In the world of cinema, there are some movies with endings that just leave you with a heavy heart. Whether it’s the death of a beloved character or the sheer sadness of the situation, these films will surely leave you with a lump in your throat. Here are 10 movies with some of the saddest endings that you can watch:
10- The Fault in Our Stars
Photo credit: Glamour
This 2014 romantic drama revolves around two young cancer patients, Hazel and Augustus, who fall in love after meeting in a cancer support group. Both of them face their diagnoses with courage and determination, but ultimately, their love story ends in tragedy. Hazel is forced to confront her own mortality and come to terms with the cruel realities of her situation. Gus suffers through an agonizing medical procedure in an attempt to extend his life, only to die shortly thereafter. Their story is a poignant reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly it can be taken away. It is a beautiful, yet heartbreakingly sad tale of two star-crossed lovers who were ultimately unable to overcome the odds. The Fault in Our Stars is a powerful reminder of how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away.
9- Million Dollar Baby
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Million Dollar Baby is a heartbreaking movie with one of the saddest endings in cinematic history. Hilary Swank stars as Maggie Fitzgerald, an ambitious young boxer determined to achieve her dreams. Swank’s performance is outstanding, driving home the hard-hitting emotion of the story. The supporting cast, including Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Anthony Mackie, all add to the power of the movie.
The story follows Maggie’s struggles as she fights her way to the top of the boxing world, only to be faced with a tragic accident that leaves her with a life-altering injury. The movie follows her struggle with her new reality, and her relationship with her trainer and surrogate father, Frankie. The film reaches its climax when Frankie must make a difficult moral decision that leaves the audience in tears. Million Dollar Baby is a powerful film that showcases the highs and lows of life, and the importance of making the most of every moment.
8- Life is Beautiful
Life is Beautiful is a heart-wrenching movie with one of the saddest endings. It follows the story of a Jewish man and his son as they struggle to survive the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. Despite the danger and despair, the father manages to keep his son’s spirit alive by convincing him that the camp is a game and that he must win a tank at the end. As the story unfolds, the audience is left with a sense of hope that the father and son will make it out alive. Unfortunately, this hope is quickly dashed as the film reaches its devastating conclusion. The father sacrifices himself to save his son, leaving the audience with a powerful reminder of the atrocities of war and the strength of a father’s love. Life is Beautiful is a must-see movie for its poignant ending and important lessons of hope and courage.
7- Coco
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Coco tells the story of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ban on music. Miguel, the protagonist, is transported to the Land of the Dead where he meets his ancestors and learns the importance of family and music. Despite the lighthearted and comedic moments throughout the movie, it has one of the saddest endings in recent memory. Miguel must say goodbye to his beloved great-great-grandmother Coco and his newfound friends in the Land of the Dead. His family finally understands the importance of music and the legacy of their ancestors, but the bittersweet farewell is impossible to ignore. Despite the joy of the reunion, Miguel cannot escape the fact that he must leave the beautiful Land of the Dead and return to the world of the living. The movie ends with a heart-wrenching montage of Miguel, his family, and the people he has come to love in the Land of the Dead. Coco is a powerful and emotional tale that will stay with viewers long after the final credits have rolled.
6- The Champ
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The Champ is a classic movie that has the power to tug at the heartstrings of viewers. It tells the story of a washed-up boxer, Andy, who is trying to make ends meet to provide for his son, T.J. Despite their financial struggles, Andy and T.J. share an unbreakable bond that is tested when tragedy strikes. When T.J. falls ill, Andy is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to get his son the medical help he needs. The ending is bittersweet and will leave viewers with a heavy heart. Watching Andy’s struggle and then his selfless act of love is a powerful reminder of the power of a father’s love. While The Champ may have one of the saddest endings in movie history, its message of the unyielding strength of family is a beautiful one that will linger in viewers’ memories for years to come.
5- The Green Mile
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The Green Mile is a movie that many movie-goers remember for its powerful and heartbreaking ending. The story follows the life of a man on death row, and his relationships with the guards who watch over him. The movie is a roller coaster of emotions, from the joy of new friendships, to the sorrow of knowing that one of the prisoners will be executed. As the movie progresses, the audience sees the guards and prisoners alike struggle with the harsh reality of the death penalty. The climax of the movie is when the prisoner, John Coffey, is executed for a crime he did not commit. The audience is left with a sense of despair, as the guards and other prisoners helplessly watch Coffey’s life end in a tragic and unjust manner. The Green Mile is a powerful and heartbreaking reminder of the injustices and horrors of the death penalty.
4- Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3 is one of the most heartbreaking movies ever. It follows the Toy Story gang as they face the prospect of being donated to a daycare center. As Andy prepares to leave for college, he decides to do the responsible thing and give his beloved toys away. Throughout the movie, the toys come to terms with the fact that their days of being Andy’s playthings are coming to an end. The ending is particularly heartbreaking as Andy bids his beloved toys goodbye.
He finds a home for each of them, but it’s clear that he’s still sad to see them go. The scene culminates in a tear-jerking goodbye as Andy says goodbye to his childhood toys and drives off to college. The movie ends on a bittersweet note, leaving viewers with a heavy heart. Toy Story 3 is a movie that truly captures the bittersweet nature of growing up and saying goodbye to the things we once loved.
3- The Lion King
Photo Credit: Vanity Fair
The Lion King is a classic animated film that has left its mark on countless hearts. The story follows Simba, a young lion cub who is the heir to his father’s throne. However, tragedy strikes when Simba’s father, Mufasa, is killed in a stampede, leaving Simba to flee from his home and the kingdom he was meant to lead. With the help of his newfound friends, Simba must overcome his fear and take his rightful place as the new king.
Despite its lighthearted moments, The Lion King is known for its heartbreaking ending. Simba is reunited with his childhood friend, Nala, and reclaims the throne of the Pride Lands. Unfortunately, Simba is forced to confront his villainous uncle, Scar, and ultimately defeats him. Even though Simba is triumphant, it’s a bittersweet ending as Simba is now left to rule without his beloved father.
2- Old Yeller
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Old Yeller is one of the saddest movies of all time. It tells the story of a loyal, brave, and hard-working dog who does his best to protect his family from danger. The movie follows the adventures of Old Yeller and his family, including a young boy named Travis, as they struggle to survive on their Texas ranch. Unfortunately, Old Yeller contracts rabies and Travis is forced to shoot him in order to save his family. This scene is one of the most heartbreaking in film history.
Old Yeller’s death is a reminder that all good things must come to an end, no matter how hard we try to keep them alive. Old Yeller’s death is a reminder that, although life is fleeting, the memories we make will last forever.
1- Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
Photo Credit: Thirteen
Hatchi is a heart-wrenching movie that tells the story of a devoted Akita Inu and his beloved master. The bond between the two is truly remarkable and their tale will leave you in tears when it reaches its heartbreaking conclusion. The movie begins with Hatchi, a young pup, being adopted by a kind elderly man who loves him with all his heart. The two share a beautiful relationship, with Hatchi often accompanying his master on his daily errands and accompanying him everywhere he goes.
However, one day, Hatchi’s master passes away and the pup is left alone in the world. Hatchi searches for his master in vain, but eventually finds a way to keep his master’s memory alive. He visits his master’s grave every day and stays by it, despite his sadness. He eventually passes away at the same spot, surrounded by his beloved master’s memory. Hatchi’s story portrays the immense love between a pet and its master, and its ending is one of the saddest in movie history.
