13 Animated Movies That Made Us Cry More Than We'd Like to Admit

1. Up (2009)

Pixar's Up is a movie that attacks your tear ducts in the opening ten minutes and doesn't let up until the credits roll. The story of Carl Fredricksen, a widowed balloon salesman, and Russell, a bubbly Wilderness Explorer, who embark on a journey to Paradise Falls, hits harder than a rogue football to the face. The montage of Carl's life with his wife, Ellie, in the movie's beginning is a masterclass in storytelling, rendering us an emotional wreck before we even see the title. The film continues to tug at our heartstrings, as we witness the growing bond between Carl and Russell, proving that adventure is out there – and sometimes, it's right in front of us.

2. Anomalisa (2015)

Charlie Kaufman's "Anomalisa" is not your typical animated film. This stop-motion movie explores the mundanity of life, loneliness, and the human longing for connection through the story of Michael Stone, a man who sees everyone as identical until he meets Lisa. It's a melancholic, introspective film that resonates on a deeply personal level. The scene where Lisa sings "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," revealing her own hopes and vulnerabilities, is unexpectedly emotional, reminding us of our own insecurities and the yearning to be seen as special.

3. Toy Story 3 (2010)

Toy Story 3 picks up with our favorite band of toys facing their own mortality as their owner, Andy, is leaving for college. Pixar somehow manages to squeeze a drop (or a bucket) of tears out of us through their exploration of abandonment, self-identity, and the relentless march of time. The climax, with the toys holding hands in the incinerator, staring down their demise together, is both haunting and deeply moving. And if that doesn't get you, Andy playing with his toys one last time before leaving for college will surely open the floodgates.

4. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

This isn't just a film that'll make you cry. It's a film that'll make you sob, bawl, and question the meaning of life. Isao Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies isn't your typical animation. It's a heart-wrenching tale about two siblings struggling to survive in Japan during World War II. The movie's portrayal of the horrors of war through the innocent eyes of children makes it an emotional gut-punch. It's the kind of film that leaves a lasting impact, reminding us of the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

5. Coco (2017)

Pixar and Crying might as well be synonyms at this point. Coco is a celebration of Mexican culture, the Day of the Dead, and the power of music. It tells the story of Miguel, a young boy who ends up in the Land of the Dead and learns about his family's history. The movie delivers an emotional uppercut with the song Remember Me, especially when Miguel plays it for his great-grandmother Coco, restoring her memories. Coco teaches us the power of remembrance and the importance of cherishing our loved ones – lessons that could squeeze tears out of a stone.

6. The Lion King ( 1994)

If you say you didn't cry when Mufasa died in The Lion King, you're probably lying. This Disney classic made us all confront death, grief, and responsibility at a young age. The powerful imagery of young Simba trying to wake his father after the wildebeest stampede is heartbreaking, and his subsequent exile and return to claim his rightful place as king is a triumphant tear-jerker. The Lion King makes us feel the entire circle of life, from joy to grief, and back to joy again.

7. WALL-E (2008)

WALL-E is a Pixar film that tells a love story between two robots in a post-apocalyptic world, and if that doesn't sound like it should make you cry, you're in for a surprise. The little garbage compactor WALL-E's loneliness, his joy upon meeting EVE, and his determination to save humanity – it's more emotion than you'd think a pair of robots could evoke. The moment where WALL-E doesn't recognize EVE after rebooting is a heart-wrenching scene that proves love stories can come in any shape, size, or circuitry.

8. The Land Before Time (1988)

The Land Before Time is a prehistoric odyssey that follows a group of young dinosaurs trying to reunite with their families. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of life and death. Littlefoot's mother's death early in the movie and his subsequent journey to the Great Valley is a story of loss, friendship, and perseverance that brings the waterworks. The film teaches us that even in our darkest moments, hope can lead us to a better tomorrow.

9. The Iron Giant (1999)

Brad Bird's animated classic The Iron Giant tells the tale of a boy named Hogarth who befriends a giant robot from outer space. The movie showcases themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fear of the unknown. The heartbreaking climax, where the Iron Giant sacrifices himself to save the town from a nuclear missile, uttering the words Superman as he collides with the missile, gets us sobbing every time. This film's beautiful narrative underlines that you are who you choose to be, and sometimes, a giant robot can teach you more about humanity than humans themselves.

10. When Marnie Was There (2014)

A Studio Ghibli gem, When Marnie Was There explores the life of Anna, an introverted girl who forms a friendship with the mysterious Marnie. This is a tale of loneliness, friendship, and secrets that beautifully unravels to reveal a heartrending connection between the two girls. When the truth about Marnie is revealed, it delivers an emotional punch that will leave you reaching for the tissue box. It's a poignant reminder of the impact that people can leave on our lives, even after they're gone.

11. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)

Another masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is based on a Japanese folk tale about a tiny girl found inside a bamboo stalk who grows into a beautiful princess. As Kaguya experiences life's joys and sorrows, we are drawn into her world, sharing her laughter and her tears. The film's bittersweet ending, where Kaguya returns to the moon, leaving behind her earthly parents and life, is a tearful reminder of the fleeting nature of joy and the profound sadness of loss.

12. The Fox and the Hound (1981)

The Fox and the Hound is a tale of an unlikely friendship between, well, a fox named Tod and a hound dog named Copper. As they grow up, societal expectations force them to become enemies. This film doesn't have a typical Disney happy ending, and that's what makes it so emotionally raw. The moment where Tod saves Copper and their subsequent parting is a poignant commentary on friendship and the harsh realities of life. Tears, come on down.

13. Wolf Children (2012)

Wolf Children is a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale about a single mother raising two children who have the ability to turn into wolves. The movie beautifully captures the struggles and joys of parenthood. It's a poignant tale that pulls at our heartstrings, especially when the children choose their paths, reminding us of the pain and pride involved in letting go. The scene where the mother, Hana, runs with her wolf children is a beautiful metaphor for the wild journey of raising kids, evoking tears of joy and sadness.