Are you in need of a good cry or a little something to bring out the sensitive side of a significant other? How about a drama? Comedy? Be forewarned, the films on the following list will make you cry. Some may make you weep uncontrollably. Others may leave you numb, inspired, incredibly happy, angry or sad. There are many reasons why water comes from the eyes. Additionally, this list could have been 50 long. But, for the sake of brevity, here are 15 of the greatest tearjerkers of all time.
15. Savannah Smiles
From 1982, Savannah Smiles was written by Mark Miller as a starring vehicle, and it was marketed as a family film of sorts. It was Mark’s intent to have Savannah play the role of Savannah, but she was too old by the time they reached production. The film is a comedy of errors that plays upon the rule: if you want to get ’em cryin’, get ’em laughin’ first. Savannah, expertly played by a young Bridgette Andersen, is the daughter of a politician. She is starved for attention from her parents and eventually finds herself in the company of a couple small-time crooks. They become her “kidnappers.” It ain’t no Stockholm Syndrome… she’s legitimately cared for better by the criminal duo than by her own family. One of those films that will serve as a first cry for a young audience, it still holds up over 30 years later.
© Gold Coast Productions/courtesy Everett Collection