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Thursday January 01, 2009

SF’s 26 Greatest Tearjerkers (1)

1 STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN
Spock’s death and funeral

Star Trek was never designed to break our hearts. Sure, something lodged in our eyes as Joan Collins became roadkill in City On The Edge Of Forever, but that was a modest crack in the old ticker compared to the sheer emotional carnage of Spock’s death in Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan. It’s a masterclass in audience manipulation that’s genuinely moving, building from the moment we see the Vulcan leave his chair and slip from the bridge of the Enterprise, quietly aware of what he must do, the inevitable sacrifice that will save his ship. The needs of the many, outweighing the needs of the one. By the time Kirk confronts his radiation-ravaged comrade in engineering our eyes are prickling at the human weight of this drama – Star Trek has moved from the epic expanse of the final frontier to two old friends, separated by glass, saying goodbye one last time (or so it seemed – perhaps the franchise should have been braver and ended here… but then as Spock was so fond of saying, there are always possibilities). The stiff military funeral that follows is the capper. Yes, the sight of Scotty puffing on the ancestral pipes summons a smirk if you’re in the mood, but just listen to James Horner’s elegiac riff on Amazing Grace as Spock’s photon torpedo coffin soars to the reborn Genesis Planet. It’s a moment at once grief-stricken and triumphant, the culmination of a movie that’s traded on themes of age, sacrifice, loss and renewal – and the perfect tribute to a fallen SF icon. You can cry. It’s the logical thing to do.

Blublines: “Of my friend, I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most... human.”

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Posted by Dave Golder [Features] ( Thursday January 01, 2009 )

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Comments:

For many Buffy fans, Tara's death would be near the top of the list for tearjerking moments, but for me it is the scene on Kingman's Bluff where Xander confronts Dark Willow and shows the world what true love and friendship is. No matter what she's done; no matter what her intentions are, Xander loves Willow. It's as simple as that. And that love and simplicity saves Willow and the world. Makes me cry every time.

Posted by Oreadno1 (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 02:34 PM BST #

This is the #1 tearjerker? Oh brother. Whereas I was thinking, Gee, I wonder how they are going to make him come back.

I'll take "The Gift" from Buffy as #1 myself.

Posted by ff2017 (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 03:15 PM BST #

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who cried at Iron Giant.

Posted by Friend Mouse (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 03:30 PM BST
Website: http://www.friendmouse.blogspot.com #

"I made a promise mister Frodo...."

Gets me every time.

Posted by Pete (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 03:59 PM BST #

Actually cried all over again reading number 7. Why can't she stay? WAH!

Posted by Lori (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 04:27 PM BST #

Fantastic list - Spock's death gets me every time and I've only been able to watch Fred's demise in Angel once (far too traumatic to watch it again). But where is the final scene of 'Starman' - surely one of the most underrated tearjerking SF scenes?

Posted by Mr T (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 04:32 PM BST #

If you can include "It's a Wonderful Life" surely there's room for "A Christmas Carol"? The death of Tiny Tim wrecks me every time. Especially the Muppet version. Who knew fabric could effect you like that?

Posted by Henrik's (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 04:58 PM BST #

just reading the iron giant description had me welling up. But id also include the death of Doyle in that list....an amazing sacrifice made more poignant by the funny/achinginly sad advert he filmed at the end and his farewell to the camera

Posted by si (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 05:41 PM BST #

What I want to know is why didn't the death of 2000AD's Johnny Alpha make it onto the list ?

Posted by Zarbi Supremo (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 07:42 PM BST #

Anya's rant in "The Body" makes me cry every time I watch it. Every. Single. Time. Have never had a show touch me that deeply, before or since, Sci-Fi or no.

Posted by Cap'n Neurotic (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 07:46 PM BST
Website: http://infinitemonkeycrisis.blogspot.com/ #

The ending of Starman was actually number 27

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on August 18, 2009 at 08:02 PM BST #

Missed a few. Buffy killing Angel at the end of season 2. Cordelia leaving Angel in that show's 100th episode. Both of them should be on the list somewhere.

Posted by Tom (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 08:04 PM BST
Website: http://theryancokeexperience.wordpress.com #

Books, TV and films, but no great comic book moments?

For me, I was punched in the gut by GIANT SIZED ASTONISHING X-MEN. Even Emma Frost cried over Kitty's death.

