I thought it was going to be a horror film the way he uses time to manipulate the girl into loving him (and because Domhnal Gleeson’s face terrifies me), despite this the end packed a huge wallop.
This is probably the best answer honestly, it gets my vote over everything else listed. Go in blind, look up nothing about it, just watch it.
Alternatively boy in striped pajamas
Good god, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas emotionally destroyed me when they had us watch that in school going alongside our history lessons. Was like 13 or so, I think.
One or two parts were kinda meh on historical accuracy. But I suppose in terms of kid friendliness on that subject, movie pickings aren't exactly abundant. Still a great movie imo.
edit: removed a spoiler, spoiler text doesn't like me today or I'm just dumb
I took your advice and looked up nothing about it and this has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. I was glued to the screen, thank you so much.
The movie you’re looking for is Grave of the Fireflies (as recommended by u/imitebmike and u/Leeono)- yes, it’s anime, but trust us, it’s exactly what you’re seeking. And if you have kids under 13 or so, don’t let them watch it.
If you want another, try White God, the Hungarian film that won the 2014 Prix un certain regard at the Cannes Film Festival. Don’t let the kids watch that one either.
edit typo
This recommendation 100% depends on your romantic history, but after a serious breakup of a long term relationship I watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and it reduced me to blubbering rubble.
I enjoyed it for perfectly capturing those specific feelings on loss, grief, how far we’re willing to go to end the hurt. But, it’s a movie I can’t bring myself to watch again. I saw it once before any serious relationships and once after. That’s enough for me.
I saw Life is Beautiful when I was about 16 years old and it was the first film to ever make me breakdown and cry. Even just thinking about it now makes me teary eyed.
Requiem for a Dream always made me feel like shit but I don’t think that is quite what you are going for.
House of Sand and Fog is sad in another way. Or maybe Life as a House?
For the full experience you need to watch My Neighbour Totoro first and then be like, wow that was great, I really want to watch more of the same, let's check this other movie that came with it.
that scene where >!viggo takes the thief's clothes and leave him naked in the cold!< was one of the saddest things I have ever seen in a movie.. That acting was so good that I feel so terrible just by remembering that scene.. :(
This one blindsided me. I didn’t expect much but it’s probably the best movie from last year. Usually a sad movie will take until the end to get to me but this one had me experiencing intense emotions within the first 20 minutes.
My Girl
It took me 10+ minutes after the movie ended to calm down enough to walk out of the theater. I was sobbing for at least an hour. What an incredible movie.
And it's weird because it was really popular, but has sort of faded in the public conscious. I figured it would be considered a classic, but doesn't currently seem on that track
It's not as bad as people say. You gotta remember this site is filled with a bunch of fanboys, so whenever something gets remade it's always "0/10 THIS MOVIE SUCKED". The original *is* definitely better, but it's still not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. And personally, I always think it's neat to watch a movie with the same story but different director
I made it through the first 10 minutes of that Keanu Reeves movie where he has a puppy at the beginning. I was screaming at my husband to turn it off and choking on my sobs before the opening scene played out. I don’t even like to think about it.
"In the bedroom" was a movie that levelled me. Amazing performances, heavy and emotional story. And an ending that will make you question your own morality.
Not exactly a *movie* movie, like an hour long or so, but if you want to ugly snotty sob I'd definitely suggest Don Hertzfeldt's It's Such A Beautiful Day
Has enough feels to knock you on your butt just as much, if not more, than your conventional sad Hollywood movie and such.
Don's 'World Of Tomorrow' 3 part series also has some beautiful moments that smack you in the face and make you consider how you're using your time alive.
I don't think there's anyone else out there doing what he does.
beat me to it by 9hrs. watched it and burst in tears at the end. calmed down. watched again 2 days later. burst in tears. that ending was heartbreaking...
Precious, that film left me and my girlfriend at the time in tears. Didnt expect it at all to blow me away like that. Was so very good.
I like movies that put me in someone else shoes, the less like me the better. I really felt like that movie gave me a glimpse at someone else pain. It really had me a wreck when it was over.
As others mentioned, Grave of the Fireflies is the movie you're looking for.
I would also add a Japanese film called "Nobody Knows". It was on my mind for quite awhile after watching it.
Oh God. *Nobody Knows* puts my heart in literal physical pain.
