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)
Cottontail movie poster: Yuri Tsunematsu stands in the shallow waters of a lake holding her dress up out of the water
MOVIE

Cottontail

age 13+

Poignant drama has drinking, smoking, upsetting scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
Inside Out Movie Poster: Riley's emotions stand in a group, Joy throwing her hands wide
MOVIE

Inside Out

age 6+

Creative, clever story about big feelings has peril, scares.

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)
Steel Magnolias Poster Image
MOVIE

Steel Magnolias

age 10+

Emotionally intense drama has mature themes, some laughs.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1989)
Three of Us movie poster: Close-ups of the faces of the three main characters
MOVIE

Three of Us

age 10+

Emotional Bollywood drama about dementia has mature themes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Wonder Movie Poster: Auggie stands against a blue background holding astronaut's helmet, which is the O in the title "Wonder"
MOVIE

Wonder

age 10+

Earnest, emotional book adaptation has strong messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)