On days when everything just sucks (work’s stressful, you’re completely unmotivated, the vibes are just off), your inclination might be to distract yourself with something overly cheery and lighthearted. Sometimes, though, the best thing you can do is lean into your feelings for a cathartic release.
According to Anat Joseph, LCSW, a therapist based in New York and New Jersey, a good cry is a great way to wring out bottled-up frustration, despair, and sadness—and a devastating film can make that happen naturally. “Movies, in particular, can be a gentle outlet to feel what we’ve been avoiding,” Joseph tells SELF, whether that’s loss after a breakup, a lingering sense of longing, or hopelessness that sneaks up during the endless grind of everyday life. “Knowing you’re not alone in your emotions, even if it’s through a fictional character, can be incredibly healing and validating.”
So whether you’re recovering from heartbreak, craving nostalgia, or just in the mood for a cinematic sob, here are the top movies therapists say are guaranteed to get the tears flowing.
1. Inside Out
Pixar knows how to go straight for your feels, and Inside Out is no exception. Following the personified emotions inside a young girl’s mind, this animated gem nails the bittersweet, messy reality of growing older—not to mention, the power of a good cry. According to Joseph, “it illustrates that sadness isn’t something to avoid—it’s something we, even as adults, need to feel, honor, and move through.”
2. Past Lives
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