Posted by Sean Harry (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 08:22 PM BST
Website: http://www.starfury.co.uk #

Sorry, but "close your eyes" and then stab you to hell is the most powerful scene Whedon's ever wrote. After watching all of season two, that moment does cause you to go all blubberly, then you're dead inside.

Posted by Cheeseman (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 08:28 PM BST #

I agree with Tom and Cheeseman, Buffy killing Angel should've at least been on that list, if not at the top. It was so heartbreaking.

Was glad to see Anya's speech and Fred and Wesleys deaths in there though (:

Posted by Starlight (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 09:22 PM BST #

Wow...Hole in the World kills me at the end with that song & Wesley packing her office, the guys mourning her & then the flashback of Fred leaving her folks in Texas to head off to the city of Angels. I break down every time.

Posted by Michele (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 09:35 PM BST #

From #7 on, I was tearing up. I would have been bawling, but sheer force of will kept me from making a complete fool of myself at work. I don't know how my campers would have reacted if they looked up from their snacks, and all I could say was, "WHY CAN'T SHE STAY?"

Posted by Alice (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 09:49 PM BST #

Does The Road count? If so then the ending to that book has to be the saddest moment ever. Heartbreaking and desolate as the father faces the ultimate tragic dilemna.

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on August 18, 2009 at 10:08 PM BST #

Awww, COME ON. You have Armageddon in there with the "The Broken Promise" but not the scenes where

1) Chick leaves the shuttle model for his son
2) Chick's son, on seeing Chick at the launch on TV, says "mommy, it's that salesman", and his mom says "that's not a salesman, that's your daddy", and
3) the reunion at the end?

Not even a man MADE of neutronium cannot feel their lip tremble when those scenes come on!

Posted by The Patent Dragon (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 10:26 PM BST
Website: http://www.twitter.com/patentdragon #

Donna's end on Doctor Who was heartbreaking. She didn't die but went back to thinking she was worthless, which brings tears to my eyes every time.

Posted by xaverie (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 10:33 PM BST #

I cry every time I watch Spock die, even though I know it's coming. Shame Buffy sending Angel to hell wasn't in the list, it's the music that does it.

Posted by Ashley (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 10:50 PM BST #

The line from "The Two Towers" that always makes me cry is Treebeard's anguished "A wizard should know better!" Jesus, that one made me BAWL the first time I heard it, and it still gets me teary-eyed. What a cry of despair from the natural world, an accusation aimed straight at us for the horror we've wrought.

Posted by Serai (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 10:56 PM BST #

While I agree with number one (When I hear Kirk's voice break I well up everytime. Even though I know Spock comes back).

It's the death of Wash in "Serenity" that truly, truly hurts me. I remember watching it in the theater. I sat there just as shocked as Zoe. It was like watching your best friend die. I was not expecting it. Even though the movie went on my head was still on that scene. I walked out furious at Joss. To this day I cannot watch that scene.

After the film, I saw an interview with Joss on the internet. He said, "I don't make things that people like. I make things that people love." After that I forgave him a little, because he was right. Thank you Joss.

Posted by Kristopher G. (127.0.0.1) on August 18, 2009 at 11:13 PM BST #

Although there's quite a bit of scorn for it, "A.I." (Artificial Intelligence) should be on this list too, considering how almost the whole movie is a real downer, then at the very end, it does a complete 180 and we are both overjoyed and melancholic (but still crying like babies). Also, "The Fountain" has several scenes that bring out the waterworks!

Posted by jrcortez (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 02:20 AM BST #

I had a lump in my throat for every one of the ones listed here that I knew, with even tears for Quantum Leap, ET & Spock's funeral. But then I read the comment by The Patent Dragon (additional Armageddon list), #2 ("That's your daddy") and I lost it completely. Thank you.

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on August 19, 2009 at 02:22 AM BST #

Oops, 127.0.0.1 ("I had a lump in my throat...") was me. I filled out the comment section first and then sent it without filling in the name, etc.

Posted by Izzardfan (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 02:24 AM BST
Website: http://www.twitter.com/Izzardfan #

An absolutely artificial, overwrought, and thoroughly awful movie like Armageddon showed up on this list!!! I cried after the film, when I realized I'd spent good money on it! And what about Edith Keeler's death in City on the Edge of Forever? Klaatu's departure in Day the Earth Stood Still? Even the death of the Ymir in 20 Million Miles to Earth was sadder then Armageddon!!

