Let’s face it: there’s something strangely satisfying about a good cry. Whether it’s the bittersweet ending or the overwhelming beauty of love, tearjerker romantic movies have a unique way of tugging at our heartstrings. Lucky for us, Netflix has a collection of heart-wrenching romances that will leave you sobbing, smiling, and possibly reconsidering your mascara choices. If you’re in the mood to experience the emotional rollercoaster of love, this list is for you. Grab a box (or two) of tissues and let’s dive in!
Table: Tearjerker Romantic Movies on Netflix
| Movie Title | Genre | Vibe | Runtime | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Notebook | Romantic Drama | Timeless, Heartbreaking | 123 mins | 7.8 |
| A Walk to Remember | Romantic Drama | Sad, Inspiring Love | 101 mins | 7.4 |
| Me Before You | Romantic Drama | Heartbreaking, Emotional | 106 mins | 7.4 |
| Midnight Sun | Romantic Drama | Tender, Poignant | 91 mins | 6.6 |
| The Fault in Our Stars | Romantic Drama | Sad, Uplifting Love | 126 mins | 7.7 |
| Five Feet Apart | Romantic Drama | Forbidden, Emotional Love | 116 mins | 7.2 |
| Blue Jay | Indie Romance | Poignant, Nostalgic | 80 mins | 7.3 |
| Marriage Story | Romantic Drama | Intense, Heart-Wrenching | 137 mins | 7.9 |
| About Time | Sci-Fi Romance | Sweet, Tearful Love | 123 mins | 7.8 |
| The Vow | Romantic Drama | Inspiring, Heartfelt | 104 mins | 6.8 |
| The Light Between Oceans | Romantic Drama | Tragic, Emotional Journey | 133 mins | 7.2 |
| P.S. I Love You | Romantic Drama | Romantic, Soul-Stirring | 126 mins | 7.0 |
| One Day | Romantic Drama | Bittersweet, Thoughtful | 107 mins | 7.0 |
| The Time Traveler’s Wife | Sci-Fi Romance | Emotional, Unique Love Story | 107 mins | 7.1 |
| Remember Me | Romantic Drama | Shocking, Heartbreaking | 113 mins | 7.1 |
| Dear John | Romantic Drama | Bittersweet, Inspiring | 108 mins | 6.3 |
| Safe Haven | Romantic Drama | Tearful, Emotional Closure | 115 mins | 6.7 |
| Pieces of a Woman | Indie Drama | Heartbreaking, Raw | 126 mins | 7.0 |
| Like Crazy | Indie Romance | Bittersweet, Thought-Provoking | 90 mins | 6.7 |
| If I Stay | Romantic Drama | Tearful, Soulful | 107 mins | 6.7 |
| The Last Letter from Your Lover | Romantic Drama | Nostalgic, Emotional | 110 mins | 6.7 |
Descriptions for Tearjerker Romantic Movies on Netflix
1. The Notebook
Rating: 7.8/10
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Genre: Romantic Drama
This timeless classic follows the passionate and heart-wrenching love story of Noah and Allie. Set in the 1940s, the movie depicts their journey from young, carefree romance to a life-altering separation, only to reunite in a deeply emotional twist. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is magnetic, making every scene an emotional rollercoaster. Directed by Nick Cassavetes, the film’s narration through the lens of an elderly man reading their story adds layers of poignancy. Known for its unforgettable rain-kissed kiss scene, The Notebook will leave you in tears and deeply moved. A must-watch for hopeless romantics.
2. A Walk to Remember
Rating: 7.4/10
Stars: Mandy Moore, Shane West, Peter Coyote
Director: Adam Shankman
Genre: Romantic Drama
This Nicholas Sparks adaptation tells the story of Landon, a rebellious teenager, and Jamie, a sweet preacher’s daughter with a tragic secret. The movie captures their unexpected romance, which transforms Landon into a better person and teaches valuable lessons about love and sacrifice. Mandy Moore’s heartfelt performance as Jamie is unforgettable, while Shane West brings a touching vulnerability to Landon’s character. Directed by Adam Shankman, the film’s simplicity and emotional depth make it a tearjerker for the ages. The ending will leave you sobbing, so keep those tissues handy!
3. Me Before You
Rating: 7.4/10
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer
Director: Thea Sharrock
Genre: Romantic Drama
Louisa “Lou” Clark, a quirky and optimistic young woman, takes up the job of caring for Will Traynor, a once-wealthy and adventurous man now paralyzed. Despite their differences, they form an intense bond that challenges their outlooks on life and love. Emilia Clarke’s charming performance is perfectly complemented by Sam Claflin’s brooding portrayal of Will. Directed by Thea Sharrock, this movie delicately explores themes of love, loss, and the power of living fully. Prepare to laugh, cry, and deeply reflect as you watch this beautiful love story unfold.
