Movies have the power to move us. The usual suspects include movies centering on romantic relationships like Titanic. Others, like Schindler’s List and The Color Purple, deal with strong subject matter. Many kids’ films are guaranteed at least one tearjerker moment (case in point: Toy Story 3). But sometimes, the appearance of a tearjerker moment is not as predictable. Here’s a look at seven tearjerker moments from movies you’d least expect.
Ant-Man
Ant-Man shows off a lighter and more hilarious side of the MCU. This is put on pause when Dr. Pym finally reveals to his daughter, Hope, what really happened to her mother, Janet Van Dyne (aka the original Wasp). To disarm a missile, Janet shrinks between the molecules to get at the internal mechanics, and in doing so, she goes subatomic.
This reveal about Janet adds a level of emotional depth we weren’t expecting from this fun-loving superhero film. The tearjerker moment goes a long way toward healing the relationship between Dr. Pym and Hope. Although, on an interesting note, there are rumors she may be alive.
Man of Steel
Usually, when a hero triumphs over the villain, it’s a joyous moment. For Superman in Man of Steel, his triumph leaves him devastated. During Superman’s final showdown against General Zod, Zod comes dangerously close to obliterating innocent civilians with his heat vision. Superman is given no choice, but to snap his neck.
Most superheroes have an unwritten code forbidding them from killing others. Zod may have been a zealot, but he was still one of Superman’s brethren. Taking these notions into consideration, we feel Superman’s anguish as he gets on his knees and screams in horror at what he’s done. This is the most emotionally-charged big screen moment for the legendary DC superhero.
Transformers: The Movie (1986)
Long before Michael Bay got his hands on the franchise, the 1986 film, Transformers: The Movie, helped define pop culture in the 1980s. This movie was the first time the franchise dealt with death, something that would have been unheard of in the cartoon series from which the film is based. In the movie, Optimus Prime meets his untimely demise thanks to a final confrontation with Megatron. The scene showing his final moments as his teammates mourn is excruciating to watch.
Deaths in animated films are sure to be tearjerker moments, but this one may be one of the darkest. It’s one of the first times we see an animated character’s actual death on-screen. It doesn’t help that this scene is accompanied by a somber piano melody from music composer Vince DiCola. To this day, this scene continues to jar both kids and adults alike.
Home Alone
Home Alone may seem like a simple Christmas comedy, but one scene holds a surprising amount of emotional gravitas. While watching the choir at church, Kevin is joined by his neighbor. As Kevin and Old Man Marley talk, we learn that Marley has had a falling out with his son.
We feel for Marley’s plight and it’s touching watching him and Kevin talk through their problems. Their chat helps solve each other’s problems and makes for an ending that tugs at your heartstrings. Christmas has the power to instill touching moments even into a movie better known for its slapstick.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is the perfect balance of the fun of the original cartoon series and the more mature themes of the original comics. As a result, the film takes us on a journey that’s both funny and surprisingly emotional. One pivotal moment happens while the Turtles are taking refuge at the O’Neil farm. A mystical campfire summons the spirit of Master Splinter (don’t worry, he doesn’t die), who reminds them of how proud he is of them.
This scene gets at the heart of the special father-son relationship Splinter has with the Turtles. The Turtles don’t even have to speak, their expressions say it all. This level of emotional magnitude is probably the last thing you’d expect from a franchise about four mutated reptiles who normally crack jokes and eat pizza in a sewer.
Men in Black 3
The original Men in Black did well in pioneering the sci-fi-comedy genre, and its two sequels build off this well. Men in Black 3 offers a scene worthy of the most dramatic sci-fi. Boris the Animal murders Agent Jay’s father, who was trying to protect Agent Kay. Agent Kay is there to let a young Jay know that his father died a hero all while the full-grown Jay watches on.
This moment shows that Jay and Kay’s partnership cuts much deeper than we realized. The tearjerker moment is quite the poignant reveal in a movie from a franchise that lends itself to silliness. This scene alone is reason enough to give this sci-fi-comedy a second watch.
Big Daddy
Adam Sandler is probably the last person you’d expect to give a moving performance, but Big Daddy proves you can’t judge a book by its cover. Sonny’s man-child antics cause Julian to develop some bad habits, but Sonny eventually turns things around and becomes a good father. So, when a social worker comes to take Julian away, it’s utterly heart-breaking. Sonny’s attempt at fighting back tears cuts deep.
Most of Sandler’s oeuvre is the antithesis of anything resembling a tearjerker, which makes this scene all the more moving. You can’t help but smile when he wins custody of Julian in the end. Big Daddy shows that you can find a tearjerker moment even in the most surprising of films.
