At times like these, our emotions are at an all-time high. It’s hard for them not to be with so much uncertainty and isolation, keeping us from doing everything we would normally be doing. Having a good cry has been proven to benefit our mental health, according to studies at Oxford University, as releasing our emotions also releases endorphins in the brain that build up a tolerance for emotional pain.
To help you to release some of those pent-up feelings, we’ve brought together a list of some of the most emotionally-charged films to stream on Netflix. Not all of the films listed below are strictly “sad” movies. After all, some of the movies that make us cry the most aren’t constantly trying to milk our tear-ducts dry - often these are the movies that feel raw and realistic, so that when something devastating happens to one of the characters, or when they go through a harrowing time, we feel like we are living it with them.
1. Love Rosie
Following the story of childhood best friends, Alex and Rosie, as they navigate their confusing feelings for each other, this romance movie packs an emotional punch. These two British teenagers grow into successful adults, whilst constantly and infuriatingly circling around each other. With realistic struggles such as teenage pregnancy, grief and lost love, you’ll be rooting for these two to figure it all out through plenty of tears.2. Where Hands Touch
Onto a much more tragic tale, Where Hands Touch takes place in World War Two Germany and focuses on the story of a biracial girl, who is targeted by Hitler’s regime because of her racial background. When she falls in love with the son of an SS Officer, the world around them becomes much more dangerous. The tragedy of these “star-crossed lovers” might be a predictable plot. When you recognise that the movie takes into account a relatively unrecognised, real-life perspective of the Second World War, the ‘predictable’ tragedies that follow will hit you much harder.3. Miss You Already
Nothing gets much sadder than a story about two lifelong best friends, torn apart by disease. But this movie manages to push it one step further, as Millie battles with breast cancer whilst Jess manages her first pregnancy. The story shows us the complex nature of friendship and love, and every relationship feels so authentic and real that it’s near impossible to not feel completely connected to these characters by the end of the movie. Be prepared to be brought to tears by Toni Colette and Drew Barrymore’s fantastic performances too.4. Marriage Story
One of the cinematic masterpieces of 2019, this heartbreakingly realistic story follows the trials and tribulations of a couple dealing with separation, divorce and the custody of their son. Aside from the movie being fantastic as a whole, the dynamic between Charlie and Nicole is somehow a little funny whilst still being extremely raw and emotional. It’s a movie made for everyone and a story that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster while trying to decide whose “side” you are on.5. Billy Elliott
Throwing it back to this classic British film, set against the background of the 1984 Miners Strike, 11-year-old Billy develops a passion for dance and begins secretly attending ballet lessons, despite his family’s traditional views. The most emotional moments of the movie come from Billy’s tumultuous relationship with his father, and the uplifting messages about acceptance and overcoming convention tug at your heartstrings (and your tear-ducts) in just the right way, making this a movie that will stick with you forever.6. To The Bone
A harsh and confronting glimpse into the experiences of a 20-year-old girl suffering from anorexia, To The Bone is uncomfortable at times but tells a necessary and important real-life account of the writer/director, Marti Noxon’s, own experience. The realistic inside perspective shows in the storytelling, which manages to give us hope for the characters' experiences, and our own, through Ellen’s emotionally charged journey. Be prepared to be moved, to laugh, and most definitely to cry.7. Other People
Not as well known as some of the other films mentioned on this list, Other People is guaranteed to make you sob uncontrollably. Even though this indie movie is also another, seemingly predictable, “cancer story”, it takes a very different approach. By focusing on the relationship between a son and his dying mother, instead of a romantic relationship, it becomes a much more realistic and relatable film, even for families who haven’t suffered this kind of tragedy. With themes like sexuality, family and the struggle for acceptance, this beautifully written “dramatic comedy” will require a big box of tissues.8. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
What seems to start as the typical romantic comedy meet-cute, with our own “manic pixie dream girl” to boot, quickly takes a darker turn, as we follow the fragmented story of a couples failed romance. After finding out that his ex-girlfriend had him erased from her memory, Joel decides to do the same, painting an appropriate picture of our desire to stop feeling painful emotions. But, through a reversed look at the entire relationship through Joel’s own memories, we learn the importance of this pain in helping us grow, and this emotional rollercoaster makes us question whether the people we loved ever really leave us.Aside from this list, films, like Call Me By Your Name, Marley and Me, My Girl, Brokeback Mountain and Graveyard of the Fireflies, are not available on Netflix but are guaranteed to make you shed plenty of tears if you buy them elsewhere online. We hope that these films give you the emotional release you’ve been needing during your isolation, and apologies in advance for all the boxes of tissues you’ll go through!
Blog by Hayley Bannerman