Movies have a special way of making us feel — to laugh, to love, and especially, to cry. Some films tell powerful stories of love, loss, or survival. These films touch our hearts and stay in our memories. In this guide, we present the Top 10 emotional movies that will pull at your heartstrings. They include timeless classics and modern hits. These are the emotional movies that will make you cry and that linger with you.
Our selection spans various genres — from war stories and true tales to romantic heartbreak and unforgettable animal adventures. These films are celebrated as the most emotional movies ever. If you’re ready for an emotional journey, grab some tissues and keep reading.
1. Schindler’s List (1993) — Most Emotional Movies Ever
Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List is one of the saddest movies ever. It evokes deep emotions with its powerful portrayal of the Holocaust. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who changed from a war profiteer to a humanitarian. He saved over 1,000 Jewish lives. The stark black-and-white cinematography and strong performances hit hard. This film can make you cry every time you watch it, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Its emotional depth and historical importance secure its place on lists of the best emotional movies ever. (Rotten Tomatoes)
2. The Impossible (2012) — Heartbreaking Movie to Watch
The Impossible is a powerful drama based on the true story of a family affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Naomi Watts gives an incredible performance as a mother determined to survive and reunite her family in the chaos. The film’s emotional strength lies in its honesty and the visible desperation of its characters. It’s often listed among emotional films that hit hard. Many viewers say it’s one of the emotional movies that makes everyone cry, with some noting that even thinking about it brings tears.
3. A Star Is Born (2018) — Romantic Emotional Movies
In A Star Is Born, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper tell a love story that is both soulful and heartbreaking. Their chemistry and strong musical performances enhance a tale about love, fame, and the challenges that come with them. As the story unfolds, the emotional stakes increase. The film’s final act strikes with powerful impact. This film ranks among the most cherished romantic emotional movies in recent years. Its themes of sacrifice and loss come together in a memorable way.
4. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) — Emotional Dog Movies
If you’re after emotional dog movies, check out Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. This film is based on a true story about Hachiko, a devoted Akita. He waits every day at the train station for his owner, even after his owner has died. The premise is simple, yet its emotional impact is strong. Many viewers find themselves in tears, making it one of the most touching emotional movies on Netflix. If you’re a pet lover or enjoy stories of loyalty, this film will surely be one of the sad movies that will make you cry.
If emotional films featuring loyal pets hit you the hardest, don’t miss our list of the top 10 best dog movies you must watch.
5. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008) — Sad Movies That Will Make You Cry
This tragic World War II drama is one of the most emotional movies ever made. It shows the Holocaust through a child’s innocent perspective. A German boy makes friends with a Jewish boy across a concentration camp fence. Their friendship leads to a devastating ending. The film’s emotional depth comes from its pure bond and the surrounding horror. It highlights real-world cruelty and lost innocence. Many viewers list it among the movies that make you cry every time for its unforgettable conclusion.
6. The Notebook (2004) — Best Emotional Movies Ever
The Notebook is a classic in emotional romantic movies. It brings Nicholas Sparks’ novel to life with a sweeping love story that lasts decades. From sweet beginnings to painful separations, it shows love’s strength against memory loss. The final scenes blend tragedy with beauty, making it a top pick for emotional movies that make you cry. Though fictional, its emotional truth resonates with everyone.
7. Pieces of a Woman (2020) — Emotional Films That Hit Hard
Pieces of a Woman looks at the pain after a tragic home birth. It tackles grief, blame, and healing. Vanessa Kirby delivers a striking performance filled with raw emotion. The film’s honest portrayal of loss ranks it among the emotional films that hit hard. It’s frequently listed as one of the sad movies that will make you cry. Its intimate storytelling draws you in, making it a tear-jerker that lingers long after the credits roll.
8. My Girl (1991) — Movies That Make You Cry Every Time
My Girl is a coming-of-age story about love, loss, and growing up. Young Vada learns about death and grief after a tragic accident. Her journey resonates with audiences. This film is often on lists of movies that will make you cry every time because it shows childhood friendship and heartache honestly. With gentle storytelling and memorable characters, My Girl makes everyone cry, especially for those who relate to youth and real emotional growth.
9. A Man Called Otto (2022) — Emotional Movies on Netflix
Starring Tom Hanks as a lonely widower finding life again, A Man Called Otto adapts a popular Swedish novel. This film mixes quiet reflection with deep emotions. It explores themes like loss, community, and healing. Many viewers call it one of the emotional movies on Netflix that brings tears through heartfelt performances and universal themes. Its warm storytelling makes it one of the best emotional movies of all time for those who appreciate life’s tender complexities.
10. One Day (2011) — Romantic Emotional Movies
One Day, based on David Nicholls’ novel, follows two friends over many years. They reconnect on the same date each year. This film explores love, chance, and missed opportunities. It offers a deeply emotional story that resonates with fans of romantic emotional movies. With strong performances and a touching script, it leaves audiences thinking and feeling long after the credits roll. This makes it a standout in movies that make you cry every time. Its mix of heartbreak and nostalgia secures its spot as one of the Top 10 emotional movies worth watching.
FAQ | Emotional Movies That Will Make You Cry
Q1. What are the Top 10 emotional movies that make you cry?
The list includes classics and modern tear-jerkers. Notable titles are Schindler’s List, The Impossible, The Notebook, and Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. Each one is known for its strong emotional impact.
Q2. Which sad movies that will make you cry are based on true stories?
The Impossible and A Man Called Otto are two of the most impactful films based on true stories. They really enhance emotional depth.
Q3. Are there emotional movies on Netflix worth watching?
Yes — titles like A Man Called Otto and other tearjerkers often appear in Netflix drama collections.
Q4. What are some emotional dog movies that make everyone cry?
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is recognized as one of the most emotional and heart-wrenching animal stories in movies.
Q5. Which romantic emotional movies make viewers cry?
Films such as The Notebook, A Star Is Born, and One Day are beloved for their emotional portrayals of love and loss.