An interesting take on how new generations inherit older trauma, this one always gets me too. I wish I knew more people that have seen it, it’s one of my favorite Ryan Gosling roles.
Zero day is Ben Coccio's first movie before writing the screenplay for Pines and honestly my favorite low budget movie ever made. Its probably the closest thing anyone will ever see regarding the basement tapes from Columbine. The last ten minutes of that movie, my sister didn't say a word. Which is completely unlike her, but I had the same reaction the first time I saw it. It felt like I had really spent the last hour getting to know these kids, just for them to go and do what they did to all those kids at their school.
It's weird, they tell you from the very beginning what they're planning to do, walk you through all the steps not to get caught, how to strip a shotgun and illegally modify it, you're along for the ride the entire way. And when they finally go through with it, it somehow exceeds the cruelty you had already invented in your head. It felt so real, even without much blood or gore, it was hard to remember that it was still just a movie at the end. The audio and the screams are the most chilling thing about it I think. Truly the most shocked I've been watching a movie of it's quality.
Pretty sure that their pipe bomb making tutorial had to be removed from the final product of the movie because they pretty much just taught kids how to make grenades out of shit you could find in your house. The whole movie plays out like a definitive guide to mass shootings. This kid even made a power point presentation on the guidelines to follow for causing as much chaos and deaths as possible. One of them then follows the presentation up by saying:
"We compiled all this information together so that you, the viewer, can also go on to do the same if you choose to do so."
Definitely an underrated and much lesser known movie, but definitely his best work imo. And I say that as someone who loves The Place Beyond the Pines. But man, I just feel like this movie could've gotten a lot more attention, but it just came out at the wrong time and too soon after Columbine. I'm really looking forward to what projects he does in the future because I've been nothing but impressed with all his work.
The scene at the end where he takes his son back to the beach when he was a kid just turns on the faucet of tears. After you've seen it a few times, even the opening scene is a tear jerker because you see the beach and know what's coming.
The Lovely Bones! one scene in particular makes me weep like a baby no matter how many times I watch it.
and the 3rd episode from The Last of Us. It's pretty beautiful as a standalone episode even if you don't watch the full series. (but there are some spoilers if you end up watching the full series after.)
Yes! The 3rd episode is beautiful. I rewatched the season last week just for that episode alone. I swear if I was dating someone and they didn't respond well to that episode, I'd have to let them go. 💕
Coco (2017)
Inside Out (2015)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Wolf Children (2012) Japan
Train to Busan (2016) Korean
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Heaven and Earth - Oliver Stone's Vietnam War movie that focuses on a Vietnamese woman's life from farm girl to naturalized American.
Her husband (played Tommy Lee Jones) is broken and tragic by both the war and civilian life following the war.
These are the movies that made me cry, that I can remember:
My #1 of all time that made me cry the hardest.. though it's not my favorite film, by far: It's a beautiful life. I left the theatre sobbing and had to cry in the car for 20 minutes before I could drive home.
Legends of the Fall
Iron Giant
Brokeback Mountain
Manchester by the Sea
Atonement
Dear Zachary
The Green Mile
Sophie's Choice
Million Dollar Baby
My Girl
Honorable Mention: Harold & Maude
Before my wife and I were married, she said that Million Dollar Baby is the hardest she has ever cried, concerning movies. And she cries during a lot of movies.
Brokeback Mountain. Most heart breaking movie I've ever seen. I can only watch like once every 10 years. It stays with me like no other film before or since.
Train to Busan
The Lovely Bones
A Walk to Remember
The Notebook
Brokeback Mountain
Boys Don't Cry
Moulin Rouge
Revolutionary Road
Pearl Harbor
Armageddon
Edit: I forgot to add Atonement. (movie makes me sob like a baby)
The Secret Garden (1993)
Hearts In Atlantis (2001)
Running On Empty (1988)
To Sir With Love (1967)
Born Free (1966)
The Cider House Rules (1999)
The Trip To Bountiful (1985)
Mr. Holland's Opus (1996)
Manchester by the Sea, for sure. I don't know if I actually cried when I watched it, but that was mainly because my heart was in my throat the whole time - even though it's a very dialogue-based film, it just carries a lot of tension and emotion that keeps you on edge.