4. Midnight Sun
Rating: 6.6/10
Stars: Bella Thorne, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Rob Riggle
Director: Scott Speer
Genre: Romantic Drama
This tender story revolves around Katie, a young woman with a rare condition that makes sunlight lethal to her. Despite her limitations, she falls in love with Charlie, a charming boy who reignites her dreams. Bella Thorne delivers a heartfelt performance as Katie, while Patrick Schwarzenegger shines as her devoted partner. Directed by Scott Speer, Midnight Sun beautifully portrays the fragility of life and the strength of love. Its bittersweet ending is guaranteed to leave you teary-eyed.
5. The Fault in Our Stars
Rating: 7.7/10
Stars: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Laura Dern
Director: Josh Boone
Genre: Romantic Drama
Hazel Grace, a witty and intelligent teen with terminal cancer, meets Augustus Waters, a charismatic survivor, at a support group. Their love story is filled with humor, warmth, and profound life lessons, even as they grapple with heartbreaking realities. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort deliver captivating performances that make their characters unforgettable. Directed by Josh Boone, this adaptation of John Green’s bestselling novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the beauty of fleeting moments. Don’t forget to stock up on tissues for this one.
6. Five Feet Apart
Rating: 7.2/10
Stars: Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Moisés Arias
Director: Justin Baldoni
Genre: Romantic Drama
Stella and Will are teenagers with cystic fibrosis who must maintain a physical distance to avoid life-threatening infections. Despite the barriers, they form a deep emotional connection, making their love all the more intense and heartbreaking. Haley Lu Richardson delivers an award-worthy performance as Stella, while Cole Sprouse’s portrayal of Will is raw and moving. Directed by Justin Baldoni, Five Feet Apart captures the challenges of love in the face of impossible odds, leaving audiences in tears.
7. Blue Jay
Rating: 7.3/10
Stars: Mark Duplass, Sarah Paulson
Director: Alex Lehmann
Genre: Indie Romance
A chance encounter reunites former high school sweethearts Jim and Amanda, who spend a day reminiscing about their past. The film’s raw dialogue and intimate performances by Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson create a deeply emotional experience. Directed by Alex Lehmann, Blue Jay is a poignant exploration of love, regret, and nostalgia. The film’s black-and-white cinematography adds a hauntingly beautiful touch to this minimalist masterpiece.
8. Marriage Story
Rating: 7.9/10
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern
Director: Noah Baumbach
Genre: Romantic Drama
While not a conventional love story, Marriage Story delves into the complexities of divorce, showing how love can evolve and endure in different forms. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver give Oscar-worthy performances as a couple navigating heartbreak and personal growth. Directed by Noah Baumbach, the film is an emotional powerhouse that will leave you crying, reflecting, and perhaps hugging your loved ones a little tighter.
9. About Time
Rating: 7.8/10
Stars: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy
Director: Richard Curtis
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Tim discovers he can travel through time and uses his gift to perfect moments with the love of his life, Mary. But as he learns, love and life’s challenges are inevitable, even with time travel. Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams share an incredible on-screen chemistry, while Bill Nighy’s performance as Tim’s father adds emotional depth. Directed by Richard Curtis, About Time is a heartwarming tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is tear-inducing.
10. P.S. I Love You
Rating: 7.0/10
Stars: Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Genre: Romantic Drama
After Holly’s husband, Gerry, passes away, she receives a series of letters he wrote to help her move on and rediscover happiness. Hilary Swank delivers a heart-rending performance as a grieving widow, while Gerard Butler is unforgettable as the loving, mischievous Gerry. Directed by Richard LaGravenese, P.S. I Love You is a bittersweet reminder that love never truly ends, even after loss.
11. The Vow
Rating: 6.8/10
Stars: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill
Director: Michael Sucsy
Genre: Romantic Drama
Inspired by true events, The Vow tells the story of Paige, who loses her memory after a car accident, and her husband Leo’s unwavering efforts to make her fall in love with him again. Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum deliver compelling performances, portraying the heartbreak and resilience of a love tested by extraordinary circumstances. Directed by Michael Sucsy, this heartfelt drama explores the depths of commitment and devotion, leaving audiences both inspired and teary-eyed.
12. The Light Between Oceans
Rating: 7.2/10
Stars: Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender, Rachel Weisz
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Genre: Romantic Drama
Set in the 1920s, this beautifully shot film follows a lighthouse keeper and his wife who find an abandoned baby and decide to raise her as their own, only to face devastating consequences. Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender’s performances are heartbreakingly tender, while Rachel Weisz adds emotional complexity. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, the film’s exploration of love, loss, and moral dilemmas will leave you sobbing and reflective.
