Top 10 Movie Songs That Always Make Us Cry
#10: “Unchained Melody” “Ghost” (1990)
The on-screen romance between the characters played by Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in this early ‘90s flick is unforgettable. Perhaps one of their most intimate and beautiful moments together comes in the now-iconic pottery scene. Set to the tune of the Righteous Brothers rendition of “Unchained Melody,” this one is sure to hit you with a wave of emotions. The lyrics speak of an unwavering love that the singer nurses in hopes that his partner will wait for him, which is pretty fitting for the tender film in which it’s featured. While the song may be perfect in capturing the intimacy between Sam and Molly, it is also capable of hitting home for most couples in love.
#9: “Over the Rainbow” “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
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This film is chock-full of iconic musical moments, like when Dorothy first meets the munchkins or when she arrives at Emerald City and gets glammed. But, arguably the most memorable song in the film doesn’t require the flashy technicolor or cast of characters that we see in the other tunes. When Dorothy sings “Over the Rainbow” while fantasizing about an idyllic world, we can’t help but feel the tears well up in our eyes as we join in on her daydream. It’s no surprise that it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, as the emotions it stirs are still being felt over eighty years after its debut.
#8: “Glory” “Selma” (2014)
This movie tells the story of the marches for voting rights in Alabama in the 1960s. For such a sensitive subject, “Selma” needed a theme song that could perfectly encapsulate its powerful message. Needless to say, “Glory” more than delivers! Co-written and performed by Common and John Legend, the former of whom is also featured in the film, “Glory” tells an aspirational story of resistance and activism as it lends to a changing society. Though the songwriters drew inspiration from the civil rights era, they were also seemingly motivated by the state of the world at the time of the film’s release. Undoubtedly a timeless song, we can’t help but be overwhelmed with emotion and hope whenever we hear it.
#7: “Edelweiss” “The Sound of Music” (1965)
Most of the prominent musical moments from this classic film come from Dame Julie Andrews and her gang of misfit children. But with his delivery of this song, Christopher Plummer proves that he is also one to be reckoned with. The usually stern Captain Von Trapp shocks his family with his musical chops as he performs this beautiful tune, which is inspired by a flower found in his homeland of Austria. The performance is made all the more moving by the fact that he is singing it to say goodbye to the peaceful and beautiful country he once knew before the family is forced to leave it behind. The emotion felt in his performance has certainly resonated with audiences for decades.
#6: “The Way We Were” “The Way We Were” (1973)
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Barbra Streisand’s voice is positively dreamy in this song, which reminisces about love and loss. With her captivating vocals, Streisand longs for a time of being deeply in love, despite the challenges that come along with it. The theme of the song is synonymous with that of the film, where we follow the romantic journey of Katie and Hubbell, played by Streisand and Robert Redford. We see them go from school crushes, to tumultuous lovers, to strangers, and all of those feelings are bared in the titular song. Any listeners who have experienced similar heartbreak can relate to the lyrics, and “The Way We Were” is sure to leave us feeling both nostalgic and a little blue.
#5: “I Dreamed a Dream” “Les Misérables” (2012)
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The 1862 novel “Les Misérables” has undergone multiple adaptations, notably this 2012 feature film starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway. One of the most show-stopping performances throughout the many versions of the book occurs in this film, as Hathaway’s Fantine belts out “I Dreamed a Dream”. Fantine is at an unbelievably low point in this moment, out on the streets, with no money or place to call a home. In the midst of her adversities, she sings a song of hope as she reflects on her past life and the daunting reality ahead of her. We get a lump in our throats every time we hear Hathaway’s nearly flawless rendition of this number.
#4: “Wind Beneath My Wings” “Beaches” (1988)
While a lot of the sob-inducing tunes on this list are featured in romantic films, this one has us feeling emotional for a different kind of relationship. “Beaches'' is about two lifelong friends who battle through many hardships, and its tragic ending is made even more somber when paired with this song. While “Wind Beneath My Wings” could be interpreted as a love ballad, its presence in this movie reminds us that such a tune can also tell stories of platonic love. Bette Midler’s voice matches perfectly with this heartbreaking ballad, and in this particular setting, it is more than enough to leave us weeping by the time the song ends or the film credits roll.
#3: “I’ll Never Love Again” “A Star Is Born” (2018)
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Lady Gaga shone in her performance as Ally Maine in the 2018 adaptation of “A Star Is Born”. Even more, the musical role gave her the opportunity to showcase her singing and songwriting abilities. While “Shallow” was the most prominent song from the film, it was the final number that broke us down in tears. After the unexpected death of her husband and mentor Jack, Ally delivers a moving performance, giving us one last glance of their love through the song they wrote together. The tune packs double the emotional punch, as Lady Gaga was also dealing with the real-life tragedy of her friend’s death the same day she filmed this scene.
#2: “Moon River” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)
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While Audrey Hepburn is best known for her superb acting abilities, she shines as a singer for a brief scene in one of her most famous movies. In a simple moment in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” we, along with love interest Paul, see Holly Golightly dreamily singing this song and playing the guitar on her fire escape. It’s one of the most beautiful moments in the film that made us fall right in love with Ms. Golightly, and its significance still resonates decades after its release. “Moon River” has been recreated by artists like Barry Manilow and Amy Winehouse, but nothing brings a tear to our eyes like the original rendition by the late Audrey Hepburn. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “I Will Always Love You,” “The Bodyguard” (1992) Whitney Houston Transformed This From a Country Song Into a Soaring Soul Ballad “Come What May,” “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor Sing & Fall in Love in Paris “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out,” “Harold and Maude” (1971) This Cat Stevens Tune Manages to Capture the Dark & Uplifting Essence of the Film “There You’ll Be,” “Pearl Harbor” (2001) Faith Hill Sings About Keeping Those Who Have Passed On Close to Us “Slipping Through My Fingers,” “Mamma Mia!” (2008) Meryl Streep’s Rendition of This ABBA Song Has Every Mother & Daughter Bawling
#1: “My Heart Will Go On” “Titanic” (1997)
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It’s easy to be at the top when you’re one of the most renowned songs ever, and featured in one of the highest grossing films of all time. “Titanic” tells the tale of star-crossed lovers who never got a chance to fully explore their romance before tragedy strikes. This song, about always being with the one you love in your heart, encompasses that emotional journey. Believe it or not, Celine Dion was hesitant to record this beloved track, which has now become synonymous with the epic movie in which it’s featured. “My Heart Will Go On” won every major award it was nominated for, and has become the ballad of a generation that still chokes us up with every listen.
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