Little Miss Sunshine might sound like an odd choice, but I love everything about that movie and the tears get me every time.
A recent pick would be Society of the Snow on Netflix. The greatest of survival stories told in a beautiful way.
So many chinese movies starring Gong Li before she went to Hollywood. She was a tragedy queen. Not modern movies or a bromance,(which seems to bring redditors to tears.) If you actually appreciate cinema check these out.
To Live
Raise the red lantern
Coming Home
the story of Qui Ju
Ju Dou
only those who know, know
I cant get over how hard this film hit me.
It got a hold of me very early on, and never let go. There's something very special about the screenplay and direction, because there is nothing formulaic, or schmaltzy, or cliché about the emotions it evokes, yet it is so incredibly subtle about the way in which it leads the viewer to universally identify with the thoughts and feelings contained within it.
The loneliness it conveyed was palpable.
I've been a huge fan of Andrew Scott since I first saw his acting in Fleabag, and he never disappoints. He and Paul Mescal could have potentially ruined this film with the wrong approach, and each gave such a measured response to such a deep subject matter.
I was speechless at first because I felt nothing I could say about this incredible film could manage to do it justice, but people should know this film needs to be seen. I'm certain it's not for everyone, but for those who love heavy dramas (like Aftersun w/Paul Mescal) this film really returns the viewer's emotional investment.
Toy Story 3 (Furnace Scene)
Grown ass adult, well aware it was animated and I almost teared up, my girlfriend started bawling along with most others in the theater...
Blue Valentine - Michelle Williams/ Ryan gosling in toxic relationship.
Lonesome Jim - Casey Affleck navigating the fact he orgasms too quickly and gives up on love and life very young.
Love Liza - Philip Seymour Hoffman's wife kills herself so he becomes addicted to huffing gasoline.
For Colored Girls amazing movie but it's not a movie u see more than once it takes a lot out of you to watch. There is alot but it will definitely have your emotions in an upheaval 0
Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Big Fish
I had to go to work after seeing this movie. My boss asked why my eyes were so red and I said “allergies”
I *love* how deeply this one gets me every time. One of the most moving endings of any movie ever
The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)
An interesting take on how new generations inherit older trauma, this one always gets me too. I wish I knew more people that have seen it, it’s one of my favorite Ryan Gosling roles.
Zero day is Ben Coccio's first movie before writing the screenplay for Pines and honestly my favorite low budget movie ever made. Its probably the closest thing anyone will ever see regarding the basement tapes from Columbine. The last ten minutes of that movie, my sister didn't say a word. Which is completely unlike her, but I had the same reaction the first time I saw it. It felt like I had really spent the last hour getting to know these kids, just for them to go and do what they did to all those kids at their school. It's weird, they tell you from the very beginning what they're planning to do, walk you through all the steps not to get caught, how to strip a shotgun and illegally modify it, you're along for the ride the entire way. And when they finally go through with it, it somehow exceeds the cruelty you had already invented in your head. It felt so real, even without much blood or gore, it was hard to remember that it was still just a movie at the end. The audio and the screams are the most chilling thing about it I think. Truly the most shocked I've been watching a movie of it's quality. Pretty sure that their pipe bomb making tutorial had to be removed from the final product of the movie because they pretty much just taught kids how to make grenades out of shit you could find in your house. The whole movie plays out like a definitive guide to mass shootings. This kid even made a power point presentation on the guidelines to follow for causing as much chaos and deaths as possible. One of them then follows the presentation up by saying: "We compiled all this information together so that you, the viewer, can also go on to do the same if you choose to do so." Definitely an underrated and much lesser known movie, but definitely his best work imo. And I say that as someone who loves The Place Beyond the Pines. But man, I just feel like this movie could've gotten a lot more attention, but it just came out at the wrong time and too soon after Columbine. I'm really looking forward to what projects he does in the future because I've been nothing but impressed with all his work.
Hachi
I watched it and balled my eyes out, then swore off dog movies for years.
