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Someone Online Asked, “What Is The Saddest Line In A Movie?” And 30 People Delivered
Interview With Author
Cinema can be mesmerizing. It’s an experience that almost lets us live through countless lifetimes and leaves us with memories engrained in our minds that we would otherwise never experience.
Sadness, of course, is one of the main emotions that the movies throw at us. As people in this Reddit thread shared, sometimes, the writing can be so powerful that it only takes a few well-placed words to leave you crying rivers. Scroll down to see what they wrote!
For your convenience, we added all the missing movie titles in square brackets.
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I'm tired, boss. Tired of bein' on the road, lonely as a sparrow in the rain. Tired of not ever having me a buddy to be with, or tell me where we's coming from or going to, or why. Mostly I'm tired of people being ugly to each other.
[Source: The Green Mile]
KatSaidWhat 1 year ago (edited)
First the book destroyed me, and then the movie buried me. Any quote and even any time I see MCD's face, I choke up.
RELATED:
#2
"I could've got more out."
- Schindler's List
#3
“He probably forgot about me a long time ago.” Fry in the Jurassic Bark episode of Futurama. Sorry, I know it isn’t a movie.
MrsFettesVette 2 years ago
Im holding back a sniffle just thinking about it (with my dog tucked under a blanket snuggled next to me).
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Bored something 2 years ago
Neither do cats. They just hide it sometimes.
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D Battle II 2 years ago (edited)
The episode where they show his mom and the one about the four leaf clover are tear jerkers as well.
ReadBannedBooks 2 years ago
We recently had to put to sleep our elderly terrier when we saw it. Completely unprepared for this episode. Husband and I ugly sobbed for a long time and swore we'd never watch it again.
Rahul Pawa 2 years ago
Au contraire, this episode (and the clover episode) elevates the show in my mind to a whole new level.
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You don’t have to be a movie critic to notice and fully enjoy moments like the ones shared in this thread. It is actually when casually watching these films in the comfort of your home that these unexpected moments hit you the hardest.
When Bored Panda reached out to the OP, Andrewreddy, we discovered that this is exactly how he got the idea for this thread. He was watching ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ with his girlfriend when the character played by Colin Farrell said, “You used to be nice. Or did you never used to be? Oh, God. Maybe you never used to be?”
“My girlfriend said that that line was just heartbreaking. This just got me thinking about what it was for me, but then I wanted to see what it would be for others since it’s a fairly subjective question,” explained the poster.
The author decided to seek these answers on Reddit and was very surprised by how many like-minded people his question attracted. “I had posted things before that maybe got 100 upvotes. So it was a bit surreal that it was as popular as it was.”
#4
"Is he smart or…": Forest Gump asking about his son. He has the self-awareness to know who he is and his own limitations, and his relief when Jenny says that “he’s one of the smartest in his class” is heartbreaking.
#5
"Where are his glasses? He can't see without his glasses."
[Source: My Girl]
Jamie Mayfield 2 years ago
Immediately got misty. How? Been so many years since I've watched it.
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CrazyKnitter 2 years ago
I really didn't want to watch this movie. I was a snotty, wet mess by the end.
#6
"Take her to the moon for me, okay?" - Bing f*cking Bong
[Source: Inside Out]
Giles McArdell 2 years ago
It's not just Bing Bong, it's the whole bit with all those precious memories slowly being lost forever, saddest thing I've ever seen.
When asked what film line he found the saddest, the OP went with a moment from Charlie Kaufman’s ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.’ There, Joel, played by Jim Carrey, relives a memory of lying in bed with Clementine, played by Kate Winslet, who tells him how she used to be teased for being ugly when she was younger.
When Joel starts convincing her that she’s pretty, Clementine begins crying and tells him never to leave her. At this point, due to the memory being erased, everything starts to fade away, and the character calmly calls out, “Please, let me keep this memory. Just this one.”
“It hit me particularly hard with the context but also the delivery. His delivery is so timid, and it’s almost a desperate cry for help. It really struck me in that way,” explained Andrewreddy, sharing feelings that most viewers of this movie could strongly relate to.
#7
"I thought you said that God answers all prayers?"
"He does. Sometimes, the answer is no."
[Source: M*A*S*H]
Daya Meyer 2 years ago
M*A*S*H is a lot of comedy and silly scenes but it's often underestimated when it comes to the serious things. The people had to cope with reality which is killing innocent people and people who became cirminals out of despair and poverty.
#8
Bubba's last words to Forrest in Forrest Gump.
"I wanna go home"
It guts me every time.
