Do not watch any of these films without an entire box of tissues handy. WARNING: Spoilers and major tears ahead.
Old Yeller (1957)
Written by: Fred Gipson and William Tunberg
Directed by: Robert Stevenson
What it's about: In 1860s Texas, a boy named Travis (Tommy Kirk) forges a bond with his pet dog, a Labrador retriever he names Old Yeller.
When you'll start crying: Old Yeller is bitten by a wolf while defending his family. The dog survives the attack, but you know what's coming.
When you'll totally lose it: After a rabid Old Yeller goes after Travis' brother Arliss (Kevin Corcoran), Travis is forced to shoot and kill him.
Buena Vista Distribution
Imitation of Life (1959)
Written by: Eleanore Griffin and Allan Scott
Directed by: Douglas Sirk
What it's about: Aspiring actress Lora (Lana Turner) and her daughter Susie (Sandra Dee) form a close relationship with Annie (Juanita Moore) and her daughter Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner), who struggles with her racial identity.
When you'll start crying: After trying and failing to make peace with her estranged daughter, Annie grows increasingly ill and finally dies of a broken heart.
When you'll totally lose it: At Annie's funeral, Sarah Jane returns — too late — to beg forgiveness of her mother, throwing herself on the casket as it's carried away.
Universal Pictures
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
Written by: Jacques Demy
Directed by: Jacques Demy
What it's about: In the French town of Cherbourg, Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve) falls in love with auto mechanic Guy (Nino Castelnuovo), who is drafted into the Algerian War.
When you'll start crying: Guy tells Geneviève that he will be leaving for two years, and they sing the haunting, heartbreaking "Ne Me Quitte Pas," promising to wait for one another.
When you'll totally lose it: Many years later, when Geneviève and Guy are both married to other people, they run into each other for one final restrained good-bye.
Koch Lorber Films
Love Story (1970)
Written by: Erich Segal
Directed by: Arthur Hiller
What it's about: Wealthy Oliver Barrett IV (Ryan O'Neal) falls for working-class woman Jenny Cavalleri (Ali MacGraw), and the two get married against the wishes of his father (Ray Milland).
When you'll start crying: Start? From the moment Jenny gets her diagnosis — leukemia — to the moment she asks Oliver to hold her tightly before she dies, you won't stop crying.
When you'll totally lose it: After Jenny dies, Oliver's estranged father tries to make amends with his son. Oliver repeats the words Jenny once told him: "Love means never having to say you're sorry."
Paramount Pictures
