As a vehicle for emotion, few other mediums are as powerful as the moving image. We turn to great comedy movies to make us laugh, terrifying horror movies to make us scream, and yes, sad movies to make us cry. The movies on this list all fall into the latter category for different reasons, but definitely shouldn't be movie night picks unless a person is ready to feel something. While one might not want to watch a sad movie every day, there's nothing like the true catharsis of shedding a tear because of an on-screen tragedy, igniting every ounce of empathy in the body.

These films elicit an emotional response because they hit on something personal for people, something we can latch onto and relate to, even if they seem to bear no resemblance to one's own life. After all, that is what is so magical about movies — the best ones accomplish something so universal through incredibly specific stories. So, whether it's romantic dramas, stories of families torn apart or reunited after many years, or even tales of injustice on an individual or massive scale that reduce one to a puddle of tears, these are some of the greatest, downright certified tearjerkers.

Updated on November 9th, 2023, by Samuel Cormier: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

35 The Notebook (2004)

Noah and Allie in each other's arms
New Line Cinema

The film follows Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) who fall in love one summer, but unfortunately, the two are separated due to war and Allie's parents' disapproval. Years later, they find their way back to each other. The film intercuts between elderly Noah and Ally, and unfortunately, Ally has Alzheimer's and simply can't remember their love for each other.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

Think about it like this: The Notebook was so sad that a certain streamer felt the need to change the heartbreaking ending to ease the pain. Meanwhile, the film is unquestionably one of the most iconic love stories ever. We'd be a bit surprised if you're not crying by the end — edited version or otherwise.

You can rent The Notebook on DIRECTV, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store.

34 Titanic (1997)

Titanic
Titanic
PG-13
Drama
Documentary
Romance
Thriller
Release Date
November 18, 1997
Director
James Cameron
Runtime
194

For the newer generations, let it be known that Celine Dion's iconic "My Heart Will Go On" originates from James Cameron's 1997 masterpiece. Titanic is rightfully one of the most successful movies ever made. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet star as the ill-fated lovers Jack and Rose — two of their most iconic roles, which skyrocketed each of them to stardom.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

James Cameron broke ground in terms of cinematography, special effects, and editing, leading to the result of winning 10 Oscars at the ceremony that year. Uttering the line, "I'll never let go" to someone you know — whether it be a joke or used seriously — seems to be an American pastime at this point.

Titanic is currently streaming on Paramount Plus, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, or for free with ads on Pluto TV.

33 Avatar (2009)

avatar
Avatar
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
Sci-Fi
Release Date
December 18, 2009
Director
James Cameron
Runtime
162

In Avatar, the US is invading the planet of Pandora to mine some precious materials underground. However, this planet is inhabited by an indigenous population called the Na'vi, so they decide to create avatars that look like Na'vi but are controlled remotely by American soldiers.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

Avatar has often been praised for its groundbreaking special effects that still hold up marvelously almost 15 years later but loathed for its simplistic story. However, simple does not mean boring. The topic of the US invading a foreign land for its resources and killing the population can hit close to home, and one of the later scenes in which the Na'vi's home tree and shrine are destroyed is heartbreaking, featuring a score of nagging moaning chants and slow-motion shots.

Avatar is currently streaming on Max Amazon Channel, Disney Plus, and Max.

32 My Girl (1991)

Anna Chlumsky in My Girl
Columbia Pictures

Beloved '90s child star Macaulay Culkin appeared alongside the charming Anna Chlumsky in the coming-of-age dramedy My Girl, in which the stars portray two 11-year-olds who develop a profound friendship during a life-altering summer in 1972 Pennsylvania.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

Tackling heavy issues like death, grief, mental illness, and the growing pains of adolescence, the film is perhaps best remembered for the emotionally crippling death of Culkin's character Thomas from a bee attack. The scene where Chlumsky's Vada is visibly distraught when attending Thomas' funeral, noticing he's not wearing his glasses, is a punch to the gut of viewers and still causes even the toughest to shed a tear.

