Entertainment
These Movies Will Make You Cry Happy Tears For Hours
Paramount Pictures
The most confusing Netflix selection moments are when you're in a hard-to-define bad mood: on the verge of tears, yet not necessarily wanting to believe the world is a better place. I'm sure that's a common mood no matter what time of year it is, and finding the right blend for that catharsis might be tricky. But no worries: if you need to let it out, but also want to believe in happily ever afters, I've collected a selection of films that should make you get blissfully misty-eyed.
Well, maybe. Truth is, I don't know your taste in films, what franchise you've pledged loyalty to (I've listed them all), or what songs will turn you into a human waterfall. Also, I don't know if you share my crazy obsession with Cameron Crowe movies. However, I know what films work on me, so maybe you can find something within the curation. For your consideration (or outright dismissal), here are a selection of films that may have the potential to move you to tears of joy... no matter what your cinematic poison is.
'Say Anything'
If you’re really big on teen love conquering all, then you totally will overlook all the low-key stalking that cutie pie Lloyd Dobler does in order to win back Diane Court.
'Breakfast At Tiffany's'
Oh man, I get so misty-eyed at the end when Holly realizes her true love was in front of her eyes all along: Cat.
'The Fox And The Hound'
To quote my editor Kadeen Griffiths, this movie “makes you cry happy tears for two minutes and sad tears for the rest of your life.”
'Edward Scissorhands'
Like he got thrown out of town for being a scissor-handed freak, but he still gets to work on his art, and that’s at least a heartwarming comfort among all the snow and Frankenstein-ing.
'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial'
“I’ll be right here.” You sure will, little buddy. You sure will.
'Forrest Gump'
So predictable, but how can you not root for Forrest?
'Inside Out'
A movie legit about all the feels that will give you, legit, all the feels.
'Garden State'
If you can excuse the overwrought hipster reputation of the film (or still buy into it 10 years later), then, yeah, between the pouring rain and the dulcet tones of the Shins, it’ll get you.
'Sixteen Candles'
This one is possibly/definitely specific to me, just because I have that very teenage fantasy that my secret crush will inexplicably roll up in a shiny car and save me from whatever horrible familial obligation I’m attending.
'The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants'
I’m just really, really big on sisterhood.
'Good Will Hunting'
Robin Williams drives the heart of this one, to no surprise.
'Toy Story 3'
Does this ruin or celebrate your childhood? I don’t know, but at least the movie delivers happy tears after the horror tears from that whole incinerator snafu.
'Singles'
It’s about being single and being in love with musicians who don’t want to commit to you, so yeah. Yeah, this one resonates with me.
'Life Is Beautiful'
Life is really, really, horrifying in a concentration camp. But Roberto Benigni’s portrayal of Guido, who stops at nothing to keep his kid smiling during the darkness, is beautiful.
'The Wizard Of Oz'
For the lovers of the classics, the young at heart, and anyone who is familiar with the tragic life of Judy Garland, it’s hard not to get weepy when Dorothy returns home.
'The Breakfast Club'
There's just something in that fist pump. It feels like it makes up for all the pain we suffered through in high school.
'American Beauty'
There’s so much beauty in the world, so you shouldn’t be mad. Kevin Spacey isn’t.
'It's A Wonderful Life'
I tried to steer clear of blatant Christmas films and, to be fair ,this film is 3/4ths just about the life of George Bailey. To also be fair, I have never been able to watch the last five minutes without marathon sobbing.
'The Pursuit Of Happyness'
And it is a hell of a hard pursuit trying to watch a father work an unpaid internship in the midst of homelessness, but it’s worth it. Like, spoiler alert: happiness is the end game.
'Silver Linings Playbook'
If Pat and Tiffany can find love and sort of awkwardly fumble through a dance routine, than we all can do it.
'Jerry Maguire'
I don’t believe that Jerry actually deserves Dorothy. I think he should have to work a little harder than saying “Hello.” But it still gets me in the feels for some reason.
Definitely A Melange Of 'Harry Potter' Films, But Not Every 'Harry Potter' Film, So Be Careful
You should be good with Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, and Deathly Hollows Part 2, although you’re going to dredge through lots of sadness with the last one before you get to anything vindicating. Or, if that isn’t your chosen fandom...
'Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King'
I guess pre-gaming with the other two movies would make sense if you have six hours to spare. After that, one of the 50 Return of the King endings should definitely get to you. Personally, my fave is when they bow to the Hobbit. And if this still isn’t your go-to franchise…
Either 'Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope' or 'Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens'
In my opinion, these two have the most genuinely triumphant endings in the saga, endings that aren’t all tarted up by Gungans or Ewoks. A New Hope’s ending has that very satisfying medal ceremony, and Force Awakens… well, I’m personally very moved by the end of Rey’s journey.
'When Harry Met Sally...'
It’s a love story like, a decade long in the making, though I guess you have to be into the whole Nora Ephron thing be completely in hysterics (which I am).
'You've Got Mail'
Again: it helps to be pro-Ephron, especially since this one is a little more loftily dated than When Harry Met Sally... somehow. Even still when Joe says, “Don’t cry, Shopgirl,” I’m already losing it.
'Almost Famous'
Last Cameron Crowe flick, I promise, but the only one that matters, as it is the most brilliantly soundtracked coming-of-age story in all of cinema. From “America” to “Tiny Dancer” to everything else, it all pulls at my heart strings so hard.
'Crazy Stupid Love'
Not everything is wrapped up neatly here, but I think that intercepted speech at graduation and the promise of hope is more than enough.
'Perks Of Being A Wallflower'
And in that moment, David Bowie’s “Heroes” made me stream tears of joy.
'Pitch Perfect'
If you don't sob when the Bellas put it together for that last, triumphant performance, then I don't even know.
'Mulan'
My baby's all grown up and saving China.
'Real Steel'
An underrated Hugh Jackman movie that will warm your heart as he goes from deadbeat to good father. With robots.
'Pacific Rim'
Speaking of robots, when humanity comes together to cancel the Apocalypse, you can't help but cheer. And then cry. And then cry more.
'Legally Blonde'
I can't be the only one who gets a little choked up when Hoku's "Perfect Day" starts playing, can I?
'Big Hero 6'
Listen, it may have had the hard job of following in Frozen's footsteps, but watching Hiro deal with his grief and loss and find friendship and acceptance is perfect fodder for tears of every kind.
'The Last Airbender'
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Trust me, I don't want to acknowledge that this movie exists either, but, if you're having a bad day, watching a large group of earthbenders do a choreographed dance routine to move one rock will make you laugh until you cry.