Movies and TV shows possess a power over us like no other. They pull you out from your ‘couch situation’ and transport you to a new world. From the eerie settings of a ghost town to romantic, lush terrains of Europe—it’s a quick escape from reality. But if the world is weighing down on you and this idea of escapism doesn’t seem to work, we have a solution.
A good cry really helps get through a tough day (or week) sometimes, and here’s how you can do it with no guilt. We’ve rounded up the best of tear-jerkin’, cathartic movies that promise to have you weeping and guarantee to make you feel better after. Here’s what you need to do: queue up these films and grab a box of tissues stat!
1. My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
A devastating tale narrated from multiple points of view; this movie is not for the faint-hearted. My Sister’s Keeper is about a young girl named Anna who is genetically engineered from birth to provide bone marrow and various other medical donations for her terminally ill elder sister. As the story moves forward, Anna decides to legally emancipate herself from her parents and choose her own destiny—even at the cost of her own sister.
2. A Star Is Born (2018)
A seasoned musician (Bradley Cooper) falls for a struggling artist (Lady Gaga) and helps her covet fame in the industry. But as her career soars, he falls prey to alcoholism while battling his own personal demons. Here’s one thing we guarantee—just when you think you’re done crying, brace yourself to cry again.
3. Five Feet Apart (2019)
A romantic drama, Five Feet Apart narrates the story of a 17-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis, who spends most of her time in the hospital. When she falls in love with a fellow patient (Cole Sprouse!), she shakes up her daily routine and challenges hospital protocol to be with him. While there is an instant spark between the two teens, restrictions dictate that they must maintain a safe distance between them.
4. One Day (2011)
Considered to be one of the most manipulative movies of all time, One Day follows Dexter (Jim Sturgess) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) who decide to meet every year on July 15 and see where they stand in life. Over a span of 18 years, the duo realise that they have more in common than the people around them as their life and love progresses. But here’s the plot twist: as they decide to come together, life decides to be unfair.
5. Marriage Story (2019)
With Scarlet Johannson in the lead, this movie shows you a compassionate portrait of a marriage breaking up while the family tries to stay together. An actor and her stage director husband undergo a coast-to-coast divorce which forces them to their personal extremes. If you have experienced the crushing loss of a relationship falling apart, Marriage Story will reflect that pain right back at you.
6. Up (2009)
One of the most heart-wrenching cathartic movies, watch Up if you need something animated and emotional. Carl, an old widower, goes off on an adventure in his flying house to the South American wilderness in search of his wife’s dream destination. With almost human-like feelings, the film will make you sob (regardless of age).
7. A Walk To Remember (2002)
If you need an ‘is love real’ type of cry for no reason at all, count on A Walk To Remember to do the work. With Mandy Moore and Shane West in the lead, this coming-of-age romantic drama shows how love brings together what peer pressure and lifestyles seek to keep apart. Statutory warning: you might need more than just one box of tissues.
Which cathartic movies made it to your binge-watching list?
Photographs: Instagram
