Top 10 Saddest Moments in Horror Movies 

The scene in Doctor sleep where Danny uses the shining to comfort the dying hospice patient made me tear up. I was watching it with my dad and I knew he was getting emotional too because my grandma was getting up there in age.

Sees Train to Busan in thumbnail Me: you’re goddamn right.

I literally was thinking about this the other day! Number 1 for me has to be in the first Quiet place movie: The moment John Krasinski’s character signs “I love you, I have always loved you” to his daughter before he dies.

When Gage gets hit by the truck in Pet Semetary is gut wrenching

I was not prepared for Train to Busan. The scene with the husband dying and naming his baby got me but the daughter’s screams at the end DESTROYED me. This was a great list!

The saddest moment for me in horror movies is in Hereditary when Toni Collette finds out her daughter died and just screams in pain and agony. I can’t get through that scene without shedding some tears

If we consider Pan's Labyrinth as a horror (I don't, but some people does), then the ending of it, when Ofelia dies is totally devastating! I cried EVERY single time.

The saddest moment is Toni Collette not getting any awards recognition for her performance in Hereditary. One of the best acting performances in years.

The end of Train to Busan absolutely crushed me 😭

I think the movie Carrie heavily implies that only the bullies were laughing at her the rest were in her head which makes it even more sad. In the book everyone was laughing at her but it was actually Carrie unintentionally making them laugh with her powers

I always saw Carrie as the victim from beginning to end in the movie. Not just because of the bullying at school and the abuse at home but also of her own telekinetic powers. When that pig's blood got dumped on her at the prom, it sent her into a huge state of shock and emotional stress and caused her to hallucinate that everyone was laughing at her. It then sent Carrie into a trance while her telekinesis sort of took over and killed everyone.

I don’t even have kids but Toni in Hereditary makes me cry the way she performs that.

Definitely thought we’d see the Mist on this list as a father I can’t think of a sadder ending to a movie

Thank you for mentioning Sam's death, the dog deserved an Oscar for that movie performance

That moment with his daughter in A Quiet Place always makes me cry. Great choice.

The scene in the Orphanage when the mom realizes she was responsible for the death of her son.

Doctor Sleep has like 5 deaths that are sad as hell: 1. Hospice patient 2. Billy 3. Baseball boy 4. Grandpa Flick - Yes he's a villain but to see someone whose lived centures be terrified of death was impactful 5. Danny Now to think of it, Mike Flanagan makes me cry in damn near every one of his projects. He's too good

I lost both of my parents this year and Cody, I felt the same way as you said. Just the thought chilled me so much I couldn’t even sleep those nights. But It was much much much much worse than I could have imagined. Please never neglect a single moment with your family. It’s something everybody understands but unfortunately cannot fully comprehend until it happens. Anyway, great video. Thanks for making it!

The dinner scene in Signs when Mel Gibson says “I am not going to waste one more minute of my life praying” gets me. Little Abigail Breslin crying. 😭

Watching The Mist at a younger age messed with me. Stands out in my mind when sad horror moments are mentioned.

The dog scene from I Am Legend better be on here!

Awww. Hearing you talk how much you love your kids is touching.

That scene of Gage chasing that kite spindle into the street kills me.

Toni Collette in Hereditary. Good God! She's always been great but she was absolutely phenomenal in that film. I know horror gets overlooked by the Oscar's and Golden Globes and all the others. But I think Toni deserved some serious recognition for that. Incredible performance throughout the whole movie.

For me one of saddest most haunting death scenes is the “Elizabeth Bathory” scene from Hostel Part 2. They take the least deserving character, and give her the most brutal excruciating death scene. It’s like watching a puppy get slaughtered to death. Eli Roth is a sick individual for dreaming that one up.

To this day, when I watch the sixth sense I cry every single time at the end when he tells his mom how proud his grandma is of his mother. ❤

Seth Brundle in The Fly has to be one of the most tragic villains in horror history

Emotional moments hit even harder in horror movies because our nerves and emotions are already keyed up from the rest of the film, so when a heart-wrenching moment arrives, it carries an extra punch. I think this also applies to comedies, just with different emotions being activated first. That’s part of why Shaun of the Dead packs a surprisingly effective punch. It gets to play with both elements.

