On days when everything just sucks (work’s stressful, you’re completely unmotivated, the vibes are just off), your inclination might be to distract yourself with something overly cheery and lighthearted. Sometimes, though, the best thing you can do is lean into your feelings for a cathartic release.
According to Anat Joseph, LCSW, a therapist based in New York and New Jersey, a good cry is a great way to wring out bottled-up frustration, despair, and sadness—and a devastating film can make that happen naturally. “Movies, in particular, can be a gentle outlet to feel what we’ve been avoiding,” Joseph tells SELF, whether that’s loss after a breakup, a lingering sense of longing, or hopelessness that sneaks up during the endless grind of everyday life. “Knowing you’re not alone in your emotions, even if it’s through a fictional character, can be incredibly healing and validating.”
So whether you’re recovering from heartbreak, craving nostalgia, or just in the mood for a cinematic sob, here are the top movies therapists say are guaranteed to get the tears flowing.
Pixar knows how to go straight for your feels, and Inside Out is no exception. Following the personified emotions inside a young girl’s mind, this animated gem nails the bittersweet, messy reality of growing older—not to mention, the power of a good cry. According to Joseph, “it illustrates that sadness isn’t something to avoid—it’s something we, even as adults, need to feel, honor, and move through.”
Ever wonder about the one who got away? If so, Michele Leno, PhD, a licensed psychologist and host of Mind Matters with Dr. Michele, recommends this Oscar-nominated drama. Past Lives follows childhood sweethearts Nora and Hae Sung, whose lives take different paths after her family moves from South Korea. Years later, they reconnect in New York, only to experience the complicated what-ifs of a love story that could never be—perhaps more devastating than any dramatic breakup.
The struggle of finding The One is painfully relatable, but it’s this iconic drama’s depiction of strong female friendships—starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett, no less—that tugs most at your heartstrings. “It’s emotional, relatable for anyone, but also a genuinely fun watch,” Dr. Leno says. “And if the plot doesn’t make you cry, the soundtrack definitely will.”
Nothing will get you sobbing faster than a sad, dying dog. (Just being honest!) This bittersweet story is about a couple growing up alongside their mischievous lab. It’s equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, according to Joseph—and if you’ve ever loved (and lost) a childhood furry friend, prepare to be a puddle by the final scene.
Yes, you already know how it ends. And yet this epic romance still brings the waterworks every single time. Between Jack and Rose’s whirlwind love story and the real-life tragedy that inspired it, Titanic is a tale “that blends love, hope, and ultimately loss,” Dr. Leno says—guaranteed to have you wallowing in your feels.
On the surface, a movie starring Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn sounds like a light and fluffy rom-com. But don’t be fooled: The Break-Up perfectly captures the slow unraveling of a relationship that you once thought would last forever, making it a surprisingly effective tearjerker for anyone who’s experienced the pain of growing apart and ultimately letting go, Dr. Leno says.
“The first 10 minutes alone will break your heart wide open,” Nilisha Williams, LPC, therapist and CEO of Ace Wellness Center in Ohio, tells SELF. In this Pixar staple, elderly widower Carl sets off on an adventure to fulfill his late wife’s dream, only to be accompanied by an eager Boy Scout and an annoyingly talkative dog. While this movie is definitely geared towards kids, the tender moments, unexpected friendships, and bittersweet flashbacks will have anyone grabbing tissues for both happy and sad tears.
Balancing humor and tragedy, this 1989 film follows a close-knit group of women in small-town Louisiana who regularly meet at a beauty salon to gossip, vent, and share life’s ups and downs—experiences most of us can relate to. But amid its more comedic moments, Steel Magnolias doesn’t shy away from darker themes of heartbreak, illness, and loss, which Dr. Leno says will remind viewers “just how much sisterhood matters when life knocks you down.”
Any sad movie roundup would be incomplete without this iconic romance. It’s not just about young love: Williams says it’s about enduring devotion and a testament to how powerful love can be, even when disapproving in-laws, different social standings, and an Alzheimer’s diagnosis try to tear you apart.
Magic and superpowers aside, Wicked is surprisingly relatable for anyone who’s ever felt out of place or misunderstood. “Elphaba’s journey shows what it’s like to be judged unfairly and to long for acceptance,” Williams says. We’d be remiss not to mention an unforgettable dance scene that perfectly captures the rare joy of finding a platonic soulmate who really, truly gets you.
Will Smith delivers one of his most powerful performances as a single dad fighting against all odds to build a better life for his son—and yes, you’ll need a box of tissues close by. “You’ll cry, not just from pain,” Joseph says, “but from seeing the beauty of a father’s perseverance.” Just wait until you hit the final scene.
Another Nicholas Sparks classic has made this list—with memory loss driving the plot, yet again. When Paige loses all recollection of her marriage after waking up in a coma, her husband Leo must fight to rebuild their love from scratch. According to Dr. Leno, it’s the perfect watch for any hopeful romantics in need of reassurance that there is someone out there who will choose you again and again.