My Girl is currently streaming on Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel, DIRECTV.

31 Toy Story 3 (2010)

toy story 3
Toy Story 3
Animation
Adventure
Comedy
Family
Fantasy
Release Date
June 16, 2010
Director
Lee Unkrich
Runtime
103
Related
19 Saddest Movies on Hulu to Watch Right Now
While everyone else is looking to have a great time, perhaps all you want to do is have a cry-fest with these films available on Hulu.

Toy Story is a franchise that has delighted children for almost three decades. What kid has never dreamed that their favorite toy was alive? However, Toy Story 3 chose to go with a much darker plot, where an evil jealous pink bear called Lotso (Ned Beatty) hunts down our beloved Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and their friends.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

This film features a terrifying scene where the toys are slowly drifting towards the center of an incinerator, and end up joining hands in acceptance of their fate -- before being saved in extremis, of course. There is no doubt that this particular scene has left children, and probably some adults, in tears of horror or sadness for the poor helpless toys.

Toy Story 3 is currently streaming on Disney Plus.

30 Me Before You (2016)

Me Before You
Me Before You
PG-13
Drama
Documentary
Romance
Release Date
June 1, 2016
Director
Thea Sharrock
Runtime
93

If you are a fan of tearjerker movies, then you must have watched or at least heard about Me Before You. This 2016 movie stars Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke in the two main roles of William and Louisa. The movie begins as we see that a very successful and active Will has become paralyzed from the neck down after an unfortunate accident with a motorbike. Years later, Louisa is hired by Will's parents to assist him and also lift his spirits, which she does successfully. But she also gets to know that Will is planning to go down the path of assisted suicide.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

Without spoiling the movie anymore, we will just let you know that it does not have your typical happy ending. You will shed a lot of tears and feel a lot of frustrated feelings while watching the movie. But the ending will also bring a smile to your face.

You can rent Me Before You on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV, and Spectrum On Demand.

29 Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Requiem for a Dream
Requiem for a Dream
Drama
Crime
Documentary
Release Date
October 6, 2000
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Runtime
102

Requiem for a Dream gives a chilling and intense account of four different people in the gripes of drug addiction, and none of them get a happy ending. The acting is so realistic that all four main actors have been praised for their performances, and it may be one of Ellen Burstyn's best roles despite her long career.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

The saddest story of all is probably that of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn), the mother of junkie Harry Goldfarb (Jared Leto), who becomes addicted to weight loss pills without even realizing it. She becomes completely delusional about being invited on a TV show -- the reason why she wants to lose weight in the first place, suffers hallucinations which are depicted very realistically, and everyone around her just believes that she is starting to get dementia.

Requiem for a Dream is currently streaming on The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV for free with ads.

28 The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

The Banshees of Inisherin
The Banshees of Inisherin
R
Drama
Release Date
October 21, 2022
Director
Martin McDonagh
Runtime
1hr 49mins

Read Our Review

The Banshees of Inisherin is somewhat of a cinema UFO. Colm, an Irishman living on the island of Inisherin, suddenly decides to stop talking to his lifelong friend Pádraic and threatens dire consequences if his decision is not respected. A drama on the surface, the film borrows from dark comedy, which has the effect of making the characters' feud even sadder. It is never truly revealed why Colm was mad at Pádraic, although he somewhat says that it is due to his obnoxious chatting and inability to listen. As well, the whole thing about cut-off fingers brings a layer of absurdity that somehow saddens the viewer even more.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

This film is both interesting and sad due to its depiction of rural Ireland towards the end of the Civil War. However, no endless green pastures can distract us from the melancholy of seeing these two irreconcilable best friends.

The Banshees of Inisherin is currently streaming on Max Amazon Channel, Hulu, Max, and DIRECTV.

