5 Netflix Series That’ll Make You Cry — And #5 Hits Harder Than the Rest
Are you ready for an emotional rollercoaster? These Netflix series are not just stories — they’re heartfelt journeys filled with love, grief, sacrifice, and human connection. Each one will stay with you long after the final episode, but trust us — #5 will shatter your heart in the best way possible.
1. Tore (Swedish) – A Bittersweet Journey Through Grief and Growth
Why It’s Emotional:
Tore is a deeply emotional Swedish tragicomedy that explores the painful yet transformative process of grief. The story follows Tore, a cheerful young man whose world collapses after the sudden death of his beloved father. As he struggles to navigate a life without the person who meant everything to him, Tore tries to mask his sadness with humor and reckless decisions — but the weight of grief always finds its way back.
What makes Tore truly special is how honestly it portrays the messy and nonlinear journey of healing. It’s not just about crying over a loss — it’s about rediscovering yourself, accepting the pain, and finding reasons to keep going. The balance of dark humor and heart-wrenching emotion makes this show unforgettable and deeply human.
2. One Day – A Decades-Spanning Tale of Love and Missed Chances
Why It’s Emotional:
One Day is the kind of series that creeps into your heart slowly and never leaves. Based on the beloved novel, it follows Emma and Dexter, two friends whose lives intertwine over the course of 20 years. Each episode revisits them on the same day every year, revealing how their dreams, choices, and feelings evolve as they grow older.
It’s an emotional masterpiece because it mirrors real life — the highs and lows, the heartbreak of missed opportunities, the bittersweet beauty of time passing, and the realization that love can endure even when life takes unexpected turns. By the final episode, you’ll feel like you’ve lived their journey with them, and the emotional payoff will leave you sobbing.
3. A Round of Applause – A Haunting Exploration of Sadness and the Human Mind
Why It’s Emotional:
This Turkish psychological drama doesn’t just tell a story — it peels back the layers of the human soul. A Round of Applause explores mental health, despair, and the hidden battles people fight every day. It follows a man struggling with deep sadness and disconnection from the world, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable but real questions about purpose, loneliness, and healing.
The series is beautifully shot and emotionally intense, using symbolism, silence, and raw dialogue to express feelings words can’t capture. It’s not just sad for the sake of sadness — it’s a profound reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s hope for renewal. If you want a series that makes you think deeply and cry hard, this one is a must-watch.
4. Murder Mindfully – The Emotional Weight Behind Every Choice
Why It’s Emotional:
At first glance, Murder Mindfully might seem like a dark mystery or thriller. But beneath the suspense lies a deeply emotional story about sacrifice, burnout, and the heavy price of doing the right thing. The series explores how far people will go for their loved ones and how those choices often come with emotional scars.
Each episode slowly reveals the characters’ inner struggles — the guilt, the trauma, and the quiet heartbreak they carry. It’s not about cheap shocks or dramatic twists; it’s about showing the emotional cost behind every decision. The result is a show that sneaks up on you — you think you’re watching a mystery, but by the end, you’re wiping away tears.
5. When Life Gives You Tangerines – A Masterpiece of Love, Time, and Tears
Why It’s Emotional:
And now, the one that hits the hardest. When Life Gives You Tangerines is a Korean drama that redefines emotional storytelling. Spanning decades, it tells the story of two people whose lives are shaped by love, loss, time, and fate. Their paths cross and separate as the years go by, each encounter filled with longing, heartbreak, and the quiet beauty of life’s imperfections.
This series isn’t just sad — it’s deeply moving on every level. It captures how love changes as people grow older, how memories linger even when people don’t, and how time can both heal and hurt. The storytelling is poetic, the characters feel real, and the emotional payoff is unlike anything else on Netflix.
By the final episode, you’ll be crying — not just from sadness, but from the overwhelming beauty of the story. This isn’t just the most emotional show on this list — it’s one of the most powerful series Netflix has ever offered.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for Netflix series that will truly move you, these five series are essential. Each one explores powerful emotions — from grief and heartbreak to hope and healing — in its own unique way. But there’s no doubt that When Life Gives You Tangerines stands above the rest. It’s a series that will break your heart, heal it, and break it again — and you’ll thank it for every tear.
FAQs
Q1: Are these Netflix series available globally?
Yes, all five series are currently available for streaming worldwide on Netflix.
Q2: Which Netflix series is the most emotional of all?
When Life Gives You Tangerines (#5) is widely considered the most emotional and powerful on this list.
Q3: Are these Netflix series based on true stories?
While not directly based on real events, many of them draw inspiration from real emotions, relationships, and struggles.