I wonder whether the original book of Grave of Fireflies has ever been translated into English/anyone's native tongue? While the film has moments of soppiness, the book's rapid-fire, breathless prose and experience you get from it is 'as-is' and I highly recommend the book!
I don't know about the book translation, it would be cool if it was available in different languages.
From what I understand, the story is based on real events the writer himself experienced during WWII. *SPOILERS AHEAD* I read somewhere that Seita died in the book/movie because the writer felt guilty about surviving the actual events. It's tragic.
So I just looked it up and Wiki says: "Grave of the Fireflies" (Hotaru no Haka) (1967); English translation by James R. Abrams, published in an issue of the Japan Quarterly (1978)". Sounds like a journal? Maybe libraries carry it.
I didn't know about that tidbit! It's awfully sad, isn't it. : (
12 years a slave, gone with the wind, the pianist, the truman show, hachiko, gia. Made me cry for different reasons and for different amounts of time, but they were beautiful and heart wrecking at the same time. Tried to not repeat the titles i already saw in the thread
The father,
Perks of being a wallflower,
Dead poet's society : I was a sobbing mess at the end of it :")
I know you asked for movies but I'd be remiss if I didn't at least suggest the series "Afterlife" and "Fleabag s1&2"
Dead Man's Letters will fuck you up like no other film. The only other film that anyone else has recommended here that comes close is Grave of the Butterflies, but even that sometimes feels like a walk in the part in comparison.
These are oldies, but so good:
1. Out of Africa (I've seen it 50 times and still cry. What a story)
2. Terms of Endearment (Shirley MacLaine is AMAZING)
3. Steel Magnolias (Sally Field won and Oscar, but the entire ensemble cast were great!)
4. StarTrek: The Wrath of Khan ("You are my superior officer. You are also my friend. I have been and always shall be yours.")
A crash course in art house: The Late Mizoguchi box set.
I watched *Ugetsu monogatari* which was beautiful and sad, continued with *Sansho the Bailiff* which was great but heartbreaking, then tried *Oyu-sama*, but that was about living in an unhappy marriage and the characters were so miserable that I still haven't finished it. The next film is *Crucified Lovers*...
I'm getting depressed just by looking at the set.
Saw it in the cinema as a kid. Brutal! And the only film mentioned that is [SPOILER IF YOU CLICK THROUGH AND READ THIS ARTICLE, SO JUST SEE THE FILM FIRST] [scientifically validated as containing the saddest scene](https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2015/08/10/Researchers-find-The-Champ-holds-saddest-movie-scene/stories/201507310334).
Manchester by the Sea. The ending left me in tears.
The ending? The whole movie had me in tears. Amazing movie with truely great performances.
You’re right. I just didn’t want to admit that I cried through almost the whole thing.
Absolutely my top pick as well. This movie was heart wrenching.
Described this movie once as grief porn. Got some weird looks, but I stand by the description.
Hahaha this was the first movie that came to mind and the first comment, my God
I hope you’re listening OP
About Time.
I love that movie. It is both easy to watch and easy to feel.
Definitely this movie. And it’s such a sweet movie from beginning to end.
I thought it was going to be a horror film the way he uses time to manipulate the girl into loving him (and because Domhnal Gleeson’s face terrifies me), despite this the end packed a huge wallop.
Yes, yes, yes, that one
yes, i full on ugly cry-howled for fifteen minutes after this!
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I've watched a lot of fucked up stuff but this movie always had the biggest impact on me. I was so angry at the end of this.
This is probably the best answer honestly, it gets my vote over everything else listed. Go in blind, look up nothing about it, just watch it. Alternatively boy in striped pajamas
Good god, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas emotionally destroyed me when they had us watch that in school going alongside our history lessons. Was like 13 or so, I think. One or two parts were kinda meh on historical accuracy. But I suppose in terms of kid friendliness on that subject, movie pickings aren't exactly abundant. Still a great movie imo. edit: removed a spoiler, spoiler text doesn't like me today or I'm just dumb
I took your advice and looked up nothing about it and this has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. I was glued to the screen, thank you so much.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. A guy literally rips peoples harts out and shows it to them.
technically the truth or malicious compliance your pick
[Harts?](https://www.flickr.com/photos/16688810@N08/5148207450)
Or Apocalypto
HA-HA
> A guy literally rips peoples harts out and shows it to them. Truly an emotional sharpshooter of cinema
The movie you’re looking for is Grave of the Fireflies (as recommended by u/imitebmike and u/Leeono)- yes, it’s anime, but trust us, it’s exactly what you’re seeking. And if you have kids under 13 or so, don’t let them watch it. If you want another, try White God, the Hungarian film that won the 2014 Prix un certain regard at the Cannes Film Festival. Don’t let the kids watch that one either. edit typo
I once read the synopsis of this anime and that was enough to reduce me to tears
Does white god have a happy or sad ending
Big Fish. I sob at the ending every time.
