Top 10 movies of 2024 that made us cry

2024 has been an emotional rollercoaster for moviegoers. Whether it’s the power of love, devastating loss, or the triumph of the human spirit, films this year have brought plenty of tears. From heart-wrenching dramas to unexpected moments of sadness in blockbusters, these are the top 10 movies in theaters this year that made us cry.

1. Oppenheimer

Overview: Christopher Nolan’s biographical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, leaves viewers reflecting on the weight of history and the moral dilemmas faced by the man who changed the world forever. The movie’s emotional depth builds as Oppenheimer grapples with guilt and the consequences of his creation.

Why It Made Us Cry: The intense portrayal of Oppenheimer’s inner turmoil and the devastating effects of the atomic bomb hit hard, leaving the audience grappling with the emotional fallout of war and ethics.

2. Past Lives

Overview: Past Lives is a moving story about two childhood friends who reconnect after years apart, exploring the ideas of fate, love, and missed opportunities. The film’s subtle storytelling and emotional resonance leave a lasting impact.

Why It Made Us Cry: The deep emotional connection between the characters and the bittersweet nature of their relationship, filled with “what ifs,” pulls at the heartstrings.

3. A Good Person

Overview: Directed by Zach Braff, A Good Person features Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman in an emotional exploration of grief, forgiveness, and healing. Pugh’s character navigates the aftermath of a tragic accident that upends her life.

Why It Made Us Cry: The raw performances and the movie’s powerful themes of loss and redemption create intense, tear-jerking moments.

4. The Whale

Overview: Brendan Fraser’s transformative performance in The Whale as a reclusive man struggling with obesity and seeking to reconnect with his estranged daughter is devastating and heart-rending.

Why It Made Us Cry: The portrayal of Fraser’s character’s desperation for redemption, along with his physical and emotional suffering, brings an overwhelming wave of sadness.

5. The Color Purple (2024)

Overview: The 2024 musical adaptation of The Color Purple revisits Alice Walker’s powerful story of resilience, love, and sisterhood. The film, directed by Blitz Bazawule, beautifully captures the emotional highs and lows of the characters’ lives.

Why It Made Us Cry: The film’s exploration of trauma, perseverance, and family bonds, paired with soul-stirring performances, evokes tears from beginning to end.

6. The Last Voyage of the Demeter

Overview: While The Last Voyage of the Demeter might seem like a horror film on the surface, its depiction of isolation, fear, and tragedy aboard a doomed ship draws out surprising emotional depth.

Why It Made Us Cry: The haunting story of loss and survival, combined with the eerie atmosphere, gives viewers moments of intense sorrow amid the terror.

7. Barbie (2024)

Overview: Greta Gerwig’s Barbie may be filled with fun and laughter, but it also packs an unexpected emotional punch. The film touches on themes of self-acceptance, identity, and the complexities of womanhood in a patriarchal world.

Why It Made Us Cry: Underneath the vibrant colors and witty humor, Barbie delivers poignant moments about finding one’s true self and the bittersweet experience of growing up.

8. Maestro (2024)

Overview: Maestro is a biopic about legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, played by Bradley Cooper. This film delves into Bernstein’s personal and professional struggles, particularly his complicated relationships and his pursuit of artistic perfection.

Why It Made Us Cry: Cooper’s portrayal of Bernstein’s emotional vulnerabilities and his strained marriage with Felicia Montealegre (played by Carey Mulligan) hits all the right notes, delivering heart-wrenching moments of love, regret, and loss.

9. All of Us Strangers (2024)

Overview: All of Us Strangers is a surreal drama that tackles themes of love, memory, and loss. The film, starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, takes viewers on an emotional journey as a man reconnects with his long-lost parents in a haunting and unexpected way.

Why It Made Us Cry: The film’s exploration of grief and longing for connection strikes deep emotional chords, creating moments that stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

10. The Boy and the Heron (2024)

Overview: This animated masterpiece from Studio Ghibli is a coming-of-age story set in a fantastical world, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. It weaves themes of grief, growing up, and learning to move forward after loss.

Why It Made Us Cry: Studio Ghibli’s signature mix of whimsy and emotional depth is on full display, as the film tenderly explores the complex emotions of growing up and