Posted by Chris Eilenstine (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 02:42 AM BST #

Blake's 7 ending not included in the list? Fucking travesty.

Posted by CringlebertFistybuns (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 03:25 AM BST #

I know that there are a million and one tearjerker scenes in Buffy / Angel but I can't believe the end of I Will Remember You isn't part of the list I don't know if it is just cause I'm a hopeless Buffy Angel shipper but I cried.

Posted by Theatregeek (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 04:44 AM BST #

The ending of Big Fish was a real tearjerker...I was in the cinema with my mum and sister and all three of us were blubbing like babies by the end of the film.

Oh, and Wall-E was sad when it looked like he'd been fried into oblivion, and then worse when he looked to have been reset to factory settings.

Oh! And that last scene of Blake's 7, and Aeries' death in Finan Fantasy VII, and....

Posted by David McGiveron (aka unifoon) (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 10:33 AM BST #

Definately agree with number one. Spocks death gets me every time. I would have Doomsday further up though and the saddest moment on TV for me (never mind just Buffy) had to be when Buffy stabs Angel. "Close your eyes..." I'm welling up just thinking about it. Heartbreaking.

(If you do this chart again next year, I wonder if a certain to-be-screened regeneration scene in Doctor Who might well be the new number one???)

Posted by Jo (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 12:22 PM BST #

Am I the only person who cried (and still sniffles hard) at the ending of CS Lewis's The Last Battle? Somehow, realising they're all in heaven just seems to make it worse!

Posted by Maria (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 12:47 PM BST #

Unsurprised that there's no comic book moments in there, as I don't think static pictures on a page can ever convey a weepy moment in quite the same way. Also TV and film are always going to have a greater audience, thereby meaning the majority of votes will be in that medium.

Am surprised that Field of Dreams isn't in there though. The final moments when Ray get to play baseball with his Dad are extremely moving. The one true male equivalent of a chick flick imo.

Posted by Hugh Jass (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 01:01 PM BST #

For me, the #1 was when Buffy was given her "Class Protector" award.

Posted by Chris Johnston (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 01:16 PM BST
Website: http://facebook.com/chris.johnston2 #

the scene in futrama where seymour waits for fry gets me everytime. :( *sniff* i'm just glad of benders big score, where the fry clone is with seymour the last few years of his life

Posted by rodders (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 01:44 PM BST #

Michael Caine's death scene in 'Children of Men' gets me every time.

Posted by Voyager Hater (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 02:34 PM BST #

Oh, but there are so many scenes from Buffy. The Class Protector Award brings me to tears every time, and the ending of the second season when she has to kill Angel and then has nothing left to stay for, not to mention when eveyone chooses Faith over her in the last season, and Spike's speech... One I love dearly, the point where her mother is in hospital, and Buffy is doing the dishes, and breaks down in tears because this is a safe place to cry, with her back to everyone... So simple, and completely without any immediate sacrifices or deaths or anything, just the big siter who finally finds a place where she can be alone, and let go. Have to say it got to me, as I have done just the same. But of all the teary and heartwrenching moments, it's still the ending of the sixth season that gets to me the most. Xander reasons with Dark Willow, and finally breaks through her grief and makes her cry... I cry like a baby everytime. It's the most beautiful picture of friendship and grief I know of.

Posted by Engeline (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 02:46 PM BST
Website: http://pellinor-engeline.blogspot.com/ #

Reading this at work was probably not the best of plans. Maybe I can blame allergies...

Posted by Mia (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 04:44 PM BST #

Another big one people missed out on was from the second season of Buffy, when Angel killed Jenny Calendar by snapping her neck. The sad part was when Giles got home, and saw candles, rose petals et al leading up to the bedroom. Thinking it was a romantic thing (the couple was just about to reconcile), Giles went upstairs to find Jenny dead.

Part 2 of that is at the end of the episode, when Giles went after Angel, and Buffy saved him. She cried and hugged him and said he wasn't allowed to leave her because she can't do it alone.

Posted by Tom (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 04:47 PM BST
Website: http://theryancokeexperience.wordpress.com #

One more vote for 'The Body', but the bit that makes me gulp every time is nearer the start when Buffy inadvertently uses the words 'the body' and suddenly realises she's talking about her mom.

Posted by MikeR (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 05:06 PM BST #

Got to agree with the number 1 choice here. Many episodes of Buffy left me with something in my eye (Jenny Calendar's death, Buffy sending Angel to Hell, Joyce's demise) but even after all these years the end of The Wrath of Kahn see reduces me to a blubbing wreck.

