18 Moments From '90s Movies That Were As Iconic As They Were Emotional

BRB, still crying over Mufasa’s death.

There is absolutely no doubt that the ‘90s produced some of the greatest movies of all time.

Disney

Whether you want to smile, laugh or cry, these 18 movie moments are guaranteed to make you feel something!

Warning – these movies are classics but there may be some spoilers ahead if you haven't seen them all.

1. In Toy Story 2 (1999), when Jessie talks about being abandoned her first owner.

Disney

In a truly heartbreaking scene, Jessie tells Woody all about her first owner, Emily. She talks about how close they were and how they used to play together 24/7. However, in a flashback sequence with the world’s saddest song “When She Loved Me” playing in the background, we watch as Emily grows up and completely loses interest in Jessie. Instead, she finds other hobbies and eventually gives her away to charity, leaving Jessie (and us) completely devastated.

2. In Romeo + Juliet (1996), when Romeo and Juliet first meet.

20th Century Fox

The moment that Romeo and Juliet meet for the very first time is nothing short of magical. The pair catch each other's eyes through a fish tank and we get to watch them fall in love without even saying a word. As far as meet-cutes go, this one is pretty epic.  

3. In Boyz n the Hood (1991), when Furious gives Tre tips on how to be a good man.

Columbia Pictures

Furious Styles might just be Hollywood’s greatest dad. His speeches were always filled with words of wisdom and fatherly advice but this scene was particularly moving. He takes his son Tre to the beach for some one-to-one time and teaches him all about sex, confidence, and respect, among other important things. This incredibly wholesome father-son moment is enough to melt anyone’s heart.  

4. In Mrs. Doubtfire (1994), when everyone realises that Mrs. Doubtfire is actually Daniel.

20th Century Fox

In an attempt to save Stu’s life (after he poisoned him), Daniel performs the Heimlich manoeuvre on him. While a noble thing to do, the rigorous movements result in the iconic Mrs. Doubtfire mask falling off of his face, revealing to Miranda, Stu, and the kids that he was Mrs. Doubtfire all along. This moment was particularly saddening as it became clear that he wouldn’t get to spend that quality time with kids anymore, even though he was a wonderful father. 

5. In Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit (1993), when the choir sings "Joyful Joyful".

Touchstone Pictures

In Sister Act 2, Sister Mary Clarence helps teach music to a group of rebellious inner-city high schoolers. Throughout the film we watch as she finds innovative ways to boost their confidence, hone their talents and prepare them for the all-state school championship. For their final performance, they sing “Joyful Joyful” and absolutely bring the house down. It is such a feel-good moment and it simply never gets old. 

6. In Titanic (1997), when Rose wakes up and realises Jack has frozen to death.

20th Century Fox

There are several moments in Titanic that hit you right in the feels but if you’re ever in need of a good cry, this is the scene for you. Jack volunteers as tribute to stay in the freezing water so that Rose could lie on the door and it really was all downhill from there. He eventually froze to death and watching Rose call his name repeatedly hoping he would wake up, was gut-wrenching. I still haven’t forgiven Rose for not sharing that door with him but that’s a conversation for another day. 

7. Also in Titanic, when the band accept their fate and continue performing.

20th Century Fox

It was genuinely heartbreaking watching everyone come to terms with the fact that the “unsinkable” ship was sinking, but it was the reaction of the musicians that really did it for me. Instead of frantically running around and trying to get a seat on a lifeboat like everyone else, they decided to stay put and continue playing their instruments. Perhaps it was to go out gracefully, to keep everyone calm, or to distract themselves from the inevitable – either way it was tragic.  

8. In Matilda (1996), when Matilda gets adopted by Miss Honey.

TriStar Pictures

After the hell Matilda went through in the Wormwood household, it was a sigh of relief when she was finally adopted by the delightful Miss Honey. The heartwarming montage of the pair moving in together, playing games in the garden, and reading their favourite books with “Send Me On My Way” playing in the background was the happy ending we all needed. 

