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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
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#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]
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.
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]
#6
"Take her to the moon for me, okay?" - Bing f*cking Bong
[Source: Inside Out]
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 11 months 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 11 months 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 11 months 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."
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 11 months 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]
#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 11 months ago
tried to watch a couple years ago with my then wife, we couldn't do it.
#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 11 months 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.
#15
“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]
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]
#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 11 months ago
This movie makes me cry every time, and this scene is one of the reasons why.
#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 11 months 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)
#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.
#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 11 months 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]
#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]
#26
"Better to have loved and lost..."
"Yeah? You try it."
MIB
#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.
#28
“Tell me I’m a good man” at the end of Saving Private Ryan is so hard to get through.
DoNotGoGentleIntoThatGoodNight 11 months 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
What do you think ?
Nikki Sevven 11 months ago
"I have been—and always shall be—your friend." — Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Nacho Man Sandy Ravage 11 months 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 11 months ago
"Tell my children, I love them very much." - Russell Case, Independence Day
o.0.moldy strawberries.0.o 11 months 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 11 months ago
Artax, stupid horse. You got to move or you'll die. Move. Please. - The Never Ending Story
Jeff Gabrisl 11 months 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
Toothless Feline 11 months ago
“My friends, you bow to no one.” Aragorn to the hobbits, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
deanna woods 11 months ago
I don't know if this is the exact line, "Imagine if all the most important people in your life were not there. Not dead, but had never been. What kind of Hell would that be" A Beautiful Mind. This isn't a movie line, but a scene and that scene is in the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest where The Chief realizes that McMurphy is actually lobotimized and smothers him with the pillow to put him out of his misery before throwing that equipment out and escaping to freedom.
Doctor Strange 11 months ago
"They grow up believing that they can be a hero if they drive a sword into the heart of anything different. And I'm the monster? I don't know what's scarier. The fact that everyone in this kingdom wants to run a sword through my heart... or that sometimes, I just wanna let 'em."
Francesca Annoni 11 months ago
I know it's not a film.. the 10th doctor during the regeneration saying " i dont wanna go.." (doctor Who)
DoNotGoGentleIntoThatGoodNight 11 months ago
"I don't even have a picture of him. He exists now... only in my memory" Rose Dawson, Titanic
PopscotchM 11 months ago
how is "It's a terrible day for rain," (Fullmetal Alchemist) not on this list? It's not even in the comments. I'm tearing up just thinking about that scene.
KatSaidWhat 11 months ago
Harry Stamper: Hi Gracey. Hi honey. Grace, I know I promised you I was coming home. [Armageddon]
Carl Roberts 11 months ago
"Hachi? Oh, you old thing, you're still waiting. If it's all right, could I wait with you for the next train?" -- Cate, when she returns to town 10 years after her husband's death, and sees Hachi still waiting for him at the train station
marianne eliza 11 months ago
Female prisoner: "And then?" Emma, Lady Hamilton: "Then what?" FP: "What happened after?" E,LH: "There is no then. There is no after." Last lines of That Hamilton Woman 1941 about the life of Emma, Lady Hamilton and her relationship with Lord/Admiral Horatio Nelson
ReadBannedBooks 11 months ago (edited)
"You're MY boy!" Aunt May to Peter in Amazing Spider-Man 2, when he wants info on his parents. As a parent who adopted, I ugly-cried in the theater. It speaks to that deep-seated fear, that somehow, even though you are their parent in every other way, people don't think of you as their "real" parent.
Jill Bussey 11 months ago
I am going to add the 1999 Robin Williams movie, The Bicentennial Man. Robin Williams' character just wanted to be human and choosing to die with his love was the most human thing he could choose to do. I am growing old, my body is deteriorating, and like all of you, will eventually cease to function. As a robot, I could have lived forever. But I tell you all today, I would rather die a man, than live for all eternity a machine.
Rahul Pawa 11 months ago
I don't think there was really a line to go with this scene, but in Sully when the plane is going down and you see all the passengers frantically texting or calling their loved ones. That scene really brought the tears out for me.
whineygingercat 11 months ago
It's not a spoken line. It's the scene in The Little Mermaid 1989 when Ariel watches as Prince Eric and Vanessa's wedding ship leaves. As she slides down the pillar and begins to cry...
whineygingercat 10 months ago
When Maureen in Center Stage says to Jim: How much of what you liked about me was because I was a ballet dancer, and how much because I was me?
Stephanie Did It 11 months ago
Quasimodo, played by Charles Laughton, about to drop from the heights of Notre Dame Cathedral: "WHY?"
Toothless Feline 11 months ago
Not a movie, but “Sleeping in Light”, the Babylon 5 series finale. “Well, look at that. Sun’s coming up.” John Sheridan’s last words.
VonBlade 11 months ago
1/3 : It's not like that all ends when you're 18 or 21 or 41 or 61. It never, never ends. It's like your Aunt Edna's a*s. It goes on forever, and it's just as frightening. There is no end zone. You never cross the goal line, spike the ball and do your touchdown dance. Never. I'm 64, Larry, 27, and he's still my son. (Parenthood). 2/3 Meet me in Montauk (Eternal Sunshine). 3/3 I am f*****g furious. I am so uninterested in a life without your father. (About Time). Call your loved ones.
Michael Largey 11 months ago
How did they leave out "It was beauty that killed the beast." or "Alright Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close up."? And especially "Forget it Jake - it's Chinatown."
