Top 7 Emotional Korean Films to Watch for a Good Cry!
- Disha Paul
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Sometimes, we all need a good cry, and Korean films never fail to touch the heart.
With stories filled with love, loss, and family bonds, these emotional classics have moved audiences for years.
Here are seven unforgettable Korean movies that will leave you teary-eyed but warm inside.
1. A Moment to Remember (2004)
Su-jin, a cheerful woman with a clumsy charm, finds unexpected love with Chul-soo, a quiet and hardworking man. Their romance feels perfect until Su-jin starts losing her memory due to early-onset Alzheimer’s.
The film follows their heartbreaking journey as love tries to hold on even when memories fade. With every scene, it reminds viewers that true love is not about remembering but about staying by someone’s side.
Aired: 2004
Episodes: Movie
Cast: Son Ye-jin, Jung Woo-sung
Streaming: Amazon Prime
2. Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013)
A mentally challenged father, Yong-go, is wrongly accused of a serious crime and sent to prison. Inside, he only wishes to see his young daughter, Ye-Seung, again.
What follows is a touching story of fatherly love as the other prisoners help him reunite with her in their small cell. The ending is guaranteed to make you cry, but it also fills your heart with warmth and hope.
Aired: 2013
Episodes: Movie
Cast: Ryu Seung-Ryong, Kal So-won
Streaming: Netflix
3. Hope (2013)
Inspired by a true story, Hope follows a little girl named So-won, who suffers through an unimaginable event on her way to school. Her parents struggle to hold their family together while helping her recover both physically and emotionally.
The movie doesn’t focus on pain alone — it’s about love, strength, and how one family finds light again after darkness. It’s a hard watch, but an important one that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Aired: 2013
Episodes: Movie
Cast: Lee Re, Sol Kyung-gu, Uhm Ji-won
Streaming: Netflix
4. Be With You (2018)
Woo-jin and his young son live quietly after the death of his wife, Soo-ah. One rainy day, she mysteriously returns alive but with no memory of who they are.
The family rebuilds their bond, knowing her time with them is limited. Each moment feels precious, and the bittersweet ending will have you reaching for tissues.
Aired: 2018
Episodes: Movie
Cast: Son Ye-jin, So Ji-sub
Streaming: Viki / Rakuten
5. Harmony (2010)
Jeong-hye, a woman serving time in prison, gives birth and faces the pain of being separated from her baby. To cope, she forms a choir with other inmates, and their songs slowly bring hope into their difficult lives.
Music becomes a bridge between guilt and forgiveness, showing that even behind bars, hearts can heal and find harmony again.
Aired: 2010
Episodes: Movie
Cast: Kim Yunjin, Na Moon-Hee
Streaming: Viki
6. The Classic (2003)
Ji-hae finds a box of old letters written by her mother and discovers a forgotten love story from decades ago. As she reads, she finds herself falling for someone in the same way her mother once did.
The film beautifully moves between the past and present, blending two romances across generations. Its soft music, poetic visuals, and emotional twists make it one of the most timeless Korean love stories.
Aired: 2003
Episodes: Movie
Cast: Son Ye-jin, Cho Seung-woo, Zo In-sung
Streaming: Netflix
7. You Are My Sunshine (2005)
Seok-Jung, a kind-hearted farmer, falls for Eun-ha, a woman working at a café who hides painful secrets from her past.
Their love story begins sweetly but soon faces harsh realities when she is diagnosed with HIV. The film explores loyalty, shame, and how love can survive even through judgment and suffering.
It’s raw, emotional, and shows the truest form of devotion.
Aired: 2005
Episodes: Movie
Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Jeon Do-yeon
Streaming: Amazon Prime
Final Thoughts
Each of these films shows a different side of love and loss, from unforgettable romances to family bonds that never fade. They remind us that even the saddest stories can carry hope, healing, and lessons about life.
Which of these emotional Korean movies made you cry the most, or do you have your own favorite tear-jerker to add to the list?