While there are movies that showcase action packed scenes, sci-fi elements, thrilling plots, dramatic exchanges, and petrifying antagonists, there are a plethora of films that cater to the human emotion of sorrow. These movies entice teary eyes, compassion, and a hopefulness, that many find solace in.
Although, there have been innumerous films with a sad premise, so many that a mere list couldn’t suffice, only a few make it to the top. These films are often regarded as some of the finest works of cinema and paint a picture of what humanity can be. There are too many great “sad” films to include in a list as short as this, but we’ve taken the time to handpick five of the saddest films of all time.
Titanic (1997)
A classic on many fronts, James Cameron’s masterpiece, Titanic, for the newer generations, is best known for its iconic soundtrack by Celine Dion, “My Heart Will Go On”. Released back in 1997, Titanic is easily one of the most popular and successful movies ever made.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet starred as the unlucky lovers Jack and Rose, two of their most prestigious roles, which catapulted each of them to stardom. On the director’s end, Cameron revolutionized cinematography, special effects and editing, which got the movie 10 Oscars that year. The movie will bring tears to its watcher, as they experience, the short-lived and tragic love story of everyday man Jack and the refined Rose.
Up (2009)
Disney sure does know how to make someone cry. Up will make you cry in the first ten minutes, unlike many other films that take their time. The movie is easy-going enough for kids, but it packs a solid blow that only adults will be able to understand.
When we examine the backstory of the main character, we see his entire life develop, from falling in love and getting married to the tragedy of not being able to bear children. The loss of his wife before they have a chance to make the dream trip they always wanted to take, will shatter the audience. It's a great lesson in visual storytelling, and it's profoundly moving. Although, the movie ends up in as a “feel good” film, the premise is what will its watcher teary-eyed.
Schindler's List (1993)
No movie list is complete without Schindler’s list. The movie of selflessness and impeccable compassion, will bring most, if not all, viewers to tears. Schindler's List is based on a true story and follows the life of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who used his factory in Poland to save over one thousand Jewish refugees from the Holocaust.
The film is an extraordinary testament to both the atrocities and the sacrifices that humans are capable of committing. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and features stellar performances from Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, and Ben Kingsley.
Lion (2016)
Lion is an incredible tale of a long-lost reunion. In Lion, Dev Patel plays a man who is seeking for his birth parents after getting lost from his village in India as a child, and in time adopted out by an Australian couple. He later reunites with his family and learns more about his past.
Years later, when he's grown up and sad about the family he left in India, he uses Google Earth to look for them. He traveled to India with the blessing of his adoptive mother, who is dying, to reunite with his family after 26 years.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith’s stellar performance here, showcases what an incredibly talented actor he can be. Although the title suggests that this will be a happy movie, there are very few happy moments in the entirety of the movie.
Smith and his actual son, Jaden, play a father and son struggling with homelessness in this movie, which is, for the most part, gives off an incredible feeling of hopelessness. Smiths character is faced with one setback after another, but he never gives up. The fact that The Pursuit of Happyness is based on a true story only makes it more difficult to avoid getting emotional.
FAQs
Q. Who is the director of Titanic?
A. Titanic is director by James Cameroon.
Q. What is the Pursuit of Happyness about?
A. The pursuit of Happyness is based on the American businessman, Christopher Paul Gardner.
Q. What is Saroo’s real name in Lion?
A. Saroo Brierley was born Sheru Munshi Khan.
Q. What was the budget of the Titanic movie?
A. The budget for the Titanic movie was $200 million, making it the most expensive movie at the time.
