Sometimes we get so overwhelmed by our feelings that a good cry is the only solution.
If you need to relieve some stress with a nice little sob session, why not use one of these drama movies, all available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, as inspiration? A sad movie can be just the thing to get the tears flowing.
Watch With Us is highlighting five movies available on the platform. Some are pure drama, some have comedic elements, but they’re all guaranteed to move even the stoniest of hearts and moisten the driest eyes.
Check out these five tearjerkers, which star actors like Sam Rockwell, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Hanks.
‘The Way Way Back’ (2013)
This 2013 coming-of-age movie deftly explores the complexities of growing up in a family that doesn’t understand you. Duncan (Liam James), the 14-year-old son of single mom Pam (Toni Collette), is frequently belittled by his mother’s boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), when she’s out of earshot. When Duncan and Pam accompany Trent and his daughter to stay at a beach house for the summer, Duncan is miserable — until he crosses paths with Owen (Sam Rockwell), the manager of a local water park. Owen takes Duncan under his wing, helping him find confidence.
The Way Way Back is a poignant portrayal of the struggles for identity and self-esteem among adolescents and adults alike. It’s a moving movie about the power that certain relationships have to pick you up when others seem determined to pull you down. It’s a bittersweet story, along with powerful performances from James, Collette and Rockwell turn it into tear-inducing gold.
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‘Spotlight’ (2015)
Spotlight is based on the true story of The Boston Globe‘s famous “Spotlight” investigative team (one of the oldest continuously operating newspaper investigative journalist units in the United States), and their Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation into widespread and systemic child sex abuse in the Boston area by numerous Roman Catholic priests.
The investigative drama stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams and Stanley Tucci as reporters trying to uncover the truth about the abuse and its subsequent cover-up. The disturbing content is handled with incredible sensitivity, and the grave subject matter makes for a devastating story. But one also can’t help but be inspired and moved by the impassioned search for truth and justice.
‘Titanic’ (1997)
James Cameron‘s epic historical romance is practically synonymous with “movies that will make you cry,” and it’s for a good reason. Rose (Kate Winslet), a wealthy heiress chafing against her restrictive role in society, and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio), a penniless artist with big dreams and zest for life, meet and fall in love during the maiden voyage of the doomed ship. The highs are high as Jack and Rose get caught up in their whirlwind romance.
But what Cameron does so well in this movie is portray the huge scale of the tragedy aboard the ill-fated ocean liner. Though the story takes place over only a few days, you get to know the world of the RMS Titanic, from the stunning chandeliers of the upper levels to the raucous, good-natured chaos in steerage.
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Through the lens of treasure hunter Brock Lovett’s (Bill Paxton) quest to locate valuable jewels in the shipwreck, the movie forces viewers to face the reality of the infamous tragedy — not just as a historical fact, but as an incident in which hundreds of real people lost their lives. (There is a certain scene involving an Irish woman tucking her children into bed that never fails to shake us to the core.) The raw, heartbreaking reality of the sinking, combined with the selfless acts of bravery and sacrifice displayed by many characters, often leaves viewers tearful.
‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2007)
Another tragic love story, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), two cowboys who develop complex romantic feelings for one another over decades of herding cattle over the eponymous mountain. Directed by Ang Lee, this tragic story shows how love can be stifled by conservative social norms and how that can lead to devastating consequences.
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Beginning in 1963, Brokeback Mountain illustrates how much has changed in society when it comes to masculinity and homophobia — as well as how much hasn’t changed at all. Though it falls victim to the “bury your gays” trope, it’s still a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the quest for identity.
The film does not shy away from showcasing the harsh realities faced by the characters due to their forbidden love and societal constraints. The performances of Ledger and Gyllenhaal were universally lauded, infusing their characters with authenticity and vulnerability that many find heart-wrenchingly relatable.
‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)
This comedic drama is one of the most popular films of the ’90s, and it’s still beloved for its many memorable quotes (“Run, Forrest, run!” and “Life is like a box of chocolates” come to mind), its clever portrayal of historical events and the impactful performances from lead actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. It tells the story of Forrest Gump (Hanks), a “simple” man who struggles to get through life due to his below-average IQ and his kind heart. Forrest finds himself frequently stumbling through important historical moments, such as the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Motivating his journey around every turn is his love for his childhood best friend, Jenny (Wright).
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Forrest’s innocence and unwavering love in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving make him a deeply lovable character, and Hanks’ portrayal really makes the viewer feel every pure emotion on his face. His joy becomes your joy, and your heart breaks when his does. Forrest’s relationships with significant figures in his life—such as his mother, portrayed by Sally Field, and his Vietnam War comrade, Lieutenant Dan, played by Gary Sinise—further amplify its emotional weight. Forrest Gump has as much endurance, stamina and hope as the title character himself.
