As the holidays approach, if your plans include shedding a few tears, we’ve got you covered with a curated list of kids’ films and books that are sure to tug at your heartstrings. Brace yourself for emotional roller coasters that may just leave you in a puddle of tears.
Movies
Bambi
Ah, the 1942 Disney classic. My first cinema experience at the tender age of 5 left an indelible mark on my heart. The moment a hunter appears and tragically takes Bambi’s mother away, I thought I might actually lose it right there in the theater.
Up
This Pixar gem from 2009 starts with an incredibly poignant montage that introduces you to a widowed man and the love he’s lost. Even within just ten minutes, the weight of their love story hits you like a ton of bricks—it’s impossible not to feel the ache.
Finding Nemo
When little Nemo gets lost from his dad Marlin in the vast ocean, every parent who’s ever had that panic moment in a shopping mall can relate. It’s a gut-wrenching scene that has you reaching for the tissues in no time.
The Lion King
Watching Mufasa’s heartbreaking demise is an experience you’ll never forget—especially when he sacrifices himself to save Simba. That moment of betrayal by Scar? Just try to hold back the tears.
Toy Story 3
Forget the whole incinerator scene; it’s the scene where Andy bids farewell to his beloved toys that truly wrecks me. While my kids might just sniffle, I’m downright sobbing. It’s a scene that reminds us of the bittersweet nature of growing up.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
E.T. lying cold and lifeless is a sight no one can endure easily. The emotional farewell between Elliott and his otherworldly friend is enough to leave any parent—and child—sobbing uncontrollably. My kids were in tears, and they woke up with puffy faces the next morning.
Books
The Velveteen Rabbit
Margery Williams’s timeless tale from 1922 about a stuffed rabbit who becomes real through a boy’s love is a classic tear-jerker. The uplifting ending, where the boy recognizes his long-lost friend in the wild, is a beautiful reminder of love and loss.
The Giving Tree
Shel Silverstein’s beloved yet polarizing book tells the story of a tree that gives everything to the boy she loves. Many can relate to this tale of unconditional love and sacrifice, which resonates deeply with any parent.
Charlotte’s Web
Oh, Wilbur! The bond between him and Charlotte is something special. When Charlotte passes away, it’s hard not to tear up—especially when Wilbur remembers her and her little spiderlings. Thank you, E.B. White, for this heartfelt story.
Old Yeller
In Fred Gipson’s 1956 novel, Travis Coates experiences the heartache of losing his loyal dog, Old Yeller. Their bond is beautifully illustrated throughout the story, making the tragic ending all the more heart-wrenching. If you’ve ever loved a pet, this one hits home.
Love You Forever
This book struck a chord with me every time I read it to my kids. It captures the essence of parental love and the bittersweet nature of watching them grow up. Even the part where the mother climbs through her adult son’s window resonates, reminding us how quickly time flies.
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In summary, these books and films are more than just stories for children; they carry profound themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Prepare for some emotional moments, and remember, it’s perfectly okay to let those tears flow.
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