While John Lewis is the clear front-runner for this year’s tear-jerker award, we need more time before we can judge where it falls in the pantheon of the most heart-wrenching ads to date. Over the years, there have been a number of ads that have reliably reduced the nation to wistful weeping, quite out of character.

Here is a short list of notable recent efforts—prepare for a tidal wave of emotions.

Sainsbury’s 2014: Christmas is for Sharing

With over 17 million views, Sainsbury’s cinematic effort featuring of First World War soldiers sharing a bar of chocolate after the famous football match during the “Christmas Truce of 1914“ at the Western Front, set the emotional bar high. Very high.

Quartz’s tear-jerker rating: 9/10

Waitrose 2014: The Gingerbread Stall

This ad features a determined little girl trying to make gingerbread biscuits for her school. Waitrose comes to the rescue after several disastrous attempts. How nice of them.

Quartz’s tear-jerker rating: 6/10

John Lewis 2013: The Bear and the Hare

In what is arguably one of John Lewis’ best Christmas efforts, Hare gives his best friend Bear—who has never celebrated Christmas before because he hibernates every winter—a Christmas he’ll never forget. Is it getting dusty in here?

Quartz’s tear-jerker rating: 8/10

Boots 2013: Let’s make the people who make us feel good, feel good

The ad follows a boy who secretly hands out gifts to the special people in his life, including his friend, the nurse who took care of his grandmother, and the “fittest girl in year 10.” Is somebody chopping onions?

Quartz’s tear-jerker rating: 6/10

Tesco 2013: There’s nothing better than Christmas

This advert is simple but emotionally effective. It shows what Christmas is really about: spending time with family and realizing that you’re getting old. And what’s more heartbreaking than that?

Quartz’s tear-jerker rating: 7/10

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