Random Teen Movies That Definitely Made You Cry (14 items)

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  (#1) A Walk to Remember

  • Shane West, Mandy Moore, Peter Coyote

  The Story: In A Walk to Remember, rebellious teen Landon Carter (Shane West) is forced into community service in order to atone for a past deed that resulted in a serious injury to one of his classmates. Part of his community service involves participating in the school play, and there, he becomes acquainted with Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), the local minister's daughter. Landon and Jamie gradually grow closer, but Jamie insists that Landon can't fall in love with her. Despite his best efforts, Landon does fall for Jamie. 

  The Defining Moment: When Jamie finds out Landon is in love with her, she reveals that she has leukemia and hasn't been responding well to treatment. As Jamie's condition grows worse and worse, Landon asks her to marry him. They spend a final summer together as husband and wife before Jamie passes. 

  Why It's Sad: At the start of the movie, it's clear that Landon has no future ahead of him. He's a rebellious kid who doesn't seem to care about anything. However, all that changes when he meets Jamie. He's committed to their relationship throughout her illness and learns to put someone else's needs above his own. By the end of the film, Landon reveals that he was accepted into medical school. Their love changes him forever, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that their time together is so short. 
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  (#2) The Fault in Our Stars

  • Shailene Woodley, Willem Dafoe, Laura Dern, Ansel Elgort, Mike Birbiglia, Sam Trammell, Nat Wolff, Lotte Verbeek, Milica Govich, Randy Kovitz, Allegra Carpenter, Emily Peachey, Johanna McGinley, Ana Dela Cruz, Amber Myers, David Whalen, Toni Saladna, Camera Bartolotta

  The Story: This book-to-movie adaptation follows Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), a teenager with terminal thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. Although Hazel maintains a generally pessimistic view of her life, she meets Augustus "Gus" Waters (Ansel Elgort) at a cancer patient support group and quickly falls in love. Gus lost a leg to bone cancer, but his disease is thankfully in remission. Although Hazel's health is deteriorating, she commits most of her remaining energy to spending time with Gus. He encourages Hazel to keep living, particularly since she may not be able to do anything in the near future. 

  The Defining Moment: While on a trip to Amsterdam, Gus reveals to Hazel that his cancer has returned and spread quickly. His condition is now terminal, and he doesn't expect he'll have much longer to live. Upon their return home, Gus's health deteriorates and he passes away in a matter of weeks.

  Why It's Sad: Throughout the entire movie, Hazel's health is the primary concern. She's in a significantly worse condition than Gus, and viewers are certain that she'll pass before the story is done. The revelation that Gus is now deathly ill is entirely unexpected. It shifts the mood of the movie, and his passing comes so quickly that it's difficult to process. What's most heartbreaking, however, is watching Hazel deal with the loss of her first love. Her grief and anger are palpable, making it hard to get through the film without a box of tissues on hand. 
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  (#3) What's Eating Gilbert Grape

  • Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Kevin Tighe, Mary Kate Schellhardt, Peter Fernandez, Joe Stevens, Cameron Finley, Laura Harrington, Mona Lee Fultz, Brady Coleman, Darlene Cates, Jason Pace, Brent Bratton, Buck Reynolds, Drew Ebersole, David H. Kramer, David Stanford, Robert B. Hedges, Deborah Lee Johnson, Steve Cook, George Haynes, Susan Loughran, Paulette Rubinstein, Daniel Gullahorn, Nicholas Stojanovich, Tim Green, Tim Simek, Kirk Hunter, Penelope Branning, Shelly Latham, Mark Jordan, Kay Bower, Mary Alison Griffin, Patrick Welsh, Libby Villari

  The Story: Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) is a 24-year-old man tasked with caring for Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio), his developmentally disabled brother, after their father's passing. Gilbert's mother has barely left the couch following his father's passing, and the day-to-day running of the house is now the responsibility of Gilbert and his two sisters. Throughout the movie, Gilbert tries to care for Arnie to the best of his ability while still maintaining his own life. The massive responsibility takes a toll on the entire family, and the film follows Gilbert as he struggles to find his place in the world while feeling like he has to be there for the people he loves. 

  The Defining Moment: After caring for Arnie for years while simultaneously putting his own desires on hold, Gilbert finally snaps. Arnie tries to run away from his bath and Gilbert becomes frustrated and hits him multiple times. He quickly realizes what he's done, and disgusted with himself, he runs away.

