Tearjerker Films are a subgenre of the Drama genre and have one goal – to make you cry. Though what will make one sad or even cry is often subjective, Tearjerker Films often follow a few tried and true themes. Themes of this subgenre will often focus on people or families dealing with medical issues or death of a family member, families living in poverty or broken homes, families or children dealing with the loss of a pet, romantic-themed films that end in lost love and historical events or people that typically end in tragedy.
Some Tearjerker Films can also be inspiring and have equal amounts of tragedy and inspiration. For films that have a more inspirational narrative, those films would be found in the Inspirational Drama Films subgenre. And other Tearjerker films will often be targeted to a specific gender. Examples of these gender specific subgenre films would be Brian’s Song (1971) which is a sports drama about a football player succumbing to cancer. This film is targeted towards the male demographic as most men will relate to the situations presented in the film. Similarly, Beaches (1988) is a female-focused Tearjerker film about the bond between two women over a lifetime. This is also a popular Romantic Girls Night film that primarily appeals to the female demographic.
While most Tearjerker Films are Drama-based they often intersect with other film subgenres including Family Films with Animals, Drama Films About Families, Drama Films About Medical Issues, Drama Films About Teens & Young Adults, Historical Event Films, Historical Biopics, Romantic Dramas, Romantic Girls Night Films, Sports Dramas and War Dramas.
Prior to the 1970’s, there were two classic films of the subgenre that contained themes and elements of Tearjerker films – Old Yeller (1957) and Doctor Zhivago (1965). While Old Yeller’s theme was about the loss of a family pet, Doctor Zhivago is a Historical Epic featuring a tragic romance between Yuri Zhivago and Lara Antipova.
In the 1970’s, there were two prominent themes of Tearjerker Films – Romantic Dramas and Sports Dramas. Romantic Tearjerker Films included Love Story (1970) and The Way We Were (1973). Sports Dramas with both Tearjerker and Inspirational elements included Brian’s Song (1971), Rocky (1976) and The Champ (1979). Other classic films of the Tearjerker Film subgenre this decade included Sounder (1972) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975).
The 1980’s saw medical-themed Tearjerker Films become more prominent as they were often nominated and won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Ordinary People (1980), Terms of Endearment (1983) and Rain Man (1988) had various themes of medical issues and each film won the Best Picture award the year it was nominated. Historical Event Films dealing with World War II and The Holocaust also became an emerging theme in the subgenre with Playing for Time (1980) and Sophie’s Choice (1982). Other notable subgenre films in the 1980’s included On Golden Pond (1981), Beaches (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), Dead Poets Society (1989) and Driving Miss Daisy (1989).
Likely due to the success of 1980’s Tearjerker Films that won Best Picture honors, the 1990’s saw an increasing number of Tearjerker-themed films released that decade. One theme became more prominent than others – film adaptations of literary works with Tearjerker themes. Of Mice and Men (1992) was based on John Steinbeck’s classic novella of the same name and Little Women (1994) was based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Examples of biographical Tearjerker films included This Boy’s Life (1993) based on Tobias Wolff’s memoir, Rudy (1993) based on the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger and Shadowlands (1993) based on the tragic romance between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman. Even horror novelist Stephen King had two of his non-horror works adapted into classic films of the subgenre with The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and The Green Mile (1999). Remaining prominent subgenre films of the decade included Ghost (1990), Thelma & Louise (1991), My Girl (1991), The Joy Luck Club (1993), Schindler’s List (1993), Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), The English Patient (1996), Titanic (1997), Good Will Hunting (1997), As Good as It Gets (1997) and Life is Beautiful (1997).
War Dramas and Drama Films About Families would become the prominent Tearjerker themes in the 2000’s. The Pianist (2002) and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008) would both feature tragic events during World War II and Hotel Rwanda (2004) was set during the Rwandan genocide. Family-themed Tearjerkers covered a variety of issues including a brother and sister reconciling after a tragic family event in You Can Count on Me (2000), a son remembering his father in Big Fish (2003), a homeless man working to make things better in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) and a young girl given up for adoption by her father in A Brand New Life (2009). Other prominent Tearjerker films from the 2000’s included My Dog Skip (2000), Requiem for a Dream (2000), The Notebook (2004), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Reign Over Me (2007), Marley & Me (2008) and The Stoning of Soraya M. (2009).
The 2010’s would see a return to medical-based Tearjerker films as the prominent subgenre theme. November Christmas (2011), The Fault in Our Stars (2014), The Big Sick (2017), A Star Is Born (2018) and Our Friend (2019) all featured medical tragedies as their narrative foundations. Historical Tearjerkers of the 2010’s included The Flowers of War (2011) about the Nanjing Massacre and The Impossible (2012) about the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Saving Mr. Banks (2013), Lion (2016), Gifted (2017), Shoplifters (2017) and Christopher Robin (2018) were other prominent subgenre films of the decade.
