17 Movies To Watch When You Need A Good Cry

Some days just suck. Work is stressful, you feel totally unmotivated, and the whole vibe is off. Instead of forcing something super cheerful, sometimes the best thing to do is lean into it and let yourself feel everything. And sometimes, you just need a movie that makes you cry your heart out.

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So whether you’re nursing a heartbreak, feeling nostalgic, or just want a good cry, here are some of the best emotional and heart-wrenching movies to watch that will definitely make you cry.

#1 Past Lives (2023)

Photo from A24

Past Lives is about two childhood friends from Korea, Nora and Hae Sung, who reconnect years later after life takes them on different paths. Their story is filled with longing, what ifs, and emotions that feel all too real. It stars Greta Lee and Teo Yoo.

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#2 Marley & Me (2008)

Photo from 20th Century Studios

Marley & Me follows newlyweds John and Jenny as they adopt a mischievous Labrador puppy named Marley. What starts as a funny story about a dog’s chaos becomes a heartfelt look at love, family, and loss. It stars Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.

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#3 The Green Mile (1999)

Photo from Warner Bros.

The Green Mile tells the story of a prison guard who meets John Coffey, a death row inmate with extraordinary powers. The bond they form brings both hope and heartbreak. The film stars Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan.

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#4 Interstellar (2014)

Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures

Interstellar follows a father who joins a mission to find a new home for humanity while leaving his daughter behind on Earth. The film is as much about space as it is about love, sacrifice, and time. It stars Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.

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#5 Up (2009)

Photo from Pixar

Up begins with one of the most emotional openings in animation history, telling the life story of Carl and Ellie. The rest of the film follows Carl as he sets off on an adventure with a young boy named Russell. It features the voices of Ed Asner and Jordan Nagai.

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#6 Inside Out (2015)

Photo from Pixar

Inside Out dives into the emotions inside an eleven year old girl’s head as she faces big changes in life. Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the feelings show us how important it is to embrace every emotion. It features the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, and Mindy Kaling.

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#7 The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Photo from Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures

The Pursuit of Happyness tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a father struggling with homelessness while raising his young son. His determination to give his child a better life is deeply moving. It stars Will Smith and Jaden Smith.

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#8 The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Photo from 20th Century Studios

Adapted from John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, the story is about two teens, Hazel and Gus, who fall in love while battling cancer. Their story is tender, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. It stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.

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#9 Titanic (1997)

Photo from Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox

Titanic tells the tragic love story of Jack and Rose, two passengers from very different worlds who meet aboard the doomed ship. It is a romance mixed with history that will always make you cry. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

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#10 How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024)

Photo from GDH

This Thai film is about a young man who moves in with his grandmother hoping to inherit her money. Over time, he grows to truly care for her and learns about love, family, and regret. It stars Putthipong Assaratanakul and Usha Seamkhum.

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#11 The Notebook (2004)

Photo from New Line Cinema

The Notebook is a classic romance about Noah and Allie, two young lovers whose passion is tested by family, war, and time. Their love story unfolds both in the past and the present. It stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

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#12 Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Photo from Summit Entertainment

Bridge to Terabithia tells the story of Jess and Leslie, two friends who create a magical kingdom in the woods. Their friendship is full of joy until tragedy changes everything. It stars Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb.

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#13 We Live in Time (2024)

Photo from A24, StudioCanal

We Live in Time is a love story that follows a couple through years of joy, struggles, and heartache. It shows how love carries us through even the hardest moments. It stars Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield.

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#14 Steel Magnolias (1989)

Photo from Tri-Star Pictures

Steel Magnolias is set in a small town and tells the story of a close group of women who share laughter and heartbreak together. It is about friendship, family, and resilience. It stars Sally Field, Julia Roberts, and Dolly Parton.

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#15 About Time (2013)

Photo from Universal Pictures

About Time follows Tim, a young man who discovers he can travel back in time. He uses his gift to shape his love life and cherish family moments. The story is as heartwarming as it is tearful. It stars Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams.

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#16 My Sister’s Keeper (2009)

Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures

Based on a novel by Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper tells the story of a young girl who was conceived to be a genetic match for her sister with cancer. It raises questions about family, choice, and sacrifice. It stars Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, and Sofia Vassilieva.

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#17 Christopher Robin (2018)

Photo from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Christopher Robin brings Winnie the Pooh and friends back into the life of a grown up Christopher who has lost his sense of joy. It is both nostalgic and moving as he rediscovers what truly matters. It stars Ewan McGregor and features the voice of Jim Cummings.