  When Gilbert returns home to repair things with his family, he also mends the relationship with his mother. She acknowledges what a burden she has become and finally makes her way to her upstairs bedroom for the first time since her husband's passing. Shortly after, she passes, and the family chooses to burn their home down rather than allow the town to make fun of her. 

  Why It's Sad: The entire film elicits a feeling of sadness. While the relationship between Gilbert and Arnie is heartwarming, it's also clear that the bond is taking a toll on Gilbert. The entire family struggles to make ends meet with a mother they can't rely on. Although they fight to stay strong together, they also have to deal with the derision of their peers. It's a bittersweet peek inside the life of a 24/7 caretaker that's sure to result in quite a few tears. 
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  (#4) If I Stay

  • Chloë Grace Moretz, Mireille Enos, Stacy Keach, Liana Liberato, Lauren Lee Smith, Jamie Blackley, Toby Hargrave, Joshua Leonard, William C. Vaughan, Aisha Hinds, Jakob Davies, Dan Zachary, Aliyah O'Brien, Ali Milner, Sarah Grey, Tom Vanderkam, Donnie MacNeil

  The Story: Mia Hall (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young cello prodigy, seemingly has the perfect life. During a snow day, Mia takes a trip with her family to visit her grandparents, but their car is struck by an oncoming truck. Instead of moving on to the afterlife, Mia has an out-of-body experience where she can see herself and her family being transported to the hospital. While Mia is initially confused, she realizes that she'll have to decide whether to allow herself to move on or to return to her body and continue living her life. 

  The Defining Moment: While Mia watches her body undergoing surgery, she learns that her mom, dad, and little brother did not survive. After that heartbreaking revelation, Mia's grandfather also lets her know, by speaking to her unmoving body, that it's okay if she wants to move on. Without a family to return to, Mia decides that it's best to leave and be reunited with her loved ones on the other side. 

  Why It's Sad: While Mia ultimately changes her mind and decides to stay, the entire movie is an emotional roller coaster. The possibility of returning without the people she loves breaks Mia, and it's clear that a large part of her wants to be with her loved ones. The simple fact that she can make the decision for herself presents all kinds of emotional issues. It's hard to know what the right choice might be. Honestly, the entire movie will have you reaching for the closest box of tissues. 
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  (#5) The Perks of Being a Wallflower

  • Emma Watson, Nina Dobrev, Paul Rudd, Kate Walsh, Logan Lerman, Joan Cusack, Dylan McDermott, Melanie Lynskey, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Tom Savini, Johnny Simmons, Reece Thompson, Julia Garner, Landon Pigg, Nicholas Braun, John W. Iwanonkiw, Tony Amen, Zane Holtz, William Kania, Rick Dawson, Jerome Elston Scott, Atticus Cain, Brian Balzerini, Stacy Chbosky, Tiffany Sander McKenzie, Jeremy Moon, Dwayne Pintoff, Jennifer Enskat, James Werley, Phil Nardozzi, Dihlon McManne, Alexander Rhodes, Wes Blymire, Pat Frey, Jordan Paley, Daniel Clayton, Michelle Vezzani, Owen Campbell, Mark McClain Wilson, F. Robert McMurray, Joanne Jeffers, Patrick de Ledebur, Sharyn Kmieciak, Laurie Klatscher, Brenden Meers, Blake Reading, Doug Michaels, Julie Marie Schaefer, Emily Marie Callaway, William L. Thomas, Chelsea T. Zhang, Cindy Jackson, Tom Kruszewski, Timothy Breslin, Morgan Wolk, Jesse Scheirer, Leo Miles Farmerie, Cathy Lynn Yonek, Dillon Becker, Joe Corrigan, Andrew Stockey, Diedra Arthur-O'Ree, Tiffany Bell, Ally Hydeman, Isabel Muschweck, Justine Nicole Schaefer, Zoe Simek, Adam Hagenbuch, Erin Wilhelmi

  The Story: When Charlie (Logan Lerman) starts high school, he quickly realizes that he doesn't quite fit in. Just before his freshman year began, Charlie was discharged from a mental health care institution following a particularly bad spell that resulted from his lifelong struggle with clinical depression. While still trying to recover and get his health back on track, Charlie bonds with two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller). The rest of the story follows the many ups and downs of Charlie and his friends, all of whom are dealing with their own unique issues as they try to find their place in the world. 

