Top 10 Movie Scenes That Are Basically Therapy
#10: Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now
The Skeleton Twins (2014)
Brought together once more, two misfit twins end up under the same roof. Their troubled lives interweave and inspire them to try again. This builds to one of the movies best scenes, with both Milo and Maggie getting a chance to break out. Starships Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now plays as the lip-syncing goes hard. With Bill Haders charismatic performance, the scene really picks up. Its a fantastic mix of music and acting with some awesome performers. Both characters release their tension and remember what its like to have fun. As Hader and Kristen Wiig dance together, they invite the audience to let loose too.
#9: Ascent
Flow (2024)
When a flood brings them together, several creatures become unlikely travel companions. The lead cat and a secretary bird are among the survivors. While their journey is full of compassionate and sometimes-chaotic scenes, this part is maybe the most emotional. The groups boat ends up in a storm and leads to a brief separation. When the feline hero catches up to his feathered friend, an extraordinary event happens. You could call it a trip to the afterlife. Either way, the bird makes a grand exit with an amazing musical soundtrack. Its a moving sequence that gives the injured animal one last flight. If youre anything like us, the euphoric sendoff makes you shed a tear and think of your loved ones.
#8: Back to Graham
The Holiday (2006)
Nowadays, many people consider this to be a Christmas staple. The Holiday follows two unexpected relationships starting after a house swap. For Amanda, she finds connection with Iris brother Graham in England. The pair have plenty of chemistry, but Cameron Diazs American hero tries to be realistic. She is unsure of their future together given the distance. After a short time, she realizes her mistake and goes back. Its a joyful build-up to what every watcher really wants to see. The audience knows that it shouldnt work on paper, but they also know this is a movie. These possible soulmates reunite in a cheerful ending that makes us believe in love again.
#7: Understanding Each Other
Ordinary People (1980)
None of the Jarretts have fully recovered from family tragedy. The bulk of Ordinary People deals with the resulting tension, with the mother Beth deciding to run away from it all. Calvin and Conrad are left to figure out what to do. Finally getting a chance to talk, the father and son pour their hearts out in a scene of forgiveness. The kid comes to understand his dad better as the latter tries to explain himself. Its a profound moment for people that have been so torn up and unable to deal with their anguish. Renewing their relationship, the two find some common ground in a profound ending. The final line only makes it all better.
#6: Edwards Final Swim
Big Fish (2003)
Among Tim Burtons more underrated films, Big Fish is ultimately about the relationship between a father and son. Edward reaches the end of his life after telling many stories, with Will at his side to return the favor. The latter talks about a possible escape from the dads hospital room. Its a fitting farewell to a man that lived through many fantasies. Reaching the water, the dying character finds many old friends there to salute him. Its also a satisfying way for Burton to pay tribute to the power of storytelling. Even if it is a dream sequence, the scene says so much about the familial bond between two men.
#5: Another Life
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
The Wang family find themselves feuding, fighting, and making up across parallel universes. Everything Everywhere All at Once comes with many breakthrough moments, but this one might be its finest. Evelyn and Waymond have a rocky relationship that comes down to a brief exchange. The latter says a telling line that lays everything out, with talk of laundry and taxes sounding more romantic than ever. Its not a huge speech or a Shakespearean monologue either. Ke Huy Quans subtle glance and delivery explains his characters thinking to perfection. With Michelle Yeoh as the scene partner, you couldnt ask for a more moving way to have this couple connect once more.
#4: Detention Heart to Heart
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Of the many famous moments in this movie, this one cuts the deepest. The ragtag group have a contentious relationship before opening up to each other. With their guard down, the different personalities unleash their personal problems. Its an important scene that captures the teen experience. As the bully and the popular girl square off, the characters start to realize theyre not so divided after all. It might seem like a cliche until you watch it again. The actors give some of their career-best work here, making you believe the teenage worries. Under the direction of John Hughes, this scene becomes the heart of an 80s classic.
#3: Its Not Your Fault
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Through unorthodox therapy sessions, the genius Will Hunting comes out of his shell. His therapist Sean devises several ways to get through to the hero. In this scene, the gloves truly come off. The expert talks to his patient about the latters difficult childhood. For this breakthrough, Robin Williams character repeats a simple and effective line. It leads to one of the better parts of Matt Damons acting career. With the protagonist left vulnerable, he can access a tougher time in his family history. Hes been holding back so much that its cathartic to watch him let the tears flow. Its also an iconic scene from a movie full of awesome moments, with the Chuckie conversation being another therapeutic highlight (xref).
#2: Goodbye Toys
Toy Story 3 (2010)
After surviving a thrilling adventure, the toys are finally given away to a younger child. The owner Andy shows Bonnie his collection before parting ways forever. Its a teary-eyed way to give the teenager and his prized possessions a sendoff. Knowing whats coming, the audience is already crying. Its a scene that immediately sends us back to our childhoods. Pixar has a way of making us nostalgic and highly emotional. Even though both sides know the goodbye has to happen, that doesnt mean its any less impactful. Its a powerful way to make us all remember the importance of both being a kid and growing up.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Hugging Bob, Thunderbolts* (2025)
Even a Gang of Assassins, Soldiers, & Anti-Heroes Can Hug It Out
Going Home, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
The Last Goodbye Will Bring Tears to Your Eyes Every Time
Hagrid Returns, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
If You Need Another Reminder of Why Hes Beloved, You Should Rewatch This Scene
#1: The Beach
About Time (2013)
The Lake family has a special gift, but it doesnt come without its side effects. Tim and James both have an ability to go back in time and they use it one final time together. In a fantastic twist on the sci-fi plot, the father and son make one more memory. They return to the beach and take in the serene setting again. For each of them, this marks a notable time in their lives that they want to remember forever. Its a peaceful scene that gives further insight into the characters. Unable to completely change the future, the two accept their circumstances and try to live in the moment.
Did we forget another emotionally-charged movie scene? Let us know in the comments below.