The Alchemist 2 years ago
"Sometimes when people go to Vietnam, people go home to their mommas without any legs. Sometimes they don't go home at all. Thats a bad thing"
#9
“Smile, my boy. It’s sunrise.”
Robin Williams’ last line he delivered on camera. As Teddy Roosevelt from the 3rd Night at the Museum movie, the movie came out after he died.
Adam Belaire 2 years ago
What gets me in the same movie is the few lines before it: Teddy Roosevelt: "You're done your job. It's time for your next adventure!" Larry Daley: "I have no idea what I'm going to do tomorrow." Teddy Roosevelt: [reassuring] "How exciting."
Vinniegret 2 years ago
Every time I see him in one of his movies, I just say to him, why? Why did you do it? Of course I know, but it makes me so sad.
Sadness is the kind of emotion we usually try to avoid. So why do we love sad movies so much? Isn’t it kind of counterintuitive to seek experiences that elicit these feelings and sometimes even bring us to tears? Well, according to No Film School, there are several reasons for this, which are quite easily understood once we take a deeper look.
While we might appreciate the movie’s story and artistry, there’s usually more to it. For example, researchers say that these films give us a chance to experience “reality” from a safe distance, allowing us to confront our deep and real emotions while in a secure environment. At the same time, this kind of experience helps us validate our emotions, showing us that we’re not alone in these life struggles.
#10
"I never had friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12."
[Source: Stand By Me]
deanna woods 2 years ago
I have been blessed to have the same best friend my whole life. My sister.
#11
“All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.”
[Source: Blade Runner]
Skip Reynolds 2 years ago
This is the one I'd pick out of those posted. I'll add my belated entry, from The Fisher King: "I really miss her, Jack. Is that okay? Can I miss her now?"
#12
Littlefoot, let your heart guide you, it whispers, so listen closely....mother?....mother?
I remember watching this movie with my mom as little kid. I would look up at her and think, "I'm lucky my mom will never die." I grew up. She died when I was 20. I will always feel close to her when I watch this.
[Source: The Land Before Time]
Jared Robinson 2 years ago
tried to watch a couple years ago with my then wife, we couldn't do it.
LargeMarge 2 years ago
Then the voice of Ducky died in real life, that didn't help the situation. Whenever I see a photo of her online or anywhere else, it is always a photo of her as a 10-year-old kid. She is forever 10, that is the sad part for me.
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Just Another Girl 2 years ago
I had forgotten how emotional this movie was. Loved it as a kid, thought of it as a happy go lucky movie. Watched it with my niece a few years ago and just crrrriiiieeeeddd.
Lara Elliott 2 years ago
OMG. I just got all choked up on the verge of ugly cry… Dang, just a picture gets me weepy, let alone a quote like this!!😩😭
Renee Prete 2 years ago
My 3 year old cried each and every time he watched this. Broke my heart
#13
I’m sorry, Wilson! Wilson, I’m sorry! I’m sorry!
[Source: Cast Away]
Experiencing the emotions that come with these tragedies can also strengthen our bonds with the people we share them with. It can also help us feel more grateful and happy about the things that we have, reminding us to appreciate that which we sometimes forget and take for granted.
And when these journeys we witness on screen bring us to tears, there are even more benefits. According to Medical News Today, crying alleviates stress and anxiety, regulates emotions, relieves pain, aids sleep, and even enhances mood by releasing oxytocin and endorphins. And if that’s not enough, it can also help your body release toxins and fight eye bacteria while also slightly improving your vision for the time being.
#14
"I would have followed you, my brother, my captain, my King" - Boromir
Boromir is truly a great character, and every time I rewatch Fellowship, this and other scenes always make me cry. :(
[Source: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago (edited)
And then, the kiss. Edit: Clearly my comment was misunderstood. Never was there a more masculine, loyal and respectful kiss in cinema. It was the kiss that made me burst into tears, y'all.
Ansi 2 years ago (edited)
Logged in just to make your downvote go away 😊 Aragon is the best male model. He's kind, respectful to all women, (not just his love interest but to Eowyn wanting to be a warrior, he takes her seriously) takes care of people, (hobbits) protects them. (as a king and soldier) He effing killed and beheaded orcs before comforting a dying Boromir, shedding some tears and kissing his forehead goodbye. He's the peak of healthy masculinity. He doesn't shy away from anything.
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DragonofMordor 2 years ago
Boromir is honestly my favorite LOTR character. He gave into the Ring's temptations, but he did it for all the right reasons. He wanted to protect his people and do right by them. He felt responsibility. And the Ring was able to corrupt that. He's such a well-written character. I feel for him so much.
