Top 20 Guy Cry Movies

These movies became well-known for their emotional impact, often based on real-life stories and focusing on themes like family, friendship, and difficult decisions. They feature strong acting, have often won awards, and have been both commercially and culturally successful, explaining why they continue to connect with audiences of all ages.

‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

Steven Spielberg’s World War II film tells the story of a group of soldiers searching for a paratrooper after the D-Day landings in Normandy. Starring Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, alongside Tom Sizemore and Giovanni Ribisi, the movie won five Oscars, including awards for Best Director and Best Cinematography. It was a huge hit with audiences worldwide and has had a lasting impact on how war scenes are filmed.

‘The Green Mile’ (1999)

This compelling prison drama, based on a story by Stephen King, follows the lives of death row guards who realize one of their inmates has mysterious powers. Directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, and David Morse, the film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its length allowed for a richly detailed story that explored multiple prisoner cases and the relationships between the staff.

‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

The movie tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a businessman who saved over a thousand Jewish people during the Holocaust. Director Steven Spielberg filmed it mostly in black and white, but uses color to highlight important scenes. It won seven Oscars, including for Best Picture and Best Director, and is often shown in schools to teach about 20th-century history.

‘Field of Dreams’ (1989)

This film is based on W.P. Kinsella’s novel Shoeless Joe and tells the story of an Iowa farmer who builds a baseball field after being guided by a strange voice. The movie stars Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Amy Madigan. Filmed in the Iowa countryside, the baseball field itself was preserved and opened to visitors after production. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Ridley Scott’s historical drama tells the story of a Roman general captured and forced into slavery, who fights his way to freedom in the gladiatorial arena. Starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, with supporting roles from Connie Nielsen and Oliver Reed, the film was a critical and commercial success, winning five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor. The filmmakers used impressive visual effects and massive sets to realistically depict the Colosseum and the Roman imperial court, including incredibly detailed crowd scenes.

‘Braveheart’ (1995)

Braveheart tells the story of William Wallace and his struggle for Scottish independence from English rule. Directed by and starring Mel Gibson, the film also features Patrick McGoohan, Sophie Marceau, and Brendan Gleeson. It was a major award winner, earning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film is known for its large-scale battle scenes, which used thousands of extras and realistic effects to depict armies and combat.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)

Based on a story by Stephen King, this movie tells the story of Andy Dufresne and Red during their long time in Shawshank Prison. Directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, the film was nominated for seven Oscars and gained a wider audience thanks to VHS and TV broadcasts. Actual locations in Ohio were used to film many of the prison scenes.

‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this film tells a unique story by seamlessly inserting a main character into real historical footage using impressive visual effects. Starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, with a memorable performance by Gary Sinise, the movie was a critical and commercial success, winning six Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor. The popular soundtrack further enhanced the film’s immersive historical setting.

‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ (2006)

This inspiring drama, based on the true story of Chris Gardner, follows a man struggling with homelessness as he pursues a demanding career as a stockbroker. Starring Will and Jaden Smith, and directed by Gabriele Muccino, the film was a critical and commercial success, earning Will Smith an Oscar nomination and making over $300 million globally. The movie was filmed on location in San Francisco, showcasing real-life shelters, offices, and transportation centers important to the story.

‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale’ (2009)

This movie tells the heartwarming story of a professor and his loyal Akita dog, and how their connection lasts even after the professor is gone. Directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Richard Gere and Joan Allen, the film is set in a New England college town but stays true to the original tale of a dog who faithfully waits for his owner. It gained a large audience through TV and home video releases.

‘Life Is Beautiful’ (1997)

Roberto Benigni’s acclaimed film tells the story of a father who uses his imagination to protect his son from the realities of a concentration camp. The movie, which Benigni wrote, directed, and starred in, won three Oscars, including Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor. Set in Italy during the occupation, it masterfully combines humor and heartbreaking drama, and became a box office success around the world.

‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004)

I was completely captivated by this movie! Clint Eastwood not only directed it but also starred as an old boxing trainer, and Hilary Swank was incredible as the fighter he takes under his wing. Morgan Freeman’s narration just added so much to the story. It really swept the awards that year, winning four Oscars – including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Hilary, and Best Supporting Actor. What struck me most was how realistic the boxing scenes felt; they were carefully planned and didn’t rely on a lot of music to create the drama. It also gave a really insightful look into the world of boxing – the business side of things with contracts, and how they handle medical issues with the fighters.

‘Gran Torino’ (2008)

This drama, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood alongside Bee Vang and Ahney Her, takes place in the Detroit area. It tells the story of a veteran who recently lost his wife and builds a connection with his Hmong American neighbors while they face challenges from local gangs. Despite being made with a small budget and shown in limited theaters at first, the film was a success. The filmmakers worked closely with members of the Hmong community to ensure the dialogue and traditions shown in the movie were authentic and respectful of family and cultural ceremonies.

‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989)

Directed by Peter Weir, the film takes place at a traditional boarding school in New England. An inspiring English teacher encourages his students to explore poetry and find their voices through public speaking. Starring Robin Williams, along with Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke, the movie won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and earned several other nominations. The filmmakers used the grounds of a historic campus in Delaware to create the look of the school.

‘The Lion King’ (1994)

This popular animated Disney movie tells the story of a young lion who must fight to take his rightful place as king. The film’s memorable music was created by Elton John and Tim Rice, with a powerful score composed by Hans Zimmer. It earned two Oscars for its music and became one of the highest-grossing animated films ever made. The artists carefully studied real animal movements and African scenery to create the film’s beautiful visuals.

‘Coco’ (2017)

Pixar’s film, set during Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration, tells the story of a boy who journeys to the Land of the Dead to discover his family’s past. Lee Unkrich directed the movie, with Adrian Molina as co-director, and Michael Giacchino composed the original music. It won two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. The filmmakers carefully researched Mexican culture, including costumes, instruments, and architecture, with the help of cultural consultants and on-location trips.

‘Up’ (2009)

This Pixar movie tells the story of a grumpy old man and a cheerful boy scout who go on a fantastic adventure when the old man’s house is carried away by thousands of balloons. Directed by Pete Docter, it made history as the first animated film ever selected to open the Cannes Film Festival. The film was a critical success, winning two Academy Awards, including the award for Best Animated Feature. Its visual style blended stunning computer animation with the feel of a classic adventure movie.

‘A Star Is Born’ (2018)

Bradley Cooper directs and stars alongside Lady Gaga in a modern retelling of a classic show business tragedy. The film includes the award-winning song “Shallow,” which won an Academy Award, and follows the story of a rising star as they navigate the challenges of touring, recording music, and a complicated relationship. To capture the feel of a live concert, the filmmakers shot in actual performance venues.

‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)

Directed by Gus Van Sant, this drama tells the story of a brilliant mathematician who works as a janitor and begins seeing a therapist at a local college. The film, written by and starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck alongside Robin Williams (who won an Academy Award for his performance), is set in the Boston and Cambridge area, featuring scenes filmed in public places and neighborhood bars. It was a critical and commercial success, helping to launch the careers of its key players.

‘Warrior’ (2011)

This drama follows two brothers who haven’t spoken in a while as they compete in an intense martial arts tournament, all while confronting issues from their past. Directed by Gavin O’Connor, the film stars Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte, who earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of their father. The fight sequences were carefully choreographed with the help of professional fighters and trainers to realistically show the tournament’s rules and format.

Share your favorite tearjerker moments from these films in the comments.

2025-11-16 04:47