Fall is here! That means pumpkin spice, cute halloween costumes, and rewatching “Halloweentown” for the 40th time, for most of us, that is. But for some of us, Fall means seasonal depression and midterm stress. To cope, here’s some movies that will make you sob your eyes out.
1. “My Girl” (1991)
Death. We all think about it, but 11-year-old Vada is obsessed with it. I’m sure you can guess that a movie about death is going to be a sad one, but you have no idea what you’re in for with this film. This movie really touches your inner child, which is what makes it all the more upsetting.
Where to watch: YouTube (free), Amazon Prime Video ($3.59), Apple TV ($3.99)
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
2. “The Notebook” (2004)
I couldn’t give a list of sad movies without including this one. I was a skeptic before watching “The Notebook.” I thought it was a cheesy romance that would have absolutely no depth whatsoever. I’ve never been more wrong. This classic romance centers around the story of a wealthy young girl, Allie, and a poor young man, Noah. We see Allie and Noah fall in love, fight, break-up, and get back together again. Fair warning, don’t watch this movie unless you have at least 5 boxes of tissues on hand.
Where to watch: Hulu (premium subscription), Amazon Prime Video ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), fuboTV
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance
3. “Someone Great” (2019)
If you’ve ever gone through a breakup, this movie is for you. The main character, Jenny, is going through the worst breakup of her life and trying desperately to recuperate. The movie does a great job of getting you attached to Jenny, so you feel as though her heartbreak are yours. The true tear jerking scenes, though, were the ones depicting memories of Jenny’s relationship. For that I have two words: GUT. WRENCHING. If you needed any further convincing that this movie is sob-worthy, the soundtrack includes Frank Ocean and Phoebe Bridgers. Iconic.
Where to watch: Netflix
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Romance
4. “Dead Poets Society” (1989)
This is one of those movies that you have to pause at the end so you can really take it all in. Even after that, it weighs on your mind for weeks. Robin Williams stars in this coming-of-age film about the trials and tribulations of being a teenager and challenging societal expectations. But, it is so much more than that. I’m tearing up just thinking about it. I promise, your life will be changed forever.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
5. “Steel Magnolias” (1989)
This movie gives you a completely new meaning of mother-daughter love and female friendship. It centers a small Louisiana town and the women who occupy it. With Dolly Parton, Sally Field, and Julia Roberts, you know you will get the performance of a lifetime. The true sob-inducing element though, is the bond between M’Lynn and her daughter, Shelby. Shelby is a lively young southern belle with diabetes, but her life and her mother’s is changed forever when she wants to have a baby of her own.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video ($3.59), Apple TV ($3.99)
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
6. “All the Bright Places” (2020)
You know the drill. Two teens with a tragic past meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after. Or do they? This movie was one that I thought would be a cliche teen romance movie, but boy, was I wrong. It takes you on an absolute emotional roller coaster, and then has the audacity to not have a happy ending. I know what you’re thinking, “Why would I watch a movie without a happy ending?” To that I say: this is a list of movies that make you cry, not make you smile.
Where to watch: Netflix
Rating: TV-MA
Genre: Drama, Romance
7. “Dear John” (2010)
No, this movie doesn’t have anything to do with the Taylor Swift song. Yes, it is just as heartbreaking. I think we can all agree that anything based on a Nicholas Sparks novel is going to leave you crying so hard that you can’t see. It follows the love story of a young soldier, John and a college student, Savannah . Can their love survive John being deployed to Afghanistan? All I know is that I’ve been in college for 3 months now and I still haven’t found my John.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
8. “The Florida Project” (2017)
The primary focus of this movie is the life of a strong 6-year-old girl named Moonee who’s single mother, Halley, is struggling to keep their family afloat. While they don’t have much, Moonee and Halley find joy in their little life. But, Halley participates in some questionable activities in order to survive, threatening her family. This movie does a beautiful job portraying poverty and childhood, but it is a bit more emotionally distressing than the others, so watch at your own discretion.
Where to watch: Hulu (premium subscription), Amazon prime video (premium subscription), Paramount + (premium subscription)
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
9. “5 Feet Apart” (2019)
Watching Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson beat all obstacles to be together? I think I just felt a tear. Stella is type A kind of girl, but when she meets Will, he turns her world completely upside down. They both suffer from a life threatening disease, and have to remain six feet apart in order to remain healthy. But their love becomes life threatening when they decide to break that rule. This makes for one very tragic love story.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance