Top 10 films most likely to make you cry

Do you ever just want to put on a sad film, get a tub of ice cream and cry your eyes out? You're not the only one, and there are actually a few good reasons to do exactly that.

Contact lens optician at Feel Good Contacts Tina Patel says, “Studies have found the act of crying to have many benefits, and emotional tears are particularly healthy to relieve distress and pain due to their self-soothing nature. Crying can help us to process emotions and you can even experience an enhanced mood afterwards due to the release of endorphins and oxytocin.

“Watching a sad movie can help us to initiate emotional crying, in turn inducing the above health benefits. If you can watch a sad movie with company, then this is even better. Crying among others promotes social bonding, and encourages us to respond with kindness and compassion, which deepens human connection.”

If you're in need of some sad film inspiration, Feel Good Contacts analysed over 4,000 comments from Reddit on forums related to sad movies, and counted the combined number of upvotes (similar to a "like" on other social media platforms) to rank the top ten films most likely to make you cry.

Coming in at number ten is About Time, directed by Richard Curtis. While primarily a romantic comedy, the film weaves a poignant narrative about family, love, and the inevitability of time.

Domhnall Gleeson's endearing performance and the film's heartwarming exploration of life's fleeting moments make About Time a tearful yet ultimately uplifting cinematic experience.

Directed by Lars von Trier, Dancer in the Dark is a musical drama that stars Icelandic singer Björk as Selma, a Czech immigrant facing blindness who escapes into musical fantasies.

The film explores themes of sacrifice, injustice, and the pursuit of happiness amidst overwhelming adversity. Björk's haunting performance and the film's unique style create an emotionally charged experience that is both devastating and beautiful.

Based on the beloved novel by Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia is a coming-of-age story that takes an unexpected turn.

Directed by Gábor Csupó, the film explores the powerful bond between two young friends, Jesse and Leslie (Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb), and the impact of a tragic event in their lives. The emotional depth and sincerity of the performances make this film a tearful journey through the complexities of friendship and loss.

Directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, Life is Beautiful is a tragicomic masterpiece set against the backdrop of the Second World War.

The film tells the story of a father's unwavering determination to shield his young son from the harsh realities of a concentration camp by turning their ordeal into a game. The juxtaposition of humour and tragedy creates a deeply moving narrative that brings tears but also celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.

Pixar's ability to tell emotionally resonant stories reaches new heights in Coco. Directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, the film takes audiences on a journey to the vibrant Land of the Dead as young Miguel seeks to understand his family's history and pursue his passion for music.

The themes of family, tradition, and remembrance, combined with Pixar's stunning animation, make Coco a heartwarming and tearful experience.

Prepare to have your heartstrings pulled by the touching tale of loyalty and friendship in Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. Directed by Lasse Hallström, this film is based on the true story of Hachiko, an Akita dog who continued to wait for his deceased owner at a train station every day.

Richard Gere's portrayal of the owner and the unwavering loyalty displayed by Hachiko create a profoundly emotional experience that is bound to bring tears to even the toughest of viewers.

Based on Stephen King's novel and directed by Frank Darabont, The Green Mile is a heart-wrenching tale set against the backdrop of a Southern prison. Tom Hanks delivers a powerful performance as Paul Edgecomb, a corrections officer who forms a unique bond with a death row inmate, played by Michael Clarke Duncan.

The film explores themes of injustice, compassion, and the supernatural, resulting in an emotionally charged narrative that resonates with audiences.

The data revealed the third saddest movie to be Aftersun with 522 upvotes. Released in 2022, this is the most modern movie to make the top ten list, and Redditors had many emotions to share about the coming-of-age story. One comment read that it had them “in absolute shambles,” while another shared, “I was crying for a full 15 minutes at 2am.”

Directed by Charlotte Wells, it is a coming-of-age drama that packs a punch. It tells the story of a girl and her father, brilliantly portrayed by Frankie Corio and Paul Mescale, on holiday at a Turkish resort.

Wells' feature directorial debut is subtle but powerful, navigating themes of memory and mental health as it intersperses conventional filming with home video footage. The film's emotional intensity and exceptional performances make it a tear-jerker that leaves a lasting impact.

Ranking second on the list with 730 upvotes is Manchester by the Sea, directed by Kenneth Lonergan. The film stars Casey Affleck as Lee, who becomes the named guardian to his 16-year-old nephew Patrick, played by Lucas Hedges, following his brother’s death. The tragedy pushes Lee to return to his hometown and confront his tragic past.

The film delves into the complexities of loss and redemption, leaving audiences emotionally shattered by its raw and realistic portrayal of pain. Amongst the comments posted read, “Devastating, harrowing, crushing, absolutely the most heart-wrenching movie I have ever seen, and nothing comes close.”

According to the data, Studio Ghibli masterpiece Grave of the Fireflies is the saddest movie of all time with 1,390 upvotes and many admissions of tears.

Directed by Isao Takahata, this animated film is a haunting portrayal of the devastating impact of war on two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, during the Second World War. The emotional weight of their struggle for survival is beautifully depicted, making it a poignant and tear-inducing experience.

One Redditor commented, “Grave of the Fireflies is a heart-wrenching truth that just happens to be in a cartoon format. I can’t think of another film that has made me cry harder than that one.”

Another Redditor added, “Grave of the Fireflies was the best movie I'll never watch again.”

So if you're in the mood to sob this evening, take your pick of these sad films. And remember, tears don't have to be all bad! Tina adds, “Crying is a positive form of relief and allows us to demonstrate our emotional connection with the world and people around us.”

Cover image: Studio Ghibli