Sometimes, television delivers moments that are truly breathtaking. These scenes are so emotionally impactful and well-acted that they leave viewers stunned and feeling like they’ve witnessed something unforgettable.
Some TV moments stay with us because they really affect us emotionally – whether it’s a shocking death, a tender farewell, or a loss that feels completely unexpected.
At TopMob, we understand how upsetting it can be to watch truly sad scenes. That’s why we asked our writers to revisit some of the most heartbreaking moments in television and film – from shows like Stranger Things, Doctor Who, EastEnders, and Futurama. Even our most seasoned writers found themselves deeply moved.
If you’re ready to experience the heartache, read on – but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
TV’s 15 saddest scenes ever
1. Sons of Anarchy: Season 5, episode 3 – Laying Pipe
Opie’s Silent Sacrifice
Certain deaths on Sons of Anarchy are truly shocking, while others are deeply sad. But Opie Winston’s death stands out, staying with viewers long after it happens. After SAMCRO is arrested, Damon Pope insists on someone paying for his daughter’s death. Without hesitation, Opie sacrifices himself, knowing it will cost him his life.
Okay, so there’s this moment with Opie and Jax… it’s just a look, but it absolutely crushes you. It’s like their entire history, all the loyalty and everything they’ve been through, is packed into this single, silent goodbye. Then, things go from bad to horrific. Opie’s thrown into a cage fight, and honestly, it’s brutal. Watching Jax, Tig, and Chibs just stand there, helpless, as he’s beaten… it’s awful. The sound of the pipes hitting him is almost secondary to the sheer devastation on Jax’s face. You can see the disbelief, the complete brokenness… it’s a really tough scene.
Opie’s death is the emotional heart of the show, a moment that deeply affects Jax. It’s a painful illustration that even strong bonds of loyalty and love aren’t enough to protect people within the dangerous world of SAMCRO, making it a truly heartbreaking scene. – Ifra Khan
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 5, episode 16 – The Body
Buffy finds her mother dead at home
After five years of battling demons and protecting the world, Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) returns home to a devastating discovery: her mother has passed away. It wasn’t caused by a supernatural force, but by a sudden and unexpected brain aneurysm. Buffy approaches her mother’s body and softly calls out, “Mom? Mommy?”
This episode is powerfully moving thanks to both the actors’ emotional performances – especially Sarah Michelle Gellar – and its simple, stripped-down style. It avoids typical elements like music or a major villain, instead relying on long, uninterrupted shots that fully immerse us in Buffy’s grief. The opening four-minute take, in particular, is incredibly realistic and deeply affecting as Buffy desperately tries to save her mother.
Gellar praised the entire team, calling their work on the moving and heartbreaking show a true collaborative effort, as reported by Josh Winning.
3. This Is Us: Season 2, episode 24 – Super Bowl Sunday
Jack dies saving his family in a house fire
It’s rare to watch an episode of Dan Fogelman’s This Is Us without shedding a tear, but the one showing how Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) died was particularly emotional. We’ve known since the beginning of the series that Jack dies, leaving behind his wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and their children Kevin, Kate, and Randall, but the details of his death remained a mystery until now.
The tragedy is made even more heartbreaking by the fact that it was preventable. Earlier in the season, Rebecca asked Jack to remind her to buy batteries for the smoke detector, but they both overlooked it. When a malfunctioning slow cooker starts a fire, the family isn’t alerted right away because of the dead batteries. Jack bravely rushes to get Rebecca, Kate, and Randall to safety (Kevin was away from home), and then runs back inside to save their dog.
Everyone rushes to the hospital, but Jack tragically suffers a heart attack. Rebecca reacts with disbelief, initially refusing to accept the news until she sees him in the hospital, a powerfully acted scene by Moore. Jack’s death deeply impacts the show throughout its final season, explored through memories, the grief of those who loved him, and the lasting impression of his complex, yet admirable, character. (Laura Rutkowski)
4. EastEnders: 2nd April 2009
A mother-daughter reunion cut short
The emotional scene of Samantha Womack’s character, Ronnie Mitchell, finding her daughter Danielle Jones, only to have her quickly taken away by Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), was unforgettable for viewers. Over the past two years, fans had learned about Ronnie’s heartbreaking past, and recently discovered that the daughter she thought was gone had actually been living nearby, trying to connect with her before revealing their relationship.
The shocking truth came out when Ronnie finally believed Danielle wasn’t imagining things, especially after seeing a locket Danielle had given her baby years ago. This storyline had been incredibly emotional, but this moment cemented Ronnie’s place as one of the most tragic characters in EastEnders history. I remember crying as Danielle finally called Ronnie ‘Mum’. – Lewis Knight
5. The Sandman: Season 2, episode 6 – Family Blood
The fate of Orpheus
Love can drive people to do unbelievable things. In the story of Orpheus, it meant disregarding the advice of his family and making a deal to become immortal, even if it meant going to the Underworld, all to try and bring his wife back from the dead. Sadly, Orpheus failed to save Eurydice, and in his grief, he was killed by the Maenads. But instead of finding peace, he was cursed to exist as a disembodied, talking head, forever longing to be reunited with his beloved.