Mia Goth’s monologue near the end of Pearl made me genuinely emotional. Despite how unwell she is, you can really see how utterly pitiful she has become… and the last shot especially illustrates how as soon as we go into the events of X, Pearl has not and will continue do nothing with her goddamn life. The existential dread that emanates from her makes X and Pearl so interesting to me as a slasher film.

My saddest moment in horror is realizing I paid money to watch Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows

The entirety of the original Carrie for me is the saddest

Doctor Sleep’s scene where the boy played by Jacob Tremblay gets killed makes me sad. He really sounds like he’s in so much pain and it just makes the tears roll.

Darry’s death in Jeepers Creepers sadden me as a kid, I was hoping the creeper would just fly off and leave Darry to live but he took him with him and I teared up when they showed his body

Got to say, as someone who's had some issues of wanting to hurt myself in the past and my own father telling me he couldn't survive if I acted on it, hearing you talk about Hereditary choked me up

the eden lake ending is always number 1 for me

Normally when it comes to lists like this, there's at least one where you think "well, that doesn't belong on the list", but not this time. An excellent selection that had me nodding in agreement with each entry. That said, I was surprised The Mist didn't make it, while my own honourable mention would be the ending to Eden Lake.

Not just Brad Dourif, Danny Trejo’s character. I was good to you Mikey

Toni Colette’s reaction/ wailing sounded just like my mother’s reaction when we found out my brother had died. Some of the best acting I’ve ever seen. It’s more realistic than people realize.

Frankenstein’s goodbye to Phoebe at the end of The Monster Squad

Great list Cody I know it's not a horror movie ending . But the one scene that chokes me up the most is the John coffee execution scene at the end of the green mile. When you hear Michael Clarke Duncan say please boss don't put that thing over my head I is scared off the dark it just yanks on my heart strings

Rob Zombies Halloween 2. Annie's death and Sheriff Brackett finding her is so sad

An apocalyptic movie called the road was gut wrenching when the little boy stays with his dying father until he dies.

The hammer scene in Prisoners? If we’re just using horror moments in movies, then that performance by Hugh Jackman and Paul Dano has got to be one of the most heart wrenching moments in a film.

The scene in Terrifier 2...when the mom sees....that's the saddest for me. Also, all of Hereditary. EDIT: What Dreams May Come (1998) feels like it fits here, even though it's not horror.

I’ll mention Saw 3 when jigsaw betrays Amanda while she’s bleeding out and he says game over while crying. Hits pretty hard

One for me is 'Dream Warriors'. They were all so likeable, and it was incredibly sad for me to see them killed, especially poor Taryn.

I knew that ‘Pet Sematary’ would be at the top of your list. The scene at the funeral is what does me in. The look of devastation on Dale Midkiff’s face as the father-in-law is yelling at him is so believable and absolutely heartbreaking. And let’s just say that Toni Collette is the GOAT! Two films on this list and her recognition is so well-deserved. That scene in “The Sixth Sense” makes me cry ugly every time.

For me easily the saddest horror film moments are the ending of The Mist, the ending of BURIED, Lee’s death in A Quiet Place, Nancy’s sacrifice death in Elm Street 3, the ending of The Fly 1986, Charlie’s death and Anne’s crying in HEREDITARY, Rachel’s death in the HALLOWEEN films, Sam’s death in I Am legend, Gordon leaving Adam in the bathroom to get help in SAW, the dogs deaths in John Carpenter’s THE THING, and the ending of CLOVERFIELD for my pics

Cody, this is why you are my favorite movie person on RU-vid. To even have this as a subject matter is rare and the way you present it is great!

Dude, any time you mention a child getting hurt and the emotion that comes from you, I feel that strongly. As a first responder and father of two, its hard not project what you see onto your own kids. Always appreciate the health and safety of your family. I hope we never have to feel that loss in any way ❤. Keep up the great work!