  The Defining Moment: During the movie, Charlie's mental health continues to deteriorate until he eventually recalls some traumatic repressed memories involving his Aunt Helen. 

  Why It's Sad: This movie perfectly captures the difficulty of surviving in the world when you're just a bit different. From struggles with sexuality to mental health issues to normal teen jealousy, this film touches on various emotional aspects that come with being a young adult. Each issue is depicted in a painfully raw and real fashion, which makes the entire movie a bit of an emotional experience. 
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  (#6) Five Feet Apart

  • Cole Sprouse, Haley Lu Richardson, Moises Arias, Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Parminder Nagra

  The Story: Five Feet Apart follows two teens with cystic fibrosis who fall in love while in the hospital being treated for their illness. Stella Grant (Haley Lu Richardson) is a rule-following patient who strictly adheres to her regimen in an effort to get better and live a normal life. Will Newman (Cole Sprouse), on the other hand, recently contracted a new bacterium that has no known cure. Tired of living his life in hospitals, Will has practically given up on the idea of ever getting better. 

  As CF patients, Will and Stella must stay six feet away from each other at all times. If they get any closer, they run the risk of cross-infection, and contracting bacteria from another CF patient can be life-threatening. Although the pair bonds and develops real feelings for each other, Stella uses a pool cue to ensure that they stay five feet apart at all times, choosing to risk that last foot of space for a chance at a relationship with Will. 

  The Defining Moment: When Stella's childhood best friend passes away, she throws caution to the wind. Heartbroken and wracked with guilt, she ignores news of a lung transplant and sets off on an adventure with Will. While walking through snow and ice, Stella falls into a freezing river, forcing Will to give her mouth-to-mouth to resuscitate her.

  Amazingly enough, Stella doesn't contract Will's incurable bacteria. Will, however, realizes that he can't put her life at risk any longer. He wishes her a tearful goodbye and disappears, letting her know that he loves her, but that their relationship has to end. 

  Why It's Sad: Although Stella and Will are very different, they have a profound impact on one another. Stella convinces Will to fight for his life, while Will shows Stella that staying alive doesn't mean anything if you're not really living. Their situation is completely beyond their control and there's simply no way to solve it. They can't be together. Watching them slowly come to that conclusion while tragedy strikes all around them is heartbreaking. 
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  (#7) The Last Song

  • Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Kelly Preston, Greg Kinnear, Melissa Ordway, Nick Searcy, Carly Chaikin, Rhoda Griffis, Lance E. Nichols, Kate Vernon, Erin Rhea Berson, Bonnie Johnson, Bobby Coleman, Keith Allen Hayes, Nick Lashaway, Melissa LeEllen, Cody Rowlett, Sean Buttimer, Jeremy Tuttle, Morgan Hennum, Brandi Alyssa Young, Stephanie Leigh Schlund, David Fultz, Kevin Buttimer, Hallock Beals, Monica D'Onofrio, Julianna Pitt, Anthony Paderewski, Catherine Thornton, Michael Jamorski, Alexis Walters, Robert Adam Barnett, Mark Ezra Stokes, Jason Ferguson, Brad Champion, David Michael Warren, Kasey Ray-Stokes, April Moore, Mike Hahn, Phil Parham, Courtney Pennington, Chloe Kirby, Amber Smith, Carrie Malabre, Israel Korn, Jonathan Iler, Madeline S. McEneney, Todd Smith, April Flojo, Brandon Cyrus

  The Story: When rebellious teen Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) is forced to spend the summer with her estranged father, Steve Miller (Greg Kinnear), she makes up her mind that she's going to have a bad time. However, she ends up falling for the handsome and popular Will Blakelee (Liam Hemsworth). Their relationship encourages Ronnie to pick up piano again, a skill she stopped pursuing the day her dad left. Although the pair have a few ups and downs, their relationship is fairly strong. At the same time, Ronnie begins to open herself up to fixing the poor relationship with her father. 

  The Defining Moment: As Ronnie and her father grow closer once again, he reveals that he's terminally ill with cancer. Wanting to make up for the time she lost, Ronnie chooses to take care of him, which also involves finishing a song he was composing. She later plays the song at his funeral, letting everyone know that she has decided to pursue piano once again in honor of her dad.

