Top 10 Animated Show Moments That Made Us Happy Cry
These animated show moments make us happy cry so hard! For this list, we're taking a look at emotional moments from animated shows that left us bawling tears of joy. We've included moments like Pinky's letter in Pinky and the Brain, the loveliest lies of all in “Over the Garden Wall”, returning the favour in “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and more!
#10: Pinky’s Letter “Pinky and the Brain” (1995-98)
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“Pinky and the Brain” earned acclaim for its clever writing and stellar voiceover work, but the show wasn’t really known for having a strong emotional core. The Primetime Emmy-winning Christmas special caught many audiences off guard, however. With the world nearly in Brain’s grasp, Pinky realizes that he forgot to mail his letter to Santa. Although Brain initially condemns Pinky for wasting time, he has a change of heart upon reading the letter. Moved to tears by Pinky’s meaningful words, Brain’s heart grows three sizes and he wishes everyone a merry Christmas. Brain might not take over the world, but his friendship with Pinky perhaps means a little bit more.
#9: The Loveliest Lies of All “Over the Garden Wall” (2014)
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It’s best to binge this Cartoon Network miniseries in a single sitting. That’s largely because the beginning and the ending so perfectly complement each other. The first episode opens with a montage of colorful characters we’ll encounter throughout the show. Everything comes full circle in the finale, which bookends all of these storylines. After such a strange and occasionally dark journey, we’re truly happy that everything has worked out for our heroes. At the same time, the audience is left overwhelmed with bittersweet nostalgia, knowing that this is likely the last we’ll ever see of this imaginative world. The poignant music adds to the sentiment, as we reflect on an unforgettable adventure into the Unknown.
#8: Farewell “Samurai Jack” (2001-2004; 2017)
After getting back to the past, defeating Aku, and preparing to marry the woman he loves, Jack comes close to living happily ever after. Since Ashi can’t exist without Aku, however, Jack is forced to watch her disappear. As devastating as this is, the ending isn’t all gloom and doom. Wandering through the lonely forest, the lone samurai comes across a ladybug, reminding him of Ashi and everything they fought for. While Jack’s past is riddled with heartbreak, he’s able to take solace in knowing that a brighter future is on the horizon. The picturesque scenery, atmospheric music, and lack of dialog amounts to a fitting conclusion that hits you right in the feels.
#7: Returning the Favor “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” (1988-91)
Being childhood icons, we all have a strong connection to Winnie the Pooh and the other residents of the Hundred Acre Wood. So no matter how old you are, this scene from the beloved animated series is going to strike an emotional chord. Worried that Eeyore has fallen into a great depression, Piglet and the others try to cheer him up. After several botched attempts, Piglet meets Eeyore on a hilltop. Once the sun goes down, it becomes clear that Eeyore’s world isn’t as gloomy as it seems. As bright lights fall from the clouds above, Eeyore shares a beautiful moment with his closest friends.
#6: Worth the Wait “Phineas and Ferb” (2007-15)
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Throughout this Disney series’ run, fans had always wanted to see grown up versions of Phineas, Ferb, and everyone else. Audiences also wanted to know if Phineas and Isabella would ever get together. The penultimate episode delivered all the answers to our burning questions. With college just around the corner, Phineas must confront his true feelings for Isabella or forever look back on what might have been. Although it looks like Phineas has missed his chance, he tracks down Isabella and the two decide to pick up their romance at college. Before leaving, however, Phineas bids Isabella farewell with a kiss several years in the making. Even co-creator Jeff Marsh couldn’t hold back his tears.
#5: Fry’s Lucky Clover “Futurama” (1999-2013)
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When Philip J. Fry was frozen for 1,000 years, he left his family behind. This doesn’t seem to really bother Fry, as he was never close with any of them and had an especially contentious relationship with his older brother, Yancy. Fry is beyond furious when he suspects that Yancy stole his name and his lucky seven-leaf clover after he disappeared. At a grave site, though, Fry uncovers the truth. Yancy actually named his son after his brother and passed on the seven-leaf clover to him. Fry is touched to learn that, despite their differences, his brother genuinely loved him and sought to preserve his memory.
#4: Merry Christmas, Arnold “Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004)
This holiday episode of “Hey Arnold!” nearly reaches the same heights as “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” winning the audience over with its sincerity and depth. After hitting a dead end, it appears Arnold has failed in his conquest to reunite Mr. Hyunh with his long-lost daughter, who he was forced to give up during the Vietnam War. It comes as a surprise to everyone when Hyunh’s daughter arrives on Christmas morning and the two share a tender reunion. It turns out Helga helped make this miracle happen, although she doesn’t take credit, much like a guardian angel. Now that’s what Christmas is all about.
#3: Chuckie’s Mom “Rugrats” (1991-2004)
“Rugrats” is another Nickelodeon series that occasionally took its young audiences to unexpectedly deep places. Nowhere was that more apparent than in this episode where Chuckie learns what happened to his mom. At first, Chuckie’s dad isn’t sure how to explain the concept of death to a two-year-old. In the end, he finds it might be best to read a poem Chuckie’s mom wrote for him before passing away. Her words are bound to resonate with anyone who has lost a parent, especially at a young age. As sad as the episode might be, it ultimately leaves the audience on a hopeful note that reminds us that our loved ones are never truly gone.
#2: Zuko Reunites with Iroh “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
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Although he was banished by his abusive father, Zuko could always turn to Uncle Iroh for guidance. It came as a massive blow to both Iroh and the audience when Zuko betrayed his uncle in hopes of restoring his honor. While Zuko eventually sees the error of his ways and tries to set things right, he fears his uncle will never forgive him. After being apart for almost an entire season, Zuko is finally reunited with Iroh, who seems distant at first. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much more than a tearful apology for Iroh to pull Zuko in for a hug. It’s a simple yet profound moment that encompasses the meaning of family. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: For Steven “Steven Universe” (2013-) Shipwreck’s Family “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” (1983-86) Finding Gary “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
#1: Do It for Her “The Simpsons” (1989-)
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Maggie might be a character of few words, but on more than one occasion she has provided “The Simpsons” with its emotional anchor. While her first word is definitely a major tearjerker, it’s the story behind her baby photos that gets us every time. In this episode, we learn why there are no pictures of Maggie in the Simpsons house. It turns out it’s because Homer used them to redecorate an otherwise miserable workstation. The reveal at the end is a perfect example of the Simpsons at it’s finest, and shows us that even when things are at their darkest, people can always find reasons to keep on living.
