20 Heartbreaking Moments in The Walking Dead That Moved Fans to Tears

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The Walking Dead

The show's ability to evoke strong emotions in viewers, ranging from tears over the loss of beloved characters to heartwarming reunions, was remarkable. It effectively captivated and engaged the audience, provoking significant reactions, despite some scenes inciting anger among fans.

The series had an abundance of tear-jerking scenes, establishing it as one of the most impactful shows on television, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Throughout its 11 seasons, The Walking Dead delivered countless emotional moments, both sorrowful and joyous, evoking tears from fans. The nature of the show involved the inevitable deaths of beloved and influential characters, which proved difficult for audiences to accept. While these moments undoubtedly stood out as some of the saddest in the series, there were also instances where the show managed to evoke strong emotions without relying on dramatic farewells. Beyond all the drama and action, The Walking Dead succeeded in being a profoundly affecting show, featuring an abundance of scenes that moved viewers to tears.

20. The Sacrificial Death Of Shiva The Tiger

Whether due to the heart-wrenching deaths or the more heartwarming moments on The Walking Dead, the series excelled at capturing viewers' attention and evoking strong reactions. While there were instances when the show missed the mark and left fans frustrated, it still managed to engage and entertain its audience even beyond its peak. Spanning 11 seasons and 177 episodes, The Walking Dead had numerous memorable moments that brought tears to fans' eyes, cementing its place in TV history for years to come.

In Season 8, Episode 4, "Some Guy"

Animals tend to evoke more emotional connection than humans, which makes it surprising that they would survive for long in a show like The Walking Dead. While most animals are mere sources of food within the show, Ezekiel's pet tiger, Shiva, defied the odds and outlived many others. Shiva would often intimidate enemies and tear through walkers, displaying abilities on par with those of human survivors. Tragically, she met her demise by being devoured by zombies after selflessly sacrificing herself to ensure the escape of an injured Ezekiel. This cemented Shiva's death in The Walking Dead as one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the series.

19. Morgan's Inability To Shoot His Wife After She Became A Walker

In Season 1, Episode 1, "Days Gone By"

18. Rick's Phone Calls Were Revealed To Be Hallucinations

The initial episode of The Walking Dead established the show's tone, as fans were deeply moved by Morgan's encounter with his wife. When Rick Grimes woke up disoriented and vulnerable in the midst of the apocalypse, Morgan was the first person he met. While explaining the situation, Morgan introduced Rick to this new world, yet he was still grappling with his own dilemma. Staring at his wife as a walker, Morgan had to accept that the woman he loved was no more, but he couldn't bring himself to end her life. This poignant scene served as an immediate preview of the series' enduring cruelty and heartbreak.

In Season 3, Episode 9, "The Suicide King"

Hallucinations were not an uncommon occurrence for Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead. While he experienced them fairly frequently in subsequent episodes, it was during season 3 that the character's mental state was truly brought into question. Following the loss of his wife, Rick began receiving phone calls from a community offering safety. Each call introduced a new voice, each with increasing hesitations about inviting Rick. The final call came from the voice of his deceased wife, disclosing that the preceding voices belonged to other deceased characters, resulting in an emotional scene that illustrated Rick's profound struggle with his grief.

17. Noah's Brutal Death Inside The Revolving Doors

In Season 5, Episode 14, "Spend"

Noah's death in The Walking Dead was exceptionally shocking. Despite surviving the hospital arc and being a fan favorite, his presence on the show was cut short when he fell victim to a horde of walkers. Among the many sorrowful deaths in the series, Noah's demise stood out due to its sheer brutality and the heart-wrenching sight of Glenn being unable to save him. This emotionally charged scene left audiences devastated and solidified it as one of the saddest deaths in The Walking Dead.

16. Ezekiel & Jerry's Farewell To Each Other

In Season 10, Episode 14, "Look At The Flowers"

Jerry and Ezekiel were the most heartwarming duo in the series, radiating positivity and injecting moments of humor into the typically dramatic show. After journeying through several seasons together, it was a poignant and sorrowful moment when Ezekiel bid farewell to Jerry and joined Eugene and Yumiko. The already intense emotions were further heightened by the knowledge that Ezekiel was battling cancer, making his survival during the journey even more challenging. This scene left fans unable to contain their tears, realizing that it could potentially be the last time these two companions would ever see each other.