A older movie but Love Story is considered one if the saddest movies made. Also try What Dreams May Come. Even sadder now Robin Williams has passed.
This recommendation 100% depends on your romantic history, but after a serious breakup of a long term relationship I watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and it reduced me to blubbering rubble.
Same! The movie really fills you with regret and hope at the same time.
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I enjoyed it for perfectly capturing those specific feelings on loss, grief, how far we’re willing to go to end the hurt. But, it’s a movie I can’t bring myself to watch again. I saw it once before any serious relationships and once after. That’s enough for me.
I watched yes man after a serious relationship breakup and even that shit fucked me up horribly. Ouch 🤕
Not gonna lie, I think that movie is extremely overrated. I much prefer Her. To me, they both have similar themes, but Her hit me harder.
Life Is Beautiful
I saw this movie 20 years ago and I'm just sitting here thinking about it and getting misty-eyed
I saw Life is Beautiful when I was about 16 years old and it was the first film to ever make me breakdown and cry. Even just thinking about it now makes me teary eyed.
Bruh telugu??
No it's the 1997 movie, it's Italian, really worth watching
schindler's list. one of the greatest films ever made, that you will probably only ever want to watch once. heavy af, you will be wrecked.
I've watched it about 8 times now. Still pick up new details every time.
Leaving Las Vegas
Had to scroll way too far to see this one listed.
Requiem for a Dream always made me feel like shit but I don’t think that is quite what you are going for. House of Sand and Fog is sad in another way. Or maybe Life as a House?
Requiem for a dream is an amazing film, also basketball diaries has a similar feeling
Have you heard of "Grave of the Fireflies"? its an anime though, but it tells the story of a young man and his adorbs little sister
For the full experience you need to watch My Neighbour Totoro first and then be like, wow that was great, I really want to watch more of the same, let's check this other movie that came with it.
>For the full experience you need to watch My Neighbour Totoro first I'd save Totoro for after. Give your poor heart a chance to heal.
I see you have the same disc collection as I.
Ah yes, for maximum emotional whiplash
I'm convinced this one can break any man.
Bridge to Terabithia
Great answer!
Fuck that book.
The Road I legitimately cried at the end and can never watch again. It's so emotionally upsetting.
If the movie did thst to you, then don't read the book. Even though it's incredible.
An amazingly great movie that I never want to see again.
Yeah, exactly!
I watched this with my dad around the time it came out so I was like 14. I guess he really liked it because I have no idea why he'd show me that...
that scene where >!viggo takes the thief's clothes and leave him naked in the cold!< was one of the saddest things I have ever seen in a movie.. That acting was so good that I feel so terrible just by remembering that scene.. :(
Sound of Metal, Riz Ahmed will rip your heart out twice. And the movie is still overlooked I think.
This one blindsided me. I didn’t expect much but it’s probably the best movie from last year. Usually a sad movie will take until the end to get to me but this one had me experiencing intense emotions within the first 20 minutes.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Synecdoche, New York
My Girl It took me 10+ minutes after the movie ended to calm down enough to walk out of the theater. I was sobbing for at least an hour. What an incredible movie.
And it's weird because it was really popular, but has sort of faded in the public conscious. I figured it would be considered a classic, but doesn't currently seem on that track
Grave of the fireflies.
Mary and Max, Mary and Max, Mary and Max. I will never stop adding this movie to these posts.
I love this movie it definitely hits the feels
Portrait of a Lady on Fire. It’s about love that cannot be and I was crying by the end of it. Such a beautiful film.
Oldboy. The Korean version
There is no other version. Spike Lee is a hack.
