There’s nothing like a great movie quote. The best ones are able to be used in our everyday lives, usually for comic affect. But some quotes aren’t about being funny or clever. They deliver an impactful, emotional response to moviegoers.
The perfect line of dialogue can help elevate any movie scene. Sometimes, it delivers that emotional gut punch that makes us reach for the closest box of tissues.
Here are some of our favorite movie lines that are extremely emotional.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
“A toast to my big brother George, the richest man in town.”
Harry Bailey toasts his brother George after the climactic scene in It’s A Wonderful Life.
The beloved Christmas movie’s message about how life is worth living continues to deliver an emotional gut punch even after all these years.
LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
“I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.”
Samwise Gamgee to Frodo Baggins at the end of their journey to destroy the One Ring.
After nine-plus hours of film time and countless miles walking through Middle-Earth, Sam does whatever he can to help his best friend finish the near-impossible job of destroying the One Ring.
FORREST GUMP
“But…is he smart, or…”
Forrest Gump’s question to Jenny about his son and whether or not he suffers from the same issues that Forrest himself does is always emotional.
ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
“I wish I stayed.”
When Joel tells this to Clementine right before their last memory fades away, you realize that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a tear-jerker of a movie.
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
“I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.”
Red’s monologue at the end of Shawshank Redemption is the perfect ending to a perfect movie.
INCEPTION
“But we did. We did. You don’t remember? … I miss you more than I can bear, but…we had our time together. And I have to let go…I have to let you go.”
Cobb’s revelation to his wife Mal and the audience delivers a surprising emotional heartache as Inception comes to a close.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE
“You’re my kids too!”
Mrs. Doubtfire is often regarded as one of the best movies to deal with divorce. Lines like this from Robin Williams’s characters highlight the pain and heartache parents deal with after divorce when they only want to see their kids.
GOOD WILL HUNTING
“It’s not your fault.”
Another emotional line from Robin Williams. When Sean tells Will that the abuse he received as a child isn’t his fault, you want to start crying alongside Matt Damon.
FIELD OF DREAMS
“Hey, Dad, you wanna have a catch?”
How can you not be romantic about baseball?
Okay, wrong baseball movie, but it’s still valid. If you don’t tear up when you hear Ray ask his dad for a game of catch, you might need to check yourself for a pulse.
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
“Tell me I have led a good life. Tell me I’m a good man.”
When old James Ryan says this wife at the grave of Captain Miller, get ready for the waterworks to begin.
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KAHN
Paramount Pictures.
“I have been and always shall be your friend.”
Undoubtedly the best Star Trek movie. Spock’s (at the time) final words to Kirk will make even the most cold-hearted sci-fi fan tear up.
EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
“In another life, I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you.”
The most recent movie on the list, Everything Everywhere All At Once, is a masterpiece that packs dialogue ready to punch you right in the feels.
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Some of our favorite films are the ones we went into with no expectations. Despite this, they blew us away from start to finish.
17 Movies With Zero Expectations That Blew Us Away
Read More From Us – Classic 80s Movies Better Than Anything Released Today
The 80s was an incredible time for film. From award-winning cinema to hilarious comedies and everything in between, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Thankfully, many of these 80s movies still hold up today. I regularly find myself watching these beloved 80s movies more often than modern cinema.
