativity to protect his young son from the horrors of the concentration camp. Despite the dire circumstances, Guido remains determined to protect his son and keep him hopeful.
This film is suggested by Redditor Alc2005 in a thread about "movies that will make even the toughest person cry." It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of finding joy and hope even in the darkest of times. The film's final scenes are both heartbreaking and hopeful, leaving viewers with a deep sense of empathy and appreciation for humanity.
4 'Aftersun' (2022)
Directed by Charlotte Wells in her feature directorial debut, Aftersun is an award-winning emotional gut punch unlike any other. The coming-of-age drama film depicts a father-and-daughter relationship, seen through old videotapes recorded by young Sophie (Frankie Corio) of their vacation at a Turkish resort. There are glimpses of adult Sophie (Celia Rowlson-Hall) who silently contemplates what she missed in Calum's (Paul Mescal) actions all those years ago.
For anyone who understands what depression is like or has lived or loved someone with the mental health condition, Aftersun is a certified tear-jerker. A Reddit user describes how they "sobbed like a baby at the end of" the movie, "like, body-shaking wailing" after seeing "such a beautiful film." Aftersun portrays the complicated and painful story with subtlety and grace, which somehow makes its emotional impact even greater.
3 'Grave of the Fireflies' (1988)
Always discussed alongside the saddest movies that will make you cry, Grave of the Fireflies is a poignantly animated film that tells the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they try to survive the aftermath of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The movie is a reminder of the devastating effects of war on innocent lives, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
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2 'Schindler's List' (1993)
Redditor me_not_at_work suggested Schindler's List in a thread for viewers looking to "cry during a movie." It's a powerful film set during World War II that tells the story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saves the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees by employing them in his factories.
One of the saddest movies of all time, the film is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of great evil, and it's almost impossible not to be moved to tears by its poignant conclusion. Often cited as one of the best war movies of all time, it highlights the bravery and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable evil. It also emphasizes the importance of taking action to fight injustice and stand.
1 'The Pianist' (2002)
The Pianist is a gripping and deeply moving film that portrays the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. The film's stark portrayal of the horrors of the Holocaust is both haunting and moving, as Szpilman's (Adrien Brody) love of music gives him the strength to endure and ultimately survive.
The film's powerful message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity is sure to leave even the toughest viewer emotionally moved. Redditor Fastbird33 suggests it in a thread about tear-jerking movies, promising it as the movie that can "invoke something" in audiences.