Must-Watch Sad Movies That Are Certified Tearjerkers

Vincent van Gogh’s final words were, “The sadness will last forever.” While that feeling might seem universally true, we often find a way to experience and process sadness through things like movies – allowing us to feel it fully for a contained period of time.

As a movie lover, I truly believe nothing hits you in the feels quite like a great film. We go to comedies for laughs, and horror for scares, but sometimes, you just need a good cry. The movies on this list definitely deliver that – be warned, though, you’ll need tissues! While I don’t want to be depressed every day, there’s something incredibly powerful about letting yourself feel through a tragic story, and really connecting with the characters on screen. That emotional release, that catharsis, is what makes these films so special.

From heartwarming love stories to tales of families reconnecting after long separations, and even stories of unfairness that bring you to tears, these films and books are known for being powerfully emotional.

‘Hamnet’ (2025)

The highly praised film, Hamnet, features Jessie Buckley as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare. However, this isn’t a traditional Shakespearean tale; it centers on Shakespeare’s younger life and the tragic loss of his son to the plague. This devastating loss deeply affects both parents and ultimately motivates Shakespeare to follow his passion as a writer, dedicating his work to his son’s memory.

In a review for MovieWeb, Mark Keizer explained that the film explores deeply sad and emotional themes. He noted that it’s “fundamentally about coping with loss, and how a couple dealing with grief in different ways can find understanding and healing together.” The movie’s depiction of losing a child and its lasting impact is sure to be very moving.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

New Line Cinema

The movie tells the story of Noah and Allie, who share a passionate summer romance before being torn apart by war and Allie’s family. Though years pass, they eventually reconnect. However, the film also shows an older Allie struggling with Alzheimer’s, causing her to forget their history and the love they once shared.

The movie The Notebook is famous for being incredibly sad – so much so that one streamer even felt compelled to rewrite the ending to make it less upsetting. Despite this, it remains a truly iconic and unforgettable love story, and it’s likely you’ll be reaching for the tissues by the time the credits roll, whether you’ve seen the original or the altered version.

‘Titanic’ (1997)

Paramount Pictures

If you’re unfamiliar, Celine Dion’s hit song “My Heart Will Go On” was originally featured in James Cameron’s 1997 film, Titanic. The movie is considered one of the biggest blockbusters of all time. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as the tragic lovers Jack and Rose, Titanic helped launch both actors to international fame.

James Cameron revolutionized filmmaking with his innovative techniques in cinematography, special effects, and editing, earning him 10 Academy Awards that year. Now, saying “I’ll never let go” to a friend or loved one – whether as a playful tease or a heartfelt declaration – has become a common and recognizable part of American culture.

‘Harold and Maude’ (1971)

Paramount Pictures

The film Harold and Maude, directed by Hal Ashby, is a unique romantic comedy that stood out during the New Hollywood movement. It’s a love story that appeals to those who typically dislike romantic films. The story centers on a wealthy, depressed young man stifled by his overly proper mother. He finds a new perspective on life and a renewed sense of purpose when he meets a vibrant, free-spirited woman in her eighties who is fully embracing life.

Harold and Maude is a darkly funny and touching film that explores themes of life and death. It’s a movie that can make you both cry from sadness and smile with joy – you might find yourself moved by the film’s honest portrayal of mortality, as well as the beautiful and transformative relationship between Harold and Maude. Even after more than 50 years, its message still resonates with audiences today.

‘My Girl’ (1991)

Columbia Pictures

Macaulay Culkin, famous from his roles as a child in the ’90s, starred with Anna Chlumsky in the movie My Girl. The film tells the story of two 11-year-olds who become close friends during a memorable summer in 1972 Pennsylvania, and how their lives change.

The film bravely addresses difficult topics such as death, grief, mental health, and the challenges of growing up. However, it’s probably most famous for the heartbreaking death of Thomas, played by Macaulay Culkin, who dies from a bee sting. A particularly powerful scene shows Vada, played by Anna Chlumsky, deeply upset at the funeral, realizing Thomas isn’t wearing his glasses – a moment that continues to move even the most stoic viewers to tears.

‘Toy Story 3’ (2010)

Walt Disney Studios

For nearly thirty years, the Toy Story movies have brought joy to kids. It’s natural for children to imagine their toys coming to life. But Toy Story 3 took a surprisingly serious turn, featuring a villainous pink bear named Lotso (voiced by Ned Beatty) who relentlessly pursues Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the rest of the toy gang.

The movie includes a frightening moment where the toys slowly float toward a burning incinerator, linking hands as if accepting their destiny—but are rescued at the last second. This scene is known to have deeply upset many children, and even some adults, who felt sadness or horror for the defenseless toys.

‘Blue Spring’ (2001)

Arts Magic

Following a major economic downturn in Japan, Blue Spring is set in a high school where both teachers and students have lost motivation. A tight-knit group of friends effectively controls the school through intimidation. However, when their leader suddenly decides to change and focus on hard work, his closest friend feels deeply betrayed and escalates into an even more brutal bully than the previous one.

Often, the most heartbreaking part isn’t losing something, but the feeling that someone could steal your chance at happiness and a fulfilling life. The film Blue Spring powerfully depicts the struggles of a group of friends who feel abandoned by the world. Their desperate choices, and the loss of their youthful innocence, are incredibly moving. The movie culminates in a final scene that is both startling and deeply upsetting.

‘Me Before You’ (2016)

Warner Bros. Pictures

If you enjoy emotionally moving films, you’ve likely seen or heard of Me Before You. Released in 2016, the movie stars Sam Claflin as Will and Emilia Clarke as Louisa. The story begins with Will, a once-active and successful man, becoming paralyzed after a motorcycle accident. Years later, Louisa is hired by Will’s parents to help care for him and brighten his days, and she succeeds in doing so. However, Louisa soon discovers that Will is considering ending his life with assisted suicide.

Without giving away too much, this movie doesn’t follow the usual happy ending formula. Be prepared to feel sad and frustrated while you watch, but ultimately, the ending will leave you with a hopeful feeling.

‘Requiem for a Dream’ (2000)

Artisan Entertainment

Requiem for a Dream is a disturbing and powerful film about four people struggling with drug addiction, and it doesn’t offer any easy resolutions. The actors deliver incredibly realistic performances, with many considering Ellen Burstyn’s role to be one of her finest, even after a long and successful career.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking story in the film centers on Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn), the mother of a drug-addicted son, Harry (Jared Leto). She unintentionally becomes addicted to diet pills and descends into delusion, firmly believing she’s been invited to appear on television – which is why she started dieting in the first place. The film powerfully portrays her increasingly vivid and realistic hallucinations.

‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (2022)

Searchlight Pictures

The Banshees of Inisherin is a truly unique film. It centers around Colm, a man on the Irish island of Inisherin, who abruptly ends his friendship with Pádraic, warning him of serious repercussions if he doesn’t accept his decision. While appearing as a drama, the movie blends in elements of dark comedy, which heightens the sadness of the characters’ conflict. The theme of death – affecting both animals and people – creates a sense of morbid humor throughout the film.

The reason for Colm’s anger towards Pádraic is never fully explained, though he claims it’s because Pádraic talks too much and doesn’t listen. The bizarre act of cutting off fingers only deepens the film’s sadness. The movie is compelling and heartbreaking, partly because of its portrayal of life in rural Ireland and the backdrop of the Civil War. But despite the beautiful scenery, the film’s core remains the painful story of two friends who can’t resolve their differences.

2026-03-12 21:44