13. One Day
Rating: 7.0/10
Stars: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess
Director: Lone Scherfig
Genre: Romantic Drama
Emma and Dexter’s relationship unfolds over two decades, revisiting them on the same date each year to capture their evolving friendship and love. Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess shine as star-crossed lovers navigating the ups and downs of life. Directed by Lone Scherfig, One Day is a bittersweet tale about missed opportunities and the enduring power of love. Its surprising ending is sure to leave you reaching for tissues.
14. The Time Traveler’s Wife
Rating: 7.1/10
Stars: Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana
Director: Robert Schwentke
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Based on Audrey Niffenegger’s bestselling novel, this film explores the unique challenges of a romance where time travel disrupts the lives of Henry and Clare. Rachel McAdams delivers a deeply emotional performance as Clare, while Eric Bana portrays the time-traveling Henry with equal vulnerability. Directed by Robert Schwentke, The Time Traveler’s Wife is a poignant mix of love, longing, and the inevitability of loss.
15. Remember Me
Rating: 7.1/10
Stars: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Allen Coulter
Genre: Romantic Drama
This deeply moving film follows Tyler, a rebellious young man, and Ally, a woman coping with her own tragedy, as they find solace in each other. Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin share an intense on-screen chemistry, while the shocking ending delivers an emotional punch. Directed by Allen Coulter, Remember Me is a powerful story about love, family, and finding meaning in life’s fleeting moments.
16. Dear John
Rating: 6.3/10
Stars: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried
Director: Lasse Hallström
Genre: Romantic Drama
Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, Dear John follows the romance between John, a soldier, and Savannah, a college student, as they navigate the trials of a long-distance relationship. Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried deliver heartfelt performances, making their characters’ connection feel authentic. Directed by Lasse Hallström, this bittersweet love story explores themes of sacrifice and resilience, leaving audiences deeply moved.
17. Safe Haven
Rating: 6.7/10
Stars: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel
Director: Lasse Hallström
Genre: Romantic Drama
A woman with a mysterious past finds solace in a small town and falls in love with a widowed father. However, her secrets threaten to unravel her newfound happiness. Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel share palpable chemistry, while Lasse Hallström’s direction adds suspense to this emotional romance. The film’s twist ending makes it an unforgettable tearjerker.
18. Pieces of a Woman
Rating: 7.0/10
Stars: Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf, Ellen Burstyn
Director: Kornél Mundruczó
Genre: Indie Drama
This raw, emotionally charged film explores the aftermath of a couple’s devastating loss. Vanessa Kirby delivers an Oscar-nominated performance as Martha, while Shia LaBeouf portrays her grieving partner. Directed by Kornél Mundruczó, Pieces of a Woman is a heartbreaking portrayal of love, loss, and healing that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
19. Like Crazy
Rating: 6.7/10
Stars: Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin
Director: Drake Doremus
Genre: Indie Romance
A transatlantic love story about Anna, a British student, and Jacob, an American designer, whose relationship is tested by distance and visa issues. Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin deliver heartfelt performances in this bittersweet tale of love and longing. Directed by Drake Doremus, Like Crazy beautifully captures the complexities of modern relationships, leaving viewers emotionally invested.
20. If I Stay
Rating: 6.7/10
Stars: Chloë Grace Moretz, Jamie Blackley
Director: R.J. Cutler
Genre: Romantic Drama
After a tragic car accident, Mia, a talented cellist, finds herself in a coma, caught between life and death. As she reflects on her relationship with Adam, she must decide whether to stay or let go. Chloë Grace Moretz delivers a moving performance as Mia, while Jamie Blackley shines as her devoted boyfriend. Directed by R.J. Cutler, If I Stay is a deeply emotional story about love, loss, and the power of choice.
21. The Last Letter from Your Lover
Rating: 6.7/10
Stars: Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, Callum Turner
Director: Augustine Frizzell
Genre: Romantic Drama
This dual-timeline romance follows a journalist uncovering the story of a forbidden love affair from the 1960s. Shailene Woodley and Callum Turner sizzle as star-crossed lovers, while Felicity Jones brings warmth and wit to the modern-day narrative. Directed by Augustine Frizzell, The Last Letter from Your Lover is a visually stunning and deeply emotional exploration of love across time.
Conclusion
Tearjerker romantic movies remind us of the fragility and power of love, often leaving us emotionally wrecked but oddly satisfied. Netflix offers a lineup of stories that capture the highs and lows of romance, from heartwarming connections to devastating goodbyes. Whether you’re watching with a loved one or solo (while clutching a pint of ice cream), these films are sure to deliver all the feels.
So, dim the lights, grab those tissues, and prepare to ugly cry your way through some of the most beautiful and heartbreaking love stories ever told. Just remember: it’s okay to cry. ❤️
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