14 Movies Guaranteed to Make You Cry Ugly Tears

There is something oddly comforting about watching sad movies, or am I just weird?

Whether you’re in the mood for an epic tragedy or a heart-wrenching romance that leaves you with puffy eyes, shedding tears during a film can feel surprisingly therapeutic. So grab a box of tissues, cozy up under your duvet, and explore 14 movies guaranteed to make you bawl your eyes out.

1. Pursuit of Happyness

Based on a true story of resilience in the face of adversity, this film follows a man who faces one hardship after another. From his wife leaving him to losing his life savings and being evicted, he ends up living in a homeless shelter. Starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith, the movie is a roller coaster of emotions—moving from tears and anger to moments of laughter. Knowing it’s based on real events adds to its powerful impact. The uplifting ending, where he finally finds a glimmer of hope, left me with a sense of happiness. A must-watch!

Available on Amazon Prime

2. The Fault in Our Stars

This American romantic tragedy stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort and is guaranteed to leave you in tears. It follows two teenagers with cancer who find love amidst their struggles. Brace yourself because this film is deeply heart-wrenching and far from your typical teenage rom-com. Its unpredictability adds to its emotional weight, and the ending lingered in my thoughts for weeeeks—it was truly heartbreaking yet beautifully portrayed.

If you want to break your heart even more, I suggest reading the book.

Available on Netflix

3. Queen and Slim

Queen and Slim is a phenomenal movie with powerful messages on racial profiling, love, trust, and police brutality. Directed by Melina Matsoukas and written by Lena Waithe, it follows two people whose first date takes a harrowing turn during a police traffic stop. The film portrays the fear and challenges faced by black Americans. The real tears came at the end; I cried hideous ones.

Avilablle on Amazon Prime

4. Me Before You

A love story between two people from opposite worlds whose paths only crossed due to a fateful situation. Starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin, this tragic movie will move you to tears. Despite its somewhat idealized romance, watching this film will make you reflect on how you might act in a similar situation.

Available on Amazon prime

5. Les Misérables

I’ve never seen a musical that hit me like Les Misérables. This movie adaptation of the classic bok is packed with well, sorrowful characters. The performances were phenomenal. It’s impossible to form hard guy with this one; you will cry during some scenes. I love this movie so much that I can’t recommend it enough. It’s got singing, romance, history, and action all rolled into one. The actors were breathtaking; they deserved every accolade they received.

Available on Amazon Prime

6. For Colored Girls

This movie is so deeply profound; I cried throughout. The plot and storyline touch on many struggles that black women face. Words can’t capture the emotions I felt watching it; even now, I’m at a loss. You really have to see it for yourself to grasp it. The entire cast delivered amazing performances, and the directing was exceptionally well done.

Available on Amazon Prime

7. A Walk to Remember

Sad isn’t the best way to describe this movie. It’s one of the most romantic films I’ve seen to date. A young boy, assigned to community service in a play, falls in love with a reverend’s daughter. The film beautifully illustrates personal growth and learning from one’s past. Mandy Moore’s performance is phenomenal; I’m absolutely captivated by her!

Available on Netflix

8. Titanic

A timeless love story that transcends generations. This film captures the essence of a classic tale of love between a poor boy and a rich girl, but with an added layer of romance. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet deliver exceptional performances, making this film truly unforgettable. The ending really got me in my feelings, as it did everyone.

Fun fact: Jack and Rose were the only fictional characters in the film; most characters and events were based on real people aboard the ship.

Available on Amazon Prime

9. The Impossible

This movie is heart-wrenching yet fantastic if you’re prepared to shed some real tears. Based on the true story of a Spanish family’s Christmas holiday in Thailand during the devastating tsunami that claimed 230,000 lives in Southeast Asia, it explores themes of family, the human spirit, survival, and love. It’s intensely emotional, so be sure to have your tissues ready.

Available on Netflix

10. Interstellar

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Interstellar is a sci-fi movie centered on the search for a new habitable world to replace a despoiled Earth. Apart from its stellar cast and breathtaking visual effects, the film delivers many emotional moments. The ending stands out as one of the saddest scenes, where Cooper (played by Matthew McConaughey) visits his elderly, dying daughter Murph in the hospital, sharing an emotional moment together. I cried so much!

Available on Netflix

11. My Sister’s Keeper

Adapted from Jodi Picoult’s novel, My Sister’s Keeper is a heart-wrenching drama that will make you cry from start to finish. The story revolves around a family grappling with their daughter Kate’s battle with leukemia. At their doctor’s suggestion, they conceive another child, Anna, specifically to serve as a donor for Kate. As the years pass, Anna becomes weary of the constant medical procedures and decides to take legal action against her parents for medical emancipation. This thought-provoking and unpredictable film showcases powerful performances, particularly Sofia Vassilieva as Kate, who portrays the raw desperation of her character’s fight for life. The entire cast delivers amazing performances.

Available on Amazon Prime

12. Cast Away

Simply put, Cast Away is a sad and harrowing movie about being alone. Released in 2000 and starring Tom Hanks, it follows Chuck Noland, a man whose plane crashes over the Pacific Ocean during a storm. As the sole survivor, he washes ashore on a deserted island and spends four years there, with his only companion being a handmade volleyball named Wilson. The film evokes many emotions—sadness, hope, and fear. You will deeply empathize with Chuck’s journey and his profound struggle for survival. You will feel his pain to the core.

Available on Amazon Prime

13. A Silent Voice

I watch this movie every once in a while to experience it all over again. It’s a touching story on depression, bullying, anxiety, friendship and redemption. It’s heartwarming and also heart-wrenching. I was in tears throughout most of this film. It centers on a grade-school student with a hearing impairment who faces bullying and is forced to change schools. Years later, the former bully, tormented by guilt, seeks to make amends. I found myself rooting for Shouko and eventually empathizing with Shoya as well.

Available on Netflix

14. One Day

I couldn’t resist including the 2024 remake of One Day on this list because it’s such a beautiful story that moved me to tears. If you enjoyed the original starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, you’ll likely love this version even more for its depth. Watching this series is a roller coaster of emotions; it felt like experiencing all the years and feelings alongside the characters, making their journey incredibly special. The chemistry between Dex and Em (played by Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod) is palpable, keeping you glued to the screen to catch every moment of their love story. This movie is a must-watch if you’re looking for a heartfelt coming-of-age tale filled with love, loss, friendship, joy, and sadness. Till today, I still think about the (horrible) ending.