Watching a sad movie generates a myriad of emotions in everyone. It can be a cathartic outlet to deal with the stresses of life. Alternatively, it can be a way to trigger emotions we rarely allow ourselves to get in touch with. Scientific studies have even shown that watching a weepy movie can actually make people feel better.
So, if you’re in the mood for a sad movie, put your feet up, get your tissues ready and choose one of these top ten sorrowful tales.
1. Schindler’s List, 1993
This harrowing tale, set in Nazi Germany, is certainly one of the saddest films of all time. It is not an easy task to hold back your tears as you gasp and sob when you watch this weepy yet inspirational film.
2. The Green Mile, 1999
Based on Stephen King’s story, The Green Mile will take you on a rollercoaster journey of betrayal, regrets and loss. With flawed heroes and unsympathetic villains, this merciless tale will equally captivate you and crush you. Injustices abound in this haunting story set in a 1930s death row prison.
3. Marriage Story, 2019
The true human pain of broken families is valiantly depicted in this movie, which netted a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Laura Dern. It’s impossible not to feel the pain of the principal characters, Charlie and Nicole, as they struggle with family life in the midst of a divorce.
4. Dumbo, 2019
A twist on the original Disney movie that had everyone crying as children, this tale of a young elephant who wants to fly will touch your heart and jerk your tear ducts. A lovely yet sad depiction of motherly love and friendship, Dumbo has earned its place as an eternal classic in the canons of sad movies.
5. P.S I Love You, 2007
Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for a heart-rending story centred on love letters sent from beyond the grave. P.S I Love You is really a tale about lasting love, moving on and finding peace in the hope of what is to come. As a bonus, the picturesque scenery is awe-inspiring.
6. Meet Joe Black, 1998
Brad Pitt’s portrayal of death personified is strangely uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. It is impossible not to bond with all the main protagonists as we watch them each struggle with their own personal issues. This film will leave you reflecting on the true nature of love, life and death long after the credits have rolled.
7. Irreplaceable You, 2018
When Abbie receives a diagnosis of terminal cancer, she cannot bear the thought of her fiance being left alone in the world after her death. So, she sets out to find him a new lady to spend his life with, allowing her to die in peace at the knowledge that he will achieve happiness after she is gone. This tear-jerker raises difficult questions about the nature and uniqueness of romantic love as well as the challenges faced by losing a loved one.
8. Bambi, 1942
This cartoon classic from Disney has never stopped being one of the saddest stories of all time. When a young fawn tries to find his feet with the help of his best friend, Thumper, a catastrophic event changes his life forever. Kids and adults alike will struggle to hold back the tears during this epic film.
9. The Notebook, 2004
Nicholas Sparks’ big-screen version of his novel tells the tale of lost loves, ruined lives and how reunion can be achieved in the end. When Noah leaves his true love, Allie, to fight in WWII, he longs to return to her. Unfortunately, by the time he comes back several years later, she is already married to another man. However, that does not mean the end of the affair for this pair. This romantic movie is actually based on the real-life story of his former wife’s grandparents, proving that art can reflect life.
10. Titanic, 1997
No list of the saddest movies would be complete without Titanic. The timeless classic had audiences in floods of tears on its release as they urged Jack and Rose to survive the terrible disaster that befell them. A complex tale that incorporates love, loss and resilience, Titanic reminds us of the added dimension of the real human suffering that exists in the world.
Watching a sad movie is the perfect way to spend an evening in. You will not be able to help bonding with the characters, empathising with their pain and crying at their losses. There is nothing like a sad movie to channel our emotions.
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