Boffins claim to have uncovered the science behind how and why tearjerking movies make us cry.

Led by Professor Kim Bard, researchers from the University of Portsmouth analysed dozens of movies identifying four key factors which have us reaching the tissues.

These include; how often the characters wept (Tear Count), the overall sadness of the movie (Sadness Index) and the underlying positive message of the film (Inspirational Index), all moderated by the degree of happiness experienced (Happy Highs).

Her study claimed, when used in exactly the right combination, these elements can be used to produce an intensive emotional experience and are almost guaranteed to prompt tears.

Obviously there were no male researchers involved in the study…  they wouldn't have admitted any movie made them cry.