Moonlight (2016)

Moonlight
Moonlight
R
Drama
Documentary
Release Date
October 21, 2016
Runtime
110

Moonlight follows the story of young Black man Chiron (played by Alex R. Hibbert as Child Chiron / "Little", Ashton Sanders as Teen Chiron, and Trevante Rhodes as Adult Chiron / "Black") who discovers his gay identity in an environment where he absolutely cannot show it.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

Aside from sexuality, the film also delves without restraints into topics of Black identity, broken homes, poverty, drug addiction, or bullying. This movie tells an important story of intersectionality, with beautiful shots that evolve as the character ages. Chiron's repressed self through the end leaves audiences with a lump in their throat for this man who seemingly wasted his life away.

Moonlight is currently streaming on Max Amazon Channel, Max, and DIRECTV.

27 Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies
Not Rated
Animation
Drama
War
Release Date
July 26, 1989
Director
Isao Takahata
Cast
Tsutomu Tatsumi , Ayano Shiraishi , Akemi Yamaguchi
Runtime
1hr 29min
Related
10 Saddest Deaths in Animated Movie History, Ranked
Nothing hits quite as hard as the tragedy of witnessing a beloved character die on screen in front of our very eyes.

Lauded as one of the greatest war films of all time, the riveting war tragedy Grave of the Fireflies is a masterpiece created from the minds of Isao Takahata and the beloved Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli. It tells the sorrowful story of two orphan siblings who must flee their home in Kobe, Japan after it is destroyed in a firebombing during World War II. Having lost their mother in the deadly assault, Seita and Setsuko struggle to stay safe and hopeful amid uncertainty and a country plagued by conflict.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

The breathtaking and equally agonizing film was adapted from Akiyuki Nosaka's semi-autobiographical short story and his own harrowing experiences during the bombing of Kobe, and Takahata also drew on surviving the incendiary bombings in Okayama during the war. The painfully sad Grave of the Fireflies premiered to widespread critical acclaim across the world and is considered to be Takahata's magnum opus, with the gripping drama continuously landing on numerous lists of the cinema's most outstanding and celebrated achievements.

You can rent Grave of the Fireflies on Vudu, Apple TV.

26 Call Me By Your Name (2017)

call me by your name
Call Me By Your Name
R
Drama
Documentary
Romance
Release Date
September 1, 2017
Director
Luca Guadagnino
Cast
Armie Hammer , Timothee Chalamet , Michael Stuhlbarg , Amira Casar , Esther Garrel , Victoire Du Bois
Runtime
130

Starring Armie Hammer opposite a young Timothee Chalamet, and kicking off the cultural obsession with the latter, Call Me by Your Name is a unique addition to the romance genre. Part love story and part coming-of-age tale, the movie is full of beautiful shots of the small Italian village where it's set.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

The movie doesn't draw tears until the very final scene, a close-up shot of Chalamet sobbing as the credits roll. It's the kind of cry that is guaranteed to bring back all the feelings of having your heart broken for the first time.

Call Me By Your Name is currently streaming on Netflix.

25 Up (2009)

up
Up
PG
Animation
Adventure
Comedy
Drama
Family
Fantasy
Release Date
May 28, 2009
Cast
Edward Asner , Christopher Plummer , Jordan Nagai , Bob Peterson , Delroy Lindo , Jerome Ranft
Runtime
96

Going through the backstory of the main character, we see his whole life unfold-- falling in love, getting married, being unable to have children, and then eventually losing his wife before they get a chance to make the dream trip they always wanted. It's an excellent lesson in visual storytelling, and it's incredibly heart-wrenching.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

Unlike others on the list, Up will have you in tears in the first ten minutes of the movie. While it's certainly still light enough to be children's fare, the beginning packs a punch that will likely go over any kid's head.

Up is currently streaming on Disney Plus.

