***SPOILER ALERT FOR TEAR-JERKING MOVIES***
Crying is one of my favorite things to do. Ok – yes, I understand that may a sound a little masochistic, but I promise you that crying is a healthy, relieving process we all must endure in order to feel better with ourselves and whatever is happening around us. Honestly, I love crying though. The process of just completely breaking down and letting all of my emotions flood out is so therapeutic - it puts all other coping mechanisms to shame.
Anyways, what better way to cry than by watching a movie whose sole purpose is to make you feel some emotion by telling you a story?
1. Marley & Me
Of course, we start off the list with a sad dog movie. Whether it's the cute little puppies in the beginning when John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny Grogan (Jennifer Aniston) that start giving you those teary-eyed-feels from being so overwhelmingly cute, or later on when their dog, Marley, must be put down - it's understandable how such a heartwarming, sad movie can practically wash your face with how many tears it provides.
2. Grave of the Fireflies
Whether it's the harsh aspect of the war that brings you down or the crumbling survival of two kids trying to survive on their own during World War II. From the first few moments in the movie when a homeless, starving boy is laying in the train station to the final moments when we realize that homeless boy was the main character, Seita - this movie is a constant hitting of emotions for the viewers. Get ready to sob, and to sob a lot.
3. Somewhere in Time
A timeless classic with a harrowing twist. This movie paved the way for tragic romance movies, and though it borders on "cheesy," the elegance and beauty of this film truly makes it worth seeing. As everything appears to be going perfectly, one little slip causes this love story into a story of misery and sadness - leaving you in a pool of your own tears.
4. Schindler's List
A classic, if not THE CLASSIC sad movie of the 20th century. Based roughly on some true events that occurred during World War II, this movie doesn't disappoint in terms of artistic ability and its ability to convey a story about the horrific events of the war. Though the entire movie is filmed in black and white, except for the opening scene and the dress of a young girl in a red coat. One of the saddest scenes in the movie is when we see the red coat of the girl among the black and white in a line of dead bodies.
5. Hachi: A Dog's Tale
Yet again - sad dog movies will be the death of me. Hachi: A Dog's Tale is based on true events that happened. Hachi, an Akita raised by a college professor, walks with his owner to the train station where the owner takes a train to go to work, and then Hachi meets his owner after work at the train station where they walk home together. This goes on for almost ten years until one day, the owner unexpectedly dies while at work. For the rest of Hachi's life, he continues to wait at the train station for his owner to come home. Excuse me while I go into a corner and sob.
6. The Impossible
After the first ten minutes of the movie, you can feel the stress levels immediately begin to rise. This movie, based on a true story, follows a family of five as they vacation to Thailand for Christmas when they are hit by a horrific tsunami, which leads to the family being separated. The entire movie you're on the edge of your seat, watching missed opportunities of them finding one another again. But when they finally all reunite, it is one of the most tear-jerking moments in movie history.
7. About Time
Honestly, I'm not sure whether it's the fun sentimental soundtrack that makes me tear up during this movie or the moving narratives and actions throughout it. This is one of my favorite love stories because it feels so genuine and lovely compared to all of the others. Every part of it hits so deeply and makes you feel whatever the characters are feeling because that's what a good movie is supposed to do.
8. Inside Out
This movie is my kryptonite. This was the first movie where I needed tissues in the theater because I was sobbing so much. While not everyone can feel the power of the emotion (literally) that drives this movie, most everyone I've talked to has said that they have cried during this movie. Whether it's the destruction of the main character, Riley's, personality or the tragic death of the beloved character Bing Bong, this movie will most definitely leave you in a puddle of sadness and awe.
9. Still Alice
Based on the book of the same name, this movie tugs at all at the heartstrings as the main character Alice, a college professor at Columbia, begins to show signs of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. This movie will crush your spirit and your soul as it progresses with her symptoms getting worse and worse, eventually leaving her in a completely helpless state where she has trouble remembering the names of her own children.
10. The Pursuit of Happyness
Of all of the movies listed above, The Pursuit of Happyness is by far one of my favorites of all time. Based on a true story, it follows Chris Gardner (Will Smith) as he struggles to make an income, ultimately losing his wife, his money, and his house. The entire movie, though it is stressful and almost painful to watch, is moving and beautiful. Will Smith's performance is absolutely stunning; he flawlessly makes the tears to stream down your cheeks.