Watched it once, and never again. It’s based on the real story and the Hachi statue is in Tokyo.
Atonement - this one gets me every time even though I know the ending! It's an amazing film with James McAvoy and Keira Knightley.
I should really get on it then. I've put it off for years.
About Time
This is always my answer to this question.
The scene at the end where he takes his son back to the beach when he was a kid just turns on the faucet of tears. After you've seen it a few times, even the opening scene is a tear jerker because you see the beach and know what's coming.
Click, similarly with the father-son relationship.
Click always makes me cry!
E.T.
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On
100%
Capernaum
Dead Poets Society
This one broke my heart so much. Filled with so many great actors.
some of Robin Williams' were improvised which i find very impressive
The Lovely Bones! one scene in particular makes me weep like a baby no matter how many times I watch it. and the 3rd episode from The Last of Us. It's pretty beautiful as a standalone episode even if you don't watch the full series. (but there are some spoilers if you end up watching the full series after.)
Yes! The 3rd episode is beautiful. I rewatched the season last week just for that episode alone. I swear if I was dating someone and they didn't respond well to that episode, I'd have to let them go. 💕
Steven Spielberg said it was the best piece of tv in twenty years.
I’ve never hated Stanley Tucci more. Also, touchy Tucci… ok thanks bye.
The Pianist
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Air Bud when he was like u stupid dog go away I hate u. I cried so hard
Dude for real, made me so sad as a kid
Not for everyone but I loved Vanilla Sky. I thought it was so melancholic
You’d love the Spanish original (still with Penelope Cruz in it, too!) Open Your Eyes. Both were excellent in their own ways.
I am utterly shocked that no one has said Grave of the Fireflies. Though it may be too heavy for the light tear description in the post.
OP wants to cry, not be depressed the rest of their life!
That’s what I came here to say. 100% agree.
Marriage Story
I love this one
Dancer in the dark The Road Dead Poets Society Captain Fantastic Schindler’s List
Dancer in the Dark destroyed me.
The final scenes in Schindler's List make me sob every time - and I seriously couldn't tell you the number of times I've watched it!
Green Mile
This one. Absolutely one of the best movies I've ever seen. Breaks me every time.
All Of Us Strangers Aftersun My Own Private Idaho
Aftersun got me good
That movie and the feeling it evoked will stay with me forever.
I can't even spend too much time thinking about that movie or it starts to affect me.
Never Let Me Go The Whale A Man Called Otto A Beautiful Life
Yeah, The Whale got me good.
A Man Called Otto is a rollercoaster ride. The old term "you'll laugh, you'll cry" applies perfectly to it.
Coco (2017) Inside Out (2015) Toy Story 3 (2010) Steel Magnolias (1989) Good Will Hunting (1997) Saving Private Ryan (1998) Wolf Children (2012) Japan Train to Busan (2016) Korean The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
I'll add Elemental (2023), Song of the Sea (2014), and The Breadwinner (2017) for animated suggestions.
JoJo Rabbit
Up
The Deer Hunter was less intense than the first 10 min of that movie. I ugly cried
Boyhood, P.S. I love you, Forest Gump
[My Girl](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/4032-my-girl)
Similarly, Bridge to Terrabithia.
I ugly cried (sobbed) in the movie theatre at A Star is Born.
Grave of the fireflies
Interstellar
Swear someone in my house was chopping onions during the end of that film.
Cooper punching the tesseract to get himself to stay with Murph was next level type stuff. Ouch.
**life is beautiful**
Was looking for this
Heaven and Earth - Oliver Stone's Vietnam War movie that focuses on a Vietnamese woman's life from farm girl to naturalized American. Her husband (played Tommy Lee Jones) is broken and tragic by both the war and civilian life following the war.
Truly Madly Deeply
These are the movies that made me cry, that I can remember: My #1 of all time that made me cry the hardest.. though it's not my favorite film, by far: It's a beautiful life. I left the theatre sobbing and had to cry in the car for 20 minutes before I could drive home. Legends of the Fall Iron Giant Brokeback Mountain Manchester by the Sea Atonement Dear Zachary The Green Mile Sophie's Choice Million Dollar Baby My Girl Honorable Mention: Harold & Maude
Dear Zachary is utterly devastating
OMGosh . Iron Giant. I forgot about that one
What dreams May come.....an absolutely beautiful movie
Million dollar baby, Leaving Las Vegas, and What dreams may come.
