Top 10 Paddington Franchise Moments That Made Us Happy Cry

“Paddington” (2014)

We love how Paddington lives in a world where people just kind of accept that talking bears exist. That said, Paddington isn’t immediately accepted when he arrives in London. Where most humans shun the lonely bear, including Mr. Brown, Mrs. Brown is the first to show him empathy. From the second Mary speaks to him, Paddington goes from being lost to found, which is cleverly conveyed in one of our favorite background gags. Speaking of background details, the perfect English name for Paddington is right behind him. It’s a sign that the Browns as the right people to look after Paddington, despite Henry’s reluctance. It takes time for him to come around, but the immediate connection between Padding and Mary warms our hearts.

“Paddington 2” (2017)

Hugh Grant steals the show in “Paddington 2” as the villainous Phoenix Buchanan. While we can’t condone his criminal activities, especially with Paddington taking the fall, this scoundrel makes the most of every second on screen. His comeuppance is made more satisfying knowing that incarceration truly helped Phoenix turn his life around. Even after Paddington’s release, the positive impact he left on the prison remains. Phoenix picks up where Paddington left off, bringing a joyful voice to the jailhouse. Along with a “captive audience,” Phoenix receives backup from the guards and his fellow inmates, putting on an uplifting production number worthy of the West End. Rising like a phoenix after hitting his lowest point, this grand finale makes us cry with laughter every time.

“Paddington 2” (2017)

Before meeting the Browns, Paddington found another family in Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo. While not biologically related, fate brings these three together as the couple spots a young bear cub heading for a waterfall. Lucy doesn’t think twice about risking her life to save the drowning cub with assistance from Pastuzo. Although it looks like they might go overboard, the bears manage to hang in there. With Pastuzo’s red hat landing on the cub’s head, Lucy knows where they belong. Abandoning their plans to see London, Lucy and Pastuzo remain in Peru to look after the cub. It’s a testament to the dreams parents put on hold to ensure bright futures for their children. Yet, raising Paddington proves as gratifying as a marmalade sandwich.

“Paddington” (2014)

Mr. Brown still needs convincing, but the angsty Judy warms up to Paddington in time. Along with brother Jonathan, Judy helps Paddington to look more presentable with a bath and a blow dry. Mrs. Bird completes the makeover with a blue coat that’s been passed down from one Brown to another. Even Henry can’t deny that the coat suits Paddington, allowing him to stay. Receiving his hat from his uncle and his coat from the Browns, Paddington’s wardrobe tells a story. It’s the story of a bear with more than one family, carrying a piece of each wherever he goes. He hasn’t officially adopted their surname yet, but as far as we’re concerned, this is the exact moment that Paddington becomes a Brown.

“Paddington 2” (2017)

He’s a bear, but anyone who has immigrated to a new land can identify with Paddington. Despite skeptical stares, Paddington not only wins over the Browns, but also their neighbors. Well, for the most part. Mr. Curry relishes seeing Paddington carted off to prison, showing there may always be prejudiced people. What matters is that Mr. Curry’s bigotry is outweighed by the people who love Paddington. Mr. Brown gives an impassioned speech about why Paddington represents the best this world has to offer. Even through a simple act like washing windows, Paddington enriches lives in ways he didn’t anticipate. Hearing Henry’s words, the other neighbors rally behind the Browns, helping them to get past Mr. Curry and on the path to bringing Paddington home.

“Paddington in Peru” (2024)

The third film sees Paddington venture back to Peru in search of his Aunt Lucy. He doesn’t just find his aunt. Arriving in the hidden community of El Dorado, Paddington is reunited with the bear tribe who he was separated from years ago. It’s a full-circle moment for the franchise. That said, is this where Paddington’s story comes to an end? The Browns assume so, tearfully reflecting on when they first found Paddington at the train station. The idea of being separated tears them apart, but the Browns love Paddington enough to let him go. Thankfully, there’s no need for that. As Paddington tells the Browns, this might be his tribe, but his home is in London with them.

“Paddington” (2014)

The “Paddington” movies demonstrate the power of cinema in more ways than one. Tracking down an old film reel, Paddington is overwhelmed with nostalgia as he’s reminded of Peru. Director Paul King’s eye for visual storytelling is on full display as Paddington stands up and seemingly walks through the screen into his old home. Once the film comes to an end, so does the fantasy. If only for a minute, though, Aunt Lucy, Uncle Pastuzo, and Peru no longer feel like an ocean away. Just as Paddington becomes wrapped up in the imagery on screen, the audience doesn’t feel like they’re watching a movie. They’re experiencing one, becoming so emotionally invested in these characters that they might as well be real.

“Paddington 2” (2017)

No matter how optimistic one is, few places seem more hopeless than prison. Against all the odds, Paddington litterally brings more color to the big house, enriching every prisoner’s life. This includes the cranky Knuckles, who shows his soft side after tasting Paddington’s marmalade sandwich. Knuckles and the rest of the prison look out for Paddington as one of their own. This friendship is put to the test during a prison escape when Knuckles, Phibs, and Spoon have two options: aid Paddington in clearing his name or get out of dodge. They choose to flee, but the convicts are given a second chance at redemption when Paddington nearly drowns. Giving Mary a hand, they help Paddington bust out once again.

“Paddington” (2014)

When Millicent Clyde looks at Paddington, she sees an animal who needs to be stuffed. The Browns, meanwhile, see a family member. As Millicent aims her firewarm, Mrs. Brown isn’t the only one ready to stand up for Paddington. Mr. Brown might’ve been hesitant about Paddington at first. By welcoming the bear into his home, though, Mr. Brown has come to realize just how wonderful his whole family is. We say without a shred of irony that this is one of Hugh Bonneville’s most captivating moments on screen, touching the hearts of everyone in the audience. Unfortunately, his words don’t get through to Millicent, but her malice is nothing that a marmalade sandwich, some pigeons, and Mrs. Bird can’t thwart.

“Paddington 2” (2017)

“Paddington 2” ends with a symphony of waterworks, guaranteeing there won’t be a dry eye left in the theater. We’re submerged deeper and deeper into emotion as Paddington awakens in bed, finding himself home with the Browns. Although this is a cause for celebration, Paddington is disappointed that he missed Aunt Lucy’s birthday. The ultimate gift resides downstairs, though, where Paddington’s neighbors await. One by one, they tell Paddington how much he means to them. As a thank you, they pitched in to get Paddington a present that’s just as much for Aunt Lucy, who stands on the other side of the front door. Lucy finally gets to see London, but sharing another embrace with Paddington is a dream come true.

Which “Paddington” moment gave you the feels? Let us know in the comments.