There are many touching movies on Netflix, and today I will recommend 10 best tearjerker movies on Netflix! Are you the type of person who would cry over a teenage love story? Maybe you prefer an uplifting historical film, or a brutal drama that blows your mind? This Netflix list of sad movies is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.
1. The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)
Based on the true story of Jan and Antonina Żabiński, who ran the Warsaw Zoo in Poland during World War II. The film takes place in 1939, when Germany invades Poland, causing the zoo to be destroyed and many animals killed.
However, the Żabińskis refuse to let the war and Nazi occupation defeat them. They decide to use their empty zoo as a hiding place for Jewish people who are trying to escape persecution and certain death. With the help of their underground resistance friends, they bring Jews into the zoo and hide them in underground tunnels, animal cages, and even their own home.
Antonina, played by Jessica Chastain, takes on the role of the “zookeeper’s wife” and becomes the caretaker for the hidden Jews, while her husband Jan, played by Johan Heldenbergh, works with the resistance and helps smuggle people out of Poland.
Despite the constant danger of being caught by the Nazis, the Żabińskis continue to provide shelter and protection for their Jewish guests. The movie shows how they risk their own lives day after day to save the lives of others, and how their courage and compassion make a difference in the lives of those they help.
2. A Secret Love (2020)
“A Secret Love” is a touching and poignant depiction of a love story that was kept hidden for far too long. It sheds light on the struggles that LGBTQ+ people faced in the past and continues to inspire hope for a more accepting and inclusive future. It is a must-watch for anyone who believes in love, equality, and human dignity.
Documentary film “A Secret Love” tells the true story of Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel, a lesbian couple who kept their relationship hidden for over 65 years.
The movie begins by introducing Terry and Pat as two elderly women living together in a Chicago nursing home. It is only after they have been together for several decades that their families and friends learn about their romantic relationship. The film then follows the couple as they navigate the difficult process of coming out to their loved ones and reconciling their past with their present.
Throughout the movie, we see flashbacks of Terry and Pat’s early life, including how they met and fell in love in the 1940s. At that time, being gay was heavily stigmatized and even illegal, so the couple had to keep their relationship secret from everyone, including their families.
As the film progresses, we see how Terry and Pat’s love has persevered through the years, despite the challenges they faced as a same-sex couple. It is a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of acceptance and understanding.
3. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a 2006 biographical drama film starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son after a series of financial and personal setbacks. Despite facing numerous hardships and obstacles, Gardner remains determined to provide a better life for himself and his son. He fights to secure a highly competitive internship at a stock brokerage firm, enduring homelessness, unpaid internships, and the constant challenge of raising his son alone. Eventually, his dedication and hard work pay off as he lands a full-time position as a stockbroker, achieving his long-held dream and proving that perseverance and determination can overcome even the toughest circumstances.
“The Pursuit of Happyness” is an inspiring and powerful film that showcases the true meaning of determination, hard work, and the never-give-up attitude. The movie is based on a true story, which makes it even more impactful and heart-warming. The acting by Will Smith is top-notch, as he delivers a convincing portrayal of a father who is struggling to keep his family together while facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
4. Pieces of a Woman (2020)
“Pieces of a Woman” is a heartbreaking drama that explores the aftermath of a home birth gone wrong. The film centers around Martha (Vanessa Kirby) and Sean (Shia LaBeouf), a couple eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child. However, their joy is shattered when their midwife is unable to arrive in time and they are forced to deliver the baby themselves.
In the aftermath, Martha struggles to come to terms with the loss of her child. She finds solace in the arms of a supportive stranger (Molly Parker), but her relationship with Sean deteriorates as he copes with his own guilt and grief. As the two try to navigate their pain, we see how their loss affects those around them, including Martha’s harsh mother (Ellen Burstyn) and Sean’s estranged father (Martin Donovan).
The film is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the complex emotions that come with grieving a child. It is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the way tragedy can challenge even the strongest relationships. With powerful performances from its talented cast, “Pieces of a Woman” is a raw and emotional journey that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
5. Titanic (1997)
“Titanic” is a classic romantic drama film that was released in 1997. The movie takes place in April 1912 and follows the story of Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet), two passengers on board the ill-fated ship, Titanic.