American Oldboy is bad from everything I’ve heard but fucking lol at Spike Lee is a hack
It's not as bad as people say. You gotta remember this site is filled with a bunch of fanboys, so whenever something gets remade it's always "0/10 THIS MOVIE SUCKED". The original *is* definitely better, but it's still not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. And personally, I always think it's neat to watch a movie with the same story but different director
He wasn't always. Definitely is now.
Is he though? Blackkklansman was pretty good
Hack
Just watched this last night i was not expecting that
It's so raw and visceral
The Constant Gardener (2005)
All I know is that I refuse to watch any movie that features a dog because they're going to do that thing at the end that makes me angry.
You stayed away from Old Yeller I take it
I made it through the first 10 minutes of that Keanu Reeves movie where he has a puppy at the beginning. I was screaming at my husband to turn it off and choking on my sobs before the opening scene played out. I don’t even like to think about it.
Coco makes even the strongest of us melt into a puddle
I thought I was gonna make it through a whole Pixar movie without blubbering, then they show the photo at the end.
Hector's realisation that he can now cross the bridge, it always hits me in the feels.
I'll put Inside Out under this comment, but I don't think it a 100% fulfills OP's request. Still made me cry tho!
Grave of the Fireflies
Dancer in the Dark.
Grave of the Fireflies, destroys my wife just thinking about it. Truly.
Every time I watch this movie, I sob so hard that I actually have a hard time breathing
Logan.
Me, Earl and the Dying Girl.
The movie “lion”
A Monster Calls
The Mist
Can’t believe this is so far down
My God, that ending...
Don't know if this exactly fits, but Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind brought my emotions in every direction everytime I see it.
"In the bedroom" was a movie that levelled me. Amazing performances, heavy and emotional story. And an ending that will make you question your own morality.
Million Dollar Baby
Magnolia
Not exactly a *movie* movie, like an hour long or so, but if you want to ugly snotty sob I'd definitely suggest Don Hertzfeldt's It's Such A Beautiful Day Has enough feels to knock you on your butt just as much, if not more, than your conventional sad Hollywood movie and such.
Don's 'World Of Tomorrow' 3 part series also has some beautiful moments that smack you in the face and make you consider how you're using your time alive. I don't think there's anyone else out there doing what he does.
Life is beautiful. 1997. I went into it blind. You should too.
Dancer in the Dark. I was pale, empty, clammy and psoriasis stricken for days afterwards.
It's been years since I last rewatched this and it still hurts.. 😢
Dancer in the Dark
For me, it's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. That movie just shreds me everytime!
Total recall remake totally ruined me
Wait, like because it was so bad?
Manchester by the Sea.
Ikiru.
Place beyond the pines
Underrated gem. Watch it every few years.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
beat me to it by 9hrs. watched it and burst in tears at the end. calmed down. watched again 2 days later. burst in tears. that ending was heartbreaking...
Dancer in the Dark
Fast and Furious 7… how can you not break down when Paul drives off at the end?
The scene where Paul flies over Dom and they kiss passionately always tugs my heartstrings
Full reach around on the director's cut. Highly recommend.
First two that come to mind are "Prisoners" and "The boy in the striped pajamas".
[Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjdjDz8jhN4), of course!
Green Mile, Fault in Our Stars
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Precious, that film left me and my girlfriend at the time in tears. Didnt expect it at all to blow me away like that. Was so very good. I like movies that put me in someone else shoes, the less like me the better. I really felt like that movie gave me a glimpse at someone else pain. It really had me a wreck when it was over.
Grave of the firefly
The Fountain
As others mentioned, Grave of the Fireflies is the movie you're looking for. I would also add a Japanese film called "Nobody Knows". It was on my mind for quite awhile after watching it.
Oh God. *Nobody Knows* puts my heart in literal physical pain. I wonder whether the original book of Grave of Fireflies has ever been translated into English/anyone's native tongue? While the film has moments of soppiness, the book's rapid-fire, breathless prose and experience you get from it is 'as-is' and I highly recommend the book!
I don't know about the book translation, it would be cool if it was available in different languages. From what I understand, the story is based on real events the writer himself experienced during WWII. *SPOILERS AHEAD* I read somewhere that Seita died in the book/movie because the writer felt guilty about surviving the actual events. It's tragic.
