10 Movies That Will Make You Cry Extra Hard Now That You’re A Mom
I have always been a person who cries easily, particularly during sad movies. In one of the biggest cliches of all time, that ability to lose it at the drop of a hat got even worse for me once I had my first child. It is true that you see the world through a different lens after becoming a parent. Things that once made you upset will probably be amplified now that your heart is in this fragile state of loving someone else so much that it could burst. Here is my (spoiler-filled) list of movies that will make you cry extra hard now that you’re a mom. It’s just science, really.
1. Toy Story Trilogy
(via)
These all make me cry but the third one in particular gutted me after having kids. Andy going to college, the toys feeling left behind, remembering my own childhood (I still have my teddy bear…just sayin) and then thinking of MY kids going to college? Jesus, Pixar. Want to pay for my therapy?
2. Home Alone
(via)
I’ve always found this movie to be heart-warming but was overcome the last time I saw it when Kevin’s mom finally gets home to him. She practically moved mountains to make that happen for her baby. Any mom could relate to her desperation and will cry right along with her.
3. Field of Dreams
(via)
When Ray plays catch with his own father? When Karin almost chokes on a hot dog? Moments that sort of passed me by before now have me in an all-out Ugly Cry.
4. It’s A Wonderful Life
(via)
I challenge you to watch the scene where George Bailey takes his frustration out on his family without bawling your eyes out. This scene didn’t really get to me until I became that parent myself. And also, the narrative that George didn’t pursue his big dreams but instead, settled down and had a family. As a young mother myself, that resonates.
5. My Girl
(via)
A tear-jerker when I was in middle school because of the sweet story but as a mom, I felt punched in the stomach seeing Vada in her grief and poor Thomas in his painful death. All kids become your kids once you have a kid. Cheesy and cliche, but true.
6. Life Is Beautiful
(via)
Sad no matter what but knowing deep down that you would do the exact same thing that Guido does- preserving his son’s innocence, even in death- will get you right in the feels.
7. Fruitvale Station
(via)
Seeing the pain on Oscar’s mom’s face is enough to send anyone into hysterics but it’s when Sophina is about to explain to their daughter that her father is dead that my heart just about exploded. The only thing sadder than a mother losing their child is a child losing their parent. Oh, and the fact that this movie is based on something that actually happened. Good luck un-breaking your heart after this one.
8. Forrest Gump
(via)
This made me cry when I was 14 but it absolutely destroys me now. “He’s so smart, Jenny.” Ugh, seriously, Tom Hanks?? That scene does me in now in a way it didn’t before.
9. The Sandlot
(via)
The preciousness of childhood and how fleeting it truly is captivates me as a parent. Thinking of my kids making their own childhood memories is something that never fails to get me misty and this movie brings that to the forefront. You’re killing me, Smalls. Seriously.
10. Steel Magnolias
(via)
A million cry-traps here for moms. M’Lynn’s worry for Shelby’s health, Shelby’s own desire for a child and M’Lynn’s grief over losing her daughter. I officially can no longer watch this movie, it’s just too much for me to handle.
(Image: l i g h t p o e t/Shutterstock)
