The Sad Movie That Will Get You Sobbing, By Enneagram Type
Every so often, it can be cathartic to have a good cry—and we have just the tear-inducing movie to help, based on your Enneagram type!
So, grab some popcorn (and some tissues) and read on to learn about the sad film you should watch to let out all of those pent-up emotions. When you are just ready to wallow on the couch, we’re here for you. We even went ahead and included two sad films for each Enneagram type, in case you are unable to get off the couch after you watch the first one!
Not sure what your Enneagram type is yet? Take our free Enneagram test first to find out!
Enneagram Type One:
Gladiator
As a Type One, you’ll probably relate to Russell Crowe’s character in Gladiator. Okay, you’re not a gladiator or a Roman general. But, like the protagonist, you’re guided by your deeply held principles. You believe in doing the right thing, in being honorable and in standing up for what’s right. Just like Maximus stands up for the idea of Rome, you’re willing to sacrifice yourself for the greater good—and watching him do the same will tug at your heartstrings. His battle is your battle, Type One, making Gladiator not just a movie but a mirror to your soul.
Casablanca
An oldie but a goodie, Casablanca is an old Hollywood, star-crossed love story that hinges on the selfless acts of Rick (played by Humphrey Bogart), an American expatriate working to undermine the Germans in World War II in Vichy-controlled Morocco. The idealistic Rick is caught between his love for a woman (Elsa, played by Ingrid Bergman) and helping her husband (a Czechoslovak resistance leader) in his fight against the Nazis. Rick's sacrifice will appeal to heroic, idealistic Enneagram Ones everywhere. Oh, and there is no way you will not dissolve into a heap of tears at the end!
Enneagram Type Two:
The Help
Based on Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel of the same name, The Help is set during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 Jackson, Mississippi, and follows Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, a young white woman and aspiring journalist, and her relationships with two black maids, Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson. The movie touches on big, heartrending themes around misogyny and racism of the era, but also the internal conflict and selflessness of female caretakers. As natural nurturers, Enneagram Twos will empathize with the characters and also champion their fights to become their own people and rise above their assigned roles as mothers and maids.
The Deepest Breath
The Deepest Breath is a heart-wrenching film that will resonate with you, Type Two. As a helper and giver, you’re always putting others first—but what about your own ambitions? This movie is about love, the pursuit of potential, and the complexities of relationships, all set in the murky depths of the ocean. While we don’t want to give too much away, we will say this: brace for the ending and put your box of tissues within easy reach.
Enneagram Type Three:
A Star is Born
This tragic love story will resonate with Enneagram Threes who understand the magnetic pull of fame and the desire to make your mark in the world, along with all the emotional sacrifice that comes with that pursuit. Following the story of a disintegrating country rock star (Cooper) on the downswing and an aspiring, up-and-comer chanteuse (Gaga), we see all the conflicts of those who chase status, recognition and power, a core motivation of Threes. Plus, you get the insane chemistry and musical magic of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper on screen.
Click
Click will make you cry, Type Three, because you'll see yourself in the protagonist, played by Adam Sandler. Like him, you tend to prioritize work and goals over your family and friends. You get caught up in the rat race and lose sight of what really matters—until it's almost too late. With its bittersweet ending, this movie will remind all Type 3’s to slow down and appreciate the present moment, instead of always chasing after success. Perspective-changing.
Enneagram Type Four:
Inside Out
Yes, it's a kids film. But Inside Out has a surprisingly deep message that will resonate with Type Fours. The movie perfectly captures the complexity of emotions running wild as people navigate growth and change, which is your inner world in a nutshell. Plus, who can resist shedding a tear at the heart-wrenching goodbye between Bing Bong and Joy? You'll be uplifted and moved at the same time.
Dead Poets Society
This film about boys at a New England prep school is a classic tearjerker, and its central premise of living a true, authentic life will strike a chord with Enneagram Type Fours. Charismatic and inspirational teacher John Keating (played by Robin Williams) is likely a Four himself and he encourages his students to find their own voices and be true to themselves, embodying the core motivation of this type: to be authentic and unique. Special credit: You are 100% guaranteed to cry.
