Tuesday’s Ten: 10 Movies That Never Fail to Make Me Cry

Some are tears of sorrow and some are tears of joy but no matter how many times I watch these movies, they never fail to make me shed a tear.

Spoiler Alert! I reveal the movies’ endings so if you haven’t seen them and plan to, you may not want to continue…

My Girl ( 1991)

What it’s about

The movie is set in the summer of 1972 and follows the story of Vada Sultenfuss, an 11-year-old girl living in a small town in Pennsylvania with her widowed father, who runs a funeral parlor.  She is coming to terms with her own mother’s death and feelings of loss and abandonment.  Her best friend is Thomas J., a sensitive boy who is plagued with allergies.  Together, they explore the world around them and try to make sense of the complexities of life.

When the tears come:

When Vada approaches the casket of her best friend and asks him if he wants to go tree climbing. Then declaring “He can’t see without his glasses, put on his glasses.” as she is being pulled away. 

Brian’s Song (1971)

What it’s about

The movie is based on the true story of the friendship between Chicago Bears football players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, who became the first interracial roommates in the NFL in the 1960s. Despite their differences, the two men become close friends and support each other through the ups and downs of their football careers. However, tragedy strikes when Piccolo is diagnosed with cancer and his health rapidly deteriorates. Sayers stands by his friend and supports him through his illness until Piccolo’s death in 1970.

When the tears come

At the end when the two friends are running and the narrator proclaims “How he did live.” as the musical score reaches a crescendo. 

Good Will Hunting (1997)

What it’s about

The movie stars Matt Damon who co-wrote the screenplay with Ben Affleck. Will Hunting, is a brilliant but troubled young man from a working-class neighborhood in South Boston, working as a janitor at MIT.  The film follows his struggles to come to terms with his past and his own inner demons while working with his therapist played by Robin Williams. The movie is ultimately about personal growth and overcoming one’s past to embrace a brighter future

When the tears come

The It’s Not Your Fault scene where Will (Matt Damon) finally absorbs the meaning of the words and breaks down. 

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

What it’s about

The film follows the story of three pets: two dogs, Chance and Shadow, and a cat named Sassy, who are left in the care of a family friend while their owners go on vacation. The pets become restless and decide to embark on a journey to find their owners by traveling over 200 miles through the rugged wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains. As they journey through the wilderness, they are met with a series of challenges and obstacles. It is a heartwarming story about the unbreakable bond between pets and their owners.

When the tears come

In the end, as the animals are finding their way home, Peter has us all convinced that Shadow is just too old to complete the journey. We were all prepared to mourn his loss with him but then catch sight of Old Shadow limping along over the hill and our tears of sadness quickly turn to tears of joy.

Philadelphia (1993)

What it’s about

Inspired by true events, the film follows the story of Andrew Beckett (played by Tom Hanks), a successful and talented lawyer who is fired from his job at a prestigious law firm after his colleagues discover that he has HIV/AIDS. Beckett hires Joe Miller (played by Denzel Washington), a homophobic and initially reluctant lawyer, to represent him in a wrongful termination lawsuit against the firm. As Miller learns more about Beckett and his struggle with AIDS, he begins to confront his own prejudices and the societal stigma surrounding the disease. The trial becomes a battle not only for Beckett’s job but also for his dignity and humanity.

When the tears come

Watching the wake where family and friends celebrate Andrew Beckett’s life, the camera slowly pans to home videos of Beckett as a child.  Sometimes a song can have an immense emotional impact.  Both Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen wrote such ballads for this film. 

Ghost (1990)

What it’s about

A sweet love story of Sam who is a banker and Molly, an artist. When Sam is murdered by his friend and corrupt business partner, he is left wandering the earth as a powerless spirit. As he learns of the betrayal he seeks the help of a physic in order to communicate with Molly and warn her of impending danger and set things right.

When the tears come

In the final scene when Sam tells Molly he loves her and they share a kiss before he walks into the light to join the angels in Heaven

Old Yeller (1957)

What it’s about

Old Yeller is an American coming-of-age drama.  With his father away on a cattle drive, Travis along with his mother and little brother is left to take care of their Texas ranch.  A stray dog shows up on the doorstep and eventually becomes an integral part of the family.  However, tragedy strikes when Old Yeller contracts rabies after fighting off a wolf that had threatened the family. Despite Travis’s love for the dog, he is forced to make the difficult decision to put Old Yeller down to protect his family from the disease.

When the tears come

When Travis realizes his beloved dog has rabies and takes the gun from his mother, standing up to what he knows he has to do.

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

What it’s about

George Bailey has always dreamed of leaving his hometown of Bedford Falls and traveling the world. Circumstances beyond his control prevent him from leaving and he marries his childhood sweetheart Mary and takes over his father’s building and loan. Facing financial ruin he contemplates suicide and a guardian angel is sent down to show him what the world would be like if he had never been born. Through this experience, George comes to realize the value of his own life and the impact he has had on those around him. He returns home with a renewed sense of purpose and a newfound appreciation for his family and friends.

When the tears come

When friends and family gather at George Bailey’s house on Christmas Eve to pay his debt.  Remember, no man is a failure that has friends.

E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

What it’s about

The story of a gentle alien who becomes stranded on Earth and is befriended by a 10-year-old boy. He takes him home and introduces him to his brother and little sister and they decide to secretly keep him in their California suburban home. But E.T. (as they dubbed him) falls ill and the government intervenes which results in a dire situation and the kids are tasked with helping him get back home safely.

When the tears come

E.T.’s death scene, of course.  “You’re killing him.”

Apollo 13 (1995)

What it’s about

The movie is based on the true story of the Apollo 13 mission, which was launched by NASA in 1970 and suffered a catastrophic malfunction that jeopardized the lives of the three astronauts on board. The film depicts the events that led up to the crisis and the efforts of the NASA ground crew and the astronauts themselves to overcome the challenges and return safely to Earth.

When the tears come

“Hello, Houston.  This is Odyssey.  It’s good to see you again.”   And especially when Ed Harris’ character collapses in a chair and tears up.