Titanic’s heart-wrenching finale has claimed the top spot in a poll ranking the most emotionally devastating movie moments ever captured on film.
The devastating scene where Rose (Kate Winslet) must release her beloved Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) into the icy depths emerged as the overwhelming favourite among 2,000 British respondents.
Rose and Jack’s final farewell commanded support from 67% of those surveyed, eclipsing Mufasa’s heartbreaking demise in Disney’s The Lion King, which secured second place with 59% backing.
John Coffey’s (Michael Clarke Duncan) haunting last words before his execution in The Green Mile, “I’m tired boss,” claimed third position with 39% of votes.
Completing the top five were Forrest Gump’s poignant pilgrimage to Jenny’s graveside (36%), and the devastating moment in Schindler’s List where Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) laments not rescuing more of his Jewish employees from Nazi persecution (35%).
The research, conducted by Samsung, unveiled fascinating revelations about contemporary viewing behaviours.
Whereas audiences once shed tears watching Rose and Jack’s eternal separation in darkened cinemas, countless viewers now find themselves weeping over films streamed directly to their mobile devices.
A remarkable seven in ten Britons (71%) confess to shedding tears over films or television programmes viewed on their personal gadgets.
Four in ten admit to being discovered crying publicly whilst consuming emotional content on their phones, with over a quarter (26%) attempting to conceal their emotional response.
This occurs despite 56% acknowledging that displaying emotion during moving programmes or films has gained greater social acceptance compared to previous generations. Annika Bizon, Samsung’s mobile experience vice president of product and marketing, highlighted the emotional bond viewers have with their screens, stating: “These findings show that people are deeply connected to what they watch, no matter where they are. Whether you’re on a plane, a train, or anywhere in between, a phone screen can deliver that powerful, emotional entertainment experience.”
The research also uncovered that nearly half of Brits indulge in over five hours of film watching on their phones weekly.
This month sees the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 in Britain, boasting an impressive 8-inch cinematic display for movie lovers.
Bizon further commented: “The expansive screen of our new Galaxy Z Fold7 promises that immersive viewing experience on the go, whether you are a film fanatic, gamer or a bit of both.”
The survey has also brought to light the Top 20 Most Emotional Movie Scenes of All Time:.
1. Titanic (1997) – “I’ll never let go, Jack”.
Rose’s desperate promise to Jack in the icy waters of the Atlantic has touched 67% of viewers.
2. The Lion King (1994) – Mufasa’s Death.
The heart-wrenching scene where Simba begs his father to get up after the stampede has affected 59%.
3. The Green Mile (1999) – John Coffey’s Execution.
John Coffey’s poignant last words, “I’m tired, boss…”, have left 39% of audiences in tears.
4. Forrest Gump (1994) – Forrest at Jenny’s Grave.
Forrest’s heartfelt conversation with Jenny at her grave has moved 36% of watchers.
5. Schindler’s List (1993) – “I could have done more”.
Schindler’s anguished regret, lamenting the lives he couldn’t save, has resonated with 35%.
6. Toy Story 3 (2010) – Andy’s parting with Woody and Buzz.
A poignant adieu to childhood that had grown-ups weeping in their seats (32%).
7. Marley & Me (2008) – The Final Goodbye to Marley.
An agonising vet visit culminates in a tearful farewell to the cherished family pet (29%).
8. E.
T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – “I’ll be right here”.
A glowing fingertip, a heartfelt parting, and the close of an extraordinary cosmic bond (28%).
9. Love Actually (2003) – Emma Thompson’s Joni Mitchell Moment.
A mother’s silent anguish upon suspecting her husband’s infidelity is poignantly memorable (26%).
10. Up (2009) – Carl and Ellie’s Life Together.
A montage capturing a full spectrum of love, aspirations, and grief within moments (23%).
11. The Notebook (2004) – The Final Scene.
An ageing couple pass away side by side, their love and memories rekindling in their last breaths (20%).
12. Billy Elliot (2000) – Billy’s Father Sees Him Dance.
A dad, once resistant to his son’s ballet ambitions, watches him perform and swells with pride (14%).
13. Inside Out (2015) – Bing Bong’s Ultimate Gift: “Take her to the moon for me”.
A figment of imagination sacrifices all for Joy’s happiness (13%).
14. Philadelphia (1993) – Joe’s Closing Moments.
Amidst family and love, a life ends prematurely amidst serene farewells (13%).
15. Good Will Hunting (1997) – “It’s not your fault”.
Robin Williams’ character reaches into Will’s soul with a simple yet profound truth, healing deep-seated trauma (12%).
16. The Fault in Our Stars (2014) – Hazel Absorbs Augustus’s Words.
A dying teenager’s heartfelt last words to his beloved, a mix of honesty, humour, and heart-wrenching sadness (10%).
17. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – Chris Gets the Job:.
Following countless hardships and obstacles, Chris secures employment, leading to an emotional breakdown on the street (10%).
18. About Time (2013) – Father and Son’s Last Walk.
A poignant farewell intertwined with time travel and unconditional love (10%).
19. Atonement (2007) – The Twist Ending.
The harsh reality: the couple we championed never found happiness. Their only solace was in fiction (8%).
20. The Theory of Everything (2014) – Stephen’s Speech Flashback.
An uplifting contemplation on life and science, conveyed through recollection and silent victory (8%).