10 Most Heartbreaking Moments From Kids Movies

The best films are the ones that fill the audience with emotion; happiness, laughter, anger, and, of course, sadness. Sadness is equally as important and happiness which is why some of the best films ever made are the ones that make people cry. Even in a giant comic book movie like Avengers: Endgame, crying at certain events made the film more impactful.

It is the same case for children’s movies: sure, they may be for kids but the best ones are those that can hook in the adults too. One way they do this is with tear-worthy scenes that ended up breaking the hearts of generations all over.

10 Abandoning Todd – The Fox And The Hound

Widow Tweed takes her fox Todd into the woods; to keep Amos Slade from hunting him, she leaves Todd behind while she heads home in her car. Meanwhile, Todd just stares in confusion at the Widow as she fades from his view leading to a drastic change in tone for The Fox And The Hound.

This is hard for both involved: Tweed does not want to give up the one bit of family she has. But it’s for his own protection so it breaks her heart despite being for the greater good. Todd on the other hand is experiencing the equivalent of being ditched by his own mother.

9 Anty’s Death – Honey, I Shrunk The Kids

In the fantastical Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, Anty was at first just a means for the kids to make their way through the jungle-like backyard fast. However, Anty ended up bonding with them and became a loyal pet.

When a scorpion attacks, Anty defends his new friends but ends up paying the price with a stab from the scorpion’s tail. As a result, he slowly dies from his wound, leaving the band of kids crying at the loss. Ron Thompson crying the most alongside the audience.

8 Superman – The Iron Giant

The Iron Giant is often called one of the most underrated animated films ever made and for good reason. The titular Iron Giant is a lovable character who was misunderstood by humans, especially Agent Kent Mansley. Mansley ends up firing a missile to kill the giant but would end up killing everyone in the city.

So Giant makes the ultimate sacrifice, saying goodbye to his friend Hogarth before flying off into orbit. He may have come here as a weapon but now he gets to be what he chooses to be. He quietly says, “Superman” before the missile destroys him, saving the people. While the ending shows that Giant ends up living, this scene still broke many hearts on first viewings.

7 Riley Lets Out – Inside Out

It’s apparent Pixar is no stranger to breaking people’s hearts but Inside Out was the one that used it as a moral. That sadness and crying are a healthy part of being human, especially when growing up. Inside Out shows that bottling up emotions is unhealthy; being honest with parents is the best thing one could do.

Riley finally submitting to her sadness is one of the most clever and realistic takes on a child’s frustrations. Most viewers likely experienced similar issues as kids and had trouble speaking up; this relatability is why many parents and kids alike cried along with her.

6 Drowning Of Artax – The Neverending Story

On his journey to stop the Nothing in The Neverending Story, Atreyu traverses through the Swamp Of Sadness. He is able to go through without the swamp taking him but his trusty horse is not so safe. The Swamp begins to sink Artax, much to the horror of Atreyu as he tries his hardest to save his horse.

While it is never shown, Artax sinks until only his head is shown then transitions to afterward as Atreu screams for his friend. Even Sebastian in the real world ends up crying over this scene as it cuts to Atreu sitting alone with mud all over him. Nobody would be blamed if they had to pause the movie for a few minutes.

5 Fall Of Mufasa – The Lion King

Thanks to Scar, Mufasa is trampled by the stampede of wildebeests. Young Simba finds Mufasa’s lifeless body and the audience watches as the lion equivalent of a young boy deals with a loss for the first time in his life and it’s his father. He screams for help, he cries, then just curls up in pure devastation.

It’s such a realistic and heart-wrenching take on death that it is admirable. The Lion King teaches kids that their parents are not immortal and that one day, they will die. Yes, a hard lesson but an important one nonetheless. It also is a scene that broke many kids and adults over the years.

4 The Death Of Littlefoot’s Mother – The Land Before Time

Disney doesn’t hold a candle to Don Bluth who felt the need to make nearly every movie soul-crushingly sad. The entirety of An Amerian Tail and All Dogs Go To Heaven are both sad from beginning to end. Then there’s The Land Before Time which just seems like a fun adventure featuring dinosaurs.

Of course, Don Bluth still devastated kids by showing Littlefoot’s mother being killed by the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Unlike The Lion King, Little Foot gets to watch his mother succumb to her wounds and release her last breath as she gives her final words.

3 Charlotte’s Farewell – Charlotte’s Web

First ants; now spiders, which are usually the source of fear in Hollywood. Whether it’s the classic animated film or the live-action remake, the death of Charlotte is one that creeps up on everyone. Many expect not to be sad over a spider but since Charlotte was such a lovable and loyal friend, it hurts more.

Charlotte spent so long helping Wilbur the pig and turned him into a celebrity so he could not be butchered. However, a spider’s life is not long so in the end, Charlotte passes away leaving Wilbur with her babies. While Charlotte’s death is sad on its own, it’s Wilbur’s reaction that warrants some tissues.

2 So Long, Partner – Toy Story 3

The one that practically filled theaters with buckets of tears. In an astonishing use of happiness and sadness, Toy Story 3 shows Andy drop off his toys to the lovable new girl Bonnie. Before he heads off to college, he has one last playdate with his toys, including Woody and Buzz before he gives them to Bonnie.

It’s beautifully done as the toys finally get to play with Andy again and despite their frozen faces, their joy is still conveyed. Bonnie and Andy’s joy is also adorable to see but when Andy says goodbye forever, it is a sad but perfect ending to the Andy era of Toy Story that many grew up with. Especially with Woody’s now-famous quote: “So long, partner.”

1 Baby Mine – Dumbo

Dumbo’s mother is considered a deranged elephant so she’s locked up, ready to be transferred. So Dumbo sneaks over to share at least one last night with his mother while the song Baby Mine plays over. The use of music and lack of dialogue help convey so much emotion from Mrs. Jumbo and Dumbo.

In Tim Burton’s remake, it’s technically even sadder since Dumbo actually watches Jumbo get taken away before he squeals and chases after the truck.

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