Tear Jerkers - 25 Movies to Help You Have A Good Cry

Sometimes we just need a good cry. There are ways to make it happen without sitting down and trying to force the tears. Nothing works like a good movie, a real tear jerker.

Women know about tear jerkers. Some men do, too. For those of you who don't know, a tear jerker can make you cry because it has scenes that are so sad, or it can make you cry because it has scenes that are so happy. Sometimes you cry because it's so intense and poignant. Whatever the reason, you cry, and that's the goal. So you make your goal, and watch a good movie at the same time.

Well, of course, the movie has to be a good one. The only way a bad movie makes you want to cry is due to regret over wasting your money.

I've divided the movies into two lists. My "A" list has movies that required me to reach for the tissue box, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The "B" list made me cry, but with various reservations.

So here's your "have a good cry" list

The children's favorites, Bambi, Old Yeller and E.T. The Extra-Terrestial are good for adult tears, too. Just remember, if you watch one of them with the kids, you're introducing your children to a good cry at the movies.

Especially Old Yeller, my first cry at the movies. While the tears were running down my face, I remember turning around to see if anyone else had noticed that I was crying. (Well, my sister was crying beside me, but she cried easily, so that didn't count.) The whole theater was full of children, and they were all crying, boys and girls. It was a unique scene, to say the least, and I've remembered it all of my life.

Bambi is one of the best examples of the superb skills and talent of the old Walt Disney animators. It's also a wonderful story. Today, deer fawns are almost automatically referred to as a bambi and it wouldn't surprise me to find that one of every ten pet rabbits is still called Thumper.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestial is a great story for children. It's a little old-fashioned on the special effects, but I think once a child is into the story, that won't be an issue.

Do you know a guy who needs a good cry? These movies will do the trick! With luck, he may not even know what you're up to.

Brian's Song - James Caan is such a nice guy here. And he's a guy's guy, too. Valient, a football player, not a complainer. Someone that a guy can really relate to. For women, this was James Caan at his youthful best, both a nice guy and a hunk.

Gladiator - This is the guy's guy of all time. Nobody beats him, not even cowboys or soldiers. But he's vulnerable, sad, tormented. This guy has the whole audience hooked, men and women. Then he brings everyone to their knees with his final scene.

Captains Courageous (get the one with Spencer Tracy) - Spencer Tracy is a man to be emulated here and he teaches Freddie Bartholomew how to be a good guy instead of a spoiled brat. You want to know Spencer for a long, long time.

Ladder 49 - A young man with a family to support leaves his dangerous job as a firefighter because his wife is afraid. But then he returns to it, and his captain wonders if he'll make it. get the tissues ready and expect some serious suspense.

The Green Mile - This is an unexpected tear jerker, because it's on death row. But it's magical and Tom Hanks is the main character, along with a huge, mysterious man who was very probably sent by God. But people just don't understand.

Sophie's Choice - Who can beat Meryl Streep's agony when the Nazi makes her choose? And who can show grace and a lack of will to live as she can?

Steel Magnolias - Sally Field tears your heart out. This is a good laugh and a major cry all at the same time.

Finding Neverland - Sad, sad, sad. Kate Winslet as a young and beautiful invalid is heart breaking. The story is supposed to be how the children inspired Peter Pan to be written.

Philadelphia - The scene where Tom Hanks is listening to the music always tears me up. Fair warning that this one has many scenes that can break your heart.

Sense and Sensibility - Emma Thompson's crying scene is all the more poignant for her reserve in the rest of the movie. And then there are the final love scenes that make you melt with happiness.

Doctor Zhivago - There's nothing like the continuous, extended poignancy of doomed lovers coming to their predestined demise. And the scenes they struggle through! A striking movie, as well as an emotional ride.

Cold Mountain - Oh, Nichole Kidman's lonely yearning and Jude Law's traumatic struggling to get back to her are barely bearable. Your heart goes out to both of them, as well as several other important characters.

Message in a Bottle - These grieving, handsome widowers are always so sad. But you don't get off that easily.

Ghost - Oh, my. Even Whoopi Goldberg's great character can't keep the tears away. Demi Moore is heartbroken, and the viewer is completely sympathetic.

Terms of Endearment - Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger argue and fuss their way to a sad ending. This has some very funny scenes, too. One of my favorites is when Shirley MacLaine loses it at the nurse's station.

My Life (Michael Keaton) - Oh, Lord! I cried about 10 times through this one. Michael Keaton takes a long time to die, and a young Nichole Kidman is by his side the whole way.

The Color Purple - Sad tears, happy tears, tears, tears, tears. The first time I watched this movie, felt wrung out to dry by the time the credits rolled.

Titanic - The old woman's memories led me right to a box of kleenex, especially the last scene. And, of course, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet play the two young and troubled lovers with such skill and talent.

The Miracle Worker - Oh, happy tears! Well, maybe. I've been amazed at how many people can watch this one without crying. I'd call it a two-tissue special, myself.

Always - Oh, who can resist a lover who dies? And continues to want to be with his sweetheart as a ghost? This has pathos and magic, at the same time.

Meet Joe Black - The whole thing is full of poignancy, until you have to cry. It may not be at the crying parts, but it happens. I've tested it on several friends. Another one with a magical story line. For example, Joe Black (Brad Pitt) is death, who has taken over the body of a young man, and falls in love with Anthony Hopkin's daughter. He has actually come to take Anthony Hopkins away. Great story!

Fried Green Tomatoes - Great fun and a good cry. A lady always knows when to leave. Oh, sob!