Movies are capable of bringing things to life with emotions so strong, it’s easy to forget you’re just watching a movie. As we watch, we become part of the characters’ lives and stories; we see through their eyes, and feel every emotion they feel. With such a strong and emotive medium, it’s easy for movies to make us laugh, feel joy, and, in many cases, feel heartbreak and sob over what’s happening on screen. Grab your tissues, because here are just a few movies with tear-inducing finales.

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9 Beaches (1988)

     Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Beaches stars Barbara Hershey as Hillary, who grows up with her childhood friend, CC (Bette Midler). They drift apart as adults, but later reunite; Hillary then reveals that she is suffering from a heart condition. They spend time as friends again before Hillary dies, and CC sings the now-iconic song “Wind Beneath My Wings” as a tribute to her. It’s a strong story of friendship and love, made even more emotional by the song.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

8 The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

     20th Century Fox

Based on John Green’s book, The Fault in Our Stars tells of the romance between Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus (Ansel Elgort), two teenagers with cancer who meet in a support group. It’s a set-up that seems destined to cause tears, and it delivers. When Augustus learns his cancer has returned, he gives himself a heartbreaking “pre-funeral,” where Hazel delivers a eulogy for him; the heartbreak and tears only continue when he dies, and we see Hazel’s gut-wrenching reaction. Both lead actors have great chemistry and their performances sell home the heartbreak.

7 Imitation of Life (1959)

     Universal Pictures

Imitation of Life stars Lana Turner as Lora, a single mother who dreams of becoming an actress. When she loses track of her daughter one night, she is found by Annie (Juanita Moore), who also has a daughter. Lora and Annie form a strong friendship, with Annie and her daughter living with Lora. Their lives develop over the years, and they all face challenges; the drama all comes to a close when Annie dies after fighting with her daughter. It’s a fully moving death, complete with a funeral where gospel singer Mahalia Jackson sings in tribute to Annie.

6 Titanic (1997)

     Paramount Pictures

One of the most successful movies ever, Titanic follows Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), two lovers from different social classes. On the Titanic’s doomed voyage, their whirlwind romance is heartfelt and sweet, and leaves you hoping for a happy ending. Nevertheless, the ship sinks in a tense sequence, and Rose lives, while Jack dies. It’s heartbreaking, and it ends in what ScreenRant considers the movie’s most heartbreaking scene: an elderly Rose seemingly passing away, and reuniting with Jack in a testament to their love.

5 Marley & Me (2008)

Any dog movie carries a strong chance of tears, and Marley & Me is no exception. The movie follows John Grogan (Owen Wilson) and his family, who adopt Marley when he’s a puppy. Marley is a troublemaker, refusing to follow orders and destroying the house, but quickly becomes a beloved part of the family. When Marley grows old and sick, he is put down to end any further suffering. John is with him when he dies, and tearfully tells him what a good dog he was. Comic Book Resources considers it one of the saddest animal deaths of all-time, and it’s sure to make you ugly cry.

4 Brokeback Mountain (2005)

     Focus Features

Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two cowboys, Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis (Heath Ledger), who meet in Wyoming in 1963. The movie follows their relationship over twenty years, until Ennis finds out that Jack died after an accident. The time period, which can’t allow Jack and Ennis to be together, adds tension and danger, and makes their romance even more powerful. The final tearful, emotional moment comes at the end, where we see that Ennis has kept their shirts and a postcard of Brokeback Mountain, where they met.

3 Schindler’s List (1993)

Often considered Steven Spielberg’s best movie, Schindler’s List tells the story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), who saves over 1,000 Jewish people during the Holocaust, by having them work in his factory. The real-life horror in the time period makes it instantly tense and emotional, truly showing just how horrific that time was. The ending, where all the people Oskar has saved thank him for what he’s done, further drives home the danger of the time, and the goodness in ordinary people.

2 Terms of Endearment (1983)

Terms of Endearment is a powerful movie about the relationship between a mother and her daughter. Shirley Maclaine plays Aurora, while Debra Winger is her daughter, Emma; the two have many arguments and challenges over the years, but always stay close. This bond grows even closer when Emma is dying of cancer. Aurora stays by her side in the hospital, and Emma even decides to leave her kids with Aurora after she dies. It’s a tearful movie that highlights the emotional bond between a mother and her daughter.

1 Life is Beautiful (1997)

     Cecchi Gori Group 

Another movie set during the Holocaust, Life is Beautiful follows Guido (Roberto Benigni), an Italian Jewish man who is imprisoned in a concentration camp with his son, Giosuè. In order to protect his son from the horrifying truth, Guido pretends the camp is a game, where Giosuè must follow the rules to earn points and win. It’s a heartbreaking example of a father protecting his son, and an adult Giosuè reflecting on how his father died while still working to protect him makes it even more emotional.