As you gear up for the long holiday weekend—especially if your plans involve some serious crying—check out this curated list of children’s films and books that are bound to unleash a torrent of tears. Consider yourself warned.
Movies
Bambi
This iconic Disney film from 1942 was my very first cinematic experience at age five. I vividly remember the moment a hunter suddenly appears and fatally shoots Bambi’s mother. I nearly lost it in the theater!
Up
The poignant opening sequence of this charming 2009 Pixar film has you mourning a widower and his late wife, whom you’ve only known for a mere ten minutes. Yet their love story hits home so deeply, it feels like your own loss.
Finding Nemo
When little Nemo is separated from his father Marlin in the expansive ocean, every parent who has ever momentarily lost sight of their child can feel that gut-wrenching panic. Better grab those tissues fast!
The Lion King
It’s nearly impossible to watch the heartbreaking scene where Mufasa dies while trying to save Simba from a stampede without shedding tears. Just try to stay composed as Scar betrays him. Go ahead, I dare you.
Toy Story 3
While the incinerator scene is tough, the real tearjerker comes at the end when college-bound Andy gives away his beloved toys, including Woody and Buzz, to a little girl down the street. I can’t help but weep openly during that bittersweet farewell.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The sight of E.T. lying still among the rocks, while Elliott hovers near death in a tent, is enough to break anyone’s heart. Then comes E.T.’s revival, a testament to their friendship. My kids were in tears long after this 1982 classic ended.
Books
The Velveteen Rabbit
Margery Williams’s timeless tale from 1922 about a stuffed rabbit who must be burned when the boy he loves contracts scarlet fever is heart-wrenching. Ultimately, he becomes a real bunny, and the boy recognizes him in the wild—a story of hope for anyone longing to see a lost loved one again.
The Giving Tree
Shel Silverstein’s renowned book sparks mixed reactions: some despise it, while others are moved to tears. The tree selflessly gives everything to her boy, illustrating the sacrifices parents make for their children.
Charlotte’s Web
Oh, Wilbur! You are one S-O-M-E P-I-G, and Charlotte is the best friend anyone could ask for, despite having eight legs. When Charlotte passes away, it’s hard not to blink away tears, especially when three of her spiderlings stay behind with Wilbur, who names them Joy, Nellie, and Aranea—a perfect full-circle moment, thanks to E.B. White.
Old Yeller
Loving a dog comes with unique heartache, as Travis Coates learns in this 1956 novel by Fred Gipson, which was later adapted into a film. After forming an unbreakable bond with a stray dog, Travis faces the devastating choice of having to put Old Yeller down after a rabid attack. Prepare for the tears.
Love You Forever
A blend of both sweet and sorrowful themes, this book turned me into a puddle every time I read it to my kids. Even as I cringed at the idea of a mother climbing into her adult son’s window, the poignant conclusion where he cradles her during her final days resonated deeply with me. I often hugged my own children tightly, aware of how fleeting time can be.
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this great resource on artificial insemination kits. You can also discover top baby boy names starting with different letters at this website, which is a fantastic resource. For more on genetics in relation to IVF, this article is an excellent read.
In summary, whether through heartwarming stories or poignant moments in films, these books and movies have a unique ability to evoke our deepest emotions. Prepare to embrace the tears, as they remind us of love, loss, and the bonds we cherish.