Another Top 10 Saddest Cartoon Episodes
#10: “The Wedding Squanchers” “Rick and Morty” (2013-)
Top 20 Saddest Cartoon Episodes of All Time
Whether transforming the protagonist into a pickle or channel surfing, this Adult Swim cartoon tends to be more concerned with eliciting a laugh than a tear. An alcoholic mad scientist on the run from the Galactic Federation, Rick repeatedly and unapologetically drags the rest of the family - particularly Morty - into all kinds of troublesome situations. In the Season 2 finale, the Smiths are forced to go on the lam due to the scientist's notoriety. In an uncharacteristically selfless move, Rick surrenders to the Galactic Federation in exchange for the family's freedom. It would appear there is a heart underneath all those burbs and insults.
#9: “Epilogue” “Justice League Unlimited” (2004-06)
It’s a sign of a great series when the demise of a minor character, who only appears in three episodes, succeeds in coming across as tragic. Ace is a powerful psychic capable of warping reality; as a child, the metahuman was subjected to governmental experimentation and ended up temporarily working for the Joker. Aware death is just around the corner due to an aneurysm, Ace's final hours are spent with Batman, arguably the only person to ever treat the psychic as a human being rather than a weapon.
#8: “Remembrance of Courage Past” “Courage the Cowardly Dog” (1999-2002)
Talk about finishing a series on a gut punch. "Courage the Cowardly Dog" is constantly creepy, frequently darkly comical, and occasionally deeply moving. While some other segments are sad, nothing comes close to the flashback revealing how Courage meets Muriel. As a puppy, Courage basically witnesses the murder of his own parents at the hands of plausibly the worst cartoon veterinarian ever. Thankfully, the episode's conclusion is quite cathartic, but there is no forgetting the image of a crying baby Courage waving goodbye to a rocket carrying the dog's parents.
#7: “Weirdmageddon 3: Take Back The Falls” “Gravity Falls” (2012-16)
Following two years filled with mystery, suspense, and wonderful characters, "Gravity Falls'" finale brought everything to the table. In order to defeat the dream demon named Bill Cipher, Stan willingly sacrifices the memories created with Mabel and Dipper over the summer. These recollections are recovered once Mabel shows Stan a scrapbook with the trio's many adventures, but the real emotional kicker occurs later when the kids finally leave Gravity Falls. In an incredibly touching montage, the episode briefly shows the futures of many of the town's residents, who fans had grown to love over the preceding 40 episodes.
#6: “A Regular Epic Final Battle” “Regular Show” (2010-17)
Top 10 Greatest Cartoon Series Finales
Lasting for eight seasons and 261 episodes, "Regular Show's" finale needed to be almost perfect to live up to all the hype. If nothing else, the cartoon cannot be criticized for playing it safe! Stuck in a stalemate against Anti-Pops and with the whole universe on the line, Pops ultimately concludes the only way to save everyone is to plunge both of them into the sun. The battle's aftermath is also a tearjerker, culminating in a 25-year timeskip depicting a much older Mordecai and Rigby coming back together for a Park reunion.
#5: “Free Churro” “BoJack Horseman” (2014-)
Praised for its honest depiction of depression, addiction, and various other challenging subjects; one of "Bojack Horseman's" saddest scenes pivots around - of all things - free churros and Ted Danson's '90s sitcom "Becker." Season 4's "Time's Arrow" suggested there was more to the protagonist's cold mother than meets the eye, but Beatrice and Bojack remain estranged until the very end. Taking place during Beatrice's apparent funeral, "Free Churro" frames BoJack's troubled childhood through an ongoing eulogy. Like always, "Bojack Horseman" finds a way to throw in a few laugh-out-loud moments, but a somber tone is maintained throughout the entire episode.
#4: “Mona Leaves-a” “The Simpsons” (1989-)
A suitable successor to Season 7's powerful "Mother Simpson" episode. Deciding to finally settle down, Mona reaches out to Homer in an attempt to make amends for repeatedly abandoning her son. Believing it is only a matter of time before history repeats itself, Homer initially refuses to accept Mona's apology. Unfortunately, Mona passes away just as Homer feels ready to reconnect with his mother. “Mona Leaves-a's" third act gets a bit over-the-top, but everything encompassing Mona's funeral works really well, particularly Homer and Grandpa's reactions.
#3: “The Tales of Ba Sing Se” “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
Top 10 Saddest Cartoon Episodes
Split into six vignettes, "The Tales of Ba Sing Se" is often quite lighthearted. Then, you get to "The Tale of Iroh." This segment mainly consists of Zuko's uncle helping strangers while traveling through Ba Sing Se. All these sweet acts of kindness lead to Iroh leaving town to memorialize the birthday of his late son, who died during a siege prior to the events of the cartoon. There will not be a single dry eye during Iroh tearful rendition of "Leaves from the Vine." "Avatar: The Last Airbender's" vignette closes with a tribute to Iroh's voice actor, Mako Iwamatsu, who passed away a couple of months prior to the episode's airing.
#2: “Have You Seen This Snail?” “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
Top 10 Saddest SpongeBob SquarePants Moments
"Gary runs away" might not seem like an especially creative premise, but "SpongeBob SquarePants" produced an absolute gem of an episode. Due to being distracted by a meaningless task, SpongeBob forgets to feed Gary, prompting the snail to pack and leave. Eventually, SpongeBob notices Gary is gone and becomes increasingly distraught at the thought of never seeing the snail again. Along with an awesome antagonist in Granny, "Have You Seen This Snail?" contains one of the cartoon's most extraordinary songs in the depressing "Gary Come Home." If it was not for the happy ending, "Have You Seen This Snail?" may have taken first place. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Appa's Lost Days” “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08) “Yuri and the Bear” “We Bare Bears” (2015-) “The Titanium Ninja” “Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu” (2011-) “Tale of X49” “Samurai Jack” (2001-04; 2017) “Requiem” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2012-17)
#1: “Kenny Dies” “South Park” (1997-)
Top 20 Times Kenny Was The Best Character On South Park
During the opening five seasons, "South Park" barely allowed an episode to pass without killing Kenny. After rendering death completely meaningless, Season 5's "Kenny Dies" arrived to tear every fan's heart out. Hospitalized with a terminal illness, Kenny's health rapidly deteriorates, forcing the boys to come to terms with mortality. Even though Cartman spends the majority of the episode attempting to find a cure, just as the title prophesied, Kenny eventually dies and nothing about the moment is treated as a joke. The boys grieve, Stan questions God, and Cartman duplicates a Shakey's Pizza. Season 15’s “You’re Getting Old’s” sobering ending also merits a special mention.
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