We watch movies for entertainment, but no one can deny that tearjerkers have a big market. I suppose it is part of human nature that sometimes, we just need to let those tears flow. Indeed, a good cry is useful every now and then. If you are looking for something to bring out that sadness from deep within, check out my list of the top 10 movies that will not fail to evoke those emotions.
1. Titanic (1997)
I have to say that my personal preferences do not really put Titanic at the top of my list of favorite movies. I cannot deny – and I honestly think that no one can – that this epic movie is one of the saddest movies you can ever watch. I don’t know anyone who has seen it who did not shed a tear (or buckets). Indeed, some alpha males will deny that it evoked any such emotion, but I am pretty sure that’s all for show. Combine history with a tragic love story – how can that not make you cry?
2. I Am Sam (2001)
A father who has a developmental disability and an intelligent young daughter fighting for their lives together. This movie is definitely a tearjerker. The situation of the father and daughter may not be commonplace, but the way the story was presented and the quality of acting come together to help the viewer relate to the movie. If there’s one thing you can take away from this movie, it is the love of a father for his child. If you have a friend or family member who is physically or mentally challenged, be even readier to watch this movie with a box to tissue.
3. Hurt Locker (2008)
Get it from the title – this movie will make you hurt! As intense as a movie can be, Hurt Locker is about an elite group of bomb specialists stationed in Iraq. The attraction of this movie is not simply about the action and danger involved, but the internal issues that each of the characters face. One of my most favorite quotes come from this movie: As you get older… some of the things you love might not seem so special anymore. Like your Jack-in-a-Box. Maybe you’ll realize it’s just a piece of tin and a stuffed animal. And the older you get, the fewer things you really love. And by the time you get to my age, maybe it’s only one or two things. With me, I think it’s one.
4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
If you were given the opportunity to erase certain memories, would you do it? The movie revolves around that idea. A couple decided to erase each other from their memories, and that’s when they realized how much they value each other. It does have a somewhat happy ending, but the entire movie is quite painful to watch. It is even more painful if you are going through a rough patch in your life when you watch the movie.
5. A Walk to Remember (2002)
Teenage boy meets teenage girl with whom he is unlikely to fall in love. The boy is popular, the girl not so. They fall in love anyway. Naturally, there is more to the story than that, but I will not spoil the movie for those who haven’t seen it. Let’s just say that it does not have a happy ending. More so, there is something pure about young love that will certainly give your tear ducts a work out.
6. My Sassy Girl (2001)
This movie became popular in the West only in 2008 when a westernized version was released, but I particularly like the original (Korean) movie released in 2001. The story has some similarities to A Walk to Remember, but is technically classified as a romantic comedy. By the way, this movie is based on a real story shared by the guy on the Internet. It was made into a book, which was later on made into the movie.
7. The Notebook (2004)
This is another movie that I wouldn’t recommend personally if I were asked about my favorites. However, it is a sad movie that deserves to be on this list. With a tag line such as ‘Behind every great love is a great story,’ you ought to expect strong emotions. Based on the book by Nicholas Sparks, the movie is perhaps one of the most emotional love stories there is.
8. Seven Pounds (2008)
Aren’t we all seeking for redemption, one way or another? The story of Seven Pounds is all about the search for redemption by an IRS agent. The whole premise of the movie is quite heavy on the heart, the conclusion more so. It does give one hope about the good that men have in their hearts, though. And perhaps, that hope is part of the reason people cry when watching this movie.
9. My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
Whatever you do, make sure that you are ready for a gut-wrenching experience if you watch this movie. My Sister’s Keeper is about a family with a special child – special in that she was genetically designed to help her older sister survive a dreaded disease by donating organs to her. If that premise is not bad enough, you just have to watch the movie to find out about the twists and turns in this family’s life. Mothers will be red-eyed and puffy-eyed halfway through the movie.
10. Green Mile (1999)
Green Mile is a movie that shows human beings at our best and at our worst. This is perhaps one of the best movies that you can ever watch, and you will definitely be touched by the characters and their individual stories.