24 Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Hotel Rwanda
Hotel Rwanda
PG-13
Biography
Documentary
Drama
History
War
Release Date
March 4, 2004
Director
Terry George
Cast
Xolani Mali , Don Cheadle , Desmond Dube , Hakeem Kae-Kazim , Tony Kgoroge , Rosie Motene
Runtime
122

Hotel Rwanda documented the violent and merciless massacre that took place during the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and the courageous actions of hotelier Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tatiana. The film​​​​​​​ starred Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo as the brave married couple who helped provide asylum to over 1,200 refugees during the brutal conflict at the Hôtel des Mille Collines.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

The heartfelt picture shines a light on the barbarous genocide and how political corruption in the country played a heavy hand in the slayings of thousands of innocent lives, and the fact that the drama is based on true events makes it that much calamitous. Cheadle was phenomenal as Rusesabagina, earning an Academy Award nomination alongside Okonedo and earning rave reviews for their emotionally gripping portrayals of the tenacious couple.

Hotel Rwanda is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Hoopla, or for free with ads on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and Pluto TV.

23 The Way We Were (1973)

The Way We Were
The Way We Were
PG
Drama
Romance
Release Date
October 19, 1973
Director
Sydney Pollack
Cast
Barbra Streisand , Robert Redford , Bradford Dillman , Lois Chiles , Patrick O'Neal , Viveca Lindfors , Allyn Ann McLerie , Murray Hamilton , Herb Edelman , Diana Ewing , Sally Kirkland , George Gaynes , James Woods , Susan Blakely
Runtime
118 Minutes

A classic tale of two people told by society and circumstance that they aren't right for each other but foolishly thinking that love is enough, they try to work it out over and over again. Ultimately ending up estranged, and married to other people but with a child Redford's character might not even know, the movie is beautiful but gut-wrenching.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

Before there was The Notebook there was The Way We Were. Starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, the film is a sweeping love story spanning decades, with heartbreaking moments interspersed throughout.

You can rent The Way We Were on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Apple TV, Vudu, Microsoft Store, and DIRECTV.

22 A Silent Voice (2016)

Scene from The Silent Voice showing Shoya and Shoko walking under cherry trees
Kyoto Animation
Related
10 Saddest Movies Based on True Stories
Even though they're dramatized, these movies based on true stories really tug at our heart strings.

A Silent Voice tells the story of Shoya, a disturbed elementary school student who bullies a deaf girl named Shoko along with his friends. But when the news gets out, Shoya is the only one blamed for it. Throughout middle school, he is treated like a social pariah, and he decides that it's better to end his life instead of living like this. But before that, he wants to right all the wrongs he has done and starts his journey with Shoko. This amazing film goes on to show us how Shoya and Shoko slowly become friends and is ultimately about forgiveness and mending your ways.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

With themes like bullying, redemption, guilt, friendship, and a deaf girl at the center of it all, ​​​​​​​ has all that it needs to be a good tearjerker. The beautiful journey of Shoko and Shoya and all her friends will make you tear up a few times, but in the end, you will be able to finish the movie with a smile on your face. If you are a fan of anime movies, then this movie should be on your watchlist.

You can rent A Silent Voice on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, and Apple TV.

21 Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)

Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about His Father
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about His Father
NONE
Documentary
Crime
Drama
Release Date
October 31, 2008
Director
Kurt Kuenne
Cast
Kurt Kuenne , Dr. Andrew Bagby , David Bagby , Kathleen Bagby , Dr. Shirley Turner , Zachary Andrew Turner
Runtime
95

Dear Zachary: A Letter to A Son About His Father was originally made as a video project to show a child what a great person his father was, as he was killed before the child was born. The filmmaker then released the powerful film to the public, premiering at a film festival to great acclaim.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

While grief in scripted films is one thing, watching it unfold on screen in real people is hard to watch. The documentary is so completely devastating that it could probably be used as a tool to determine if someone is capable of feeling empathy at all, as it has to be impossible for an emotionally healthy person to escape the experience with a dry eye.

Dear Zachary: A Letter to A Son About His Father is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel, Hoopla, Topic, or for free with ads on Tubi TV.