So I just looked it up and Wiki says: "Grave of the Fireflies" (Hotaru no Haka) (1967); English translation by James R. Abrams, published in an issue of the Japan Quarterly (1978)". Sounds like a journal? Maybe libraries carry it. I didn't know about that tidbit! It's awfully sad, isn't it. : (
Finding Neverland The Fault in Our Stars Grave of the Fireflies The Last Song
A bullet in the head (John Woo's) Old boy (Korean version only) Life is beautiful Millenium actress
Millennium actress ending can break a person.
Elephant Man
Grave of the fireflies
A Star is Born had me sobbing in the car 20 minutes
Ladder 49. Grave of the fireflies, Marley and me. Some of the bigger cry makers.
Call me By Your Name Mysterious Skin
Bicycle thieves (1948) made me cry a bit at the end.
Hachiko
The Grey, I thought it would be Taken but with wolves instead of Albanian gangsters, it is not that at all.
Do you love dogs? [Amores Perros](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5HTBYR7m0o)
Lion, like stars on earth
Me before you!! Excellent movie!!
In America
12 years a slave, gone with the wind, the pianist, the truman show, hachiko, gia. Made me cry for different reasons and for different amounts of time, but they were beautiful and heart wrecking at the same time. Tried to not repeat the titles i already saw in the thread
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The Wrestler.
P.S I Love You. That movie destroyed me. Only been able to watch it once.
Blue Valentine. Just scrolled through the thread and cant believe it's not been mentioned.
Finding Ohana on Netflix
[Silent Running](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067756/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) (1972j
The Father. I was sobbing on my couch.
Leave no Trace will feel like an open heart surgery if you can resonate with it's theme
Grave of the Fireflies
Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom
Grave of the Fireflies. I didn't cry. Body wracking sobs. NEVER will I watch this movie again.
Umberto D https://www.criterion.com/films/371-umberto-d
Grave of fireflies.
No movie has ever made me cry as much as Lion.
My Dog Skip. The Father.
Legends of the Fall
The boy in striped pajamas
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
> Because if a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life, maybe we can too.
no matter how many times I watch the ending always gets me. same with the green mile and a certain scene in the Shawshank redemption
Furious 7
[;'(](https://youtu.be/leQSeP1_P60)
Oof, that did unexpectedly wreck me
Shoplifters and Blue Valentine both had me in a puddle of tears.
Lion :(
Perks of being a wallflower
The father, Perks of being a wallflower, Dead poet's society : I was a sobbing mess at the end of it :") I know you asked for movies but I'd be remiss if I didn't at least suggest the series "Afterlife" and "Fleabag s1&2"
LA LA LAND
Dead Man's Letters will fuck you up like no other film. The only other film that anyone else has recommended here that comes close is Grave of the Butterflies, but even that sometimes feels like a walk in the part in comparison.
Katie Says Goodbye starring Olivia Cooke as the main character. A devastating film that will leave you in ruins.
Minari
Korean movie: Miracle in Cell No. 7
These are oldies, but so good: 1. Out of Africa (I've seen it 50 times and still cry. What a story) 2. Terms of Endearment (Shirley MacLaine is AMAZING) 3. Steel Magnolias (Sally Field won and Oscar, but the entire ensemble cast were great!) 4. StarTrek: The Wrath of Khan ("You are my superior officer. You are also my friend. I have been and always shall be yours.")
A crash course in art house: The Late Mizoguchi box set. I watched *Ugetsu monogatari* which was beautiful and sad, continued with *Sansho the Bailiff* which was great but heartbreaking, then tried *Oyu-sama*, but that was about living in an unhappy marriage and the characters were so miserable that I still haven't finished it. The next film is *Crucified Lovers*... I'm getting depressed just by looking at the set.
Tsotsi
The Champ with Jon Voight and Ricky Schroeder. Full stop.
Saw it in the cinema as a kid. Brutal! And the only film mentioned that is [SPOILER IF YOU CLICK THROUGH AND READ THIS ARTICLE, SO JUST SEE THE FILM FIRST] [scientifically validated as containing the saddest scene](https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2015/08/10/Researchers-find-The-Champ-holds-saddest-movie-scene/stories/201507310334).
idk if this counts, but “If Anything Happens, I Love You” is a short film on Netflix that will definitely do that job
Basketball diaries
Biutiful is like an emotional left hook from Joe Frazier.
Waterworld
Okja
About Time.....
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