Honorable Mention: The Mist

To me, the way that scene is handled in Carrie 2013 is even better and more emotionally impactful because, in the original, as soon as the blood hits her, she zones out and the murder is pretty much inevitable from there. She doesn’t even really notice Tommy getting hit by the bucket. In the remake, when she’s first hit by the blood, she actually tries to leave. You can tell she’s very rattled, but she’s still in control. As she’s leaving, the bullies hijack the projector and start playing the video of the incident that starts the movie. So now, she’s doubly humiliated in front of the whole school. Most importantly, in this version, she sees Tommy go down. For a moment she’s just sad, but that quickly turns to rage. It’s Tommy’s death that pushes her over the edge. I like that the remake really shows that it’s not just that she snapped because of the humiliation, but that they also took the one person who showed her true kindness and made her feel special.

the interstellar clip you added when showing the i am legend clip 😭🤣 that’s really how I was staring at the screen when I watched that movie for the first time

In Child's Play, when Andy is locked in that institution room and he sees Chucky climbing up the stairs to get him, he starts to cry and it's so good the acting that always makes me cry a little bit.😢

Train to Busan was unbelievably sad and I think it's all because of the little girls performance. It really didn't feel like acting. Her screaming and crying made me believe she was in so much pain. If you haven't seen Before I Wake, that kid gives me the same reaction

Yeah I knew #1. The scene where Gage is killed was hard before I was a parent but now it's the only movie that I still watch that has a scene where I have to close my eyes and plug my ears. I just can't. That scene goes way harder than it needs to. The still shots of pictures of him as a baby... just... ugh... I can't anymore.

I always look forward to your ranking videos. The thought process and the execution of this one is top notch. Bravo 👏 👏

Micheal Myers killing Annie in H2 and then seeing sheriff brackett find her

Great vid Cody! I'm so glad 28 days later was on here, as it is my favorite horror movie of all time, and Frank's death always crushes me every time. Another sad moment in a horror movie I could think of is in Predator (1987) when Mac is saying his final good bye to his best friend Blain after his death. When he said "Good bye bro" it just tugs on your heart strings.

Pearl’s monologue. It’s hard for me not to get choked up when she talks about how worthless and lonely she feels and how she just wants to be loved. Aside from her desire to hurt others, everything she says resonates deeply for me, right down to growing up in rural America and feeling doomed to country life despite having much bigger aspirations. And yeah, the scene with Toni Collette breaking down in Hereditary is up there for me. It was hard to watch the first time in the theater, damn near impossible since losing my best friend as I’d never experienced unexpected loss like that. Just waaaaay too real now.

Dr. Sleep - Danny finally looks his mother in the face Pumpkinhead - Ed Harley tells a stroy to his dying son Jacob's Ladder - Ending Angel Heart - Mickey Rourke " I know who i am "

What a great idea for a vid Cody! There are four I can think up from the top of my head and they are(contains spoilers for The Fly, Nightmare 3, and Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2): 4. A certain death from Bone Tomahawk(I don’t mention it because I’m not sure if Cody’s seen it). 3. Nancy’s death in Nightmare. 2. Annie’s death from Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2. 1. BrundleFly’s end from The Fly!

can we talk about the end of knock at the cabin?? I was SOBBING 😭

Glad to see Train to Busan get some recognition. Aside from the ending, the scene that crushed me was the younger couple (HS or college) when the girl got bitten and the guy just sat over her and cried till she turned and attacked him.

Hey Cody! Two video ideas for you: 1. Daniel Craig James Bond Ranking. I know you’ve talked about a few of them on your channel before, but I would love to know your in-depth thoughts on them since you don’t seem to do it too often. 2. Top 10 most disappointing movies you’ve ever seen in your entire life. And if you do read this first of all, thank you! And second of all, I know you didn’t see Casino Royale in theaters, but did you see the other Craig films? Well, I know you saw No Time to Die in theaters but what about the middle three? (Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre)

The mist ending, Jeepers Creepers 2 opening scene … break me 😂

@Cody your one of the only people insane enough to tackle this :). An your patrons are amazing for choosing this topic.

Dang, dude, just you talking about some of these made me cry! 😢 Great list!

What a fabulous video. I love when people touch on emotion in horror. It never gets the credit amongst movie genres for the exceptional storytelling that’s there. People who aren’t ’into’ horror don’t give it the chance and they’re missing out massively. How you described the final scene in The Fly 😭. Devastating. Fan of Rob Zombies Halloween here too 👋 Absolutely loved your choices.