The whole scene between Kirk and Spock in Engineering leading to Sock's death is bad enough, but then the funeral scene where Kirk is struggling to hold it together as his voice cracks just hits you again. And then the final whammy is McCoy's last line as they look at the newly forming Genesis planet - "He's really not dead, as long as we remember him" - that gets me every time.

Damn, I'm getting sniffly just thinking about it!

Posted by Barry (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 05:17 PM BST #

There many many tear-jerking moments throughout the Buffy/Angel universe... including -
Angel walking away at the end of BTVS season 3 in Graduation pt 2, also in season 3 Amends,
Buffy: What about me? I love you so much... And I tried to make you go away... I killed you and it didn't help And I hate it! I hate that it's so hard... and that you can hurt me so much. I know everything that you did, because you did it to me. Oh, God! I wish that I wished you dead. I don't. I can't.

But I think above all else. the most heart-wrenching episode will always be Angel Season 1: I Will Remember You.
To have your dreams come true only to have it wrenched away from you, makes me weep everytime!

Posted by Citrine (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 06:17 PM BST #

I am so glad I was not the only one who got upset by that episode of Futurama.

And why isn't the Doctor regenerating into Colin Baker on the top tear jerk list?

Posted by MrMatt (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 06:19 PM BST #

I'm saddened that no one here recalls Robert J Young's "The Dandelion Girl." The bastards at SciFi.com took down the story and I cannot forgive that. I found another copy online at the link above, but I can't say how stable this link is. This story is an absolute tear-jerker that's perfect for any kind of romantic occasion, and remains a classic.

Posted by Mr Hand (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 06:54 PM BST
Website: http://www.wattpad.com/121643 #

I'm blown away that Blade Runner wasn't on this list. Rutger Hauer's speech at the end.

"All these moments will be lost... in time... like tears... in the rain. Time to die."

That always gets me choked up.

Posted by Jochen (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:02 PM BST #

--SPOILER ALERT--

My big one was "The Positronic Man" (the book, not the movie version with Robin Williams) At the end when he dies next to his wife, right before they declare him a human, and his marriage valid. The question still remains if he has a "Soul" and therefore was able to see the outcome of the proceedings. It still gets me a bit thinking about it. This was one of many cases where the book was 1000x times better than the movie. You owe it to yourself to read it.

Posted by GhrayFahx (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:03 PM BST #

Don't pretend I didn't make you cry at the reverse aging story in Hyperion. Put me on the list.

Posted by Dan Simmons (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:06 PM BST #

How about when Crichton dies in Aeryn's arms on Farscape and says "I've never felt better".

That one gets me.

Posted by Crichton (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:12 PM BST #

This list seriously sucks.

First of all, what list can use 3-4 different quotes from a couple of shows, making up 1/3 of the list? If you MUST include more than one from a single franchise, make them a "tie".

Secondly, in what f**king universe is "It's a Wonderful Life" sci-fi? Or Armageddon? Just because it's in space doesn't make it sci-fi. That's a disaster movie and contains little-to-no actual sci-fi. (That, and no one, I mean no one cries over Bruce Willis. SERIOUSLY!)

Third, the two LoTR picks are lame. What about the deaths of Boromir, or Theoden's? Or Faramir? Seriously.

How about some obvious ones you missed:
- The ending of Stranger Than Fiction
- Blade Runner's ending
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - the breakup
- Star Wars V: Han into Carbonite (CHEWY CRIES!), or VI: Ewoks getting blasted by the ATSTs. (Or III: When the entire fan community cries at how bad the new trilogy turned out.)
- The ending of Brazil. Or nearly every other scene in Brazil during fantasy sections.
- Why not anime? I could list moments from 3 or 4 Miyazaki films that are heart-gripping.

Posted by Ron (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:17 PM BST
Website: http://secondtense.blogspot.com #

Most people probably don't remember this movie, but when I was a kid, I cried during "Batteries not Included" when the little robot started to help put the mosaic back together, one tile at a time.

Posted by Sean (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:20 PM BST #

I had about lost hope until I saw Jochen's entry. I find it hard to believe Rutger Hauer's Roy Baty in Blade Runner did not make the list for his death soliloquy:

"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I've watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those... moments will be lost in time... like... tears... in rain. Time... to die.".

Even after 27 years it still sends shivers up and down my spine.

