Sad Movies on Amazon Prime Video: The 27 best movies for crying
Written by: Bobby McNeill
Table of Contents
You’re not always in the mood for an entertaining or action-packed movie: you just want to sob into your pillow every now and then deliberately. If you’re also looking for a sad film, here’s a roundup of the 27 best movies to cry about that are currently available on the Amazon Prime Video streaming service.
1. Love Actually (2003)
What is it about?
In this pre-Christmas film from Great Britain, everything revolves around love, which is the focus of several individual stories. Love is supposed to be beautiful, but sometimes it leads to the opposite. For example, Daniel (Liam Neeson) mourns his deceased wife, while his young stepson Sam (Thomas Sangster) is madly in love with a girl from his school, but she doesn’t even notice him. In another story, Karen (Emma Thomson) finds out that her husband Harry (Alan Rickman) is cheating on her with a younger employee (Heike Makatsch) – even though they have children.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“Love Actually …” combines several different love stories, but in the end, they make a great whole. There are definitely enough moments to reach for the handkerchief here, but in between, thanks to a big pinch of humor, you can also laugh every now and then. Not only at Christmas, an accurate insider tip.
2. Hachiko (1987)
What is it about?
University professor Hidesaburo Ueno takes in a small puppy named Hachiko, with whom he soon develops an intimate friendship. Every morning, the faithful dog accompanies his master to the train station, where he takes the train to Tokyo to go to work. Afterward, the four-legged friend sets off on his own on his way home – only to wait punctually at the train station for his owner’s return in the evening.
But when the professor suddenly dies of a brain hemorrhage during a lecture, Hachiko waits in vain for his return: from then on; he returns to the agreed meeting place day after day for the next ten years.
Why is the film worth watching?
“Hachiko” is actually based on a true story and is just endlessly sad. A beautiful relationship story between man and beast that goes far beyond death.
3. Sommersby (1993)
What is it about?
When the U.S. Civil War ended in 1867, Laurel Sommersby (Jodie Foster) assumed that her husband Jack (Richard Gere) had fallen. To her surprise, however, he shows up on her doorstep again one day. Actually, Laurel should be happy about it, but Jack did not show his best side before his war deployment and brutally beat his wife several times. However, Jack at their door seems to be a completely changed person, which is also noticed by the rest of the inhabitants of the village. Is the returnee really her husband?
Why is the film worthwhile?
“Sommersby” is a real insider’s tip that many have probably never heard of. It is impressive to see how Laurel struggles with whether she can really feel love for a man who pretends to be her husband – but at the same time has nothing in common with her husband. A pack of tissues should definitely be kept near the television set.
4. Jack (2014)
What is it about?
In her hometown of Berlin, single parent Sanna (Luise Heyer) loves the party life at night above all else, which is why her 10-year-old son Jack (Ivo Pietzcker) is forced to take on the role of father and look after his 6-year-old brother Manuel (Georg Arms). When Jack accidentally gives his brother too hot a bath one day, Child Protective Services puts him in a home, partly in view of the disastrous conditions in his family – but he quickly leaves again. When he is reunited with Manuel, who has been placed in the care of acquaintances in the meantime, the two boys roam alone through nocturnal Berlin in search of their mom.
“Jack” is a moving drama that is entirely devoid of embellishments and annoying clichés. The film received the rating “Especially Valuable” from the German Film and Media Revie. Also, it rained down several prizes – including the coveted Audience Award at the Festival of German Film.
5. The Lovely Bones (2009)
What is it about?
14-year-old Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) leads a happy life with her parents, Abigail (Rachel Weisz) and Jack (Mark Wahlberg). Buoyed by her newly confirmed love for her crush Ray Singh (Reece Ritchie), Susie sets off home full of anticipation but is kidnapped by the devious George Harvey (Stanley Tucci), locked in a dark basement dungeon, and ultimately murdered there. Susie is so attached to her life that her soul doesn’t want to leave this world yet.
Why is the film worthwhile?
In view of the truly shocking and incredibly sad story, no eye is guaranteed to remain dry. But beware: This film is not for the faint of heart. Especially people who have children of their own will probably have to think back to what they have seen for many days after watching this movie.
6. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982)
What is it about?
Unbeknownst to humans, aliens have been living on Earth for some time to explore the planet. But when NASA and the FBI discover a group of aliens, they have to flee in a hurry. An alien is accidentally left behind and seeks shelter in a nearby town – where it meets 11-year-old Elliott (Henry Thomas), with whom it immediately becomes friends.
