Last week I recommended 80's films that everyone should see at some point in their lives, but this week it's going to get a little more emotional, film-wise. The heart-wrenching, tear-inducing movies are the ones that make people think about life and what it would be like to experience something similar to the protagonists in these films. I've listed some of my favorites, as well as some more popular films that people have seen. There may also be some films you wouldn't expect to see on this list (all the intrigue) as well.

1. "My Girl"

It doesn't get any more heart-breaking than "My Girl." This was one of my favorite movies growing up. During a visit home during my sophomore year of college, my dad told me that "My Girl" was on TV, and I turned the TV on so fast it was like the Flash entered the room. The film centers on an adolescent girl, Vada, whose father is a mortician, embalming bodies in the basement of their house that doubles as a funeral home. Vada is developing meaningful friendships when an unexpected and traumatic event interrupts her life. She must learn to accept what she cannot control and move on, living life the best way she knows how. This coming-of-age film tugs aggressively at the heart strings. There will be many tears shed during a viewing of this treasured film.

2. "The Man in the Moon"

This was also a favorite during my childhood. My sister and I would lay on the floor at my Mammow's house and binge-watch this movie with my aunt. It's another coming-of-age film as well. Dani, portrayed by young Reese Witherspoon, is growing up fast when a teenage neighbor, who is constantly shirtless, makes frequent visits to the family's farm when he moves back to town. Dani experiences feelings that she never knew existed, especially when her love interest is torn from her grasp suddenly. Again, tears will flow like rivers after viewing this movie.

3. "The Notebook"

This is a popular choice for romantic movies, but I couldn't leave it off, even though everyone has seen it. I really enjoy this movie because it gives us "hopeless romantics" something to aspire to concerning love. Love is a hard subject to discuss, as well as feel sometimes, which is why this movie is a good example of what love should feel like. Everyone longs to feel special and make someone else feel just as special. It's human nature to feel attracted to others as well. Loving someone, and being loved by someone, is one of the best feelings in the world, which is why it hurts so much when something horrible happens to that love.

4. "Dead Poets Society"

Robin Williams should be the main reason for viewing this movie. My heart broke a couple years ago when I learned of his death. He was one of the most talented actors, as well as one of the most inspiring people to have ever walked the earth. He portrays the role of a private school teacher, who not only teaches young prep students about English, but about life through the exploration of language and literature. If you haven't seen it, stop what you're doing and find it online because it is truly amazing and inspirational.

5. "Patch Adams"

Again, Robin Williams should be the reason for seeing this film. He portrays a medical student pursuing a career as a doctor, not because of the pay, but because of his passion for helping others who are in need. Robin Williams is truly inspirational in this wonderful film about how the compassion of others can brighten the world around us, and ultimately make us better people.

6. "Old Yeller"

Dogs are man's best friend, especially in this tale of two brothers who take in a dog that becomes a beloved member of the family, but later contracts rabies. I think it's a common idea to consider animals more beloved than humans sometimes, which makes us cry even more when losing a pet that has been around for the majority of our lives. Anyone who has suffered the loss of a beloved pet can relate to the hardships of "putting them down". It's like losing a close relative. I cried nonstop for days when three of my dogs were put down last year. They had been a part of my life for 15 years, which is the majority since I'm only 22. This film demonstrates how an animal can become a big part of life and what it is like to lose that wonderful influence. Make sure you have tissues for this movie...you're going to need them.

7. "The Guardian"

This particular film may not create a massive flow of tears, but it presents the message that life is precious, and sometimes we just have to accept the way things are. Kevin Costner stars as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who is taken out of the field and sent to the training school to teach candidates what it means to be a part of the Coast Guard. He ultimately teaches them that when they are saving survivors out in the ocean that it is necessary sometimes to determine who will be saved and who will not be. It really makes us question the value of life and how, if put into this particular situation, we would make such a decision that could impact us for the remainder of our lives. Heavy subject matter, but an amazing film. Completely worth the watch.

8. "The Man in the Iron Mask"

This film is somewhat funny mixed with some serious moments. There are many great actors in this film, but the one that suffers the most grief is John Malkovich's character, Athos (who is excellent, by the way). His son is sent to the front lines of war by King Louis XIV, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, due to his interest in a woman that the king desired. Athos's son is killed in action and Athos grieves tremendously. He only learns how to become compassionate again after meeting Philippe, the king's twin brother. Philippe shows Athos that goodness still exists in the world and that hope is not completely lost.

9. "Rent"

Tissues are a necessity for this Broadway musical, which follows the lives of New York natives struggling with paying rent, maintaining stable relationships, HIV, and drug addictions. These dynamic characters present a way of life that has its fair share of hardships, as well as the happiness that one can find in love and friendships.

10. "Simon Birch"

This was also a movie that I grew up watching, which gets me more now than it did back in the 90's. Two young boys experience the loss of an influential female figure, which causes their friendship to falter before binding so strongly that they become inseparable. I don't want to spoil too much for those of you who plan to watch this, which I highly recommend. This story helps people look at religion differently, as well as understand how friendships shape us, and effect us later in life. It's hard to recognize the important aspects of life sometimes until they're gone, and this movie illustrates how two friends must learn to cope and move on from what they have lost along the way.