2024 was a bumper year for films across all genres — there were some big blockbusters that finally brought audiences back to theaters, and plenty of more subtle indie hits that are now receiving steady acclaim heading into the 2025 Oscars and Oscar season. awards. But through it all, the 2024 catalog was filled with moving stories that stirred audiences' emotions and made us cry. Several of these films were among the highest-grossing films of 2024.
There is no clear recipe for how to make an audience cry, but rather it comes from authentic human stories that project an important message through their characters. This is not done easily and in many ways Making the audience cry is a clear indicator that any drama has achieved its goal quite well. This proves that there is some compassion and universality in the story, which is all anyone could hope for.
10
Emilia Perez
Directed by Jacques Audiard
Emilia Perez is one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2024, on track for a 2025 Oscar nomination. The film revolves around the owner of a Mexican drug cartel who hires a high-powered lawyer to help them undergo life-confirming surgery. gender, transitioning to a woman and leaving her family behind. It's a very powerful story about purpose and identity This is told through several bold musical numbers and moving performances from Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofia Gascon.
9
Solar Coast
Directed byLaura Chinn
Solar Coast is undeniably one of the most underrated projects of the year, following a young woman whose brother is taken to a specialized care center to spend the rest of his days. There, she begins an unlikely friendship with an older man, as the two bond over grief and dysfunctional families. It is an extremely moving and moving story this speaks to the universal nature of grief, proving that friendships can be found in the most unlikely of places.
8
Blitz
Directed by Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen Blitz is a captivating drama set during World War II, following a young mother who reluctantly evacuates her son to the English countryside to prevent Nazi air raids on London. The film explores his tumultuous journey, as he escapes the train and tries everything in his power to get home. The tangible bond between Saoirse Ronan and Elliott Hefferman is what really sells the film, with BlitzThe emotional ending delivered that final punch in the gut.
7
Greatest hits
Directed by Ned Benson
Greatest hits is an incredibly fun and creative story that revolves around a young girl named Harriet, who discovers that she can travel through time by listening to music that she associates with specific moments. It's an incredibly original take on an overexplored territoryadjusting the typical time travel concepts for a more romantic and sentimental story of love and loss.
6
Inside Out 2
Directed by Kelsey Mann
Inside Out 2 is not just one of Disney's most compelling and powerful stories in yearsbut it also broke records by becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time. The story follows Riley, the young protagonist of the original film, as she enters puberty and has to deal with all the complicated emotions that come with it. Inside Out 2The film's record-breaking commercial performance was a huge achievement that cannot be overstated, and it could not have happened with a more heartfelt and moving film.
5
We live in time
Directed by John Crowley
We live in time follows two fascinating and complex characters named Tobias and Almut, who fall in love despite their unconventional meeting and ultimately overcome the challenges of parenthood and terminal illness together. It's a moving story about the importance of staying true to yourself and always prioritizing the things that matter, even though external factors can sometimes blur those lines. The film features two surprising performances from Andrew Garfield and Florence Pughwho bring these characters to life in extremely intimate ways.
4
His three daughters
Directed by Azazel Jacobs
His three daughters may be the critics' pick for the most emotional and moving film of the year, but it's also the kind of story that resonates strongly with general audiences. The film follows three sisters who move in with their father as he enters the final days of his life.facing old conflicts and overcoming their own personal traumas in an attempt to ease their passage. The end of His three daughters is one of the most devastating scenes of the year, commenting on the nature of regret and the passage of time.
3
I saw the TV glow
Directed by Jane Schoenbrun
I saw the TV glow It's not your typical drama, but it's this subversion of expectations and dedication to visual style that makes it so easy to fall in love. The film follows two social outcasts who come together through a mysterious late-night TV show that no one else seems to understand, as they learn more about each other in the process and begin to question their own identities. It's an exciting and engaging story from beginning to end.but its final moments are absolutely heartbreaking as Justice Smith's main character descends into a visceral and sadly relatable identity crisis.
2
Evil
Directed by John M. Chu
Evil It may not seem like an overly emotional film on the surface, but John M. Chu's musical is filled with touching moments and poignant comments about the importance of friendship and standing up for yourself, which really struck a chord with many audiences. The tender performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande transformed what could have been a standard musical into a moving narrative of forgiveness.
1
Sing Sing
Directed by Greg Kwedar
Sing Sing tells the story of a real-life theater group at the Sing Sing Correctional Center, where prisoners can express themselves through art in ways they might not have been able to in life. The film sheds light on some extremely difficult issues, but ultimately it is Greg Kwedar's intricately written script about accepting yourself and overcoming social obstacles that really hits home with this film.