9. In Forrest Gump (1994), when Forrest meets his son for the very first time.

The Tisch Company

Forrest goes to see Jenny for the first time in a few years but when he arrives at her apartment, he gets a whole lot more than he bargained for. He discovers he has a son he never knew about and becomes immediately concerned about the child’s intelligence, not wanting him to face the same issues he did. The relief on Forrest’s face when Jenny tells him that his son is smart is unmistakable, and he wastes no time trying to bond with his boy. It is the perfect ending to the movie and one that always leaves me fighting back tears. 

10. In The Lion King (1994), when Mufasa dies.

Disney

This is quite possibly the saddest scene in cinematic history. Scar orchestrates a devious plan to get both Mufasa and Simba killed so that he can become king. Mufasa actually manages to save Simba and it looks like he’s going to make it too, but then Scar pushes him off a cliff to his death. And if matters weren’t bad enough, Scar convinces Simba that his dad’s death was his fault and orders him to run away from home. If this movie moment didn’t bring you to tears, I don’t know what will. 

11. In Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992), when Kevin finally reunites with his mum.

20th Century Fox

Even though Kevin was doing just fine navigating his way through New York, it came as no surprise that he eventually started to miss his family. Towards the end of the film, he heads to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and prays that he could see his mum just for a few moments. Low and behold, when he turns around, she’s right there. Even though they had their differences, the love between Kevin and his mum was so apparent in this scene and it’s an undeniably touching moment. 

12. In The Green Mile (1999), when John is sent to the electric chair.

Castle Rock Entertainment

John Coffey was put on death row for a crime he didn’t commit and even though we knew exactly how his life would end, watching him face the electric chair was pretty devastating. It’s really hard not to fall in love with John, not just because he’s innocent or has magical powers, but because he is a good person through and through. What made this moment even sadder was that he asked to have the customary hood removed because he was so afraid of the dark. If you need a good cry or want to lose your faith in humanity, this is the scene for you. 

13. In 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), when Kat reads her poem to the class.

Touchstone Pictures

Kat is an ice queen and a sarcastic one at that, so when she started reading her incredibly sincere poem in front of her English class, I was taken aback. She lists all the things she hates about Patrick, only to reveal that she doesn’t actually hate him at all – it’s a pretty unforgettable scene. 

14. In Edward Scissorhands (1990), when Edward makes an ice sculpture for Kim.

20th Century Fox

The scene where Edward carves an ice sculpture in Kim’s likeness is one of the most enchanting moments of this movie. Not only is this an incredibly romantic gesture in itself but the ice shavings end up scattering and creating the appearance of snowfall. Kim then starts dancing in the makeshift snow and Edward watches her lovingly as he continues to mold the sculpture. It is an incredibly beautiful scene and it hits you right in the feels every time. 

15. In My Girl (1991), when Thomas dies after having an allergic reaction.

Imagine Entertainment

I think it’s safe to say that you have to mentally prepare yourself before watching this film. Poor Thomas was allergic to pretty much everything and that essentially cost him his life. Thomas went looking for Vada’s missing ring and ended up getting swarmed by a bunch of bees. Just as he found her ring, he got stung and then died from an allergic reaction. Watching Vada come to terms with yet another death in her life was simply heart-wrenching.  

16. In The Shawshank Redemption (1994), when Andy and Red reunite on a beach in Mexico.

Castle Rock Entertainment

Watching Red and Andy’s friendship blossom throughout this film was so wholesome and a much-needed reprieve from the harsh reality of prison life. But nothing was more cathartic than seeing these two reunite years later on a beautiful beach in Mexico after all they’d been through. I’ve never rooted for two characters more. 

17. In Ghost (1990), when Sam goes to heaven.

Paramount Pictures

One moment from this movie that never fails to bring on the waterworks is when Sam says goodbye to Molly. He sees the light and is finally ready to cross over but before he does, he kisses her, tells her he loves her, and she says “ditto” (if you know, you know). He then slowly walks into the light and leaves Molly (and us) in absolute pieces.  

18. In The Parent Trap (1998), when Nick goes to London to be with Elizabeth.

Disney

We were all left completely devastated when Nick and Elizabeth decided to go their separate ways and Elizabeth and Annie flew back to London without them. However, when they got home, Nick and Hallie were waiting for them there! Nick finally realises that he can’t live without them and reunites their family once and for all. They really had me in the first half but this happy ending never fails to put a smile on my face.