A telepathic connection and deep friendship developed between the two. But the alien, Elliott, the name “E.T.The boy, who is christened “The Bo,” is very homesick. For his little friend, it is natural that he wants to bring the alien back home – but the government is already on their trail.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“E.T.” is a cinematic masterpiece by director Steven Spielberg, which is beautiful and sad at the same time. Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore is seen here in her first major role.
7. The Truman Show (1998)
What is it about?
Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) lives a comfortable and down-to-earth life. What he doesn’t know, however, is that he lives inside a gigantic television studio and is the secret leading actor in the “Truman Show,” which is broadcast all over the world. But when Truman wants to leave for the big wide world one day and is always kept from doing so by several “coincidences,” he smells suspicion. Soon the question arises for the show’s viewers, what is more, important to them: to follow Truman’s life around the clock on T.V. or his happy future?
Why is the film worthwhile?
What starts out as a light-hearted comedy quickly ends up in a sad and almost hopeless situation for the sympathetic main character. This is embodied in the film by an outstanding Jim Carrey, who impressively demonstrates to the viewer that he not only has his typical grimaces to offer.
8. Forrest Gump (1994)
What is it about?
Although Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) only has an I.Q. of 75, he has experienced some remarkable things in his life. He tells his experiences to a group of people sitting next to him on a bench while waiting for the bus. It’s a sad story of an outsider who no one but his mother believed in – and yet, in the end, lived the American dream.
Why is the film worth watching?
“Forrest Gump” is an impressive, very emotional, and sensitive film, which rightly belongs to cinema’s great milestones. The film has won six Oscars and three Golden Globes, u.a. in the king category “Best Film.
9. Time out of Mind (2015)
What is it about?
George Hammond (Richard Gere) is homeless and permanently on the streets of New York, trying to find a place to sleep or something edible. When he ends up in a homeless shelter one day, he meets Dixon (Ben Vereen), also homeless, who gives him new courage to live with his detailed stories.
The emotional film shows the viewer how hard it is for the weakest members of our society every day. What is really surprising, however, is that Hollywood beau Richard Gere takes the role – he even embodied it so convincingly that a strange woman gave him a pizza while he was strolling through New York in his outfit during the preparation for the film.
10. The Cloud (2006)
What is it about?
“The Cloud” is a German Disaster film, In which what many citizens have always feared comes to pass. An accident in a nuclear power plant near Schweinfurt leads to a so-called Super-GAU – the entire population in the vicinity must immediately leave their homes for protection from the escaping radioactivity. On this very day, Hannah is supposed to take care of her little brother because her mother had to go to Schweinfurt for business reasons – of all places to the event scene.
Why is the film worthwhile?
It is shocking to see how the lives of countless people, who were happy and carefree just a few minutes ago, can change dramatically from one moment to the next. In addition, there is a tragic scene here that you probably won’t digest so quickly.
11. Every Day (2018)
What it’s about?
16-year-old Rhiannon (Angourie Rice) leads a normal teenage life, which of course includes numerous typical problems such as insecurity, a chaotic emotional world, and problems with love. One day she meets a soul with the simple name of “A” who can live in a different body every day. Rhiannon falls in love with “A” when she is a guest in the body of her boyfriend, Justin (Justice Smith). But how can she find her love again in the days following?
Why is the film worthwhile?
Even if the story presented here is miles away from a realistic narrative, it is still an extremely successful cinematic experiment that the viewer simply has to get involved with – but preferably alone, without a male person nearby.
12. The Lion Girl (2017)
What is it about?
When little Eva was born in 1912, the doctors were amazed: the girl was covered with blond hair all over her body – which quickly earned her the nickname Lion Girl. But this is not the only problem Eva has to struggle with: Her mother dies while she is still giving birth, and her father is completely overwhelmed by the surprising situation. Eva completely isolates herself from the outside world for fear of stupid comments and strange looks and retreats into her own fantasy world. One day, however, she decides to explore the real world.
Why is the film worthwhile?
The film tells a very touching story with which probably every mother can immediately empathize.
13. Until We Meet Again (2017)
What is it about?
Erik (Johan Matton) and Joanna (Linnea Larsdotter) want to breathe fresh air into their relationship and fly to faraway Thailand. When Joanna learns that her old boyfriend David also happens to be in Thailand, she naturally wants to see him again after all this time. However, it soon turns out that there could be more than just a friendship between good acquaintances. But the same problem has Erik, who is confronted with an attractive chance acquaintance. Does Erik and Joanna’s love still have a chance?
Why is the film worthwhile?
Many people probably know the problems dealt with in the film all too well – and that’s exactly why it’s so easy to empathize with the protagonists. Before watching, be sure to have tissues ready.