Woah woah woah what about the mist? That’s the most devastating for me I can’t believe it’s not in this list. And I nearly did a cry just hearing you explain I am legend scene

Hey Cody! I just watched this 80’s slasher called slumber party massacre that I think would be fun to review and be right up your alley. Love you videos btw ❤

Unique topic, haven’t seen this done-nice work sir

The Mist Ending & Jeepers Creepers 1 Ending are definitely some contenders.

So glad to see the scene from RZ H2 on here! Absolutely gut wrenching performance from Brad Dourif!

This was a pretty cool idea for a list. Thanks for ripping me apart Cody. 😂. Definitely agree with you on Hereditary, A Quiet Place and Train to Busan. I actually forgot about I Am Legend. That scene was sad when I saw it as a kid, but just breaks me now, especially after living with dogs and losing my kitty. I would like to add one that always made me sad, the ending of Ginger Snaps. That ending scene was gut wrenching to me. Great video Cody, thank you!

Great shout with the ending to fly Cody, I would have never thought of that one. The performance of gina davis, the score and the idea that the last shred of humanity left in Brundle is asking for help to end it all is very powerful.

I hope you review longlegs, I’m seeing it this Friday and I’m really interested as to what you’ll think. Great vid tho Cody!

Another day another amazing Cody leach video

Y'all don't make Cody do this ever again..I'm sitting here in tears just from watching him choke up.

Excited for this one man. These Patreon picks are alwys gold

I can't believe the ending of the mist didn't get mention. But great list cody I forgot about the train to Busan about the father getting bit.

As someone who did lose both parents, that scene between Cole and his mother makes me cry every time. 😢

Cody, you killed this list. Literally tearing up in every movie scene you picked. 😫🖤 Hereditary is by far my favorite.

The scene in Rosemary's Baby, when she's running away from her husband and she has nowhere to go, it's very sad.

Yeah, Train to Busan was rough man! Great video, Cody!

Great video and pretty unique video-idea! Always great to hear that someone else out there has a heart for Rob Zombie's Halloween 2 😂👍

The choice seen in Killing of a Sacred Deer would be on mine love the video man

Thank you for the great video as always. As a pet parent (only), I gotta say even hearing you talk about I am Legend made me sniffle. I was thinking you may have the ending of The Fog when the military trucks roll up two minutes too late.

Just when I think you’ve done every video idea you always break out something new and we’re here for it 🤘

Great List!

not techincally a horror movie, but requiem for a dreams finale was just super upsetting and sad for all 4 characters in different ways.

I think what’s also sad about Carrie is that only the bullies were laughing. Most of the kids were not laughing. They all looked sad or shocked. Train to Busan is also the only horror film that has ever made me cry. I was a mess the first time I saw that movie.

Thanks for destroying my mind with that dog scene 😭😭😂 I wanted to bawl my eyes out

My top one is the final scene of Lake Mungo, where they tie the mother talking about how she felt the presence of her daughter in her room with the daughter talking to her psych about how she had a dream of walking into her room and saw her mum but her mum couldn't see her. That was just devastating.

For me, the saddest scene in a horror movie has got to be the dinner table scene from Signs. Everything from the devastation and the fear the family has of it being their last supper, the explosion of emotional tension that has been building to this point, the kids crying, to Mel Gibson's absolutely incredible acting. When the son gets up and hugs his dad after seeing the anguish he's in, I ball my eyes out EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I know some hesitate to call it a horror film, but oh well. Awesome video, Cody. Some great picks for sure!

Great video man, love the list.

The ending of It Chapter 2... both Richie being comforted by the Losers and the part where they see the child versions of themselves in the window. Didn't love the movie, but love those characters.

Before being a dad, that scene in Pet Sematary just had me basically saying "Oh that's sad" After becoming a dad, I feel my head automatically turning away when it comes up

Pan's Labyrinth, The Orphanage, Devil's Backbone !all directed or produced by Guillermo del Toro) and Lake Mungo are some of the saddest and most devastating.

Dr. Sleep when adult Danny sees his Mom right before he dies 😢