  Why It's Sad: Although Ronnie harbors lots of anger towards her father, he continues to be patient, kind, and loving towards her. Their relationship slowly comes back together, only for Ronnie to realize that she's about to lose it forever. The sadness she feels when he finally passes is palpable, but it's tinged with a bit of hope since she was able to show just how much she really loved him before he was gone forever. 
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  (#8) The Hate U Give

  • Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Anthony Mackie, KJ Apa, Russell Hornsby, Algee Smith, Sabrina Carpenter, Issa Rae, Lamar Johnson, Common

  The Story: Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) is a young Black girl who lives in a primarily Black neighborhood, but she attends a predominantly white private school. While driving home with a childhood friend following a party, a police officer pulls the car over for failing to signal a lane change. Starr's friend, Khalil (Algee Smith), disagrees with the officer and is ordered to exit the vehicle. When Khalil reaches inside the driver's side window to pick up a hairbrush, the officer takes his life. The rest of the movie follows the fight for justice for Khalil. 

  The Defining Moment: As the only witness to the crime, Starr is wrapped up in the entire process, thereby earning the ire of a local crew, the King Lords. Towards the end of the film, the leader goes after Starr, and Starr's younger brother picks up a gun and points it at him. It's a poignant representation of the cycle of violence and the fact that it has to stop somewhere or else it will continue to be passed down from generation to generation. 

  Why It's Sad: By addressing the issue of police violence against people of color, this movie already strikes an emotional chord. Although the issue is clear-cut, the movie perfectly mimics what often happens in real-life situations, where outsiders try to justify a senseless act. The movie expertly presents differing opinions while still maintaining a clear line between what's right and what's wrong. Most importantly, watching an entire community grieve the loss of an innocent individual is difficult, particularly because it's not far removed from what's happening on a day-to-day basis. 
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  (#9) Soul Surfer

  • Carrie Underwood, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Craig T. Nelson, Kevin Sorbo, David Chokachi, Jeremy Sumpter, Branscombe Richmond, Sean McNamara, Ross Thomas, Lorraine Nicholson, John Philbin, Kim Morgan Greene, Jordan Kirkwood, Kimberly-Rose Wolter, Mark Kubr, Massi Furlan, Roy Vongtama, Wesley Mann, Chris Brochu, Patrick Richwood, Shelley Trotter, Joshua Margulies, George Simms, Sean Douglas Hoban, Kelly Crean, Troy Manandic, Lauren Beach, Davo Coria, Tifanny Hofstetter, Yasmin Dar, Joseph Wilson, Irie Driscoll, Christie Brooke, Titus Kinimaka, Arlene Newman-Van Asperen, Ingrid Seid, Faith Fay, Dutch Hofstetter, Stephen Meyers, David Tice, Cody Gomes, Michael Coots, Christian Franklin, Bailey Nagy, Moon Otteman, Leilani Gryde, Beau Hodge, Cayla Moore, Rocky Canon, Dylan Slater, Kaipo Guerrero, Tahini Bartolome, Kaleo Relator, Kristen Steiner, John Mitchell Fultz, Hanalei, Bridget Tully, David Stanfield, Eric James, Joe Toro

  The Story: Based on a true story, Soul Surfer centers on Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb), a talented surfer who loses her arm in a shark attack. Throughout the rest of the movie, Bethany struggles to get back on her surfboard and maintain a positive attitude after such a devastating loss. 

  The Defining Moment: Despite the loss of her arm, Bethany maintains a fairly positive attitude. She's convinced that she can still surf and refuses to let her competitors go easy on her. However, at a certain point, it all becomes too much for her. While talking with her youth pastor, Bethany breaks down and reveals that she's angry with God and that she simply doesn't understand what's happening to her. 

  Why It's Sad: Throughout the movie, Bethany is unfailingly strong around other people. She refuses to show just how badly she's hurting and always keeps a smile on her face. To see her breakdown is heartbreaking, mostly because it's sad that she felt she had to be strong for other people instead of taking care of herself. The moment gives us a glimpse into what a tough time she's having, which is an important thing to see when the rest of the movie focuses on her miraculous recovery. 
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  (#10) Save the Last Dance

