20 movies from long ago: tear-jerkers & romcoms

Looking for a good movie but need some help sorting through your options? Well here: 8 movies that made me cry and 12 that made me smile. Looking for more classic films? Try this list.

8 Movies that Made Me Cry

1. Driving Ms. Daisy (1989): The scene in the nursing home when he feeds her? Gets me every time.
2. Nell (1994): Saw it once. Will let you know when I stop crying. The scene with the shrine? Yeah. That one.
3. On Golden Pond (1981): An older couple growing old together. What’s not to cry about here?
4. Steel Magnolias (1989): One of the funniest movies ever. But then there’s the whole “I’d rather have 30 minutes of wonderful . . .” Have mercy.
5. Spirit (2002): It gets to me.
6. Terms of Endearment (1983): Don’t watch it. Too sad. Way.
7. Toy Story 3 (2010): Boy grows up, moves, gives toys away. Makes me tear up just writing that.
8. Up (2009): Sure, it ends well. But within the first five minutes I was sobbing. Took me half the movie to get it together.

12 Romantic Comedies that Made Me Say, “Awwwww . . .”

1. 50 First Dates (2004): My favorite romantic comedy of all time. The premise is that Adam Sandler’s character has to get Drew Barrymore’s character to fall in love with him every single day. What woman wouldn’t love that? It’s adorable.
2. About Time (2013): This one is a fantasy/romantic comedy which is typically not my fave. But this movie is absolutely dear. Don’t miss it.
3. Fever Pitch (2005): I really like Drew Barrymore. And Fallon is hilarious. Loved it.
4. Guess Who (2005): Love this twist on the classic. Plus Bernie Mac.
5. Hitch (2005): Will Smith and Kevin James seem like an odd pairing. Watch it for the dancing if nothing else. Kevin James nails it.
6. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003): Kate Hudson is comic genius in this one. The plant. The dog. The whole shtick made me laugh.
7. Legally Blond (2001): She plays a caricature, but Reese Witherspoon does it perfectly.
8. Miss Congeniality (2000): Yeah, the water glasses talent? The only person who could pull that off is Sandra Bullock.
9. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): We quote it regularly around here. This one–“You no eat meat? You NO eat MEAT? Is okay. I make lamb”—and many more.
10. Something’s Got to Give (2003): Diane Keaton. Jack Nicholson. What more do you need?
11. Sweet Home Alabama (2002): The South rises again. And it’s classic.
12. Two Weeks Notice (2002): Sandra Bullock never disappoints, but in this one with Hugh Grant she is at her finest.

Still not finding something that appeals to you? Try this list.

What are some of your favorites? Comment below to share your thoughts.