Groaver Andout 2 years ago
The thing is, Boromir wouldn't have done this. His mind was turned by the ring.
Bored something 2 years ago
Temporarily. The ring was no longer in close enough proximity. That's why he still protects Merry and Pippin.
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“I am not an elephant! I am not an animal! I am a human being! I… am… a … man!”
[Source: The Elephant Man]
#16
Doc, you ought to be in bed, what the hell you doin' this for anyway?
Because, Wyatt Earp is my friend.
Hell, I've got lots of friends.
I don't.
[Source: Tombstone]
Ozymandias73 2 years ago
IDK why, b/c I'm not a huge Western movie fan, but whenever this is on TV, no matter what, at least a vast majority of the time, I'll have to sit and watch it, time allowing.
But in the end, whether you’re aware of this information or not, a sad movie with some fantastic lines that stick in your mind until the end of time might just be what you need at the end of a tough day. After all, to have a fulfilling life, one needs balance, and thus, even a little bit of sadness is sometimes quite necessary.
What is the saddest movie line you’ve ever heard? Do you have any other sad movie-related experiences you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
#17
"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. And when he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
[Source: It's a Wonderful Life]
Celtic Pirate Queen 1 year ago
OMG - Christmas Eve just ISN'T without this movie. I'm 60 years old and have probably watched it 45 times.
Brian Droste 2 years ago (edited)
First time I seen this movie, I always wonder how much of a impact I have had in others people lives and the choices I made how it affected my life and if I had made other choices how it would have affected very one I know today and how it would have affected other people's lives. How I would have met other people in my life. Has any one else thought about this?
#18
"I don't have a home. Marie's been dead for 8 years." Planes, trains, and automobiles
#19
“They look like big, good, strong hands, don't they? I always thought that's what they were. Oh, my little friends... the little man with his racing snail, the Nighthob, even the stupid bat. I couldn't hold onto them. The Nothing pulled them right out of my hands. I failed.” — Rock Biter, The Neverending Story
Hilary Mol 2 years ago
This movie makes me cry every time, and this scene is one of the reasons why.
LegendsNeverDIE 2 years ago
The saddest scene for me is when his horse gets sucked into that swamp
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KindnessMatters 2 years ago
I don't see a source on this one- (the only one I don't actually recognize of course lol). What movie is this?
Lara Elliott 2 years ago
You should read the book! It’s amazing and makes the movie look like… just a snippet
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Mariele Scherzinger 2 years ago
Is that in the American version? I remember watching different versions of the film, and as I was waiting for several of the most moving scenes, I realized some were cut out.
#20
For a recent one:
"So, even though you have broken my heart yet again, I wanted to say, in another life, I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you."
[Source: Everything Everywhere All at Once]
DoNotGoGentleIntoThatGoodNight 2 years ago
This movie is full of the greatest quotes. I liked "Just be a rock" because it was so metaphorical. But Ke he Quans delivery of "The only thing I do know is that we have to be kind. Especially when we don't know what is going on". His sadness radiates through the screen and I feel it so much! One of my favourite movies of all time (Interstellar is my number 1)
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
"Nothing... matters" hit me like a ton of bricks. I've had depression for a long time, and I felt that line so *viscerally*.
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
But the flip side of "nothing matters" is when you realise that this means the same as "everything matters". Every action in the universe is equally important. Every action you've ever done, every decision you've ever made, are equally important as those made by great leaders, scientists, or artists. Without you in it, this would not be 'our' universe, it would be some other thing entirely.
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Chihuahua Mama 2 years ago
My husband absolutely loves that line. Makes him tear up every time
#21
“It’s not your fault” in Goodwill Hunting. Something about that line repeated over and over again by Robin Williams until Matt Damon’s character breaks down gets me every time.
Tommy DePaul 2 years ago
It's a powerful technique in Gestalt therapy, but you get the client to say it repeatedly, getting louder each time.
#22
Maybe not the saddest, but A Goofy Movie surprisingly has some emotional moments. “I’m not your little boy anymore, Dad! I’ve grown up! I’ve got my own life now!” “I know that! I just wanted to be part of it! You’re my son, Max. No matter how big you get, you’ll always be my son.”
Robin Lynn 2 years ago
Watched this all the time with my son when he was little - I would well up - he would kiss me on the cheek.
#23
"We each owe a death - there are no exceptions - but, oh God, sometimes the Green Mile seems so long."
#24
"If I should return, think better of me, father."
