Movies affect us in ways we can’t imagine, and different genres can have different effects. This is why variety is important—it means that we’ll always be able to find something to fit our current mood. Ranked by level of sadness, here’s a list of unusual movies that have the power to break your heart, make you sob, and help you channel your emotions while still getting to appreciate great work of visual art.
1. Big Fish
“A man tells so many stories, that he becomes the stories. They live on after him, and in that way he becomes immortal.” -Will Bloom
Centered around a bed-ridden father telling his son his life story, Big Fish takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. You will laugh, feel inspired, and eventually cry. The quirky film, directed by the famous Tim Burton, is guaranteed to make you feel many emotions.
2. The Fall
“It was the natural order of things… all things must die.” -Roy Walker
The Fall is a visually striking film that will make you think and spark a discussion about the meaning of everything. It follows the story of a man named Roy who befriends a young girl while they are both in the hospital. The tragic story will have you yelling at the TV while you try to hold back tears. Starring the incredibly talented Lee Pace and the adorable Catinca Untaru, this movie is a must-see for those times when you can’t help but cry.
3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
“I could die right now, Clem. I’m just… happy. I’ve never felt that before. I’m just exactly where I want to be.” -Joel Barish
Joel Barish and Clementine Kruczynski are a couple but, when their relationship starts going downhill, they break up. After they willingly undergo a procedure that erases their memories of each other, they unknowingly meet again and have the opportunity to remember each other and give their relationship another shot. While this film may not exactly be a tear-jerker, this movie will definitely break your heart as well as give you a new perspective on breakups and love in general.
4. (500) Days of Summer
“This is a story of boy meets girl, but you should know upfront, this is not a love story.” -The Narrator
Tom writes greeting cards and believes in love. Summer is an assistant at a greeting card company and does not believe in love. This movie follows their relationship at every stage. With a great soundtrack and imaginative style, this movie will have you crying as well as wondering why relationships don’t all work out in the end.
5. Dead Poets Society
“O’ Captain! My Captain!” -Neil Perry
In a boarding school for boys, an English teacher (played by Robin Williams) changes his students’ lives. Teaching them about the purpose of literature and the importance of thinking for themselves, he inspires them to make their lives worth living and to really seize the day.
6. The Boy in Striped Pajamas
“We’re not supposed to be friends, you and me. We’re meant to be enemies. Did you know that?” -Bruno
Set during World War II, the film follows the life of a young German boy who, while living next to a concentration camp, befriends a young Jew. It’s a heartbreaking tale that approaches a familiar concept from a new perspective (and will have you reaching for tissues at every turn).
7. A Monster Calls
“Belief is half of healing.” -The Monster
Connor’s mom has been sick for years. Her health continues to deteriorate and their situation becomes worse as Connor starts having nightmares. He has the same nightmare over and over again and begins to think there’s no hope for him or his mom until the night the yew tree in his backyard starts walking.
8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
“Dear Friend, I’m sorry I haven’t written in a while, but I’ve been trying hard not to be a loser.” -Charlie
Charlie is a freshman in high school. He is also a wallflower, someone who watches from the sidelines without actually interacting with anyone. However, when he is befriended by two seniors, Sam and Patrick, he learns about love and confronts some deeply seated issues. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age story with a crushing twist that will make you feel equally angry and sad without even trying.
9. Life is Beautiful
“Buon giorno, Principessa!” -Guido
Life is Beautiful is an Italian film that takes place during World War II. It depicts the life of a Jewish family and their struggles when they are taken to a concentration camp. It’s a heart wrenchingly sad film that somehow manages to be incredibly and beautifully meaningful.
10. I am Sam
“People like you don’t know what it’s like to get hurted. Because you don’t have feelings. People like you don’t feel anything!” -Sam
An autistic man called Sam is given the responsibility of a baby girl after a one-night stand with a homeless woman. Years later, the woman is back and wants her child back. With the help of a lawyer, Sam fights for custody of his daughter and in the process shows the world what love is and what it means to truly care for someone.
11. My Girl
“Where are his glasses? He can’t see without his glasses!” -Vada
Young Vada, the daughter of a mortician and known for being an unsociable tomboy, lost her mother early in her life. On summer break, she meets a young boy who becomes her first crush and a woman who becomes the mother figure she so desperately needs. Twists and turns make this strange film a heart-wrenching comedy-drama that will move you to your core.
12. Bridge to Terabithia
“We rule Terabithia, and nothing crushes us!” -Leslie
Jesse is a troubled young boy until he meets Leslie, an adventurous girl who thinks anything is possible. Together, they create Terabithia, an imaginary world in the woods that becomes their safe place in order to escape the reality that surrounds them.
13. A Walk to Remember
“You have to promise you won’t fall in love with me.” -Jaime
Jamie and Landon meet when Landon gets in trouble for a prank that lands a boy in the hospital. As they begin working together in the school activities that he’s forced to work on, they grow closer and form an unlikely relationship. However, tragedy strikes, making them reassess their relationship and giving them a different outlook on life, death, and love.