Emotionally Touching Movies That Will Make You Cry

COVID 19 wreaked havoc in our lives. However, with time we started living with it. Yet one can never forget the initial days of lockdown. We all were scared and petrified about the things happening around. Every day was a testing time while staying locked in our homes. Despite working from home, there comes a time when you start feeling bored. And to make this stay interesting and entertaining, movies were the only medium.

During these difficult times, even I cherished every moment by watching some soulful films. These films were a ray of hope and positivity. Bollywood films have always been my favorite but this time I decided to list some of the best emotionally touching movies of Hollywood. These movies changed my perspective on life. So, without wasting a further moment, let’s unravel this list.

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My list of emotionally touching movies

1. Room

Once you watch this film, you will never stop crying and whining about the things going around you. ‘Room’ is based on the novel of the same name and stars Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay. The story revolves around the captivity of the mother-son duo, their escape plan, and life thereafter. This is one of those emotionally touching movies that will touch your heart and teach you how to cherish the beauty of LIFE!

Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video

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2. The Shawshank Redemption

This movie was released in 1994 but it continues to be a favorite among the masses. This movie is based on the novella by Stephen King named Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It follows the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for murdering his wife and her lover. During his time in prison, he befriends Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) as well as undertakes money-laundering operations led by one of the seniors. Thereafter, what happens to this duo? For that, you must watch this movie.    

Where to watch: Hungama

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3. The Pursuit of Happyness

Frankly, I was never a fan of Will Smith. But this movie changed my perspective. This movie follows the true story of a single dad Chris Gardner, who is a salesman. He with time loses everything, is homeless, lives on streets, and finally gets his big break! The heart-wrenching story of the son-father is a must-watch. Interestingly, the role of Chris Gardner’s son – Christopher Gardner, Jr., is played by Smith’s real-life son Jaden Smith. And I think it is the best decision ever. Because the chemistry between the two is worth watching.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

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4. Cast Away

Tom Hanks will and always be my favorite actor. And if you are his die-hard fan too? Then you must watch this film by hook or crook. Cast Away follows the survival story of a FedEx employee (Hanks) who is stranded on an island after a plane crash. What follows next is something I can’t narrate but you must witness it for yourself. Believe me, every moment, every frame is soulful. And what do I say about Hanks and his acting skills? It’s just top-notch!  

Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video

5. 12 Years A Slave

This movie forms the perfect backdrop in the ongoing protest of Black Lives Matter. When I saw this movie, I realized that this has been happening right from the 1800s. Things were brutal then and even now. So, this real-life story revolves around Solomon Northup who was the son of a freed slave and a free woman of color. He was a farmer and a professional violinist, by profession and as a part of the job he would travel the world playing music. But he was led into a trap in Washington, D.C., where he was drugged, kidnapped and sold as a slave. And the story revolves around his freedom.

I am ascertained that you will fall in love with the acting of Chiwetel Ejiofor, who shines throughout. Also, look out for some amazing cameos in the movie!

Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video

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6. Million Dollar Baby

This movie is a deadly combination of talent. Because it has Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. Just imagine, the amount of awesomeness in one frame! Well, this film narrates the story of Margaret “Maggie” Fitzgerald (Swank) – a waitress and also an amateur boxer. She wants to make it big in professional boxing and is helped by a boxing trainer (Eastwood) to achieve her dream. What do I say about this film? With such a huge star cast, this film doesn’t let you down and it is one of the most emotionally touching movies.

Where to watch: Netflix

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7. Lion

Lion is a real-life story that revolves around a 5-year-old Indian boy named Saroo. Saroo accidentally separated from his mother, was later adopted by an Australian couple. However, after 25 years, with the help of Google Earth, he managed to find his biological mother and believe me – the moment of the reunion will leave you spellbound. I had to constantly grab tissues while watching that moment on screen. Besides, this film has a huge star cast but the cute star Sunny Pawar (played young Saroo) caught all my attention. This is one of the most emotionally touching movies right from the start to end!   

Where to watch: Netflix

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8. Eight Below

All my loved ones are well aware that how scared I am of dogs! Just to clear the air – I don’t particularly hate dogs but I am petrified of them. But it goes without doubt that I love watching movies surrounding them. And one such movie is Eight Below. This movie follows the story of 8 sled dogs who are left behind after an expedition. Due to harsh weather, their rescue mission is aborted and everyone thinks that the dogs are dead. But the story is something else and for that, you must watch this emotionally touching movie.

Where to watch: YouTube

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9. The Terminal

Again, my favorite actor steals the spotlight – Tom Hanks. Even if you aren’t his fan, yet you must watch this film. So, this film narrates the story of Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), who is a resident of a fictional nation called Krakozhia. He gets stuck at the John F. Kennedy Airport terminal as he is unable to enter the United States. Further, unable to return to his native country because of a military rebellion. He befriends everyone at the airport which is followed by several funny and heart-touching moments.  

Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video

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10. Marriage Story

No marriage is perfect and we all have our share of ups and downs. The same follows in the married life of a couple (Johansson and Driver). Further, leading to an ugly divorce. However, the whole process of divorce proceedings showcased in the film is very emotional and heart-wrenching. The emotional outburst of the characters is beautifully portrayed which is why I think it is the one of the most emotionally touching movies.

Where to watch: Netflix

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11. Into the wild

When this movie started and I got a fair idea about the plot. Well, let me specify that this film is the real-life story of Christopher McCandless who hiked across North America into the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1990s. So, I thought that it would be just another adventure-drama. But I never expected the climax of the film which is why it is one of the most emotionally touching movies. No, I am not going to reveal because you must watch it!

Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video

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12. Boys Don’t Cry

No, I just couldn’t watch this again because it was so disturbing for me! This film narrates the real-life story of Brandon Teena – a trans man who was brutally raped and murdered in 1993. Hilary Swank won an Oscar for this movie, and she deserves all the praise. Her acting is stupendous and not once the movie loses pace.

Where to watch: Not available on OTT platform.

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13. The Vow

This movie is also inspired by the real-life story of a couple named Kim and Krickitt Carpenter. Ten weeks after their wedding, the couple was in a grave car accident. In which Krickitt suffered brain injuries that led to memory loss. Thereafter, she had no memories of her husband and marriage. But what follows next and how they cross paths is something that you should witness yourself.

Where to watch: The Sony Pictures

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14. Blood Diamond

I must have seen this movie like 20 times and I cry every time. Yes, many might think, “what’s so emotional about this film?” For that, you must watch this film. This film is set during the Sierra Leone Civil War and how the country was caught between the supporters of the government and rebellious forces. It highlights the atrocities as well as the secrets behind the trading of conflict diamonds. Both – Leonardo DiCaprio, and Djimon Hounsou have nailed it!

Where to watch: Netflix

15. Southpaw

This movie follows a story about a boxer who transforms from riches-to-rags. Sounds cliché, right? But it isn’t about his fight alone because it has one more angle – his daughter played by Oona Laurence. After his wife is killed; alcohols, drugs, and depression consume him. Being unfit, his daughter is put under the care of Child Protective Services after which the story kickstarts. This is one of the emotionally touching movies because the father-daughter bonding is tearful and heart-wrenching.

Where to watch: Netflix

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16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

After the Harry Potter series, I fell in love with Emma Watson because of this movie. The film revolves around Charlie (Logan Lerman) who is an introvert teenager and suffers from clinical depression. However, he gets along with two of his seniors (Watson and Ezra Miller) who welcome him with open arms. Their bonding, happy memories, is mesmerizing. Yes, they do have their share of ups and downs but it has been aesthetically portrayed.

Where to watch: Netflix

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17. The Notebook

When we are talking about emotionally touching movies, it is imperative to have this movie on the list. So, the film follows the story of a young couple played by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. It is set in the 1940s and their story is narrated through notebook – hence the name. Every time the couple is onscreen, their emotions touch the right chord. Most importantly, while watching this movie have a box of tissues by your side.   

Where to watch: Netflix

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18. P.S. I Love You

If you are planning to watch this movie? Then, this movie will stay with you forever. I have always seen Hilary Swank play a strong character who is determined (movies I mentioned above). But this is the first time I see her playing a romantic character. So, the film revolves around a married couple Holly and Gerry (Swank and Gerard Butler) who are madly in love. However, Gerry dies of a brain tumor and Holly realizes what he meant for her! And the emotional rollercoaster ride kickstarts.  

Where to watch: YouTube

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19. Forrest Gump

My favorite actor makes an appearance yet again! Yes, it is Tom Hanks – who portrays the role of Forrest Gump. Gump is slow-witted but an extremely kind-hearted man who is madly in love with his childhood friend Jenny Curran (Robin Wright). He experiences several historical events in the 20th century but his love for Jenny never ends. Besides, she makes an entry in his life several times. So, what happens to their love story? This is something you must watch!

Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video

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20. Les Misérables

If you love musical films, then this film is an apt choice. Not just this, but I find this as one of the most emotionally touching movies because I cried throughout. The performances, star cast, setup everything is superlative. And Anne Hathaway is simply amazing in this movie. No wonder she won an Oscar for her performance. After watching this movie, I realized we all are wrapped in a cocoon and have no idea what’s going on in the outside world. People are poverty-stricken and have so many daily challenges to face!

Where to watch: YouTube

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On a parting note

Well, this is my list of emotionally touching movies. And I am very sure that I have missed out on a lot of movies. Therefore, it’s your turn to enlighten me with your suggestions. So, don’t forget to comment below with your list of movies!