Brad Pitt Once Opened Up About the Films That Made Him Cry

Brad Pitt isn’t usually known for showing emotion at the movies, but in a 2013 interview with W Magazine, he revealed two films that made him tear up over the years.

The first was the 2010 animated film How to Train Your Dragon. Pitt said he rarely cries at films, but this one got to him. “At the end, he’s lost his leg, and they’re living in harmony with the Dragons, that got me,” he admitted.

The DreamWorks movie tells the story of a young Viking who befriends a dragon, challenging the expectations of his tribe.

While the film was praised for its animation and adventure, it wasn’t widely seen as a tearjerker, making Pitt’s reaction a little unexpected. Critics, however, loved its emotional depth and strong storytelling, which may explain why it hit him so hard.

His second pick was the 2001 drama Life as a House, starring Kevin Kline. Pitt shared a story about how he saw it while stuck in a hotel room in Montreal, feeling sick from Montezuma’s Revenge. “I was coming back from Cabo, and I had to go to Montreal, and I got hit with Montezuma’s Revenge, I could not keep anything down, and I was stuck in this hotel room,” he explained.

During that miserable time, he watched the film and couldn’t hold back his tears. The movie follows an architect diagnosed with terminal cancer who reconnects with his estranged teenage son. Pitt reflected, “I don’t know if it would still hit me the same way, but on my 27th hour of just pure wretchedness, this movie crushed me, just crushed me. In fact, I should see it again and see if it has the same effect.”

Critics praised Life as a House for its strong performances and emotional honesty, though some felt it was heavy-handed in places.

Both choices show a different side of Pitt, highlighting his appreciation for storytelling that blends emotion with compelling characters. Even films that aren’t traditionally thought of as “tearjerkers” can leave a lasting impression on viewers.

My take is that it’s fascinating to see a Hollywood star like Pitt respond emotionally to such a wide range of films, from animated adventures to heavy dramas. It reminds us that the power of a movie isn’t always about its popularity, but how it connects personally. What do you think, have any movies ever surprised you by making you cry? Share your thoughts in the comments.