[Source: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]
DragonofMordor 2 years ago
Other way around for me, Boromir is my favorite LOTR character. But I love both of them and I love their relationship.
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#25
Probably not the actual #1, but I’d love to mention “Just for once…let me look on you with my own eyes.”
[Source: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi]
DragonofMordor 2 years ago
ROTJ is my favorite Star Wars movie for a reason. It is the first movie where you really see that Vader is both a terrifying villain and a tragic figure. I love a good redemption arc, and Anakin's is beautiful.
PolymathNecromancer 2 years ago
Yes, I remember recording this off HBO at like 12y/o, and that scene hit me like it had never before :-/
#26
"Better to have loved and lost..."
"Yeah? You try it."
MIB
Mr E. 2 years ago
Omg it totally did! And it was totally unexpected. Josh Brolin being Tommy Lee Jones was just phenomenal.
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#27
"Sometimes, I think I have felt everything I'm ever gonna feel. And from here on out, I'm not gonna feel anything new. Just lesser versions of what I've already felt." From the movie Her. Really painful to relate to when you're in your 30's.
Jorge Gonzalez 2 years ago
It is worse in your 50s after you have 20 more years of confirmation.
#28
“Tell me I’m a good man” at the end of Saving Private Ryan is so hard to get through.
DoNotGoGentleIntoThatGoodNight 2 years ago
I always forget this line is in the movie. So as soon as he says it, it gets me
#29
"I would like to have seen Montana."
[Source: The Hunt for Red October]
#30
“Sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks.” -Forest Gump
Jeff White 2 years ago
I always read to the bottom of all lists. Just in case you find an absolute gem like this. As close to a perfect answer as possible.
#31
"There is one more chip. And it must also be destroyed."
Watching Arnie giving a thumbs up as he was lowered into the liquid steel hit 12-year old me hard.
[Source: Terminator 2: Judgement Day]
#32
“You stay. I go. No following.” - Iron Giant
#33
“And we'll keep on being friends forever. Won’t we, Big Mama?”
“Darling, forever is a long, long time, and time has a way of changing things.”
Edit: fixed the quote. And yes, Fox and the Hound
#34
"I love being home, but I don't like being left behind. Now I'm the one going ahead. No one can stop God if He wants me. But I'm afraid I shall be homesick for you... even in heaven." -Beth in Little Women (1994)
ynyrhydref56 2 years ago
I think it's, "I am not afraid ... But I think I shall be homesick for you ... Even in heaven ... Goodbye, Jo ..."
#35
This particular scene from the astonishing movie The Life of PI was ethereal. It's the one where the tiger leaves the protagonist on the beach after they survive being on the lifeboat for days...Here's the full quote: "I suppose in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go. But what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye. I was never able to thank my father for all I learned from him. To tell him, without his lessons, I would never have survived. I know Richard Parker is a tiger but I wish I had said, 'It's over. We survived. Thank you for saving my life. I love you, Richard Parker. You'll always be with me. May God be with you.'" This scene delivered by the late Irrfan Khan in the movie was just epic.
#36
"Don't make me leave like this Murph."
"No parent should have to bury their child."
[Source: Interstellar]
#37
“Don’t cry for me. I’m already dead” - Barney Gumble
[Source: The Simpsons]
#38
Maybe not THE saddest, but this is the one that always wrecks me: "So... this is what it feels like" - Logan A man on the brink of death, finally content with the life he lived, holding the hand of his daughter. LOGAN will never fail to reduce me to a puddle of tears, but that line, in particular, is just so damn heartbreaking. All Logan has ever wanted was to feel human, and what's more human than dying after a long life? As morbid as that sounds, Logan's life was filled with pain, but, in the end, he gave everything he had to save his daughter's life. There's nothing more noble, gut-wrenching, and human than that.
You stole that from Robocop 2 years ago
"I see you on your back, there’s blood everywhere. You’re holding your own heart in your hand. It’s not beating." Yukio, the Wolverine.
You stole that from Robocop 2 years ago
A beautiful set up for Logan's death, the heart being a metaphor.
Load More Replies... The Alchemist 2 years ago
Or when he's trying to tell Charles that it wasn't him that attacked Charles That movie left me so sad
Brian Droste 2 years ago
What movie was this from. Not familiar with the quote or what is being explainnhere.
#39
"Only posers die you f*****g idiot! Now what am I supposed to do for a friend? Please wake up now! Please! I'm sorry! I wasn't ready for this!"
Death scene in SLC Punk.