Overwhelmed by his circumstances, he pleads with Dream to end his pain, but his father initially refuses. After centuries of separation, Dream realizes his son will never find happiness on Earth and finally grants him peace, bringing an end to years of torment. Their relationship is a deeply tragic yet ultimately redemptive story – a complex bond between father and son, marked by anger, love, regret, and a final, bittersweet peace. Taina Popoola
6. 24: Season 5, episode 12 – Day 5: 6:00pm–7:00pm
Edgar Styles’s tragic end
The show 24 doesn’t shy away from shocking moments, as seen with the death of Edgar Styles in season five – an episode many fans consider a highlight. The season begins with a devastating terrorist attack on CTU: nerve gas is released into the building’s air conditioning system, quickly spreading throughout.
Jack Bauer and his team finally reach a secure safe room, but the relief is short-lived. The scene cuts to Styles, a familiar face from CTU, running through an abandoned office. He spots Chloe O’Brian, and their emotional reunion is heartbreaking. He simply says her name, and she can only respond with a silent, tearful reaction before he breaks down.
The show famously uses a ‘silent clock’ – a moment of quiet – fourteen times throughout its run. Usually, these moments aren’t completely silent, but are paired with other sounds. The only exception is when Edgar dies, which is emphasized by complete and striking silence. – Michael Potts
7. One Day: Episode 14
Emma’s death shatters the Mayhews
Okay, so I just finished watching this, and honestly, even knowing the story from the book and the previous movie didn’t soften the blow. After a really strong twelve episodes where you’re rooting for these characters to finally find happiness together, they do… for one episode. And then, boom. One of them is gone. But it wasn’t just the death itself that got to me, it was what happened afterwards. Seeing Dexter and his dad both trying to cope with losing their wives was absolutely devastating. It’s just… heartbreaking to watch them navigate life without the people they loved.
The Mayhew family home, once full of life, now feels cold and empty without Emma’s humor and Alison’s kindness. Memories of warm Christmases from years ago only emphasize the deep sadness and emptiness the men are feeling. While father and son find some solace in sharing their grief, Emma’s loss feels particularly painful for Dexter, and seeing him cry in bed is heartbreaking. – Alex Berry
8. Grey’s Anatomy: Season 2, episode 7 – Losing My Religion
Izzie and Denny’s final moments together
In the season two finale of the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, Izzie Stevens (played by Katherine Heigl) falls in love with one of her patients, Denny Duquette Jr. (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), who needs a heart transplant. The transplant seems to go well, and Denny proposes to Izzie, who happily accepts. However, while Izzie is getting ready for prom, Denny unexpectedly suffers a stroke and passes away.
It was a deeply moving scene when the team found Izzie in her pink prom dress, refusing to leave Denny’s side after he had passed away. They struggled with what to do as Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” played softly in the background. Alex gently reminded Izzie that the person on the bed was no longer Denny, and carefully lifted her away, comforting her as she broke down in tears. Everyone was overcome with emotion.
9. Stranger Things: Season 2, episode 8 – Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer
Bob Newby’s death
Stranger Things is known for its shocking and heartbreaking scenes, and many fans agree that the death of Bob Newby was the most devastating. Introduced as Joyce’s boyfriend in season 2, Sean Astin’s character quickly became a fan favorite before his tragic end.
Bob was always willing to go above and beyond for anyone who needed it – fixing tech issues, helping with costumes, or just lending a non-judgmental ear. He was the supportive partner Joyce had always wanted, and a father figure Will and Jonathan never knew. So, when he was tragically killed by a Demodog while bravely helping everyone at Hawkins Lab (right in front of Joyce, no less), I was devastated by the Duffer brothers’ decision to inflict such pain. Though I’ve accepted the fates of other characters, I still haven’t forgiven them for killing Bob. – Abby Robinson
10. Twin Peaks: Season 3, episode 15 – There’s Some Fear in Letting Go
Margaret Lanterman’s last scene
The 2017 revival of Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, didn’t offer fans simple nostalgia. Instead, it put its main character, FBI agent Dale Cooper played by Kyle MacLachlan, in a strange and difficult situation for most of its 18 episodes. Cleverly, for a highly anticipated reboot, the show focused on the idea that time moves in one direction and the past can’t be changed.
Catherine E. Coulson, a friend of David Lynch since the 1970s, famously played the eccentric Margaret Lanterman, or the “Log Lady,” in the original Twin Peaks series in the early 1990s. Her return in The Return was particularly poignant; Coulson was battling cancer at the time and filmed her scenes at home. Though her hair was short and thin and she required an oxygen tube, she was beautifully presented for her final acting role.
