The 1980s gave us some of the most iconic films of all time, full of unforgettable characters and powerful stories. While many of them were lighthearted and fun, some hit us right in the heartstrings, leaving a lasting emotional impact. These are the movies that made us laugh, love, and cry back in the day—and they still have the same effect when we watch them now. Here are 12 movies from the ’80s that still make us cry, whether from joy, sadness, or sheer nostalgia.
1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Few movies tug at the heart quite like E.T. Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece about a young boy named Elliott and his friendship with a stranded alien is pure magic. The bond between the two is sweet and heartfelt, with E.T. learning about Earth through Elliott’s eyes. But as the government closes in, the film takes a heartbreaking turn. Watching Elliott say goodbye to E.T., who must return to his home planet, is a scene that still reduces even the most stoic viewers to tears.
The emotional weight of the story is amplified by John Williams’ soaring score, which perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of love and loss. The final moments, as E.T.’s spaceship takes off and Elliott whispers “I’ll be right here,” remind us of the deep connections we can form, even with someone—or something—completely different from ourselves.
2. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Disney’s The Fox and the Hound is a tale of unlikely friendship between Tod, a fox, and Copper, a hound dog. As kids, they form an unbreakable bond, but as they grow older, their instincts and the pressures of society pull them apart. The story of their friendship is sweet, but it’s also devastating as they come to realize they can never truly be together.
The scene where Copper is forced to turn on Tod, only to protect him later, is enough to break anyone’s heart. The film’s themes of love, loyalty, and the inevitability of change make it one of Disney’s most poignant—and tear-inducing—classics.
3. Terms of Endearment (1983)
This family drama about the complicated relationship between a mother (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter (Debra Winger) is an emotional rollercoaster. Over the course of decades, they face love, heartbreak, and illness, with the film delivering one gut punch after another. It’s impossible not to feel for both women as they navigate life’s ups and downs, ultimately coming together in the face of tragedy.
The final scenes, as Emma says goodbye to her children and Aurora struggles to hold herself together, are devastating. Terms of Endearment is a masterclass in capturing the beauty and pain of human connection, and its emotional impact hasn’t faded one bit.
4. Stand by Me (1986)
Based on a Stephen King novella, Stand by Me is about four boys who set out on a journey to find a missing boy’s body. While the adventure is full of humor and camaraderie, it’s also a meditation on growing up and the fleeting nature of childhood friendships. The boys’ bond is tested as they confront their fears and vulnerabilities, and the film’s bittersweet tone stays with you long after the credits roll.
The final moments, as an adult Gordie reflects on the friends he lost touch with, are a punch to the gut. “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?” is a line that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever longed for the simplicity of youth.
5. An American Tail (1986)
This animated classic tells the story of Fievel, a young mouse who becomes separated from his family while immigrating to America. His journey is filled with peril, hope, and the dream of reuniting with his loved ones. The film’s themes of family, perseverance, and the immigrant experience are deeply moving.
The song “Somewhere Out There,” sung by Fievel and his sister as they look at the same night sky, is a tearjerker of the highest order. The moment they’re finally reunited is joyful and cathartic, making the tears flow all over again.
6. The Color Purple (1985)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Color Purple is a harrowing yet ultimately uplifting story about Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century who endures unimaginable hardships. The film chronicles her journey from oppression to empowerment, with Whoopi Goldberg delivering a breathtaking performance as Celie.
The final scene, when Celie is reunited with her sister Nettie after decades of separation, is one of the most emotional moments in film history. It’s a story of resilience, love, and the triumph of the human spirit, guaranteed to leave you in tears.
7. Steel Magnolias (1989)
This star-studded drama about the lives of a group of women in a small Southern town is as funny as it is heartbreaking. The friendship between the women is the heart of the film, but the story takes a tragic turn when Shelby (Julia Roberts) succumbs to complications from diabetes. Watching her mother, played by Sally Field, grieve is almost unbearable.
The funeral scene, where M’Lynn breaks down in front of her friends, is raw and gut-wrenching. But the film also offers moments of hope and laughter, reminding us of the strength found in friendship and community.
8. Beaches (1988)
Beaches is the ultimate tearjerker about lifelong friendship. Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey star as two women whose bond endures despite their differences and personal struggles. As they navigate life’s challenges, their friendship remains steadfast, culminating in one of the most emotional endings in movie history.
When Hillary passes away and C.C. takes in her daughter, the tears come fast and furious. Midler’s rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings” only adds to the emotional weight, making Beaches a film that leaves no dry eye in the house.
9. My Life as a Dog (1985)
This Swedish film tells the story of Ingemar, a young boy sent to live with relatives as his mother battles a terminal illness. Through his experiences in a small village, he learns about love, loss, and resilience. The film is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, capturing the innocence and confusion of childhood.
The moment Ingemar finally accepts his mother’s death is devastating, yet the film’s bittersweet tone reminds us of the beauty in life’s small joys. It’s a deeply moving story that resonates on a universal level.
10. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Robin Williams shines as John Keating, an unconventional English teacher who inspires his students to seize the day and embrace their passions. While the film is uplifting in many ways, its tragic turn leaves a lasting impact. The death of Neil Perry, a student pressured by his overbearing father, is heartbreaking.
The final scene, where the boys stand on their desks in tribute to Keating, is a tearjerker of epic proportions. Dead Poets Society reminds us of the power of inspiration and the cost of stifling individuality.
11. Ordinary People (1980)
This drama about a family coping with the death of their eldest son and the survivor’s guilt of their youngest is a raw and emotional exploration of grief. Timothy Hutton delivers a stunning performance as Conrad, whose struggles with mental health form the heart of the story. The strained relationship between Conrad and his mother (Mary Tyler Moore) is particularly gut-wrenching.
The film’s resolution, as Conrad begins to heal and reconcile with his father, is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Ordinary People is a masterful portrayal of loss, love, and the road to forgiveness.
12. The Land Before Time (1988)
This animated classic follows a group of young dinosaurs on a journey to find the Great Valley after their families are separated. The loss of Littlefoot’s mother early in the film is one of the most devastating moments in animation history, setting the tone for a story filled with both sorrow and hope.
The friendship between Littlefoot and his companions is heartwarming, but the film’s emotional core lies in its themes of loss and resilience. By the time they reach the Great Valley, you’re crying tears of both sadness and joy.
These movies remind us of the emotional power of cinema, taking us back to a time when stories could make us feel everything at once. They continue to resonate because they tap into universal truths about love, loss, and the beauty of human connection. So grab some tissues and revisit these classics—you won’t regret it.
