It’s crazy how sometimes we must let go and weep our hearts out to keep functioning in this complicated world. It provides a sense of emotional relief and catharsis, helping to reduce emotional tensions. And what better way to release your endorphins than to turn on a sad movie, dim the lights, and start weeping?
Watching sad movies can be therapeutic, allowing us to connect with our emotions and cry. Hulu offers a diverse selection of the best sad films that can genuinely tug at your heartstrings, and there’s no judgment here. So, go ahead and check out the best sad movies on Hulu, and let those tears flow as you explore these emotional journeys.
If you’re concerned about not being able to access Hulu in your area, don’t fret. You can simply use a trustworthy VPN to watch Hulu outside the United States.
Forrest Gump
Starring: Robin Wright, Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Year: 1994
IMDB: 8.8/10
Despite his challenges, Forrest Gump, a man with a kind heart but lower intelligence, manages to succeed in friendship, business, and sports. The movie delves into love, determination, and how one person can make a big difference.
From being a beloved classic to winning numerous Academy Awards, this movie is one of the best sad movies on Hulu that’s an absolute must-watch.
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Before I Fall
Starring: Halston Sage, Zoey Deutch, Cynthy Wu
Director: Ry Russo-young
Year: 2017
IMDB: 6.4/10
A senior high school student, Samantha Kingston, is stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly: the day she died in a car accident. As the day is repeated, Samantha becomes increasingly aware of the impact of her actions on those around her.
She uses this chance to mend broken connections, discover secrets, and learn more about herself. This novel-based movie will leave you teary-eyed if you’re an emotional like me.
The Banshees of Insherin
Starring: Brendon Gleeson, Colin Farrell, Kerry Condon
Director: Martin McDonagh
Year: 2022
IMDB: 7.7/10
“The Banshees of Insherin” shows one of the most painful friendship breakups that will bring up some nostalgia in you. Set on a fictitious island on the west coast of Ireland in the 1920s, two lifelong friends, Padraic and Colm, come to a deadlock when one unexpectedly breaks their friendship, with grave ramifications for both. If you love your best friend, I’d recommend you watch this heart-breaking movie at your own risk.
The Roads Not Taken
Starring: Elle Fanning, Javier Bardem, Branka Katic
Director: Sally Potter
Year: 2020
IMDB: 5.2/10
Leo is a middle-aged man living in New York City battling early-onset dementia. His daughter, Molly, is his primary caregiver. As Leo’s condition worsens, Molly faces the emotional toll of caregiving and must make difficult decisions about their future.
The film explores themes of regret and memories and provides a moving portrayal of the challenges faced by people dealing with dementia and their loved ones.
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Revolutionary Road
Starring: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christopher Fritzgerald
Director: Sam Mendes
Year: 2008
IMDB: 7.3/10
“Revolutionary Road” is a drama movie set in the 1950s that centers on the lives of Frank and April Wheeler, an apparently ideal married couple. Despite their outward happiness, they feel trapped in suburban America’s conformist and unfulfilling life.
To break free, they plan to move to Paris, but their choice ruins their relationship and sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to tragedy. The movie beautifully shows themes of societal conformity and the complexities of marriage.
Deep Water
Starring: Ana De Armas, Ben Affleck, Jacob Elordi
Director: Adrian Lyne
Year: 2022
IMDB: 5.5/10
Deep Water is a psychological thriller exploring Vic and Melinda’s dark and dysfunctional relationship. The couple lives in a suburban neighborhood, and their unconventional living situation allows Melinda to have affairs that lead to jealousy and manipulation.
A dramatic climax reveals their hidden secrets and the line between desire and danger blurs.
Five Feet Apart
Starring: Cole Sprouse, Moises Arias Haley, Lu Richardson
Director: Juston Baldoni
Year: 2019
IMDB: 7.2/10
Stella Grant and Will Newman are two teens with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that requires them to keep a safe distance from one another to prevent cross-infection. Stella and Will bond deeply and fall in love in the hospital despite having the same medical condition. As they work through the difficulties of their situation and provide emotional support for one another, they choose to deviate from the guidelines and keep five feet apart rather than the advised six.
Little Women
Starring: Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh
Director: Greta Gerwig
Year: 2019
IMDB: 7.8/10
A timeless tale, “Little Women” is based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott and is one of the best sad movies on Hulu. The story is set in Concord, Massachusetts, during the American Civil War and revolves around the lives of the four March sisters. The March sisters face various difficulties, from pursuing love and marriage to seeking independence. Through it all, they rely on their bond as sisters and their mother’s guidance.
