I'll just come right out and admit it — I'm not usually a crier, which is why my favourite movies are the sad ones [1]. I consider it a success if I'm left blubbering in my seat at the cinema, or even better, wrapped up in a blanket surrounded by tear-stained tissues. Letting go of your emotions can be therapeutic, and sometimes all you need is a little cinematic push! But a super sad movie isn't an experience easily shared with family and friends, so I tend to watch most of these heart-wrenching films on my own.

When I'm making my pick for a solo movie night, I gravitate towards sad movies that aren't too dark and depressing. (I'll leave Schindler's List for another time, thank you!) It might seem counterintuitive but I'll select movies that will make me tear up, yes, but also contain some sort of "hopeful" theme to keep me from losing it altogether. The movies don't need to be tied up in a bow with a happy endings, but when you're watching by yourself, it's nice to be reminded that there are some good themes too.

If you're in the mood to get a little weepy on your own, see these suggestions for your next flick. Oh, and don't forget your own tissues. You'll need 'em.

Deepwater Horizon

OK, hear me out. An action movie? I know. But I couldn't stop sobbing when I went to the cinema and saw this flick, based on the true events of the oil rig explosion [2] from 2010. Call me crazy, but there's something about knowing this really happened that struck me emotionally.

Marley and Me

This film about a dog and the family who raised it is a tried and true classic, and I'll admit — pups are my emotional weak point.

The Pursuit of Happyness

Based on a true story, The Pursuit of Happyness follows a father's journey trying to establish a career while homeless in San Francisco. Fun fact: it stars Will Smith [3] and his real-life son, Jaden.

My Sister's Keeper

Based on the Jodi Picoult novel, My Sister's Keeper examines the relationships within a family where one daughter has terminal cancer.

Dead Poets Society

In this classic 1989 drama, Robin Williams [4] plays an English teacher at an all-boys school, where his unique teaching methods influence his students in a variety of ways. It's sad and inspirational.

Terms of Endearment

A mother and daughter can fiercely love each other and also harbour tumultuous feelings at the same time. That's the relationship between Aurora and Emma in Terms of Endearment, as Emma grows and has a family of her own.