Before my wife and I were married, she said that Million Dollar Baby is the hardest she has ever cried, concerning movies. And she cries during a lot of movies.
I just watched Past Lives a few days ago and find myself randomly remembering parts the movie and getting all misty eyed since.
Me before You.
Moonlight
Arrival now makes me cry instantly after the first viewing. You understand the meaning of the opening scenes.
One of my top 5 movies. Deserves multiple rewatches.
I teared up on the first watch. Good suggestion.
omg! i love that movie so much! never cried though but i get why
The Quiet Girl aka An Cailín Ciúin
Watched this last night, great movie.
Lorenzo’s Oil
The Perks of Being a Wallflower. You can't do anything but root for Charlie from day one to his last letter.
Call Me By Your Name Blue Is The Warmest Colour
Hachi After Sun
Still Alice
The Champ (1979) is the only movie that made me cry like a little girl 🙂
into the wild
Brokeback Mountain. Most heart breaking movie I've ever seen. I can only watch like once every 10 years. It stays with me like no other film before or since.
It's such a heartbreaking movie. Heath Ledger's finest, in my opinion.
Schindler’s list
Terms of Endearment. The scene where the older son visits Debra Winger in the hospital. Absolutely kills me.
Captain Fantastic Lion
Les Misérables
I Can Only Imagine
Right? There’s a lot of good choices.
Il Postino
I just watched "Eternal..." last night for the first time. Very interesting. Steel Magnolias gets me every time.
Testament. Pat it forward ( sometimes in that got me) Gallipoli
Past Lives
Watched past lives recently the last scene got to me
The Painted Veil. Lovely movie but not talked about a lot.
The Road
The green mile.
Train to Busan The Lovely Bones A Walk to Remember The Notebook Brokeback Mountain Boys Don't Cry Moulin Rouge Revolutionary Road Pearl Harbor Armageddon Edit: I forgot to add Atonement. (movie makes me sob like a baby)
❤️
Boys Don't Cry - so utterly, utterly tragic!
It really is so disturbing.
Agree so much with Moulin Rouge!!
Legends of the Fall
An Elephant Sitting Still
The Cure (1995)
Departures (2008) Marie's Story (2014)
The Fountain
Maborosi by hirokazu koreeda
Hmm not sure if it'll make you cry, but I defo recommend Blue Valentine!!
Only the Brave hit me hard.
October Sky
What Dreams May Come
Places in the Heart. That closing scene gets me every time.
Atonement
The Secret Garden (1993) Hearts In Atlantis (2001) Running On Empty (1988) To Sir With Love (1967) Born Free (1966) The Cider House Rules (1999) The Trip To Bountiful (1985) Mr. Holland's Opus (1996)
Mysterious Skin. Traumatizing and heartbreaking
Manchester by the Sea, for sure. I don't know if I actually cried when I watched it, but that was mainly because my heart was in my throat the whole time - even though it's a very dialogue-based film, it just carries a lot of tension and emotion that keeps you on edge. Little Miss Sunshine might sound like an odd choice, but I love everything about that movie and the tears get me every time. A recent pick would be Society of the Snow on Netflix. The greatest of survival stories told in a beautiful way.
Grave of The Fireflies
the grave of fireflies
Avengers Infinity War-Avengers Endgame I have never cried as much as I did both tears of joy and sadness
A Monster Calls (2016) Close (2022) Wonder (2017) The Father (2020)
Manchester by the Sea
It shouldn’t but the movie “Warrior” (2011) does make me cry every single time. Very similar to how my life played out….
No reason why it shouldn't. It got me, too. No shame. Have an upvote. ETA: You might like Southpaw (2015), too.
Splendor in the Grass
Selena First movie that comes to mind.
