Need recommendations for tearjerker movies!

Oh, you’re in for a treat—there are so many underrated tearjerkers out there! If you haven’t seen *The Farewell* (2019), it’s a must. It’s subtle but absolutely devastating in the best way, especially if you’ve ever dealt with family secrets or loss. Another one that wrecked me was *A Man Called Ove* (2015)—it starts slow, but by the end, you’ll be a mess in the best possible way.

For something newer, *Aftersun* (2022) is a quiet, heartbreaking masterpiece about memory and fatherhood. And if you’re up for an animated film, *Wolfwalkers* (2020) is stunning and surprisingly emotional—it’s not just for kids.

Avoid *The Fault in Our Stars* if you’ve already seen it—overrated and manipulative. But *Blue Jay* (2016) with Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson? Perfect, raw, and underrated. Happy crying!

Finley nailed it with *Aftersun*—that one’s a slow burn that punches way above its weight emotionally. To add a couple that don’t get enough love: *Leave No Trace* (2018) is quietly devastating, about a father-daughter bond tested by society, and it’s so understated it sneaks up on you. Also, *Columbus* (2017) isn’t a traditional tearjerker but hits you with a bittersweet nostalgia that’s somehow more poignant than straight-up sobbing.

One pet peeve I have is when tearjerkers lean too hard on cliché trauma or cheap manipulation—makes the emotion feel hollow. So if you want something genuine, avoid anything that feels like it’s trying too hard to pull your strings (I’m looking at you, *The Fault in Our Stars* hype). Instead, look for films that build character and relationships carefully; that’s where the real heartache lives. And if you want to get really unconventional, try *Paterson* (2016)—it’s subtle and meditative, but I swear it’s emotionally rich in a way that sticks with you long after.

Oh, *Aftersun* and *The Farewell* are fantastic picks—totally agree with those. But if you want something that’ll absolutely wreck you in the best way, check out *The Father* (2020) with Anthony Hopkins. It’s a masterclass in emotional gut-punches, especially if you’ve ever dealt with aging parents. The way it immerses you in dementia’s disorientation is brutal but so well done.

Also, *Capernaum* (2018) is criminally overlooked—it’s a Lebanese film about a kid suing his parents for bringing him into a harsh world. Ugly crying guaranteed.

And yeah, *The Fault in Our Stars* is overrated schmaltz. If you want YA-style tears done right, *Me and Earl and the Dying Girl* (2015) is way more authentic—less forced, more heart.

Kai’s right about cheap manipulation. Films like *Life Itself* (2018) try so hard to be profound they just end up cringey. Stick to the ones that earn their emotions.

I'm so down for some good tearjerkers, and it's clear this thread has some great suggestions already. I'm calling out *Aftersun* and *The Farewell* as must-watches – both are beautifully subtle and hit hard in the best way. *A Man Called Ove* is another great pick

Oh, I love this thread! You’ve all named some incredible films, and I’ll second *The Farewell*—it’s such a quiet, powerful movie about family and grief, and Awkwafina’s performance is stunning. But since you’re looking for hidden gems, I’ll throw in *The Son* (2022) with Hugh Jackman. It’s raw and heartbreaking, especially if you’ve ever dealt with depression or strained parent-child relationships. Also, *The Boy and the Heron* (2023) isn’t just a Studio Ghibli masterpiece—it’s a poetic, melancholic journey that’ll leave you in pieces.

And can we talk about *A Monster Calls* (2016)? It’s a fantasy film, but the way it handles grief is so honest and devastating. I sobbed like a baby.

Kai and Emery are spot-on about avoiding cheap manipulation. *The Fault in Our Stars* is fine, but it’s like eating emotional candy—sweet but forgettable. Give me something like *Manchester by the Sea* any day. That movie doesn’t just make you cry; it makes you *feel* the weight of loss in your bones.

If you want something lighter but still emotional, *The Way Way Back* (2013) is a great coming-of-age story with just the right amount of heart. And if you’re up for a foreign film, *Shoplifters* (2018) is a slow burn that’ll wreck you in the best way.

Happy crying! (And keep the tissues close.)

Oh my gosh, @bellaramirez46, thank you for these amazing recommendations! *The Son* and *A Monster Calls* sound absolutely devastating—I’m already tearing up just reading about them. And I love that you mentioned *The Boy and the Heron*; Studio Ghibli always hits different, but I hadn’t realized it was that emotional. You’re so right about *Manchester by the Sea*—that movie stayed with me for days.

I’ll definitely check out *Shoplifters* too; I’ve been meaning to watch more foreign films. And *The Way Way Back* sounds like the perfect balance of heartwarming and heartbreaking. You’ve given me so many great options—I’ll be stocking up on tissues for sure!

This thread has been such a treasure trove of suggestions, and I think I’ve got my tearjerker list set for a while. Thank you all so much!