The 2020’s hasn’t yet produced any classic subgenre films (comparable to prior decades) but does have some prominent Tearjerker films such as 18 Presents (2020), The Starling (2021) and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (2022).
Our complete list of Tearjerker Films features over 97+ films from 1957 – 2022. If you don’t see a film on our list, there’s a good chance it’s in other collections including Films About Medical Issues, Films About Families, Romantic Dramas and Romantic Girls Night Films. We’re also planning some additional articles featuring gender specific Tearjerker films so subscribe to our newsletter to get updated as we release future articles.
Classic, must-see Tearjerker Films: Old Yeller (1957), Doctor Zhivago (1965), Brian’s Song (1971), Sounder (1972), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), Rocky (1976), Ordinary People (1980), Terms of Endearment (1983), Rain Man (1988), Beaches (1988), Dead Poets Society (1989), My Girl (1991), Schindler’s List (1993), Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), Titanic (1997), Good Will Hunting (1997), Requiem for a Dream (2000), The Pianist (2002), Big Fish (2003), Hotel Rwanda (2004), The Notebook (2004), Million Dollar Baby (2004), The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Reign Over Me (2007), The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008), Marley & Me (2008), The Stoning of Soraya M. (2009), Lion (2016), The Big Sick (2017), Shoplifters (2018) and A Star Is Born (2018).
Lesser-known Tearjerker Films that didn’t make our list: Love Story (1970), Resurrection (1980), Sophie’s Choice (1982), This Boy’s Life (1993), The Joy Luck Club (1993), Shadowlands (1993), The Spitfire Grill (1996), My Dog Skip (2000), You Can Count on Me (2000), An Unfinished Life (2005), November Christmas (2011), The Starling (2021) and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (2022).
Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Here is our list of the Top Tearjerker Films You Haven’t Seen:
#10
The Champ
Plot: Billy (Jon Voight) used to be a great boxer, but he’s settled into a hardscrabble life that revolves around drinking, training horses, and the one bright spot in his existence — his young son, T.J. (Ricky Schroder). Although Billy has had custody of T.J. since his wife, Annie (Faye Dunaway), left the family years ago, her return prompts a new struggle for the former fighter. Determined to hold on to T.J., Billy gets back into the ring to try and recapture his past success.
KBZ’s Take: The Champ is a somewhat forgotten film of the 70’s though it starred both Jon Voight and Faye Dunaway in their prime. It’s one of the better films from both actors and was the debut of Ricky Schroder before he became famous in the popular TV series Silver Spoons.
As a tearjerker film, it’s predictable (especially nowadays). However, even though you’ll likely guess what’s coming, you’ll still fall prey to the film’s emotional segments mainly due to the acting of Voight, Dunaway and Schroder.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Htr2LG
#9
18 Presents
Plot: In an attempt to be part of her life, a pregnant mother with terminal cancer leaves behind 18 sentimental gifts for her unborn daughter to receive every year on her birthday.
KBZ’s Take: Though this film will likely appeal more to the female segment – specifically mothers and daughters – it’s still a heartfelt film with quite an emotional punch.
There is a fantasy element to the film so you should be prepared for that once the mother and daughter are together in the same timeline. It’s the fantasy segments in the second and third acts that drive the emotional core of the film leading to a very teary-eyed ending.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.netflix.com/title/81261846
#8
Dad
Plot: A busy executive learns during a meeting that his mother may be dying and rushes home to her side. He ends up being his father’s caretaker and becomes closer to him than ever before. Estranged from his own son, the executive comes to realize what has been missing in his own life.
KBZ’s Take: Similar to how 18 Presents targets a mother and daughter relationship, Dad focuses on the bond between fathers and sons. There are three generations here with Jack Lemmon, Ted Danson and a very young Ethan Hawke.
The film works because it’s a message that everyone eventually can relate to (money vs. life) and features situations that most people will encounter within their own families.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/44l4qqs
#7
Our Friend
Plot: After learning that his terminally ill wife has six months to live, a man welcomes the support of his best friend who moves into their home to help out.
KBZ’s Take: This film was a box office bomb but to be fair, it was released during the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a shame because it’s one of the better films about friendship and loss that people need to see.
There are two concurrent emotional threads that run through the film. First, the terminally ill wife (Dakota Johnson) who has to come to grips with her illness and worsening condition. Second, the film focuses on friendship and one person’s sacrifice to help friends in need – no matter the cost. Both of these threads intertwine throughout the film and pack quite an emotional punch.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3nrIo4K
Plot: Nine-year-old Jin-hee is left by father at an orphanage after remarrying and she quickly has to adjust to her new life and situation. Though she struggles, over time she makes friends with the other children.
KBZ’s Take: A Brand New Life is a film where you might be emotional or even crying 15 minutes into the film. The scenes of the father abandoning her daughter at the orphanage are heartbreaking and it doesn’t get much better from there.