Posted by Jaye (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:37 PM BST #

How about the scene in the series finale of Battlestar Galactica in which Gaius Baltar comes to terms with his farming roots? That one scene alone made him my favourite character of the series.

Posted by Ryan (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:46 PM BST #

Nothing from Farscape? Die Me, Dichotomy, when Crichton (as controlled by the Scorpy chip) chases down and 'kills' Aeryn - while struggling to get control of himself to stop it? *sob*

Posted by Kat (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:49 PM BST #

I'm surprised that i didn't see ANYTHING from the movie Sunshine on this list. That entire movie is nothing but an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.

Posted by MrNotSoBright (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 07:49 PM BST #

Uh... what about AI?

Blue Fairy (that should have been the end)
Or mom dumping him on the side and then shoving him away. *sniff*

Posted by Named (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:07 PM BST #

For comics, what about Walking Dead, which is one long shock/cry fest. Worst, though, is when the Governor overruns the prison. I thought that whole issue was a joke or a dream. Apocalypse is no fun :(

Posted by Stone (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:08 PM BST #

what about LOST. That show is more science fiction every year. SOOOO many tear jerk moments, where to begin?

Posted by Brian (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:23 PM BST
Website: http://outjogging.com #

What about in Stargate SG1 when Dr. Frasier died..

Posted by usf (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:30 PM BST #

No mention of Dragon Heart? The ending where he has to force his best mate to kill him to stop the evil. The music helps with the tear push too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA80Gags6XE&feature=related

Posted by praisecanti (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:33 PM BST #

Good list. Some others I didn't see.

Positronic Man (book) or Bicentennial Man (film) - When he dies next to his wife after being declared human.
Contact - When she talks to her father on the beach.
The Fountain - Izzy dies.
Powder
Wall-E
Sunshine

Posted by chupon (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:36 PM BST #

I feel kinda cheated.

Spock dying. BORING.
I agree with a lot of your choices, as predictable as some of them are, but what about "Forest of the Dead"? I can't even think about that episode without welling up. And Toshiko and Owen at number 19? Have you no souls?!

Although, thinking about it... For all you "older" viewers, Kirk being racist about Spock while Scotty murders the bagpipes probably was the most tearjerking thing you ever saw.

Posted by Bobcat (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:38 PM BST #

How about 1968's "Charly" (Flowers for Algernon) or "2001: A Space Odyssey"? Both feature an extreme intelligences self-aware decline.

Posted by Dave (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:41 PM BST #

Gotta agree with Brian. Where is the LOST episode, "The Constant"? Time Travel and Penelope Widmore? That's a no-brainer.

Posted by Mike (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:46 PM BST #

Thank you for including "Sleeping In Light" - I've never met a B5 fan who didn't break down over the scene where Sheridan leaves. It's simply one of the most beautiful and poignant moments ever put to film, easily equal to any of the rest of this list.

Posted by Adam (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 08:55 PM BST #

Wall-E, Gattaca, BSG, & The Fountain should be on this list too.

Posted by Johnny (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 09:21 PM BST #

I saw Terminator 2 when I was really young, maybe 7 or 8 years old, in theaters. Needless to say that scene made cry - not the now-lovable Terminator! Cameron is a master.

And whoever mentioned The Fountain, I agree, I would have voted for that. That entire movie is incredibly sad.

Posted by TX (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 09:41 PM BST #

Most of these films are not science fiction at all, but fantasy. Lord of the Rings, Angel, Wonderful Life and Buffy especially. NOT SF. Not even a tiny bit.

Posted by Elwood Herring (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 09:48 PM BST #

To this day I can't watch that episode of futurama. I don't know what makes it so much worse than the rest, but it's the only one I don't want to see again. For me, the top two were this episode and sheridans' morning ride. They are extremely compelling.

Posted by aspeo (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 10:05 PM BST #

Ah yes, the Fountain would be another great addition to this list. Rather surreal Sci-Fi/Fantasy, but incredibly moving.

Posted by 127.0.0.1 on August 19, 2009 at 10:12 PM BST #

Holy crap, has the author watched ANY of these movies? Optimus Prime wasn't voiced by Orson Welles (the bad guy was). Arnold didn't sacrifice himself to kill the T-1000, the T-1000 is already dead.

Posted by Dave (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM BST #

I can't believe they missed the scene when Han Solo is being frozen in Carbonite as Chewbacca wails.

