Grab the tissues. A new survey has revealed the ultimate heart-shattering moments in film history, and it’s Titanic’s icy farewell that has Brits sobbing the hardest.
Conducted across 2,000 UK movie lovers, the poll crowned Titanic’s “I’ll never let go, Jack” moment as the most emotional movie scene ever — with a staggering 67% of the vote. Second place went to The Lion King’s soul-crushing moment as Simba grieves over Mufasa (59%).
Meanwhile, The Green Mile, Forrest Gump and Schindler’s List round out the top five with scenes that live rent-free in the hearts (and tear ducts) of audiences everywhere.
Samsung, who commissioned the poll, revealed that 71% of Brits now regularly cry at films they watch on their phones — often in public. With smartphones like the new Galaxy Z Fold7 offering cinematic displays, the emotional hits clearly land just as hard on the go.
🎬 Top 20 Most Emotional Movie Scenes (UK Poll, 2025)
- Titanic (1997) – “I’ll never let go, Jack” 🌊 (67%)
- The Lion King (1994) – Mufasa’s death 🦁 (59%)
- The Green Mile (1999) – “I’m tired, boss…” 💔 (39%)
- Forrest Gump (1994) – Jenny’s grave scene 🎓 (36%)
- Schindler’s List (1993) – “I could have done more” 🕊️ (35%)
- Toy Story 3 (2010) – Andy gives away his toys 🧸 (32%)
- Marley & Me (2008) – Goodbye to Marley 🐶 (29%)
- E.T. (1982) – “I’ll be right here” 👽 (28%)
- Love Actually (2003) – Emma Thompson’s Joni Mitchell breakdown 💔 (26%)
- Up (2009) – Carl & Ellie montage 🎈 (23%)
- The Notebook (2004) – The ending scene 💑 (20%)
- Billy Elliot (2000) – Dad sees Billy dance 👏 (14%)
- Inside Out (2015) – Bing Bong’s sacrifice 😭 (13%)
- Philadelphia (1993) – Joe’s final moments 🕯️ (13%)
- Good Will Hunting (1997) – “It’s not your fault” 🎭 (12%)
- The Fault in Our Stars (2014) – Augustus’s letter ✉️ (10%)
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – Chris gets the job 💼 (10%)
- About Time (2013) – Final walk with Dad ⏳ (10%)
- Atonement (2007) – The truth about Robbie & Cecilia 📖 (8%)
- The Theory of Everything (2014) – Stephen’s reflection scene 🌌 (8%)
📱 Emotional streaming is on the rise: 47% of Brits now watch over five hours of films per week on their phones, with many embracing tears in public spaces.
🎥 Whether it’s a Disney death, a pet goodbye, or a heart-wrenching speech — cinema’s most powerful moments prove that no screen is too small for a good cry.
TRNDR tip: Want a proper sob? Queue up any of the top five and try not to break. We dare you.