Enneagram Type Five:
Brené Brown, The Call to Courage
Emotions can feel like confusing, uncomfortable sensations to you. As a Type Five, you prefer to bury yourself in the comfort of facts and intellectual theories. That’s why this documentary will be so challenging and enlightening for you to watch. It will hone in on something you’ve been trying to avoid: being vulnerable with your emotions–and it will bring you to tears in the process.
The Imitation Game
This fictionalized account of the life of Alan Turing, one of the founders of modern computer science and a key architect in breaking Nazi codes during World War II will appeal to the Enneagram 5’s intellectual curiosity and appreciation for inventiveness. But as Turing (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) faces hurdle after hurdle in trying to connect with others and be vulnerable, it will also touch on this type's core fears of being emotionally vulnerable. Turing’s life is both a personal tragedy and a tribute to reason, science and intellectual curiosity, which will feel very close to home for Fives.
Enneagram Type Six:
The Pursuit of Happyness
Your deepest fear as a Type Six is being unable to protect yourself from danger. You crave security and certainty, but life is unpredictable, and this movie highlights that in a powerful way. Will Smith’s character faces endless challenges as he tries to make a better life for himself and his son. His perseverance and determination will have you rooting for him every step of the way—and reaching for the tissues when things get tough.
Precious
A winner of multiple Oscars, Precious follows the title character (played by Gabourey Sidibe) as she faces unbelievable abuse, poverty and struggle as a teenage mom in New York City. Precious’s sweet inner life and dreams, along with her quest to find love and true security will resonate with Type Six’s who are always looking for safety and stability in an uncertain world.
Enneagram Type Seven:
Bohemian Rhapsody
Rumored to be an Enneagram Type Seven himself, Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, lived life with gusto. When you watch this film, you’ll be entertained by the fantastic music, fast-paced plot and the optimism and authenticity of the lead character. Embrace the highs and the lows, Type Seven, they're all part of your bohemian rhapsody.
Into the Wild
Adapted from Jon Krakauer's 1996 non-fiction book of the same name, this film tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, also known as "Alexander Supertramp," who donated his life savings to Oxfam and hiked into the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1990s. Christopher’s appetite to experience extreme adventure and all life has to offer, will certainly resonate with thrill-seeking Enneagram Sevens. And the tragic bent to his tale, along with the moving soundtrack, will reduce any Type Seven to a blubbering mess.
Enneagram Type Eight:
The Color Purple
Type Eights are deeply troubled by injustice and hate the idea of being controlled or restricted. That’s why this moving film will stir your soul. It tells the story of Celie Harris and the oppression she faced growing up in Georgia during the early 1900's. As you watch Celie show enduring bravery and resilience in the face of constant hardship, you’ll no doubt let out a whimper or two.
Malcolm X
The Oscar-awarded Spike Lee biopic of the civil rights leader will also hit Enneagram Type Eights hard. Eights rebel against the rules of society and tend to be strong advocates for others, concerned with justice, oppression and protecting the weak. Malcolm's fearlessness in the face of all odds will get even the toughest Eight to break down and tear up.
Enneagram Type Nine:
Bob Marley, One Love
Compassionate and harmony-focused, peace is a core value for Type Nines—which is why you’ll adore this autobiographical film about the musician, Bob Marley. In the movie, Marley bravely promotes his beliefs about unity and love, despite perilous opposition. You’ll be brought to tears by his integrity and idealism and, as the credits roll, feel inspired to make the world a better place with a reggae rhythm in your step. These lyrics are your mission—an enduring call to "Let's get together and feel all right."
Our Idiot Brother
This indie sleeper hit, starring Paul Rudd, is not a formulaic tearjerker, but it will cause peace-loving Enneagram Nines to both laugh and sob into their pillows. Rudd’s character Ned, is a goofy, likable hippie whose sweet nature is often taken advantage of. His more capable sisters work to help him deal with the real world. Though more of a comedy, the melancholic, sweet ending will absolutely gut agreeable Nines who fear being too needy and who want nothing more than peace and love, man.
So there you have it, our guide to the best sad movies by Enneagram type. Happy sobbing!
