Top 10 Manly Tear Moments in Movies

Top 10 Manly Tear Moments in Movies

Even the toughest of men need the odd cry now and then. Welcome to http://www.WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Manly Tear Moments in Movies. For this list, we’re looking at those big screen scenes when a man tries to hold back crying, but ends up with watery eyes or letting the odd tear slip down his cheek. We’re excluding heavy sobbing scenes to focus on the smaller, less obvious tears here. As you may expect, a SPOILER ALERT is probably in order.

#10: Are You One of Those Single Tear People?
“Whiplash” (2014)

In this scene from the 2014 drama that won J. K. Simmons the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, first year jazz student Andrew Neiman, as played by Miles Teller, gets a verbal beating from his instructor Terence Fletcher. Not only does the Shaffer instructor threaten to *ahem* “use” the young and aspiring musician “like a pig,” but he goes on to spew abuse that likens Andrew to a “9-year-old girl!” Being yelled at and humiliated in front of your fellow students in such a manner would surely make anyone – whether you’re a elementary student, high school student or a student-at-heart - shed a tear or two, and that’s exactly what Andrew can’t help himself from doing here!

#9: Charles Xavier Is Paralyzed
“X-Men: First Class” (2011)

In this surprisingly good prequel to the “X-Men” franchise, we see the characters before they become the signature ones we know and love. This means we find out how Xavier loses his ability to walk. When a deflected bullet hits Charles in the spine, he finds himself unable to move his legs, and, cradled in the arms of Erik Lehnsherr, lets his eyes well up with tears. It’s a heartbreaking and humanizing moment for the character, and one that made us feel closer to Xavier than ever before.

#8: Q&A
“The Master” (2012)

In this scene from the Paul Thomas Anderson drama, Joaquin Phoenix shows everyone why he is so often considered a terrific actor. When the WWII vet returns home, he becomes confused about the future. So when he’s confronted with a difficult Q&A session called Processing after meeting the leader of a movement called “The Cause,” he can’t quite contain his emotions. The unbroken shot that focuses on Phoenix’s face shows that there are no filming tricks here; it is 100% raw emotion from the actor. His face becomes contorted, his voice choked, and his eyes well up with tears, making this scene both intensely realistic and heartbreaking.

#7: M’s Death
“Skyfall” (2012)

Who knew that we would ever see James Bond, the manliest of men, shed a tear? When a former MI6 operative tracks down the agency’s head M, Bond tries to keep her safe from the big baddie, but 007 ultimately proves unsuccessful. As M lays dying in Bond’s arms, he visibly becomes concerned and begins to tear up, something audiences never expected to see. As if her death wasn’t shocking enough, it becomes that much more emotional due to Bond’s reaction, as we feel for him and know that nothing will ever be the same without M.

#6: We Have a Kid to Think About
“Blue Valentine” (2010)

This movie tells the story of a married couple that spans many years. Like any other couple, Cindy and Dean get into heated arguments, and in the case of this scene, it is one that leads to tears. When Ryan Gosling’s character confronts his wife regarding her selfish behavior and her neglect of their child, her response brings him to tears. There is even a great little touch added by Gosling who flares his nostrils before the tears start to flow. The acting in “Blue Valentine” is fantastic, and it’s small moments like this that make this crying scene more relatable and emotional than most.

#5: Jack Twist
“Brokeback Mountain” (2005)

When two male cowboys fall in love with each other, they try to keep their relationship a secret from their respective wives. This results in hushed meetings and long periods without interaction throughout the years. Such is the basis for this scene, which shows Jack driving away from his partner, knowing he won’t see him for a long time. Jake Gyllenhaal’s acting earned him an Academy Award nomination, and it’s not hard to see why. While this moment is difficult to watch, it’s one that undoubtedly helped this epic romantic drama earn its terrific reputation.

#4: Would You Like That, Chris?
“The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)

This biographical drama loosely tells the story of the real-life Chris Gardner, a poor single father who attempts to earn himself a career as a stock broker. When he is told he got the job, Will Smith turns in a terrific performance and puts to film one of the most realistic crying scenes ever. Barely holding back tears, Chris quickly shakes hands and avoids eye contact, even discreetly wiping away the single tear that falls. We feel the joy that Chris feels due to Smith’s talents, and the scene ends “The Pursuit of Happyness” on a perfect feel-good note.

#3: Goodbye
“Interstellar” (2014)

The Christopher Nolan sci-fi epic “Interstellar” follows a farmer as he joins a space mission to seek out hospitable planets. After departing from his family for an unknown length of time and on bad terms with his daughter, Cooper drives away from his house, failing to hold back tears. McConaughey’s performance is heartbreaking here, and is equally so during a later scene in which he sees his aging children via video messages. Thanks to the actor’s talents, he provides one of the movie’s most powerful scenes and proves that good old-fashioned emotion always wins over extravagant special effects.

#2: Another Goodbye
“Armageddon” (1998)

Say what you will about the quality of this movie, but don’t pretend that you didn’t shed a tear along with Harry Stamper here. Choosing to stay behind to blow up an asteroid headed for Earth so that his daughter’s boyfriend won’t have to, Harry says his final goodbyes to his girl in a gut-wrenching scene. This is one of Bruce Willis’s finest moments, as we watch his eyes gradually fill up with water and a man tear slowly roll down his cheek. It’s odd seeing such a tough man cry, but that’s exactly why it proves so emotional.

Before we watch our final man shed a tear, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Private Ryan & Captain Miller
“Saving Private Ryan” (1998)

- You Were Real
“The Truman Show” (1998)

- Mi Amor, Mi Corazón
“All the Pretty Horses” (2000)

- The Breaking of the Fellowship
“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)

- Drop the Gun
“Reservoir Dogs” (1992)

#1: Dean Stanton
“The Green Mile” (1999)

When a spiritual and magical healing man is condemned to death and about to be executed, every guard in attendance tries to hold back their tears. But it’s Dean Stanton who tries the hardest. Dean’s face is red with effort, and tears drip down his face, but he makes no noise and attempts with all his might to conceal his emotions. It’s a powerful scene that ends the fantasy crime drama perfectly, as it captures the very essence of what the film teaches us about faith, companionship, and the power of love.

Do you agree with our list? What manly tear moment makes you cry? For more tear-jerking top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.