The Marvel Cinematic Universe is well-known for its ability to take audience's heartstrings and play them like a banjo. With a single line, the viewing experience can switch from "hey cool superheroes" to "okay now my day is ruined because after years of brainwashing, Bucky still recognized Steve."
That's probably why Reddit user u/carrachuchas got hundreds of responses when they asked the fans of r/marvelstudios, "What is the most heartbreaking quote for you in the MCU?" Here are 20 of the nominees they chose for Marvel Quote Most Likely To Make The Audience Need A Hug And Maybe Some Hot Chocolate.
Warning: There are so many spoilers ahead for the entirety of the MCU. Proceed with caution (and a box of tissues).
1. When Thor sees his mother Frigga in Avengers: Endgame and she immediately recognizes that he's from the future (and also not doing particularly well).
2. When Killmonger makes a poignant final request to T'Challa in Black Panther.
3. When Yondu told Peter how he felt about him right before he sacrificed himself to save his honorary son's life in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
4. When Isaiah told Sam his heartbreaking story, then said this to him in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
5. When Pepper offered this small bit of peace to Tony in his dying moments during Endgame.
6. When Black Widow comforts Hawkeye before she sacrifices herself in Endgame.
7. When this mid-fight exchange between Iron Man and Captain America became absolutely tragic in Captain America: Civil War.
8. When Peggy, who had been having a lucid conversation with Steve, suddenly forgets that he's alive in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
9. When Vision offers his unique take on love and loss to a grieving Wanda in WandaVision.
10. When Rocket offers a tragic glimpse into his origin story during Guardians of the Galaxy.
11. When Peter begs Tony not to let the inevitable happen to him at the end of Avengers: Infinity War, and all Tony can do is watch.
12. And when Tony tells Steve that Spider-Man didn't make it after he's rescued in Endgame.
13. When Nebula yelled this at Gamora right after nearly fighting to the death with her in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
14. When Yelena has this reaction to Nat calling their undercover life together as a family "not real" in Black Widow.
15. When Captain America realizes that he's not going to have to fight Thanos alone in Endgame.
16. When Groot explains his sacrifice to Rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy.
17. When Happy makes a sweet promise to Tony's daughter at his funeral in Endgame.
18. When Aunt May said something that made Peter realize that all was not well in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
19. When Bucky realizes that he recognizes Steve Rogers, right before his memory is wiped again in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
20. And finally: When Steve says something to Bucky that reminds his friend of his true identity at the end of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
