Tearjerker films and series
A good cry. Every title below was tagged Tearjerker by our classifier from its synopsis, ratings and reviews, and each page says honestly what it is like and who should skip it.
The After (2024)
film · Tearjerker · TMDB 5.6
A brief but emotionally heavy exploration of sudden loss and the long tail of grief. David Oyelowo delivers a powerful, grounded performance in a film that is profoundly sad and meant to offer a moment of cathartic release.
The Starling (2021)
film · Tearjerker · TMDB 6.9
Despite a high-profile cast, this is a heavy-handed exploration of grief that struggles to balance its quirky bird-themed metaphor with genuine sentiment. It is a tonally inconsistent watch that aims for the heart but often misses the mark, as reflected by its poor critical reception.
The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson (2026)
documentary · Tearjerker · TMDB 7.4
A poignant and devastating tribute that balances the celebration of a brilliant athletic career with the senselessness of its end. It is a heavy, emotionally resonant watch for those interested in human-centric true crime stories.
Paddleton (2019)
film · Tearjerker · TMDB 7.0
A quiet, devastating portrait of friendship that finds humor in the mundane before leaning into the heavy reality of loss. It is intentionally low-key and profoundly moving, requiring a high tolerance for gentle pacing and a heavy emotional toll.
Kingdom of Us (2017)
documentary · Tearjerker · TMDB 7.1
An intimate and profoundly moving exploration of grief that captures a family trying to piece themselves back together after a tragedy. It is raw and emotionally heavy, demanding a high degree of empathy from the viewer.
Goodbye June (2025)
film · Tearjerker · TMDB 6.5
A somber family drama that leans heavily into the emotional weight of saying goodbye during what should be a festive time. It features a powerhouse cast but offers a punishing, melancholy experience rather than holiday cheer.
My Father's Violin (2022)
film · Tearjerker · TMDB 7.9
A sentimental and musically rich drama that uses the bond between a child and an adult to explore the healing power of art. It is a classic "weepy" designed to tug at the heartstrings, offering a cathartic emotional journey with a hopeful core.
If Anything Happens I Love You (2020)
film · Tearjerker · TMDB 7.7
An exceptionally brief but emotionally shattering animation that captures the weight of absence with beautiful simplicity. It is an essential, though devastating, watch for those seeking a profound exploration of grief and love.
Good Grief (2023)
film · Tearjerker · TMDB 6.2
A polished exploration of loss that uses its beautiful European backdrop to cushion the blow of its heavy emotional core. While it leans into the aesthetics of a travelogue, the focus remains firmly on the messy, painful process of moving forward.
My Best Friend Anne Frank (2021)
film · Tearjerker · TMDB 6.8
A devastating look at a well-known tragedy through a personal lens, focusing on the friendship that preceded the horror. It is emotionally punishing and heavy, designed for those seeking a cathartic and somber historical drama.