Jack is a poor artist traveling home to America after winning his ticket in a card game. Rose, on the other hand, is a sophisticated woman from a wealthy family who is engaged to Cal Hockley (Billy Zane). When Jack and Rose meet, they are immediately drawn to each other despite coming from different worlds.
Their romance blossoms throughout the voyage, but is threatened by Cal’s jealousy and Rose’s mother’s disapproval. Tragedy strikes when the “unsinkable” Titanic hits an iceberg and begins to sink. Jack and Rose must fight for their survival amidst chaos and panic on the sinking ship.
6. All the Bright Places (2020)
“All the Bright Places” is a heartwarming and heartbreaking coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of mental illness and the beauty of human connection. The film follows the story of Finch (Justice Smith) and Violet (Elle Fanning), two teenagers struggling with their own internal demons.
Finch is a spontaneous and adventurous boy who is often misunderstood and labeled as “crazy” by his peers. Violet is a quiet and reserved girl who is still trying to come to terms with the death of her sister. When the two of them meet, they form an unexpected bond and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Together, they explore the wonders of Indiana and help each other confront their fears and innermost struggles. However, as their relationship deepens, they must face the harsh realities of their mental health issues and the tragic consequences that come with it.
The film is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental illness. With powerful performances from its cast and a beautiful soundtrack, “All the Bright Places” is a touching and thought-provoking film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
7. Steel Magnolias (1989)
Directed by Herbert Ross, based on the 1987 play of the same name by Robert Harling. Set in the small town of Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana, the film centers around a group of close-knit women who support each other through the ups and downs of life.
The story of “Steel Magnolias” begins with the preparations for Shelby’s (Julia Roberts) wedding, the daughter of M’Lynn (Sally Field). Shelby has Type 1 diabetes and is told by her doctors that having children could put her life at risk. However, she decides to have a child anyways and becomes pregnant despite the risks.
As Shelby’s pregnancy progresses, her health deteriorates, and her mother and friends rally around her to provide support. Tragedy strikes when Shelby goes into diabetic shock and ultimately dies, leaving her loved ones devastated.
8. A Monster Calls (2016)
In the 2006 film “A Monster Calls,” a young boy named Conor is struggling to come to terms with his mother’s terminal illness. Despite his best efforts to be strong, Conor is overcome by fear and grief, and he finds solace in his vivid imagination.
One night, Conor is visited by a giant tree monster who tells him that he will come back three times to share stories with him. Each story carries a powerful lesson about life and death, and Conor begins to understand that his mother’s passing is a natural part of the cycle of life.
As Conor watches his mother fade away, he learns to embrace the pain of loss and to find beauty in the fleeting moments of life. In the end, he realizes that he must let go of his grief and move forward, carrying with him the memories of the love and joy he shared with his mother.
“A Monster Calls” is a poignant exploration of grief, imagination, and the human experience. With stunning visuals and a moving soundtrack, this film is a must-see for anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of loss and healing.
9. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
《Won’t You Be My Neighbor?》is a 2018 documentary film about the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the host and creator of the beloved children’s television show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The film explores the impact that Rogers had on multiple generations of viewers and how he used his platform to promote kindness, empathy, and understanding.
Through archival footage and interviews with Rogers’ family, colleagues, and friends, we get a glimpse into the man behind the iconic cardigan and sneakers. We learn about his early days in television, his approach to child development, and his unwavering commitment to treating everyone with respect and dignity.
The heartwarming nature of the film is undeniable, as it highlights Rogers’ genuine care and concern for the well-being of children. His lessons on emotional intelligence and self-worth are more important now than ever, and this film serves as a reminder of the power of positive role models.
10. Paddleton (2019)
In the 2019 film “Paddleton,” two middle-aged neighbors, Michael and Andy, form an unlikely friendship when Michael is diagnosed with terminal cancer. The two men share a love for playing a made-up game called Paddleton, which involves knocking a ball against a wall in a parking lot.
As Michael’s condition deteriorates, the two men embark on a road trip to a pharmacy in search of drugs to help Michael end his own life before he becomes too sick to do so himself. Along the way, they share deep conversations about life, death, and their own personal struggles.
“Paddleton” is a touching and poignant film that reminds us of the power of human connection, even in the face of death. It challenges us to consider our own mortality and what we would do if faced with a similar situation. In the end, the film leaves us with a sense of hope and appreciation for the people in our lives who bring us joy and comfort.