  • Kerry Washington, Julia Stiles, Bianca Lawson, Sean Patrick Thomas, Erica Hubbard, Karimah Westbrook, Terry Kinney, Tab Baker, Fredro Starr, Michael Anderson, Marcello Robinson, Artel Great, Milauna Jemai, Anthony Talauega, Jennifer Echols, Jerod Howard, Elisabeth Oas, Kim Tlusty, Ellie Weingardt, Vince Green, Ora Jones, Tai'isha Davis, Lora Starkman, Jennifer Anglin, Deborah Dawn, Alice L. Walker, Chryssie Whitehead, Richmond Talauega, Felicia P. Fields, Garland Whitt, Safia Jalila, Brenda Pickleman, Roland Tabor, Nefertiti Robinson, Earl Wright, Cory Stewart, Richard Whitebear, Anna Paskevska, Julie Greenberg, Trinity Hamilton, Domingo Rubio, Deanne Brown, Maia Wilkins, Whitney Powell, Emily Patterson, Davis C. Robertson, Sam Franke, Ronnie D. Ray, Kevin Reid, Katrina Oeffling, Suzanne Lopez, Joanna Wozniak, Nicole Marie Duffy, Teanna Zarro, Sarita Smith Childs, Jeremiah O'Connor, Stacy Joy Keller, Dorothy Martin, Latisha Oliver, Jennifer Goodman, Guoping Wang, Taryn Kaschock, Michael Levine, Patrick Simonello, Randy Herrera, Tracy Shields, Ariane Dolan, Calvin Kitten, Earl Manning, Brian McSween, Mekdes Bruk, Audrey Leung, Malaika Paul

  The Story: Sara Johnson (Julia Stiles) is a ballet dancer who dreams of attending Julliard. After tragedy strikes during her audition, Sara gives up on dance and goes to live with her dad on the south side of Chicago. There, she meets Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), who helps her to rediscover her true passion.

  The Defining Moment: When Sara auditions for Julliard, she asks her mother to watch her perform. On the way to the audition, however, her mother is involved in a car collision that claims her life. Sara blames herself for her mother's passing and chooses to give up dancing altogether rather than face the inner turmoil she's feeling. 

  Why It's Sad: This movie intertwines issues of family dynamics, race, and cultural norms to create one genuinely touching film. While it begins in heartbreak, it also has a note of hope as Sara rediscovers her passion. At the same time, the other characters in the film learn to pursue their own dreams and see beyond what's on the surface to create meaningful relationships. Although you might shed a few tears at the start of the film, the end leaves you feeling happy and hopeful. 
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  (#11) Call Me by Your Name

  • Armie Hammer, Timothee Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, Victoire Du Bois

  The Story: When 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) spends the summer in northern Italy with his family, he's initially frustrated at the inclusion of Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old graduate student who tags along to work with Elio's father. Over time, however, a connection builds between the two and they start a secret relationship, both a little scared to admit their mutual attraction.  

  The Defining Moment: As Oliver's stay draws to a close, he spends a romantic weekend with Elio. The two eventually say goodbye and Elio is entirely heartbroken when Oliver leaves. While Elio is accepted by his family, Oliver returns home and continues to keep their relationship to himself. A few months later, Elio finds out Oliver is engaged to be married. Heartbroken, Elio stares into the fire and allows the tears to fall down his face. 

  Why It's Sad: Call Me by Your Name is a beautiful coming-of-age story that addresses the fear and shame that can accompany being gay. While Elio struggles to accept his feelings, his care for Oliver is deep and important. The news that his first love is moving on, practically forgetting about the time they spent together, cuts deep. His hurt is written all over his face, and you simply can't watch that ending scene without crying. 
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  (#12) Keith

  • Jennifer Grey, Jesse McCartney, Elisabeth Harnois, Margo Harshman, Jessy Schram, Ethan Phillips, Rance Howard, Michael McGrady, Courtney Halverson, Michael O'Keefe, Ignacio Serricchio, Jesse Heiman, Victoria Chalaya, Gareth Williams, Dennis Cockrum, Michael Bryan French, Ron Carlson, Janice Kent, Sam Murphy, Ian Nelson, Rachel Thorp, Tabitha Brownstone, Megan Hubbell, Jan Devereaux, Eric Parker, James Applebury, Tim Halligan, Sarah Zinsser, Jordan Lindsay Hamm, Micah Henson, Zack Rockefeller, Lee Turner

  The Story: High school student Natalie is a successful tennis player who dreams of going to Duke University on a tennis scholarship. Her dreams are derailed, however, when Keith (Jesse McCartney) becomes her lab partner. Prone to long disappearances, joking behavior, and a generally rebellious attitude, Keith doesn't seem to care about much of anything. Although the two students are very different, they begin spending time together and develop a meaningful bond.