In episode 15, Margaret, visibly shaken, reveals to Deputy Hawk that she is dying. She shares a poignant thought: “There’s some fear in letting go.” This short, peaceful scene, set at night, is deeply moving, as noted by Calum Baker.
11. The Royle Family: 2006 special – The Queen of Sheba
A quiet goodbye in The Royle Family
Caroline Aherne, a brilliant writer known for capturing life in the North West, had a remarkable ability to see both the flaws and the heartwarming qualities within ordinary working-class families. This talent was especially clear in ‘The Queen of Sheba,’ a 2006 episode of ‘The Royle Family’ that poignantly depicted the failing health of Nana, played by Liz Smith, who was the heart of the show.
A particularly poignant scene sees Barbara gently setting her mother’s hair in rollers – a quiet goodbye between them, played out without spoken words, accompanied by the song ‘Que Sera, Sera’. In a show known for finding humor in everyday life, this moment feels deeply moving, as the roles between mother and daughter seem to reverse, with Barbara now caring for her mother and helping her maintain dignity in her final days. – David Brown
12. Futurama: Season 4, episode 7 – Jurassic Bark
Fry’s dog waits forever
The power of a story often comes down to when you experience it, not just how well it’s told. I remember being 19 and away at school when I watched a particularly emotional episode of Futurama, called ‘Jurassic Bark,’ and it really hit me hard.
The story centers on Fry, a man who’s been frozen and woken up 1,000 years in the future. He discovers the fossilized remains of Seymour, his beloved dog from the 20th century, and wonders what became of him. Fry imagines Seymour found a new, loving home and lived a happy life. However, the audience learns the heartbreaking truth: Seymour faithfully waited outside Fry’s old pizza shop for years, enduring the cold and rain, desperately hoping for his owner to return.
Growing up, my family dog resembled Seymour, and my parents believed they even saw him near my old room after I left home. So, it’s not surprising this scene was so emotionally affecting. Thankfully, the writers of Futurama later offered a more positive outcome for Seymour in the episode “Bender’s Big Score,” which helped lessen the pain. Still, “Jurassic Bark” is an episode I usually skip when rewatching the series. – David Craig
13. Doctor Who: Season 19 – Earthshock
The Death of Adric
Delia Derbyshire was a true pioneer. Her work on the Doctor Who theme tune was so effective that despite its initially unsettling sound, it became a comforting sign the episode was over. However, when the character Adric died in the episode ‘Earthshock,’ there was no comfort to be found. While companions had died before, this loss felt particularly profound, and unusually, the closing credits played without music.
I wasn’t unfamiliar with the concept of death – I dimly recalled hearing about John Lennon’s shooting – but dressing up as him for a costume party felt different. Though Doctor Who often involved danger, companions rarely suffered lasting consequences. While I wouldn’t rewatch that particular episode, I appreciate the impact of Adric’s death. It taught me a valuable, if difficult, lesson – that life doesn’t always have happy endings – and it prepared me for the realities I would later face. Gareth McLean
14. The West Wing: Season 2, episode 21/22 – 8th and Potomac/Two Cathedrals
Delores Landingham dies in a car crash
Between 1999 and 2006, Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed series ran for seven seasons, captivating audiences with its portrayal of President Bartlett’s administration and the lives of those who worked within it. While the show featured many powerful moments, the death of President Bartlett’s dedicated personal assistant, Delores Landingham (played by Kathryn Joosten), remains one of the most emotionally impactful for viewers.
She became known as a straightforward, motherly advisor to the president, and a strong protector of his time. It wasn’t shocking that he convinced her to get a new car, but everyone was stunned when she died in a car accident on the drive home from the dealership.
The season finale features the president reflecting on past moments with a significant woman as he considers whether to seek re-election and publicly reveal his multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Widely considered one of the best television episodes ever, its power rests on the story of a straightforward, unassuming woman and a difficult road trip. Tom Folley
15. Angel: Season 1, episode 9 – Hero
Doyle’s final act
As a huge Angel fan, I still get choked up thinking about the ‘Hero’ episode. It features Doyle, played by Glenn Quinn, making this incredibly brave sacrifice – it’s honestly one of the most powerful moments in the whole series. From the beginning, Doyle was such an unexpected friend to Angel, and even though he was a bit of a loner and had his own struggles, he always tried to do the right thing. He had these awful visions sent by the Powers That Be, but he used them to help people, making him a really important moral center for Angel.
Facing destruction, a group of half-human, half-demon beings expects Angel to sacrifice himself for their survival. However, Doyle steps in, bravely taking Angel’s place instead. This selfless act not only saves the hybrids but also makes amends for Doyle’s past and establishes him as a genuine hero.
After Doyle’s death, Angel and Cordelia sadly rewatch an old, cheerful commercial he made for their detective agency. His last line, “Is that it? Am I done?” is now especially heartbreaking. The episode is made even more emotional knowing that the actor who played Doyle, Glenn Quinn, tragically passed away in 2002 at the young age of 32. – Morgan Jeffery
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2025-11-14 11:22