Drama Movies That Tug at the Heartstrings

Got a box of tissues handy? Then you're ready to curl up with one of our favorite weepy dramas. From heart-tugging animal tales to three-hanky romances, these are the movies to watch on a rainy day with a warm blanket and a cup of something comforting. These tearjerkers span many genres, from period pieces to science fiction, but what ties them together is the heart, emotion, and compassion you'll feel for the characters. If you're looking for additional serious films, try our list of the Best Biopics.

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Charlotte's Web (2006) Poster Image
MOVIE

Charlotte's Web (2006)

age 5+

Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Inside Out Poster Image
MOVIE

Inside Out

age 6+

Beautiful, original story about handling big feelings.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Poster Image
MOVIE

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

age 7+

Spielberg's family classic is still one of the best.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)
Fly Away Home Poster Image
MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
Old Yeller Poster Image
MOVIE

Old Yeller

age 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1957)
Bridge to Terabithia Poster Image
MOVIE

Bridge to Terabithia

age 9+

Beautiful lesson in friendship for young and old.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)
It's a Wonderful Life Poster Image
MOVIE

It's a Wonderful Life

age 9+

This classic delivers warmth all year long.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1946)
Breakthrough Poster Image
MOVIE

Breakthrough

age 10+

Intense peril in faith- and fact-based tearjerker.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Brian's Song Poster Image
MOVIE

Brian's Song

age 10+

Weepy story of interracial pro football teammates.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1971)
Casablanca Poster Image
MOVIE

Casablanca

age 10+

Brief violence and lots of tension in top-notch classic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1942)
Hachi: A Dog's Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

Hachi: A Dog's Tale

age 10+

Dramatic story of a dog's devotion is emotionally intense.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
October Sky Poster Image
MOVIE

October Sky

age 10+

Inspiring tale for older tweens and up.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
Red Dog Poster Image
MOVIE

Red Dog

age 10+

Emotional dog tale features drinking, violence, and loss.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
The Remains of the Day Poster Image
MOVIE

The Remains of the Day

age 10+

Classic period drama tackles issues of gender and class.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1993)
A Shine of Rainbows Poster Image
MOVIE

A Shine of Rainbows

age 10+

Magical coming-of-age story is intensely emotional.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
Simon Birch Poster Image
MOVIE

Simon Birch

age 10+

Tearjerker is touching but too intense for younger kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
Wonder Movie Poster: Auggie stands against a blue background holding an astronaut's helmet, which makes the O in the title "Wonder"
MOVIE

Wonder

age 10+

Earnest, emotional book adaptation has strong messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Thirteen Lives Movie Poster
MOVIE

Thirteen Lives

age 11+

Teamwork, ingenuity shine in excellent, intense true story.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
An Affair to Remember Poster Image
MOVIE

An Affair to Remember

age 12+

Made for romantics.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1957)
The Champ: movie poster
MOVIE

The Champ

age 12+

Emotional family drama has alcohol, gambling, violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1979)