20 Movies that will make you utterly emotional by the end

Certain movies transcend entertainment to touch your heart and overwhelm you with emotions. From the tear-jerking story of love, loss, or moments of self-growth, these films all hit on universal human experiences. These 20 films are sure to take you on an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you with feelings that you never thought you had. Every story is designed to leave an indelible mark on the viewer's mind, reminding them of life's fragility, beauty, and emotional connections that define us. Get ready for a ride that will leave you long after the credits roll.

Disclaimer: The following article reflects the writer's personal opinion and contains spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.

1. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

A quiet masterpiece, the Portrait of a Lady on Fire weaves a tender, heartbreaking love story between an artist and her subject in 18th-century France. Sciamma's direction for this movie is filled with poignant gazes, subtle silences, and breathtaking visuals that make an emotional crescendo. The movie ends with such unforgettable use of Vivaldi's Summer that you cannot help but feel overwhelmed by bittersweet emotions. The theme of transitory love and forgetting makes it very relatable and no traditional soundtrack heightens raw authenticity.

2. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)

The movie, based on the true story of Hachikō, portrays the unbelievable love between a dog and his owner. The richness is brought by the depiction of Parker Wilson, who was a loving professor of Richard Gere, yet Hachi, the Akita dog, is the greatest showman. Hachi waiting at the train station for years after the death of his owner reminds us of the depth of love in an animal. By the end, you'll need tissues as you reflect on the profound impact pets have on our lives.

3. Fruitvale Station (2013)

Fruitvale Station recounts the tragic true story of Oscar Grant, played by Michael B. Jordan, who was shot fatally by police on New Year's Eve in 2009. The movie shows Oscar in his last hours and gives glimpses of the life he faced: all struggles, all relationships, all hopes of a better life. Melodrama is avoided as Ryan Coogler goes about directing his first feature, fashioning a real, heartbreaking human story. The gut-wrenching finale reminds the reader of systemic injustices and makes a lasting emotional impression.

4. My Girl (1991)

This is the most beautiful, nostalgic coming-of-age movie that explores themes of love, loss, and growing up. Precocious Vada Sultenfuss, obsessed with death, navigates her life in small-town America through her best friend Thomas J. Thomas J.'s tragic demise is such a heart-wrenching point in the film that everyone leaves in tears. It is indeed a stunning example of innocence in children who face severe issues with regard to grief and healing. With its tender performances by Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin, this timeless tale will tear at your heartstrings.

5. Titanic (1997)

James Cameron's film Titanic is the epitome of a tragic historical incident combined with an epic romance. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were the two main stars. Jack and Rose are lovers from different worlds who found each other when they were aboard the ill-fated ship. The poignant crescendo of the movie is the drowning sequence with Jack sacrificing himself to help Rose survive. The haunting visuals, coupled with Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," make the ending of this film unforgettable.

6. The Farewell (2019)

Lulu Wang's The Farewell is the perfect mix of humor and heartbreak as it delivers a very personal look into family and cultural identity. Starring in a role that has earned her a Golden Globe, the film follows Billi as she and her family come together under false pretenses of a fake wedding to say their goodbyes to terminally ill Nai Nai, who does not know she is dying. The quiet moments of the film are where its emotional depth lies—unspoken sacrifices, shared meals, and intergenerational bonds.

7. Me Before You (2016)

Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin shine in this romantic drama about an unlikely connection between a quirky caregiver and a paralyzed man. The film's vibrant optimism in Louisa and Will's sharp intellect creates a love story that feels fresh and heartbreaking. The emotional weight of the film crescendos when Will decides to end his life, forcing Lou to grapple with deep questions of love, sacrifice, and personal agency. The tearful ending, which is in Paris, also beautifully encompasses the transience of their relationship.

8. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

This is one inspiring true story of Will Smith playing Chris Gardner, who from being a single homeless father will end up successfully through perseverance and determination. The chemistry between Chris, the single father, and his son played by Smith's actual son Jaden was simply deep and touching. This movie ends on such an emotional note as it marks Chris getting his ideal job and he ends up weeping for joy- proving to all of humanity how one should not give up, yet be hopeful.

9. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

A tale of friendship, hope, and redemption-the very name The Shawshank Redemption has become something synonymous with these emotions both being heartbreaking and emotionally uplifting in its presentation. The final scene of Andy Dufresne and Ellis "Red" Redding, set against the harsh background of a prison, itself a testament to the ability of hope to shine into even the darkest of souls, is cinematic magic for its sheer, pure truth. It is a film that warrants its emotional payoff from years of storytelling, rendering it completely fulfilling.

10. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

This story of an unlikely friendship set in the context of World War II, between Bruno, a German officer's son, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy confined in a concentration camp, makes the horrors of the Holocaust so vivid. The story, so innocent in its context, comes to a devastating ending, leaving the audience shattered. The childlike perspective adds an emotional weight to the film, making the tragic ending all the more heartbreaking. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a powerful reminder of the human cost of prejudice and hatred.