MrsFettesVette 2 years ago
Matthew Lillard has been sorely underrated as an actor. His OTT mugging in Scream kind of overshadowed his actual talent. Glad to see him finally getting more of the credit he deserves.
JB 2 years ago
Up the Creek was the one where I realized he could really act. I hope he's in more stuff. He's basically in the same "Oh he's in this? This'll be good!" category as Ethan Hawke.
Load More Replies... #40
In 1917, when Blake gets stabbed, he eventually says "Was I hit?" The bloodloss made him forget he had been stabbed. You know he is just about to fade away for good. Holy fam.
#41
Chas: I’ve had a rough year, Dad.
Royal: I know you have, Chas.
The Royal Tennenbaums
Jennifer Hartigan 2 years ago
A stellar movie. Nearly all of Wes Andersens films have that one lone that breaks me. Even asteroid city has me bawling at the end while others look at me in confusion.
#42
"Rice balls. I made them for you. Here, have one." Grave of the Fireflies.
Daya Meyer 2 years ago
Never ever I will be able to watch this movie again! It is an excellent one but still I am crying when thinking about it.
Vero 2 years ago
oh i´ve seen it twice, because I thought nah, I'm sure I was too emotional the first time I saw it, I said to myself pfff sure its no really that bad as I remember. And I saw it again, and it hit me worst than the first time
Load More Replies... Jeff White 2 years ago
I absolutely adore Ghibli movies. But I have been warned about this one. Too perfect, too sad. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to watch it (I'm 63 y.o.)
#43
“I can’t beat it,” from Manchester by the Sea always gets to me. That movie was such a stark portrayal of depression. Casey Affleck was amazing. His facial expressions and eye movements really brought such a profound sadness to the character. That quote wrecks me.
Sarah M. 2 years ago
I am really having difficulty with the idea that a mistake is the end for people. If you screw up because you are raised a certain way, and you follow the tenets of the time period, but then you make amends, you learn and you grow, where is the second chance? We are so quick to offer grace to people who used to be in gangs, who used to kill people, or who used to do or sell massive amounts of drugs - but let someone make a mistake related to personal boundaries or the use of certain language, and they are dead to the world forever. I just don't get it.
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#44
A bit different, and not necessarily a line, but the scream JGL lets out in 50/50 in the car always hits me so hard. I've not had cancer myself, but he conveys the rage of feeling unfairly treated by life amazingly.
What do you think ?
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
"I have been—and always shall be—your friend." — Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Orion Red 2 years ago
no no, that was heartbreaking, but when Kirk said his was the most human... THAT was sad. He could never share that.
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Nacho Man Sandy Ravage 2 years ago
"Mr Stark, I don't feel so good..........I don’t… I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t know… I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go, sir. Please. Please, I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go. I’m sorry."
Hans Georg 2 years ago
"Tell my children, I love them very much." - Russell Case, Independence Day
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
Or when the communication man told Miguel that he should be proud of his dad, and Miguel says, "I am."
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o.0.moldy strawberries.0.o 2 years ago
“i don’t know what’s scarier, the fact that everyone in this kingdom wants to drive a sword through my heart, or that sometimes, i wanna let them.” —f*****g nimona
Wintermute 2 years ago
Artax, stupid horse. You got to move or you'll die. Move. Please. - The Never Ending Story
Jeff Gabrisl 2 years ago
For me, it's 'Wreck it Ralph", when he says the bad guy affirmation speech while plunging to his death to save his first real friend. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
"I have been—and always shall be—your friend." — Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Orion Red 2 years ago
no no, that was heartbreaking, but when Kirk said his was the most human... THAT was sad. He could never share that.
Load More Replies... Nacho Man Sandy Ravage 2 years ago
"Mr Stark, I don't feel so good..........I don’t… I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t know… I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go, sir. Please. Please, I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go. I’m sorry."
Hans Georg 2 years ago
"Tell my children, I love them very much." - Russell Case, Independence Day
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
Or when the communication man told Miguel that he should be proud of his dad, and Miguel says, "I am."
Load More Replies... o.0.moldy strawberries.0.o 2 years ago
“i don’t know what’s scarier, the fact that everyone in this kingdom wants to drive a sword through my heart, or that sometimes, i wanna let them.” —f*****g nimona
Wintermute 2 years ago
Artax, stupid horse. You got to move or you'll die. Move. Please. - The Never Ending Story
Jeff Gabrisl 2 years ago
For me, it's 'Wreck it Ralph", when he says the bad guy affirmation speech while plunging to his death to save his first real friend. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it
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