Movies That Will Make You Cry
Sometimes you need a good cry. These films earn every tear — from devastating war dramas to animated masterpieces that wreck you in the first ten minutes. Tissues mandatory.
Key Takeaways
- Schindler's List tops our list as the most powerfully emotional film ever made
- Mix of happy tears, sad tears, and "I can't stop" tears
- Range from animation to historical drama to contemporary indie
- Some films are devastating (Grave of the Fireflies), others are ultimately uplifting (The Pursuit of Happyness)
- Crying at movies is healthy — research shows it releases oxytocin and improves mood
Hero Pick
S
Schindler's List (1993)
R
Drama
History
War
3h 15min
⚖ 98% Verdict
Devastating
Historical
Hopeful
Why this pick: Steven Spielberg's masterpiece about Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved 1,100 Jewish lives during the Holocaust, is widely regarded as the most emotionally devastating film ever made — and also one of the most important. Shot in stark black and white with Janusz Kaminski's unforgettable cinematography, every frame carries the weight of history. Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes deliver career-defining performances. The final act, when Schindler breaks down realizing he could have saved more, will destroy you. But the film isn't just sadness — it's a profound testament to human goodness in the face of absolute evil. You'll cry, but you'll also feel the power of compassion. This is cinema at its most essential.
Runner-Up Picks
More films that guarantee tears — bring tissues for every one.
U
Up (first 10 min!)
2009 · PG · 1h 36min
Animation
Adventure
Love & Loss
⚖ 95%
Disney+
G
Grave of the Fireflies
1988 · NR · 1h 29min
Animation
War
Heartbreaking
⚖ 97%
Rent
M
Manchester by the Sea
2016 · R · 2h 17min
Drama
Grief
Raw
⚖ 93%
Prime Video
T
The Pursuit of Happyness
2006 · PG-13 · 1h 57min
Drama
Biography
Triumphant
⚖ 87%
Netflix
L
Life Is Beautiful
1997 · PG-13 · 1h 56min
Comedy
Drama
Bittersweet
⚖ 95%
Prime Video
More Ways to Find Your Next Film
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies will make me cry?
Movies guaranteed to make you cry include Schindler's List for its devastating historical power, Up's opening montage for its portrait of love and loss, Grave of the Fireflies for its heartbreaking war story, Manchester by the Sea for its raw grief, The Pursuit of Happyness for its triumph over struggle, and Life Is Beautiful for its father's ultimate sacrifice.
Why do people watch sad movies on purpose?
Research shows that watching emotional films triggers the release of oxytocin and endorphins, creating a cathartic experience that actually improves mood afterward. Sad movies help us process our own emotions, build empathy, and appreciate what we have. Many viewers find a good cry therapeutic — it's emotional exercise that leaves you feeling cleansed and more connected to your own humanity.
What's the saddest movie ever made?
While subjective, Grave of the Fireflies is widely considered the saddest film ever made — the story of two Japanese children trying to survive in the final days of WWII is almost unbearably moving. Schindler's List achieves similar devastation through historical gravity. For pure emotional intensity, Manchester by the Sea's portrayal of inconsolable grief is perhaps the most realistic depiction of loss in cinema.
Are there feel-good movies that also make you cry?
Absolutely! The Pursuit of Happyness delivers happy tears through triumph over adversity. Life Is Beautiful mixes comedy with devastating tragedy but ends with a message of love's power. Up makes you sob in the first 10 minutes but becomes a joyful adventure. These prove the best cries aren't always sad ones. Also check our feel-good picks for uplifting alternatives.
Where can I stream these emotional movies?
Schindler's List is on Peacock. Up is on Disney+. Grave of the Fireflies is available to rent digitally. Manchester by the Sea is on Prime Video. The Pursuit of Happyness is on Netflix or Prime Video. Life Is Beautiful is available to rent on most platforms. Use SelectMovie's Where to Watch for current availability.
Should I watch sad movies alone or with someone?
Both can be powerful. Watching alone allows you to fully surrender to the emotions without self-consciousness. Watching with someone creates shared vulnerability and often brings people closer together. For especially intense films like Schindler's List or Grave of the Fireflies, solo viewing gives you space to process at your own pace.