20 Roma (2018)

Roma
Roma
R
Drama
Release Date
August 25, 2018
Director
Alfonso Cuarón
Cast
Yalitza Aparicio , Marina de Tavira , Diego Cortina Autrey , Carlos Peralta , Marco Graf , Daniela Demesa
Runtime
134

Following the life of a housekeeper of a middle-class Mexican family, played by newcomer Yalitza Aparicio. The story takes a sad turn towards the end, tying into the unrest of early 1970s Mexico City.​​​​​​​

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

A beautifully shot modern black-and-white film, it's no surprise that Roma cleaned up at the 91st Academy Awards, bringing home Oscars for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Foreign Language Film. Unlike other heavily nominated fares that don't hold up in the following years, the strength of Roma's story guarantees that it won't soon be forgotten. ​​​​​​​

Roma is currently streaming on Netflix, Netflix Basic with Ads.

19 Brian's Song (1971)

Scene from Brian's Song; Piccolo in a hospital bed and Sayers holding his hand
Sony Pictures Television 

the 1971 biographical drama Brian's Song tells the poignant real-life story of Chicago Bears football players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, whose growing friendship in the 1960s garnered attention and became a positive symbol during the civil rights era.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

Widely regarded as one of the greatest television movies ever made, the film chronicles the athletes' inspiring bond while detailing their vastly conflicting personalities and racial backgrounds, culminating in Piccolo's heartbreaking battle with cancer. Despite the two men competing with one another, their friendship remained powerful and unwavering as Sayers stood steadfast by his side in his final days.

Brian's Song is currently streaming on Tubi TV for free with ads.

18 All the Bright Places (2020)

Scene from All the Bright Places
Netflix

Based on a novel of the same name by Jennifer Niven, All The Bright Places is a story about two unhappy teenagers named Violet Markey and Theodore Finch who live in a small town. Violet suffers from immense survivor's guilt as she had lost her sister in an accident which only she survived. Finch, on the other hand, is branded as a loner and weirdo at school and made fun of by some other students as well.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

When Violet tries to end her own life one day, Finch saves her and the two begin an unlikely friendship that we will see grow into something poignant and beautiful throughout the movie. Unfortunately, the film does not have a happy ending and will make you cry by the time you finish it.

All the Bright Places is currently streaming on Netflix, Netflix Basic with Ads.

17 One Day (2011)

One Day
One Day
PG-13
Drama
Documentary
Romance
Release Date
March 2, 2011
Director
Lone Scherfig
Cast
Anne Hathaway , Jim Sturgess , Tom Mison , Jodie Whittaker , Tim Key , Rafe Spall
Runtime
107
Related
10 Sad Movies That End With a Funeral
A dignified funeral is not only tradition to mark the end of a life, but is also customary for films to bid adieu to a story about death.

Starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, this romantic drama follows the couple on the same day years apart. They start as friends and eventually fall in love, despite fate getting in their way at every turn.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

One Day is a movie that starts as one thing and then takes a dramatic turn that changes everything. Something terrible happens that changes the course of their relationship, which they had only just seemed to have figured out. It's a beautiful, intellectually stimulating love story that adapted David Nicholls's celebrated book of the same name.

One Day is currently streaming on Starz Apple TV Channel, Starz Roku Premium Channel, Starz, and Starz Amazon Channel.

16 Lion (2016)

lion
Lion
PG-13
Drama
Documentary
Release Date
January 20, 2016
Director
Garth Davis
Cast
Nicole Kidman , Dev Patel , Nowaz , Tannishtha Chatterjee , Deepti Naval , Priyanka Bose
Runtime
129

In Lion, Dev Patel stars as a man who is searching for his birth parents after getting lost in his village in India as a child and eventually adopted out by an Australian couple, played by Nicole Kidman and David Wenham. Years later as an adult overcome with emotion when thinking about his family back in India, he uses Google Earth to begin searching for them. With the blessing of his adoptive mother, now terminally ill, he travels to India, where he has a tearful reunion with his family after so much time has passed.

What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?

Anyone with a distant family will be deeply touched by Lion's story, though his heart-wrenching journey home is sure to pull on the heartstrings of everyone in the audience. From his dark youth alone on the streets to his emotional reunion with his family, Lion is sure to cause more than a few tears.

Lion is currently streaming on Tubi TV, and Pluto TV for free with ads.