In 2007’s *The Mist*, a mysterious fog engulfs the state of Maine, unleashing terrifying, eldritch creatures that seem nearly impossible to defeat.

Believing there’s no chance of survival, protagonist David mercy-kills four survivors, including his own son, only for the military to arrive on a rescue mission moments later.

Any single parent or divorcee understands the emotional toll and challenges that come with legal proceedings and custody battles, and 1979’s *Kramer vs. Kramer* captures this struggle beautifully.

In a powerful climactic scene, Ted (Dustin Hoffman) pleads for custody of his son Billy, admitting he’s not a perfect parent but showing that he’s doing everything he can to be the best father possible.

Few things are sadder than a tragic love story cut short, and that’s exactly what unfolds in the dazzling musical *Moulin Rouge!*.

The romance between writer Christian and dancer Satine is breathtaking but brief, as she tragically dies in his arms after succumbing to tuberculosis.

At just 19, the legendary Leonardo DiCaprio showcased his extraordinary talent, portraying an autistic teenager, Arnie, in the coming-of-age drama *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape*.

In one of the film’s most heartbreaking moments, Arnie becomes increasingly desperate and distressed when his mother passes away in her sleep, unable to comprehend why she won’t wake up.

Paul Dano’s early performance as Dwayne in *Little Miss Sunshine* demonstrated his immense talent, with one scene standing out above the rest.

Dwayne, who has taken a vow of silence until he can achieve his dream of becoming a pilot, faces devastation when he learns he is color blind, leading to a heart-wrenching emotional breakdown as his aspirations come crashing down.

David Cronenberg’s gooey, gory sci-fi horror *The Fly* leans heavily into terror, but the ending still delivers a gut-wrenching emotional blow.

After transforming into a grotesque human-fly hybrid due to his own ambition, Seth Brundle pleads with his lover, Ronnie, to end his suffering. In a heartbreaking moment, she obliges, leaving her devastated and alone.

*One Hour Photo*, a psychological thriller, showcased one of Robin Williams’ darker roles, but he still infused the character of Sy Parrish with his trademark emotional depth.

Sy’s obsession with a seemingly perfect family takes on a tragic dimension when it’s revealed that his fixation stems from his own traumatic past of childhood abuse, leaving him longing for the ideal family life he never had.

The name *Old Yeller* has become so iconic in reference to putting down a beloved pet that many may not be familiar with the original source of the phrase.

In the 1957 Disney classic, young Travis faces the heartbreaking task of euthanizing his loyal dog after it contracts rabies. This moment symbolizes the end of Travis’ childhood as he is forced to confront the harsh realities and responsibilities of growing up.

There must have been something in the water in the 1980s, as many great filmmakers were creating incredibly heartbreaking films.

In Spielberg’s *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*, young Elliot forms a deep friendship and mental bond with the titular alien, only for their connection to be shattered when E.T. is subjected to experiments and seemingly dies during the procedure. Cue the tears!

While the *John Wick* series is now recognized as an explosive action thrill ride, the first film features one of the most heartbreaking scenes in modern cinema.

John Wick’s quest for vengeance is set in motion when Russian gangsters brutally kill his adorable new puppy, an act that strikes a devastating blow and propels him into a world of violence and retribution.

Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy *Pan’s Labyrinth* tells the story of a young girl, Ofelia, who retreats into a fantastical world to cope with the harsh realities of her life.

In a heartbreaking conclusion, Ofelia is shot by her cruel stepfather and, in her final moments, envisions a reunion with her mother and father as she imagines herself as the princess of the underworld.

*The Iron Giant* is a deeply moving film that imparts valuable lessons about peace and humanity while also addressing complex themes like grief.

The most heart-wrenching moment occurs when the Giant sacrifices himself to save the town, leaving behind his best friend, 9-year-old Hogarth Hughes, as he collides with a nuclear missile.

Few love stories are as tragic as that of Romeo and Juliet, and Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of the Shakespearean classic is no exception.

In a heartbreaking twist, Romeo discovers too late that Juliet is alive, leaving her to witness his death before she takes her own life.

The coming-of-age drama *The Perks of Being a Wallflower* centers on Charlie, a troubled and introverted young man who begins to emerge from his shell after befriending two quirky misfits.

As the narrative unfolds, Charlie’s mental health deteriorates, leading to a heartbreaking moment when he recalls being abused as a child, triggering a panic attack.