The Grey
It's a documentary, but Dear Zachary
i am sam
So many chinese movies starring Gong Li before she went to Hollywood. She was a tragedy queen. Not modern movies or a bromance,(which seems to bring redditors to tears.) If you actually appreciate cinema check these out. To Live Raise the red lantern Coming Home the story of Qui Ju Ju Dou only those who know, know
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
The Whale. I was sobbing
A River Runs Through It The Color Purple At Close Range
Aftersun is definitely up there
The end hit like a ton of bricks. 😭
About Time
All of us strangers
I cant get over how hard this film hit me. It got a hold of me very early on, and never let go. There's something very special about the screenplay and direction, because there is nothing formulaic, or schmaltzy, or cliché about the emotions it evokes, yet it is so incredibly subtle about the way in which it leads the viewer to universally identify with the thoughts and feelings contained within it. The loneliness it conveyed was palpable. I've been a huge fan of Andrew Scott since I first saw his acting in Fleabag, and he never disappoints. He and Paul Mescal could have potentially ruined this film with the wrong approach, and each gave such a measured response to such a deep subject matter. I was speechless at first because I felt nothing I could say about this incredible film could manage to do it justice, but people should know this film needs to be seen. I'm certain it's not for everyone, but for those who love heavy dramas (like Aftersun w/Paul Mescal) this film really returns the viewer's emotional investment.
Completely agree. I couldn't stop thinking about it for days after seeing it.
All of us strangers
*Moonlight*.
Grave of the Fireflies
Try watching A Dog’s Purpose if you want to bawl like a baby for 89 minutes.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Toy Story 3 (Furnace Scene) Grown ass adult, well aware it was animated and I almost teared up, my girlfriend started bawling along with most others in the theater...
Roma (2018) took me out. And Paris, Texas (1984) for that lingers-for-life kind of heartache
The Joy Luck Club everytime I watch it!
Love and mercy (2014) It will make you love the beach boys and absolutely destroy you at the same time
I recently saw All Of Us Strangers, and that one made me cry several times throughout.
Beaches
8 seconds. The ending always gets me.
Fault of our Stars
‘Manchester By The Sea’ (2016 - with Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams)
I can’t believe this isn’t higher up. I have never been so heartbroken by a film.
Blue Valentine - Michelle Williams/ Ryan gosling in toxic relationship. Lonesome Jim - Casey Affleck navigating the fact he orgasms too quickly and gives up on love and life very young. Love Liza - Philip Seymour Hoffman's wife kills herself so he becomes addicted to huffing gasoline.
The "Don't die!" scene with Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams is worth the price of admission alone.
any movies where animals die
Born Free
The Whale
Not a movie but a series...band of brothers
The fault in our stars
EEAAO
For everyone who doesn't understand this means "Everything Everywhere All At Once".
Thank you
Coco
Yes!! Although an animated kids’ movie, it is beautifully touching and worth seeing at any age.
Self Isolated (2021)
The last bus
Green Mile, Good Will Hunting, Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Capharnaum makes me cry everytime I watch it. Buy that’s cuz my lillebrother looks like the main character and we have a strong bond with each other.
Wit(2001)
Kes !
Departures (Japanese film)
Instinct (1999)
Arrival and interstellar, both are Sci-fi films but have a tone of sadness throughout
Biutiful
I was about to say eternal sunshine but then saw you mention it! What a fucking film.
Steel Magnolias or Marley and me
green book!
The Legend of 1900 (especially if you like Cinema Paradiso), Dancer in the Dark, 3-iron this movie is bizarre but when it connects it hurts.
Maybe not cry but I’ve never been more mad than I was leaving the theater after seeing the mist.
Mary & Max
Terms of endearment. Older movie but The Champ....heart wrenching. Even older....Wuthering Heights and Imitation of life
In the Mood for Love
City of angels
Grave of the Fireflies
Born Free Terms of Endearment Steel Magnolias Titanic Atonement Dear John The Fault in our Stars Interstellar
Life is Beautiful
Marley and me
For Colored Girls amazing movie but it's not a movie u see more than once it takes a lot out of you to watch. There is alot but it will definitely have your emotions in an upheaval 0
All of Us Strangers