Poll reveals the most emotional movie scenes of all time

From saying goodbye to Marley in Marley & Me to The Notebook's devastating ending scene - here's the definitive list of all-time tear-jerkers

A nationwide poll of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by Samsung found John Coffey’s last words in The Green Mile and Forrest Gump’s devastating dialogue at Jenny’s grave are among the scenes that really pulled on the nation's heartstrings.

Oskar Schindler breaking down in Schindler’s List and Emma Thompson’s Joni Mitchell scene in Love Actually also ranked highly.

The research was conducted to mark the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, featuring a cinematic 8-inch display, providing sharp details, and richer and brighter contrast to offer a powerful viewing experience, wherever you are.

The survey found a whopping 47 per cent of Brits watch more than five hours of movies on their phone every week, with over a quarter (26 per cent) admitting to streaming at work.

A further 16 per cent say they have watched a film in a bar or restaurant and almost one in ten (9 per cent) have whilst stood in a queue. 

Top 20 Most Emotional Movie Scenes of All Time 

1. Titanic (1997) – “I’ll never let go, Jack”: Rose clings to Jack in their freezing final moments in the Atlantic (67%)
2. The Lion King (1994) – Mufasa’s Death: Simba pleads with his father to wake up after the stampede — pure heartbreak for generations (59%)
3. The Green Mile (1999) – John Coffey’s Execution: “I’m tired, boss…” — a gentle giant’s final moments leave everyone reeling (39%)
4. Forrest Gump (1994) – Forrest at Jenny’s Grave: Forrest shares his love and pride with Jenny, pouring his heart out in a quiet, devastating moment (36%)
5. Schindler’s List (1993) – “I could have done more”: Schindler breaks down with guilt, mourning the lives he couldn’t save despite saving hundreds (35%)
6. Toy Story 3 (2010) – Andy Gives Away His Toys: The final handover of Woody and Buzz — a farewell to childhood that left adults sobbing (32%)
7. Marley & Me (2008) – Saying Goodbye to Marley: A heart-wrenching vet visit and final farewell to the beloved family dog (29%)
8. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – “I’ll be right here”: A glowing finger, a tearful goodbye — the end of a beautiful intergalactic friendship (28%)
9. Love Actually (2003) – Emma Thompson’s Joni Mitchell Scene: A mother realises her husband may be unfaithful — her silent breakdown is unforgettable (26%)
10. Up (2009) – Carl and Ellie’s Life Montage: A wordless sequence of a lifetime of love, dreams, and sorrow in just a few minutes (23%)
11. The Notebook (2004) – The Ending Scene: An elderly couple die peacefully, hand-in-hand, reunited in memory and love (20%)
12. Billy Elliot (2000) – Dad Watches Billy Dance: A father, once against ballet, watches his son perform — overwhelmed with emotion and pride (14%)
13. Inside Out (2015) – Bing Bong’s Sacrifice: “Take her to the moon for me” — an imaginary friend gives up everything to save Joy (13%)
14. Philadelphia (1993) – Joe’s Final Moments: Family, love, and quiet goodbyes as a life comes to an end far too soon (13%)
15. Good Will Hunting (1997) – “It’s not your fault”: Robin Williams reaches Will with a simple phrase that unlocks years of buried pain (12%)
16. The Fault in Our Stars (2014) – Hazel Reads Augustus’s Letter: A dying teen’s final words to the girl he loved — honest, funny, and crushingly sad (10%)
17. The Pursuit of Happiness (2006) – Chris Gets the Job: After endless struggle and setbacks, Chris is hired — and breaks down in the street (10%)
18. About Time (2013) – Father and Son’s Last Walk: A bittersweet goodbye wrapped in time travel and unconditional love (10%)
19. Atonement (2007) – The Twist Ending: The painful truth: the lovers we rooted for never made it. Fiction was all they had (8%)
20. The Theory of Everything (2014) – Stephen’s Speech Flashback: A soaring reflection on life and science, told through memory and quiet triumph (8%)

When it comes to tear-jerking moments, four in ten say they have been caught crying in public while watching something emotional on their phone, with over a quarter (26 per cent) saying they tried to cover up their tears. 

Age may play a role in our emotional response to movies, with 63 per cent saying they’ve started crying more as they’ve gotten older.

A further 56 per cent say crying at emotional programmes or movies has become more socially acceptable than it used to be, although 18 per cent say it still feels embarrassing. 

The survey also uncovered attitudes towards watching shared movies or programmes ahead of our partners, with a cheeky 42 per cent of us admitting to watching ahead and as few as a third saying they would never do that. 

Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product & Marketing, Samsung UK&I said: “These findings show that people are deeply connected to what they watch – no matter where they are. Whether you’re on a plane, a train, or anywhere in between, a phone screen can deliver that powerful, emotional entertainment experience. The expansive screen of our new Galaxy Z Fold7 promises that immersive viewing experience on the go, whether you are a film fanatic, gamer or a bit of both.”

From Wednesday 9^th July to Sunday 10^th August Samsung is taking over Outernet London with the Galaxy Experience Space. 

The cultural experience will showcase the new Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, giving visitors the chance to be among the first to try out everything they have to offer. 

The space will also play host to interactive zones, exclusive talks, a deep dive into Korean culture, and a chance to win unmissable prizes.  Find out more here.