The Fault In Our Stars
Starring: Ansel Algort, Shailene Woodly, Nat Wolff
Director: Josh Boone
Year: 2014
IMDB: 7.7/10
Based on the John Green novel, “The Fault in Our Stars” is a romantic drama movie that centers on 16-year-old cancer patient Hazel Grace and cancer survivor Augustus Waters. They fall in love at a cancer support group and set out for Amsterdam together to meet the reclusive author of Hazel’s favorite novel.
Their friendship develops while they are in Amsterdam, but they also learn that the author is not who they had thought he was. Hazel and Augustus find strength in their love for each other as their condition worsens.
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Triangle of Sadness
Starring: Harris Dickinson, Thobias Thorwid, Charlie Dean
Director: Ruben Ostlund
Year: 2022
IMDB: 7.3/10
Delving into the lives of the super-wealthy elite and their opulent lifestyles, the movie centers on Harris Fickinson’s role, a young and aspirational yacht crewman who becomes involved in the lives of the wealthy aristocracy, including a millionaire couple represented by Gwyneth Paltrow and another character portrayed by Jessica Henwick.
The movie delves into themes of wealth, decadence, privilege, and the moral dilemmas those who serve the elite face.
Mayday
Starring: Mia Goth, Grace Van Patten, Soko
Director: Karen Cinorre
Year: 2021
IMDB: 4.4/10
Isn’t it amazing to watch strong women in action? “Mayday” is a thrilling movie directed by Karen Cinorre. It follows the story of Ana, a young woman haunted by terrible memories.
One day, she accidentally discovers a hidden bunker and encounters the Mayday squadron—a remarkable group of women with unique abilities battling oppressive men in an alternate reality.
Ana joins their harrowing journey, where they confront their past traumas, battle terrifying creatures, and navigate ever-changing landscapes.
Every Breath You Take
Starring: Michelle Monaghan, Casey Affleck, Sam Claflin
Director: Vaughn Stein
Year: 2021
IMDB: 5.3/10
Philip Clark, a psychiatrist, becomes obsessed with a case when one of his patients, Daphne, tragically takes her own life. He invites Daphne’s troubled brother, James, into their lives under the pretense of grief counseling.
As James becomes more involved with his family, he begins to exploit their vulnerabilities and sow discord, revealing dark secrets from the past and unraveling the Clark family’s stable life.
The movie “Every Breath You Take” is one of the best sad movies on Hulu and will take you on a ride of grief, manipulation, obsession, and the consequences of past actions, resulting in a suspenseful thriller.
One Day
Starring: Jim Sturgess, Anne Hathaway, Patricia Clarkson
Director: Lone Scherfig
Year: 2011
IMDB: 7.0/10
“One Day” is a captivating love story that unfolds over two decades. Emma and Dexter meet on July 15th, 1988, during their graduation. Despite their contrasting personalities, a deep connection forms. The movie revisits their lives on the same date each year, showing the twists and turns in their relationship, careers, and personal journeys. Through laughter, tears, and missed opportunities, “One Day” beautifully explores the enduring power of love and fate.
The Burning Plain
Starring: John Corbett, Charlize Theron, Jose Maria Yazpik
Director: Guillermo Arriaga
Year: 2008
IMDB: 6.8/10
“The Burning Plain” is a gripping drama that weaves together multiple storylines, connecting the lives of various characters.
It explores themes of love, guilt, and redemption as secrets from the past resurface. As the characters’ paths intersect, they must confront their demons and find a way to heal.
With powerful performances and a complex narrative, “The Burning Plain” delivers a thought-provoking and emotional cinematic experience that lingers in your heart long after the credits roll.
Never Let Me Go
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, Andrew Garfield
Director: Mark Romanek
Year: 2010
IMDB: 7.1/10
Three friends, Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth, grow up in a seemingly idyllic boarding school but gradually discover the grim reality of their existence as organ donors. As they navigate adolescence and young adulthood, they form a complicated relationship and look for answers about the future.
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Conclusion
Prepare to release a flood of endorphins as I present you with a list of the best sad movies on Hulu. Remember, Hulu’s access is locked for those outside the US, but don’t fret. A reliable VPN subscription is your ticket to enjoying these Hulu tearjerkers from anywhere in the world.