Posted by Jason (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 10:34 PM BST #

I would have to say that my #1 tearjerking moment in Sci-Fi has to be the end of Gattaca where Jerome reaches through the door of the incinerator and pulls the switch. Then Vincent opens the card and realizes what his friend as done. Tied with Michael Nyman's score it's an incredible moment and chokes me up every time.

Posted by FSkornia (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 11:17 PM BST #

I get dust in my eye with a bit of good old fashioned bravery.

In Serenity :

Jayne dragging Kayleigh away from her failing engine - long after hope is lost.

When Kayleigh realises that Simon has feelings for her - "With me? You mean to say... as in sex? [...] To Hell with this. I'm gonna live"

Posted by Rob (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 11:39 PM BST #

Yeah, Doomsday and Journey's End really got me bad, but the one I agree is really missing in SG-1 when Dr. Fraisier died. It wasn't so much when they found out she died, as it the eulogy.

Posted by Rhawk187 (127.0.0.1) on August 19, 2009 at 11:57 PM BST #

The saddest thing I've seen on film is that poor scrawny cat wandering through the ruins of a nuclear holocaust in "Allegro Non Troppo."

Although the death of "King Kong" is up there, too.

Posted by greg cox (127.0.0.1) on August 20, 2009 at 05:12 AM BST
Website: http://www.gregcox-author.com #

Oh heavens, "Allegro Non Troppo". I saw it two or three times but after the first I left the theater for the cat. The very thought devastates me.

Posted by Faith (127.0.0.1) on August 20, 2009 at 06:10 AM BST #

I first saw Silent Running on TV at my Grandmother's house, I might have been 10 years old and it was around Christmas time. I wept on my bed for an hour after it was finished, so upset about the poor robot left all on its own for all eternity. I can still feel the horror I felt at the time. My mother was totally perplexed and my grandmother insisted I had eaten too much at dinner! I think this was the start of my love affair with science fiction.

Posted by RED (127.0.0.1) on August 20, 2009 at 10:15 AM BST #

agree with alot on the list, always going to be missing some, cos theres only 26!
Biggest bit from Serenity for me? River's break-down on Miranda when they've just found the first bodies "please god make me a stone" and the recorded message...that scream

Posted by jacq (127.0.0.1) on August 20, 2009 at 02:46 PM BST #

Awesome list. I agree with so much of it. The only one I really, really hate is when the Doctor takes every bit of choice away from Donna and destroys her, entirely against her will. I will never, ever forgive them for that, and I will never be able to see it as anything but a betrayal of the most despicable sort. It definitely cemented the Doctor in my mind as basely selfish, no matter how many times he saves the universe.

The rest of them though, spot on! At least the ones I've seen. I'm all sniffly now just remembering them.

Posted by Rachel (127.0.0.1) on August 20, 2009 at 10:21 PM BST #

What about when Lana Lang takes kryptonite into her body in smallville?

Posted by Stephan page (127.0.0.1) on August 21, 2009 at 05:27 AM BST #

i know the genre is wrong, but i have to mention the end to cool runnings,when they carry the toboggan over the line and the crowd is standing silently watching.

Posted by sean (127.0.0.1) on August 22, 2009 at 07:57 AM BST #

HIGHLANDER!!!
Not the sequels or the series...
The moment when Connor Macleod has been living his peaceful, happy life with his wife, and they show you various scenes as time progresses, but then you suddenly see her face and see that though he hasn't aged, she is now getting very old, while Queen play "Who wants to live forever.......when love must die..." and then she has died.
I struggled to even type that lot.
None of the travesties that the later films were or could ever have been can ever make that scene less moving.

Posted by Jonathan (127.0.0.1) on August 22, 2009 at 12:13 PM BST #

I love this list. The Body, Hole In The World and Seymour waiting for Fry make the top of my list. Also Doyle's death in Angel and Fool for Love with Spike and Buffy on the porch... gets me every time.

Posted by Tara (127.0.0.1) on September 19, 2009 at 02:08 PM BST
Website: http://taradaneese.blogspot.com/ #

No Stargate? I think that Daniel Jackson's death in "Meridian," Janet Frasier's funeral, the scene on the pier with Rodney McKay talking to Carson Beckett after Beckett's funeral, and the entire SGA episode "The Shrine" should have been included on the list.

Posted by Sandra (127.0.0.1) on October 15, 2009 at 06:59 AM BST #

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