Though the film is set in a Korean orphanage, the film has a universal message about children left behind without parental support. It’s a very difficult film to watch but one everybody should see to fully appreciate a life where you were fortunate to have a loving and caring family.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/43QEqDk
#5
My Life
Plot: It seems that Bob Jones has everything a man could want, namely a fulfilling job and a beautiful, pregnant wife, Gail. But Bob’s life is turned upside-down when he is diagnosed with cancer and given four months to live — not even enough time to see his first child’s birth. To cleanse himself of demons in his remaining days, Bob makes a video diary, hoping to pass along some wisdom to his future child. Along the way, he discovers a lot about himself.
KBZ’s Take: My Life is one of Michael Keaton’s most underrated films and it’s become a forgotten film of the 90’s. While it was more well known when it was released (due to Keaton’s soaring popularity after starring in Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992)), it’s a film we continually see left off Tearjerker film lists.
While the film is heartbreaking, it also has a message of hope – specifically a father’s desire to help raise his newborn child even after his terminal diagnosis. Keaton manages to balance various emotions throughout the film and it’s worth seeing for his performance alone. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/44up1Jg
Plot: Fania Fenelon (Vanessa Redgrave), a classical pianist and singer in Paris, is arrested during the Nazi occupation for her support of the French underground resistance. After being sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp, she is recognized as a famous musician, and becomes a member of the camp’s all-female orchestra. Although the group, under the leadership of conductor Alma Rose (Jane Alexander), forms a close bond, the strain of performing for their tormentors grows.
KBZ’s Take: Films about The Holocaust are almost always Tearjerker films based on the subject matter they cover. While Schindler’s List (1993), Life is Beautiful (1997), The Pianist (2002) and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008) are the most well-known Holocaust films, Playing for Time is just as good as these films even though it was a TV movie.
The film has a different look at life in Auschwitz through the eyes of women who make up the camp orchestra. These women continually face emotional situations where they don’t know if they’re safe or will be subject to the horrors of the concentration camp. It’s a very difficult film to watch and features many heartbreaking scenes. One scene we can’t get out of our mind is when the women first arrive at the camp and get their heads shaved. The slowly dawning realization of what is happening to them is almost too difficult to watch.
Like other Holocaust films, this is another film that shouldn’t be missed to truly understand this horrific event in the past, so it’s not repeated ever again.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3Nrgmku
Plot: Westerner trapped in Nanking during the Japanese invasion, poses as a priest to help save women and children.
KBZ’s Take: This is another film that we always recommend to people regardless of genre. It’s a lesser-known Christian Bale film that was produced and made in China. While it does feature some pro-China propaganda elements, it’s also a great look into a lesser-known event (by Western viewers) of a wartime atrocity committed by the Japanese against the Chinese – the Rape of Nanking. There are so many great elements in this film – the acting, the suspense and the emotional journey of Christian Bale’s drunk to eventual War Hero.
It’s a great film with an ending that’s both uplifting and tragic that will leave even the most hardened World War 2 film fan with swollen eyes. Highly recommended film and one of the best of the World War 2 Films and Tearjerker Films subgenres.
Additional Lists: Top World War 2 Films You Haven’t Seen (Part 1) #1
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3jlxGuH
Plot: A drama set in 1986 Iran and centered on a man, Sahebjam, whose car breaks down in a remote village and enters into a conversation with Zahra, who relays to him the story about her niece, Soraya, whose arranged marriage to an abusive tyrant had a tragic ending.
KBZ’s Take: We have to start this off by saying of all the films on this list, The Stoning of Soraya M. is the most difficult to watch. The film is about an event that takes place and when the event happens, it’s one of the most horrifying sequences in the history of cinema.
Based on an event in an Iranian village told to French-Iranian journalist Freidoune Sahebjam, the film focuses on the backstory that leads to the eventual stoning. It has an emotional undercurrent that slowly builds as Soraya (Mozhan Marnò) faces false accusations, an unjust legal process and eventual conviction. These moments are equally heartbreaking to watch as you struggle to understand how something like this could still be happening in the modern world.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3LMHg5n
#1
Shoplifters
Plot: After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl in the freezing cold. At first reluctant to shelter the girl, Osamu’s wife agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces. Although the family is poor, barely making enough money to survive through petty crime, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets, testing the bonds that unite them.
KBZ’s Take: Shoplifters is not only one of the best films of the subgenre but is also one of the best films we have ever seen. It’s a film about many things but none more than family.
While most Tearjerker Films have familiar emotional sequences or a build up to a heartbreaking climax, Shoplifters is a film that gnaws away at your emotional defenses throughout the film. Every character has their own background and situation that is eventually revealed that is saddening and tragic on different levels. Most distressing is the situation of the entire family and the means they take to survive in poverty.
If there’s a positive message in the film, it’s about the bonds that develop in a family even if they’re not genetic. However, it’s still a very depressing film that will stay with you weeks, months and even years after you see the film. It’s a film everyone should see to truly appreciate the unique role of a caring family in one’s life.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3neCzI6