In *Dead Poets Society*, the unorthodox English teacher John Keating, portrayed by the late, great Robin Williams, inspires a group of boarding school students to pursue their dreams and embrace their individuality.

When Keating is dismissed for challenging authority, the students express their loyalty by delivering the powerful “O Captain, my Captain” speech. Since Williams’ untimely passing, this scene has taken on an even deeper emotional significance.

In the 2016 sci-fi drama *Arrival*, linguist Louise Banks is assigned the daunting task of communicating with a pair of giant aliens who bring an important message for humanity.

As the aliens teach Banks to perceive the future, she foresees a heartbreaking life in which she knows her beloved daughter will die. Despite this knowledge, she chooses to cherish every moment with her.

*The Notebook* is considered one of the most romantic films ever made, telling the story of Allie and Noah and the various challenges in their relationship.

In a poignant conclusion, Allie and Noah—now elderly, with Allie suffering from dementia—pass away in each other’s arms, beautifully illustrating the idea that true love endures forever.

*Beaches* chronicles the lives of two women, C.C. and Hillary, as they navigate the journey from childhood to adulthood, filled with dramas, conflicts, and heartfelt moments of friendship.

The film reaches a heartbreaking climax when C.C. watches Hillary fall ill and ultimately pass away while they share a sunset together. After this poignant moment, you’ll never hear Bette Midler’s “The Wind Beneath My Wings” without feeling a surge of emotion.

Tim Burton’s *Big Fish* is a whimsical tale filled with colorful characters, yet its deeply human core makes it a genuine tearjerker.

In the film’s final scene, a dying Edward asks his son Will to narrate the conclusion of his fantastical story, creating a moment that is both beautiful and bittersweet.

Matthew McConaughey delivers a remarkable performance as Ron Woodroof in *Dallas Buyers Club*, based on the true story of an AIDS patient who refuses to surrender to his illness.

After facing violent bigotry and witnessing the death of his friend Rayon from the disease, the harsh reality of Ron’s situation becomes undeniable, leading to a profoundly tragic moment.

Long before Disney left children devastated by the death of Mufasa, they introduced another heartbreaking moment with the death of Bambi’s mother.

After she is shot by hunters, young Bambi is left alone in the world, leaving the audience in tears as they witness his profound loss.

As we’ve seen, few directors capture heartbreak quite like Steven Spielberg. His 2001 sci-fi drama *A.I. Artificial Intelligence* tells the story of a young child robot named David, who is capable of experiencing emotions.

In a heart-wrenching scene, after events lead to concerns about David being a danger to his family, his mother abandons him in the woods, leaving him to plead and cry for her not to leave him.

The incredible Sally Field demonstrates her exceptional talent in *Steel Magnolias*, where she portrays M’Lynn, a mother who faces the devastating loss of her daughter shortly after childbirth.

During her daughter’s funeral, M’Lynn delivers a gut-wrenching and realistic performance that captures the complex emotions of grief, anger, confusion, and sadness that accompany such profound mourning.

*The Help* is a challenging film to watch for many reasons, particularly because it confronts the harsh realities of how Black Americans were treated in the 1960s (and beyond).

Among its many heartbreaking moments, the scene where Aibileen (Viola Davis) is fired and has to leave behind two-year-old Mae, whom she cared for as if she were her own daughter, stands out as one of the most tear-jerking.

The 1992 film adaptation of one of the greatest American novels follows George and Lennie, two men seeking work during the Great Depression.

In a truly tragic scene, Lennie, who has an intellectual disability, accidentally kills his boss’s wife, leading his best friend George to make the heart-wrenching decision to shoot him as an act of mercy.

After three films filled with adventures, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang part ways with their owner Andy as he transitions to college.

This bittersweet and heartbreaking moment resonates deeply with both kids and adults, marking what many consider the emotional conclusion of the *Toy Story* series.

Released in 2023, *The Iron Claw* narrates the true and tragic story of the Von Erich wrestling family, highlighting the immense heartbreak they endured with the loss of three brothers under tragic circumstances.

In a poignant moment toward the film’s conclusion, the last surviving brother, Kevin, envisions his brothers Kerry, David, Mike, and Jack—who passed away as a toddler—embracing one another in the afterlife.

