10 Saddest Movies of All Time That Will Make You Cry

1. Me before You

As soon as I started seeing comments and previews for Me Before You on all my news feeds and timelines, I knew it was going to be a massive tearjerker, and boy was I right! I watched this film without having read Jojo Moyes' book first, and it just completely crushed me. The emotional weight of Will and Lou's story absolutely destroyed me. If you love emotional book adaptations, this ranks right up there with The Fault in Our Stars for pure tearjerking power. I honestly do not know if I can even handle reading the original novel—if the movie made me sob this hard, the book would probably undo me entirely!

2. The Fault in Our Stars

I actually read the book before seeing the feature film adaptation of The Fault in Our Stars, and I cried for almost an hour after finishing the final page. It is so unbelievably heartbreaking! When we went to see it in theaters, I basically started sobbing during the opening scene and did not stop until well after we arrived back home. I saved it on my watchlist, and whenever I need a therapeutic emotional release, I put it on and just let the tears flow.

Here is why this movie hits viewers so hard:

3. Marley & Me

If a movie involves something tragic happening to a pet or animal, I am instantly done. I have only watched Marley & Me once because one viewing was seriously all my heart could handle. It is an absolutely devastating story, especially for any dog lover who considers their pet part of the family. Does anyone else instantly gather up their pets and hug them tight whenever something sad happens to an animal in a film or on television?

4. Dear 📃 John

I know some critics call it sappy, but Dear John is undeniably one of the saddest movies about love. Nicholas Sparks stories and his signature handwritten letters seem specifically designed to rip your heart out! If you are looking for another story of intense romance tested by fate, compare it to Brokeback Mountain. Still, at least the subtle hint of hope near the end helps balance out some of the film's overwhelming melancholy.

5. Life 💓 as a 🅰️ House

My friend Lyndsie first introduced me to this film, which she absolutely adores even though she cries through almost the entire runtime. She shared it with me partly to introduce me to Ian Somerhalder, but mainly because the story is breathtaking, devastating, and deeply touching all at once. Plus, with powerhouse performances from Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Jena Malone, it is an incredible drama that deserves far more recognition.

6. The Danish Girl

This is such a stunning, powerful movie. It tells a historic story that deeply needed to be brought to the screen, though it is heartbreaking that many people who could benefit from its message might never watch it. The cinematography is illuminating and visually captivating. While there was notable discussion surrounding the casting choices, Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander delivered deeply moving, award-worthy performances.

7. Brokeback Mountain

Directed by Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain destroys me emotionally every single time I watch it. I read Annie Proulx's short story before the film released and loved it, but this is one rare instance where the cinematic adaptation expands upon the source material so brilliantly. It is poetic, brutal, and profoundly tragic. It easily holds a spot in my top five saddest movies of all time, and specific scenes leave me weeping no matter how many times I have seen it.

8. Selena

The world lost such a vibrant, gifted, and shining star when Selena Quintanilla was tragically taken from us. Starring Jennifer Lopez in a star-making role, Selena introduced millions of fans to her music, charisma, and spirit. Jennifer Lopez gave a phenomenal performance, and the surrounding cast portrayed the warmth and closeness of the Quintanilla family so beautifully that the final act hits with overwhelming grief.

9. Steel 🔩 Magnolias

This film remains one of the absolute best saddest 90s movies for so many reasons. It hits viewers so hard because it balances genuine Southern humor with raw human heartache. I love movies focused on female friendships, family bonds, and everyday life milestones. While it features endless funny and quotable lines, Sally Field's emotional cemetery scene delivers one of the most heartbreaking moments in movie history.

What makes Steel Magnolias a timeless classic:

10. My Girl

Oh, Thomas J.! "He can't see without his glasses!"—that famous line alone is enough to tear anyone apart. Anna Chlumsky was radiant and wise beyond her years as Vada Sultenfuss, and Macaulay Culkin gave a tender performance far removed from his Home Alone fame. Much like pet-centric tearjerkers such as Marley & Me, this coming-of-age story captures innocence and loss so tenderly that it remains a classic sad comfort movie, even as it turns every viewer into a sobbing puddle.

Now it is your turn! Which films top your personal list of the saddest movies of all time? Share your favorite tearjerkers and emotional comfort movies in the comments below!