  The Defining Moment: Despite his laissez-faire approach to life, Natalie truly falls for Keith. However, at every turn, he pushes her away. After Keith breaks her heart for what she believes is the final time, Natalie happens to run into his counselor, where she learns that Keith has cancer. Knowing that he doesn't want to talk about it, she leads him to the airport where she forces him to act out his final "goodbye scene" as if he were in a movie. Finally, Keith confesses that he was angry about his feelings for Natalie because he had come to terms with passing and now he has something that makes him want to stay longer. 

  Despite Keith's attempts to push her away, Natalie stays with Keith through the rest of his life. At the end of the movie, Natalie takes the wheel of his beloved yellow truck and, as a way to honor him, leaves her own aspirations behind to follow the path Keith planned for himself. 

  Why It's Sad: For Natalie, getting a tennis scholarship and staying focused in school simply seemed like the obvious path. Her relationship with Keith, however, shows her that she doesn't really want the life her parents have chosen for her. Her personal growth coupled with Keith's struggle to come to terms with his fate makes for one heartbreaking movie that's sure to have a few tears falling from your eyes. 
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  (#13) The Spectacular Now

  • Shailene Woodley, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brie Larson, Bob Odenkirk, Miles Teller, Kyle Chandler, Kaitlyn Dever, Andre Royo, Dayo Okeniyi, Gary Weeks, E. Roger Mitchell, Masam Holden, Christian Higgins, Nicci Faires

  The Story: Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) is an ultra-popular 18-year-old with a massive drinking problem. Although he's primarily focused on having a good time, he meets Aimee Finecky (Shailene Woodley) following a breakup with his girlfriend and decides to turn his attention towards improving her life. For Sutter, improving Aimee's life means convincing her to have a little fun instead of spending all her time taking care of her ailing mother. Throughout the film, the pair bonds over their difficult family situation and their strained relationships with their mothers. 

  The Defining Moment: Although Sutter grows to care about Aimee, he can't help but mess things up. He consistently ditches her for his ex-girlfriend and even causes her to break her arm when he forces her out of his car while he's drunk. Aimee, on the other hand, is hopelessly in love with Sutter. Although Sutter abandons her on more than occasion, he finally realizes what's really important in life and decides to meet Aimee at her junior college - though he himself has no future prospects and no plans to deal with his drinking. 

  Why It's Sad: At the core, The Spectacular Now is a love story. However, what makes it truly sad is Aimee's adoration for someone who just isn't good for her. Sutter uses Aimee for his own means and often hurts her when he's just not in the mood to be a good boyfriend. Still, she forgives him again and again. His arrival at her school at the end of the film is supposed to be a happy reunion, but there's a black cloud over the moment. It's unclear if Sutter will continue to drag Aimee down to his level or if he'll finally get his act together. Either way, it is clear that the relationship isn't the healthiest and that Aimee doesn't yet have the ability to stand up for herself, which leaves a bad taste in your mouth at the conclusion of the film. 
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  (#14) Lady Bird

  • Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Lois Smith

  The Story: Lady Bird is a coming-of-age story that follows dramatic high school senior Christine McPherson (Saoirse Ronan). While the film follows Christine's misadventures within her dating life and her friendships, the ever-present element that drives the emotional story is her strained relationship with her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf). Although the two obviously care for one another, Christine's embarrassment at her family's financial situation paired with Marion's feeling that her daughter is ungrateful inhibits the growth of their relationship.

  The Defining Moment: When Christine is suspended from school, her mother picks her up and immediately launches into a long speech about how ungrateful she is. Marion berates her daughter for her lack of understanding about their financial situation, but Christine takes her comments personally. She tells her that she'll pay her back for everything, if only so she never has to speak to her again. 

  Why It's Sad: The relationship between Christine and her mother feels entirely too real. While Christine doesn't feel that her mother actually likes her, her mother believes that she's simply pushing her stubborn daughter to be the best she can be. They each see each other's flaws more than they see their positive attributes, and they find it much easier to throw out words of anger rather than words of love. There's no clear-cut answer that solves that problem of how to fix their relationship, and each holds some sort of responsibility about the state of their interactions. Their inability to express what they're truly feeling mimics what often happens in real life, which makes it difficult to watch this movie without crying. 

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