Everyone has that one movie that we always turn to when we need a good cry. Matt Damon also has his choice for a tearjerker movie, and it couldn’t be more surprising.
While there are countless films famous for leaving audiences in tears, the Oscar-winning actor actually picks a classic 90s rom-com when he needs an emotional release.
The Tom Cruise Classic That Never Fails To Make Matt Damon Cry
Matt Damon admitted that Cameron Crowe’s 1996 rom-com ‘Jerry Maguire’ never fails to make him shed tears. The emotional impact that the movie has is always the same no matter how many times he watches it.
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“It is a tearjerker, but it’s a life-affirming one,” Damon explained. “The way ‘Jerry Maguire’ always gets me all misty when I watch it. Men don’t admit it, but ‘Jerry Maguire’? That one always gets to me, I think, in large part, because I don’t feel like it’s trying too hard.”
That emotional authenticity is the reason why Matt Damon believes the movie still stands so emotionally powerful. With iconic lines like “You complete me” and “You had me at hello”, it isn’t a surprise the film still remains one of the most beloved romantic dramas ever made.
What Made ‘Jerry Maguire’ A Classic?
Part of why the 1996 movie still holds up as a tearjerker is because of how effortlessly genuine it feels. As Damon points out, the movie never tries to dramatize the emotions. Instead, it stays authentic and grounded.
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‘Jerry Maguire‘ is about a successful sports agent who suddenly begins to question the way he works. After writing a mission statement that puts “less clients, more care” ahead of making money, Jerry loses his job. Left with only outspoken football player Rod Tidwell as his client and loyal colleague Dorothy Boyd by his side, he decides to start over and rebuild his career from scratch.
However, rebuilding his career is only one part of Jerry’s journey. As he works hard to keep his new business alive, he and Dorothy grow closer and eventually get married. As a result, the film becomes much more than a story about professional sports. Instead, it focuses on personal redemption, trust, love, and the importance of genuine human connections over fame and wealth.
The movie also gave fans some of its most memorable lines. Quotes like “you complete me” and “you had me at hello” are still popular today. Tom Cruise even earned a Golden Globe for playing sports agent Jerry Maguire. Years later, he returned that award along with two other Golden Globes.
But you’ll be surprised to know that Cruise was not Cameron Crowe’s first choice for the role. Instead, the filmmaker originally wrote ‘Jerry Maguire‘ with Tom Hanks in mind. However, after Hanks passed on the project, Cruise stepped in and impressed Crowe with his passion.
Cruise reportedly astonished Crowe with his commitment to the role. He brought the perfect mix of charisma and vulnerability. Even today, nearly 30 years after its release, ‘Jerry Maguire‘ continues to connect with audiences through its honest storytelling and heartfelt emotions. So, while it may not be the first movie that comes to mind when people think of tearjerkers, Matt Damon has no doubt about its impact.
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