Although it may sound odd, watching sad movies can boost the endorphin levels within our brains. This may explain why so many people are drawn to sad tales. However, numerous individuals prefer to watch sad movies that end relatively happily. This gives a sense of all the sadness being worth it in the long run. If you’re in the mood for a sad movie with a happy ending, try one of these excellent films on your next movie night.
To compile a list of sad movies with happy endings, 24/7 consulted numerous entertainment sites, including IMDb. (After you are done reading this article, take a look at our list of 30 of the saddest movies of all time.)
“Wonder”
- Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts, and Izabela Vidovic
- Year: 2017
If you are looking for a great sad movie with a happy ending, this film is one to add to your list. “Wonder” is based on the New York Times bestseller and tells the story of an incredible and inspiring fifth grader named Auggie, who has a rare medical facial deformity. As he enters mainstream education for the first time, Auggie and those around him explore what compassion and acceptance genuinely mean.
“The Pursuit of Happyness”
- Starring: Will Smith, Thandinwe Newton, and Jaden Smith
- Year: 2006
“The Pursuit of Happyness” depicts the true story of Christopher Gardner. After his wife leaves, Gardner finds himself living on the street with his son. He fights desperately to keep them afloat and continue carving a better life for himself and his son.
“Room”
- Starring: Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay
- Year: 2015
Jack’s mom, Mia, is determined to give him the best life she can, despite being trapped in a ten-by-ten-foot room. As Jack ages, the two devise a risky yet probable plan to escape.
“Moonlight”
- Starring: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, and Trevante Rhodes
- Year: 2016
Throughout “Moonlight,” the audience follows the life of Chiron, set in three different periods (adolescence, mid-teen- and young adult.) This coming-of-age movie has you rooting for Chiron as he wrestles with who he is during the difficulty of his most pivotal years.
“The Shawshank Redemption”
- Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and Bob Gunton
- Year: 1994
“The Shawshank Redemption” is a movie based on a short story by Steven King. After a successful banker is wrongfully found guilty of murder, he is sent to a brutal prison. Throughout the film, Andy Dufresne finds friendship and, eventually, freedom.
“Cinderella Man”
- Starring: Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, and Craig Bierko
- Year: 2005
“Cinderella Man” tells the true story of James J. Braddock. During the Great Depression, Braddock was considered a “washed-up” boxer. Yet, his story is one of perseverance and hope.
“Toni Erdmann”
- Starring: Sandra Huller, Peter Simonischeck, and Michael Wittenborn
- Year: 2016
A man who loves practical jokes tries to reconnect with his daughter — and fails miserably the first time. Still grasping at hope, he creates an alter ego who doesn’t fear or hold back, as his daughter’s CEO’s life coach.
“Billy Elliot”
- Starring: Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, and Jean Heywood
- Year: 2000
Billy Elliot discovers his talent and passion for dance as a young boy when he accidentally finds a ballet class. This raw talent that he possesses brings life back to the teacher. However, Billy Elliot’s family is against his venture from the start, believing the art of dance is not masculine enough.
“Dear John”
- Starring: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, and Richard Jenkins
- Year: 2010
Savannah Curtis falls in love with a US Army Special Operations soldier (John) while he’s on leave. John’s plans to stay and start a life with Savannah are dashed when he signs up again after 9/11. During his time away, Savannah does what she feels she needs to for a friend.
“Patch Adams”
- Starring: Robin Williams, Daniel London, Monica Potter, and Philip Seymour Hoffman
- Year: 1998
Starring Robin Williams, “Patch Adams” tells the true story of a medical doctor named Hunter “Patch” Adams. A man who loves helping people, he is determined to treat patients the way most medical institutions will not— with humor, emotion, and connection.
“Philomena”
- Starring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, and Sophie Kennedy Clark
- Year: 2013
When Journalist Martin Sixsmith finds himself out of a job, he hears a story about a woman named Philomena. Philomena is searching for her son, who was taken from her at birth when she was a teen. Determined to help her find her son, the pair venture on a journey of discovery in more ways than one.
“Little Boy”
- Starring: Jakob Salvati, Emily Watson, David Henrie, and Michael Rapaport
- Year: 2015
Pepper Busbee had a glorious childhood and shares a close bond with his father. Yet, he risks losing both when his father has to join the military in World War II. Crushed, Pepper Busbee is determined to do whatever he can to bring his father back to him.
“Jojo Rabbit”
- Starring: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, and Scarlett Johansson
- Year: 2019
Set during World War II, a young German boy is dismayed when he finds out his mother is hiding a Jewish girl. His one confidant just so happens to be his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler. Amid the war, can this young boy confront his loyalty to a dictator?
“What Dreams May Come”
- Starring: Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Annabella Sciorra
- Year: 1998
Chris Nielsen lives a lovely life with his wife, Annie Collins. However, all of this changes when he dies in an accident. Chris is happy to reunite with his children and dog in heaven, but everything is again turned upside down when he finds out his wife has committed suicide. Determined to reunite with Annie, Chris sets out on a journey through the afterlife.
“P.S. I Love You”
- Starring: Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Harry Connick Jr., and Lisa Kudrow
- Year: 2007
Hollie Kennedy is a recent widow navigating the grief of her husband Gerry’s death. On her 30th birthday, Holly is surprised when a message and cake arrive from her late husband. Determined to help his wife navigate her grief and life after his death, Gerry wrote and planned ten messages for her.
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind”
- Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, and Felix Lemburo
- Year: 2019
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” is based on the true story of William Kamkwamba. Kamkwamba was a 13-year-old boy living in famine. However, his determination helped save the land and people from starvation.
“A Dog’s Purpose”
- Starring: Josh Gad, Dennis Quaid, Peggy Lipton, and Bryce Gheisar
- Year: 2017
Based on the novel by W. Bruce Cameron, “A Dog’s Purpose” follows the lives of one special canine. Over the course of five decades, this dog continually returns, living the life of several types of dogs. Through this journey, he discovers his purpose.
“The Art of Racing in the Rain”
- Starring: Kevin Costner and Milo Ventimiglia
- Year: 2019
Enzo, a golden retriever, recounts his life with his beloved owner, Denny. Through the ups and downs, Enzo has remained one loyal pup. Before his death, while Denny gives him his first and final lap around the track, Enzo wonders if he will return as a race-loving human.
“About Time”
- Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, and Lydia Wilson
- Year: 2013
When Tim Lake turns 21, he discovers that he has an unusual power: the ability to travel back in time. He uses this power to his advantage to get a girlfriend. Yet, he quickly learns that time travel does not fix everything.
“Bridge to Terabithia”
- Starring: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, and Zooey Deschanel
- Year: 2007
To escape reality, a young boy, Jess Aarons, and his new friend, Leslie Burke, create a fantasy world in the woods behind their homes. This fantasy world is called Terabithia and allows them to be whoever they want.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
- Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, and Tom Wilkinson
- Year: 2004
Joel Barish and Clementine Kaczynski once enjoyed a beautiful romance. However, when the end of their relationship proves too painful for them both, they decide to undergo a procedure to erase one another from their minds. This procedure may have given them momentary relief, but they soon find nothing is ever that easy.
“Mona Lisa Smile”
- Starring: Julia Roberts, Kristen Dunst, Julia Stiles, and Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Year: 2003
When Katherine Ann Watson accepts a job as an art history teacher at Wellesley College in the 1950s, she sees a challenge before her. The female students in her class are bright and talented, yet she feels they will not reach their full potential if they stay strapped to the societal expectations of the time. (Next, read our list of the greatest tragic movies of the 21st century.)