Piou 11 months ago
For me it's from the season 5 of the French series Kaamelott in which you see king Arthur slowly falling into depression. At some point Meleagant tells him: "Now you can go back to Kaamelott. You will look at people. You will look at things around you. And nothing will be as sad as you will be". Arthur accepts it quietly and gives up at this moment.
Worst Cop in Britain 11 months ago
Not even a line, just the look the main character gives her mother in a particular scene in "Decoy Bride," the little shake of her head... kills me every time
Nikki Sevven 11 months ago
"I have been—and always shall be—your friend." — Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Nacho Man Sandy Ravage 11 months 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 11 months ago
"Tell my children, I love them very much." - Russell Case, Independence Day
o.0.moldy strawberries.0.o 11 months 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 11 months ago
Artax, stupid horse. You got to move or you'll die. Move. Please. - The Never Ending Story
Jeff Gabrisl 11 months 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
Toothless Feline 11 months ago
“My friends, you bow to no one.” Aragorn to the hobbits, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
deanna woods 11 months ago
I don't know if this is the exact line, "Imagine if all the most important people in your life were not there. Not dead, but had never been. What kind of Hell would that be" A Beautiful Mind. This isn't a movie line, but a scene and that scene is in the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest where The Chief realizes that McMurphy is actually lobotimized and smothers him with the pillow to put him out of his misery before throwing that equipment out and escaping to freedom.
Doctor Strange 11 months ago
"They grow up believing that they can be a hero if they drive a sword into the heart of anything different. And I'm the monster? I don't know what's scarier. The fact that everyone in this kingdom wants to run a sword through my heart... or that sometimes, I just wanna let 'em."
Francesca Annoni 11 months ago
I know it's not a film.. the 10th doctor during the regeneration saying " i dont wanna go.." (doctor Who)
DoNotGoGentleIntoThatGoodNight 11 months ago
"I don't even have a picture of him. He exists now... only in my memory" Rose Dawson, Titanic
PopscotchM 11 months ago
how is "It's a terrible day for rain," (Fullmetal Alchemist) not on this list? It's not even in the comments. I'm tearing up just thinking about that scene.
KatSaidWhat 11 months ago
Harry Stamper: Hi Gracey. Hi honey. Grace, I know I promised you I was coming home. [Armageddon]
Carl Roberts 11 months ago
"Hachi? Oh, you old thing, you're still waiting. If it's all right, could I wait with you for the next train?" -- Cate, when she returns to town 10 years after her husband's death, and sees Hachi still waiting for him at the train station
marianne eliza 11 months ago
Female prisoner: "And then?" Emma, Lady Hamilton: "Then what?" FP: "What happened after?" E,LH: "There is no then. There is no after." Last lines of That Hamilton Woman 1941 about the life of Emma, Lady Hamilton and her relationship with Lord/Admiral Horatio Nelson
ReadBannedBooks 11 months ago (edited)
"You're MY boy!" Aunt May to Peter in Amazing Spider-Man 2, when he wants info on his parents. As a parent who adopted, I ugly-cried in the theater. It speaks to that deep-seated fear, that somehow, even though you are their parent in every other way, people don't think of you as their "real" parent.
Jill Bussey 11 months ago
I am going to add the 1999 Robin Williams movie, The Bicentennial Man. Robin Williams' character just wanted to be human and choosing to die with his love was the most human thing he could choose to do. I am growing old, my body is deteriorating, and like all of you, will eventually cease to function. As a robot, I could have lived forever. But I tell you all today, I would rather die a man, than live for all eternity a machine.
Rahul Pawa 11 months ago
I don't think there was really a line to go with this scene, but in Sully when the plane is going down and you see all the passengers frantically texting or calling their loved ones. That scene really brought the tears out for me.
whineygingercat 11 months ago
It's not a spoken line. It's the scene in The Little Mermaid 1989 when Ariel watches as Prince Eric and Vanessa's wedding ship leaves. As she slides down the pillar and begins to cry...
whineygingercat 10 months ago
When Maureen in Center Stage says to Jim: How much of what you liked about me was because I was a ballet dancer, and how much because I was me?
Stephanie Did It 11 months ago
Quasimodo, played by Charles Laughton, about to drop from the heights of Notre Dame Cathedral: "WHY?"
Toothless Feline 11 months ago
Not a movie, but “Sleeping in Light”, the Babylon 5 series finale. “Well, look at that. Sun’s coming up.” John Sheridan’s last words.
VonBlade 11 months ago
1/3 : It's not like that all ends when you're 18 or 21 or 41 or 61. It never, never ends. It's like your Aunt Edna's a*s. It goes on forever, and it's just as frightening. There is no end zone. You never cross the goal line, spike the ball and do your touchdown dance. Never. I'm 64, Larry, 27, and he's still my son. (Parenthood). 2/3 Meet me in Montauk (Eternal Sunshine). 3/3 I am f*****g furious. I am so uninterested in a life without your father. (About Time). Call your loved ones.
Michael Largey 11 months ago
How did they leave out "It was beauty that killed the beast." or "Alright Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close up."? And especially "Forget it Jake - it's Chinatown."
Piou 11 months ago
For me it's from the season 5 of the French series Kaamelott in which you see king Arthur slowly falling into depression. At some point Meleagant tells him: "Now you can go back to Kaamelott. You will look at people. You will look at things around you. And nothing will be as sad as you will be". Arthur accepts it quietly and gives up at this moment.
Worst Cop in Britain 11 months ago
Not even a line, just the look the main character gives her mother in a particular scene in "Decoy Bride," the little shake of her head... kills me every time
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