14. The Space Between Us (2017)
What is it about?
Gardner Elliot (Asa Butterfield) is the first human born on Mars. Since his mother, unfortunately, died right after birth, he does not know his father, and he has contact with very few people anyway; he feels lonely in the long run on the red planet. However, one day he meets Tulsa (Britt Robertson) from Earth on the Internet, whom he is soon allowed to visit. Together they experience many beautiful moments and exciting adventures – but his organs and bones are not made for life on Earth.
Why is the film worthwhile?
Very nice, touching teen romance with a lot of romance and love as well as a portion of action and a not to be despised pinch of drama.
Michael (Stephen Anthony Bailey) is madly in love with Michelle (Madison Lawlor), with whom he shares his deep faith in God. However, their young happiness is tested when Michael falls ill with leukemia. Will the two of them also be able to master this difficult situation in their lives?
Why is the film worth it?
The story is not very spectacular, but it tells a very emotional story, which definitely does not leave a dry handkerchief.
16. Remember Me (2010)
What is it about?
Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson) is still struggling with this terrible blow many years after his brother’s death. Fortunately, he continues to receive financial support from his father, Charles (Pierce Brosnan), who otherwise has no contact with his son. When Tyler is arrested one day as a result of a fight, his best friend buddy Aidan recommends he take a look at Ally – the daughter of the cop (Chris Cooper) who arrested him. The two of them do indeed get closer quickly, but this soon brings bigger problems with it.
Why is the film worth watching?
If you like dramatic love stories in which kitsch and clichés are not given a stage, you should not miss this film.
17. The Rider (2017)
What is it about?
When talented rodeo rider Brady Blackburn (Brady Jandreau) is seriously injured one day, he faces the prospect of never riding a horse again. A hard blow for the cowboy, who finances his whole life by working with mounts. But Brady doesn’t want to give up his dream of one day being able to sit on a horse again.
Why is the film worthwhile?
A touching story about a man and his great love for horseback riding: not only for horse fans an absolutely recommendable film.
18. Mia and the White Lion (2018)
What is it about?
10-year-old Mia (Daniah de Villiers) moves from London to faraway Africa, where her parents have decided to run a lion breeding farm. Mia hates her new home country and misses her friends. But then she meets Charlie, the white lion born on her parent’s farm. When Charlie is fully grown after three years and becomes dangerous to tourists, Mia’s father wants to sell the lion. Mia then decides to escape with Charlie. The two wander the country searching for a lion sanctuary where their friend can lead a safe life.
Why is the film worthwhile?
Although the story sounds quite familiar and interchangeable at first glance, this film knows how to impress with a very soulful narrative and a touching friendship between man and animal. In addition, it also highlights the issue of big game hunting, which is unfortunately still on the agenda in Africa.
19. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
What is it about?
This film from 2009 is a U.S. remake of “Hachiko – True Friendship Lasts Forever (1987)”, in which Richard Gere takes on the role of university professor Parker Wilson, who one day runs into a small dog. Here, too, the faithful four-legged friend accompanies his master to the nearby train station every day, only to pick him up again in the evening. But one day, Parker Wilson doesn’t return.
Why is the film worthwhile?
If you don’t know too much about Japanese movies, you should definitely check out this surprisingly good remake, in which (apart from the cute dog itself) Richard Gere is especially convincing.
Important: To watch this film on Amazon, Prime customers must subscribe to the Arthouse CNMA channel, which can be tested free of charge for 30 days.
20. Chiko: A Friendship for Life (2011)
What is it about?
No, this movie is not another implementation of the “Hachiko” story. Instead, it’s all about the cute dog Wasao, who wanders around a village and ends up being cared for by the young restaurant owner Setsuko. The dog, however, is more attracted to Akira – a boy who, together with Setsuko, takes care of stray quadrupeds. Akira, however, at the sight of Wasao, always has to think back to an accident his mother had involving a similar-looking dog. However, when one day, a group forms in the village to shoot stray dogs, and there is no doubt in Akira’s mind about which side he is on.
Why is the film worth watching?
If only for the fact that the stupid German title, which was probably chosen because of the fame of “Hachiko,” probably scares off more people than it attracts – which is a pity because the story told is really very beautiful and touching. This film deserves a chance.
21. The Big Sick (2017)
22. Moonlight (2016)
23. Midsommar (2019)
24. Beautiful Boy (2018)
25. Marley & Me (2009)
26. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
27. Cast Away (2000)
We hope you have enough tissues at hand and hope you enjoy our movie recommendations.