Although she appears in the film for just 30 minutes, Anne Hathaway won an Oscar for her portrayal of Fantine in the 2012 adaptation of *Les Misérables*.

Her emotionally charged rendition of “I Dreamed A Dream” vividly conveys Fantine’s despair, rage, and sorrow, making it clear why her performance resonated so deeply with audiences.

*Saving Private Ryan* is filled with tragic moments that highlight the horrors of war and the trauma inflicted on soldiers’ minds and bodies.

One particularly heartbreaking scene occurs when Wade is shot and killed by German forces. His desperate cries for his mother starkly contrast with a story he shared earlier in the film about having ignored her, amplifying the emotional impact of his loss.

*The Fault in Our Stars* skillfully weaves hardship and hope throughout its narrative, ultimately delivering a gut-wrenching ending.

The film follows two young cancer patients, Gus and Hazel, as they fall in love. When Gus dies, Hazel delivers a tragic yet beautiful eulogy that encapsulates their journey together and the depth of their connection.

In *The Pursuit of Happyness*, Chris Gardner’s life is turned upside down in a deeply moving drama that showcases what many consider Will Smith’s finest performance.

One of the most sorrowful scenes occurs when Chris and his young son, Christopher, are forced to spend the night in a filthy train station restroom after being evicted from their home, highlighting the stark reality of their struggles.

*Celine Song’s Past Lives*, released in 2023, weaves a complex narrative of lost love and missed opportunities, positioning it as a timeless tragedy.

The story follows Nora, a South Korean woman living in America, who reunites with her past love, Hae Sung. Despite their undeniable chemistry, the stark differences in their lives make it clear that they cannot rekindle their relationship, adding to the film’s poignant sense of longing.

In *The Sixth Sense*, medium Cole grapples with convincing his mother, Lynn, of his abilities, as she perceives him merely as a troubled child facing social difficulties.

One of the film’s most heartbreaking moments occurs when Cole communicates messages of love from Lynn’s deceased mother, speaking through him from the spirit world. This poignant scene reveals the deep emotional connection between mother and son, highlighting Cole’s unique gift.

*Atonement* is regarded as one of the greatest romantic tragedies in modern cinema, featuring James McAvoy as Robbie, a man wrongfully accused of assault by his lover’s younger sister, Briony.

Briony seeks to atone for the devastation she caused in Robbie and her sister’s lives by clearing Robbie’s name, ultimately envisioning a happy ending for the couple. However, it is revealed that this reconciliation never occurred; in her old age, Briony imagined this outcome as a means of coping with the guilt of her actions.

After the death of his father, a 16-year-old boy is sent to live with his uncle Lee, a reclusive and deeply troubled man who struggles with social interactions.

In a flashback, the film reveals the source of Lee’s anguish, leading to a distressing scene in which he attempts to take his own life at a police station, revealing the depth of his pain and the impact of past traumas.

Anyone who believes they are too tough to cry over cartoon dinosaurs has likely never watched *The Land Before Time* and cheered for its young Apatosaurus protagonist, Littlefoot.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Littlefoot’s mother dies while protecting him, urging him to follow his heart in her final moments. This poignant scene has left countless children from the ’80s in tears, resonating with themes of loss and perseverance.

Louisa May Alcott’s novel *Little Women* has inspired numerous adaptations across film, television, and stage, all featuring the same devastating moment—the death of the beloved sister Beth.

The 2019 adaptation stands out for its emotional impact, as it juxtaposes this heart-wrenching scene with a much happier moment from earlier in the story, showcasing the March sisters thriving together. This contrast amplifies the sense of loss, making Beth’s passing even more poignant.

The tragic reality of World War II and Holocaust films renders them some of the most devastating cinematic experiences, and *The Pianist* ranks among the most poignant.

The sight of Władysław Szpilman, the titular pianist, walking through the shattered remnants of his beloved city becomes even more impactful when you remember that Szpilman was a real-life figure, deepening the emotional resonance of his harrowing journey.

After a long journey to reunite with their owners, beloved pets Chance, Sassy, and Shadow are almost home when Shadow becomes trapped in a muddy pit.

While Chance and Sassy manage to return, it seems that Shadow hasn’t made it—until, against all odds, the old golden retriever limps around the corner. This heartwarming moment leaves the audience in tears, capturing the sheer joy of reunion.