11. The Great Dictator (1940)

Charlie Chaplin's first proper "talkie" brings together laughs and drama as a poignant anti-fascist statement. Charlie Chaplin plays an autocratic ruler and a poor barber through political satire, showing great tender humanity at ease. And the speech climax, here, centers around Chaplin's lamentation in this world for freedom, peace, and goodness to overcome its tyranny. Its resonance stands the test of time, and the raw sincerity of the monologue is sure to leave audiences reflective and tearfully so, reminding us that the fight for justice and equality is eternal.

12. No Time to Die (2021)

Daniel Craig's final adventure as James Bond is heartbreakingly exciting. In a very unusual Bond movie, there was much digging into personal sacrifice and vulnerabilities for James Bond. In the conclusion of the story, where emotions reach an all-time peak, the hero takes a supreme sacrifice for those close to his heart. Hans Zimmer's music of haunting depth elevates the tear-jerking scenes, and the sorrowful send-off ensures Bond's legacy in cinematic annals. It is unusual for a Bond film that you leave genuinely emotional at the end.

13. Up (2009)

Up by Pixar, begins with full of adventurous spirit but quickly changes to an emotional journey that will tug at the heart. The opening sequence of Carl and Ellie's life is one of the most poignant montages in animation history, which has captured love, loss, and unfulfilled dreams. While Carl embarks on his adventure in honor of Ellie, he meets young Russell in a very unlikely friendship. With this and more, the movie offers a lot of emotional intensity, especially in showing their grief and the necessity for moving on, thus resulting in Up as an exceptionally heart-wrenching piece.

14. A Star is Born (2018)

A Star is Born is the story of the emotional travels of Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), an exceptional but troubled musician, and Ally (Lady Gaga), an emerging singer. When Ally's career is on a rocket trajectory, Jackson's drinking and insecurity problems ruin his relationship with Ally. The climax of the movie's emotionally destructive conclusion is when Jackson feels like a burden to others and commits suicide because he feels this is the only way to free Ally from him.

15. Life is Beautiful (1997)

Masterly balance Roberto Benigni gives humor and heartbreak in this film, Life is Beautiful. The story revolves around Guido, a man who uses his wit and imagination to hide the cruelty of a Nazi concentration camp for his son. The cinematic punch lands when Guido sacrifices himself to maintain the illusion of a game for his son in the final act. Joy stands out against the tragedy creating an unforgettable film experience. This Oscar-winning film is nothing but a testament to what the human spirit can be and how love in adverse times can work its charm.

16. The Pianist (2002)

The Pianist is a movie about the real-life ordeal of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish Jewish pianist who, due to luck and perseverance, survived the Holocaust. In this movie, Oscar-winning Adrien Brody acts as Szpilman and shows his transformation from being one of the most respected musicians to being a broken man. The haunting use of Chopin's music has amplified the emotional depth of this movie, representing both loss and hope. The quiet moments of Szpilman's survival, when he finds a hidden piano and plays silently, are almost profoundly moving.

17. Coco (2017)

Pixar's Coco is a kaleidoscope of colors that symbolizes family, memory, and Mexican culture. Through the journey of Miguel, the film balances comedy with tears. The emotional peak was when Miguel sang "Remember Me" to his great-grandmother Coco, who had forgotten her memories about her father. It's such a tear-jerking reminder of how much loved ones should be remembered and how much family ties mean. Having scintillating graphics, Coco leaves its audiences with tears and smiles on the way out.

18. Marley & Me (2008)

This bitter-sweet story traces the roller-coaster ride of life with a rascal but lovable Labrador called Marley. Featuring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, this film captures the best of raising a pet, along with the struggles involved in doing so. When Marley grows old, he begins to fall sick, making his eventual goodbye emotional, one that any owner can understand when they lose a beloved pet. This movie is strong in terms of its relatability because it shows how profoundly pets affect our lives. No one can watch it without crying.

19. The Notebook (2004)

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams bring to life Nicholas Sparks' beautiful romance as star-crossed lovers Noah and Allie who fight societal norms and time. The movie's emotional center is actually the elderly couple's story, wherein Noah tells their love story to Allie who is fighting Alzheimer's. The heartbreak that the elderly woman doesn't remember their past anymore adds more depth to the love story. The final scene shows them passing away hand-in-hand, which is again an emotional gut punch. The Notebook is a time that will never fade, like love and devotion.

20. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

This is a coming-of-age film, the power of imagination versus fragility. It has been about creating an imaginary kingdom where the magic would take the duo Jesse and Leslie on a life adventure, one that abruptly ended with a jolt. The movie would later reveal its deepest and darkest secret; Leslie's sudden death will shock Jesse to confront this and seek comfort in his and Leslie's memories together. By the end, you’ll be left with tears in your eyes and a renewed appreciation for the fleeting beauty of childhood.