In Baltimore, 1954, Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker, portrayed by Johnny Depp, captivates the ladies with his unique talent to shed a solitary tear. He heads a rebellious school gang known as the “Drapes.” This group is a lively mix of eccentric characters, including his sister, Pepper, played by Ricki Lake; the fiercely tough, disfigured Mona "Hatchet-Face" Malnorowski, brought to life by Kim McGuire; and her loving boyfriend, Milton Hackett, played by Darren E. Burrows. Also in the mix is sexually adventurous Wanda Woodward, represented by Traci Lords, who feels the stifling weight of her apparently bland post-World War II family comprised of her strict parents, Maggie (Patricia Hearst) and Hector (David Nelson).
The school recently observed a polio vaccination day, with Maggie serving as a traffic warden while Hector drives the school bus. One fateful day, the beautiful upper-class girl, Allison Vernon-Williams, portrayed by Amy Locane, grows weary of her mundane existence among the “squares.” She yearns for excitement with the Drapes and is drawn to Cry-Baby, as they lock eyes and an instant connection blooms. However, her controlling boyfriend Baldwin, the notorious leader of the squares, and her critical grandmother attempt to pull her away.
Allison's grandmother, Mrs. Vernon-Williams, is particularly scathing toward teenagers who dare to express themselves through long hair, tattoos, and tight clothing, deeming them all juvenile delinquents. On the same day, Cry-Baby interrupts a talent show at the R.S.V.P. Charm School—managed by Allison's grandmother, Polly Bergen—proclaiming himself to Allison, despite her doubts about his intentions. Following a heated exchange, Cry-Baby invites her to a party at Turkey Point, the drapes' favorite hangout. Though Baldwin attempts to thwart them, Allison courageously chooses to leave with Cry-Baby.
At the party, Allison undergoes a dramatic "drape" makeover courtesy of Hatchet-Face, Pepper, and Wanda, before performing a duet with Cry-Baby on stage. This scene starkly highlights the contrast between Mrs. Vernon-Williams’ adherence to social norms and the Drapes' embrace of individual expression and freedom.
Complicating things is Lenora, who harbors feelings for Cry-Baby, causing tension as she watches him with Allison. In a deeply personal moment, Cry-Baby confides in Allison about his tragic past: his father was executed as the infamous "Alphabet Bomber," and his mother was complicit in his crimes. Allison reveals her own heartache, sharing that her parents died in a plane crash.
As the tension escalates, Baldwin leads a riot against the Drapes, vandalizing their vehicles and igniting Cry-Baby's cherished motorcycle, a gift from his uncle Belvedere Ricketts, played by Iggy Pop, and his grandmother, Susan Tyrrell. During this chaotic scene, Cry-Baby is apprehended, leaving his friends and Allison devastated.
In court, while most other Drapes are released to their parents, Cry-Baby faces a harsh verdict: confinement until he turns twenty-one. The injustice outrages his friends and even impresses Allison’s grandmother with his devotion. Seeking to protect Allison, Cry-Baby asserts, > "I love Allison," and takes full accountability for the events at Turkey Point.
As misunderstandings abound—especially with Lenora falsely claiming to be pregnant by Cry-Baby—Allison struggles with her feelings. With guiding words from her grandmother, she hesitates before reconciling her relationship with Baldwin. Meanwhile, Cry-Baby finds camaraderie with fellow inmate Dupree, who gives him a tattoo symbolizing his pain and love for Allison, declaring, "This one's for Allison, and I want it to last forever!"
When Cry-Baby executes a daring escape, with some help from Milton and Hatchet-Face’s helicopter heist, their rescue attempt fails as they flee in a garbage truck. Cry-Baby narrowly avoids capture, only to run into prison guards.
As fate unfolds, Belvedere and Ramona rally to rescue Pepper’s children from the orphanage, bringing hope in their pursuit to liberate the teens. Following an inspiring performance by Allison at the newly constructed Enchanted Forest theme park, she is encouraged by her friends and grandmother to fight for Cry-Baby’s freedom. Her heartfelt show outside the jail influences the judge, now enamored with her grandmother, resulting in Cry-Baby's release.
However, Baldwin inadvertently stirs the pot by revealing dark family secrets related to Cry-Baby's past. In a climactic showdown, Cry-Baby challenges Baldwin to a high-stakes chicken race. With allies on both sides, family bonds are tested, and an unexpected delivery occurs in the backseat, adding to the chaos. Ultimately, Cry-Baby claims victory as Baldwin retreats in fear, proving not only his courage but also solidifying the love he and Allison share. As they embrace amidst the cheering crowd, they realize they have overcome their tumultuous past, finally able to shed tears of joy, together.
