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15 Movies That Will Make You Ugly Cry

We watch movies to feel a range of emotions – happiness, fear, anger, and sadness. Action, horror, and comedy movies are pretty good, but only one genre can make you cry – drama. It can be a tear or two. Those movies are pretty good, but sometimes you’re just in the mood for an ugly cry. Some dramas make you feel like they broke you inside and you’re left sobbing, but somehow, it’s a good feeling. It can be cathartic to have a good cry over a movie. Afterward, you can wipe your tears away and go about your day.

Anyone who has tried to go for a nice ugly cry knows that it’s hard to find a good one. Sure, you could go for the period dramas but they can get kind of boring. Most of them are long and drawn out, and it takes forever to get to the juicy parts. If you need help, we have you covered. Over the years, we’ve seen some pretty good ugly-cry movies. Whether you want animated, teen, political, or whatever, here are 15 movies that are guaranteed to turn you into a sobbing mess. Just don’t forget to grab tissues before getting all comfortable.

Marley and Me

Marley and Me

In this film, Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson will touch your heart, especially if you’re a dog lover. The couple adopts this unruly dog that's disobedient, but also friendly and they’re determined to make him part of the movie. They may get frustrated with his antics, but the couple knows that Marley is part of the family. Soon, they realize that their lives wouldn’t be complete without Marley. 

(image via Facebook

Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias

This story about six southern women navigating life will bring you to tears as they encounter some of the best and worst life has to offer, including love, illness, and loss. This film stars Sally Field and Julia Roberts in some of the most memorable roles of their careers. 

(image via Pinterest

Radio

Radio

Cuba Gooding Jr. stars as a mentally handicapped man with a heart of gold. He is frequently mistreated by those around him until a high school football coach takes him under his wing. This story of kindness will restore your faith in humanity.

(image via Youtube

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Set during the Holocaust, this story of innocence and friendship will make you wish that you could still see the world from the viewpoint of a child. Bruno, the son of a Nazi officer, befriends a young boy, Shmuel, who is living in a concentration camp. The two build a friendship without knowing the true nature of the world they’re living in. 

(image via Instagram

A Walk to Remember

A Walk to Remember

This classic Mandy Moore flick will make you feel like a heartsick teenager as Landon tries to help Jamie check everything off her bucket list in case she succumbs to her leukemia. The little gestures of affection and loyalty that are scattered throughout the film will give you hope that love is still very much alive. 

(image via Facebook

Big Fish

Big Fish

After Edward suffers a debilitating stroke, he attempts to mend his relationship with his son, Will, whom he hasn’t spoken to in a long time. This tale of unconditional love and redemption will make you want to call your parents and tell them how much you love them. 

(image via Pinterest

Milk

Milk

This film stars Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, the first openly gay individual to be elected to public office in the state of California. You will be filled with empathy as you witness the heartbreak that this man faced. You will also be filled with pride after you see the lasting impact he made on millions of people. 

(image via Amazon

Up

Up

The first 15 minutes of this animated flick will have you sobbing into a tissue. After you witness the beautiful montage that is Carl and Ellie’s love story, you will feel torn to pieces when Ellie’s death rips them apart. Fortunately, the movie does get happier as it goes on, with Carl embarking on an adventure and finally seeing beauty in the world again. 

(image via Facebook

12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave

In this film, a free man from the north named Solomon is captured and sold into slavery in the south. You will find yourself crying more often than not as Solomon faces the horrors of slavery and fights to find a way back to freedom and his family’s loving arms. 

(image via Facebook

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars

Augustus and Hazel are two teens living with cancer who fall in love with each other despite all the odds the world has set against them. This story about love and living in the moment will make you feel grateful for every moment you have on this earth.

(image via Facebook

Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society

This is one of the most iconic films of Robin Williams’ career, as he takes on the role of John Keating, a teacher who brings rather unconventional teaching methods to the uptight Welton Academy. 

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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This bizarre story about a man who starts aging backwards will give you a whole new perspective on life and love. Starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in the leading roles, you will feel just as helpless and confused as they do as they try to be together while reconciling with the fact that their love will never be normal. 

(image via Facebook

The Danish Girl

The Danish Girl

The Danish Girl was just released in 2015, and it could not be any more relevant or hard-hitting. This film follows Einar’s (played by Eddie Redmayne) quest to find love and acceptance as he makes the transition to a woman. His wife’s struggle to be there for him and reconcile with her own feelings will break your heart.  

(image via Facebook

The Pursuit of Happyness

The Pursuit of Happyness

In this film, Will Smith stars as Chris Gardner, a man that bends over backwards to support his son while climbing his way up the corporate ladder. Every time Chris is pushed backwards by his circumstances, he fights even harder to succeed. His drive will move you and encourage you to never give up.

(image via Facebook

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3

After Woody and the gang are accidentally donated to a daycare center, they must find a way to get back to Andy. They face more obstacles than any toy should ever have to, and you will cry more than you ever thought you would during this series. 

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