15. Glenn's Fake-Out Death (At The Time)

In Season 6, Episode 3, "Thank You"

One of the most infamous moments in The Walking Dead is Glenn's fake-out death. It divided the fan base and even caused some people to stop watching. However, at that moment, it was undeniably emotional. Steven Yeun acknowledged that The Walking Dead made mistakes with Glenn, and witnessing the idea of him being killed by walkers was truly heartbreaking. While some viewers were perceptive to the show's attempts to deceive them, others were undoubtedly brought to tears. This particular scene undoubtedly remains one of the series' most controversial and emotional moments, serving as a lasting memory for Walking Dead fans.

14. Rick Reunited With His Family

In Season 1, Episode 3, "Tell It To The Frogs"

Despite being new characters, the reunion of Rick with his wife and son was a truly heartwarming moment. The initial two episodes depicted Rick's arduous journey from awakening in a hospital bed to locating his family. When he finally reached them, it marked one of the most joyous moments in the series. Although Rick later had to endure the loss of both Carl and Lori, witnessing the family embrace during their reunion was a rare, uplifting moment. Not only the Grimes, but also those who witnessed this miracle reunion during the apocalypse, couldn't help but shed tears.

13. Carol Reunited With The Group After Terminus

In Season 5, Episode 1, "No Sanctuary"

During The Terminus arc, The Walking Dead reached its peak in popularity, and Carol's role played a significant part. After being expelled from the group, she appeared to rescue the main survivors who had been captured in Terminus. From the outside of the community, Carol played a crucial role in destroying Terminus, ensuring the survival of the show's main characters in a perilous situation. When she finally reunited with the group, it was an emotional moment that could bring fans to tears. Having formed close bonds with numerous characters over the previous four seasons, watching Carol embrace Rick and Daryl after being separated from them for so long was an incredibly touching moment.

12. Beth & Daryl's Final Moments Together

In Season 4, Episode 13, "Alone"

11. Rosita's Death In The Walking Dead Finale

Daryl and Beth's bond was truly special within the entire franchise. Despite their contrasting personalities, their genuine connection was a pleasant surprise. Although they only shared a few moments together before being separated during the intense prison arc, their eventual reunion made perfect sense. While there may have been initial suggestions of a romantic relationship between them, the development of their strong friendship became a compelling narrative choice. The heartfelt moments they shared, particularly Beth's soulful singing, evoked a profound sense of emotion, especially when considering that it tragically marked their final interaction before Beth's untimely demise.

In Season 11, Episode 24, "Rest In Peace"

By the time the final episode of The Walking Dead aired, it appeared that no more deaths would have a significant impact. Season 11 took a relatively cautious approach when it came to major character fatalities, which made Rosita's demise even more difficult to accept. Despite surviving numerous near-death situations in the show's previous episodes, Rosita had done enough to protect her baby but not herself. While she had the opportunity to bid farewell to her loved ones and experience a relatively peaceful death in The Walking Dead world, it proved to be a poignant conclusion to her storyline that packed an unexpectedly powerful punch.

10. Rick Finding Out About Lori's Death

In Season 3, Episode 4, "Killer Within"

While the sadness of Lori's death was already heartbreaking, the revelation of her demise left Rick even more emotionally devastated. This particular moment resonated deeply with the Walking Dead fan community, as the exaggerated acting effectively conveyed the desolation of the scene. Although Andrew Lincoln's performance was particularly memorable, both Chandler Riggs and Lauren Cohan also contributed to the tear-jerking impact on the audience. The transition from the joyous reunion in season 1 to the tragic death of Lori highlighted the brutal nature of the post-apocalyptic world they now inhabited. Furthermore, this scene marked the beginning of Rick's downward spiral, as he gradually descended into madness and ruthlessness following this event.

9. Hershel Killed By The Governor

In Season 4, Episode 8, "Too Far Gone"

The Governor emerged as a formidable villain on The Walking Dead, solidifying his status when he cold-heartedly ended Hershel's life. This cruel act was a devastating blow, especially after Rick's impassioned plea for peace. There was a glimmer of hope that the Governor might be swayed by Rick's words and choose a path of coexistence, but instead he callously killed one of the show's most beloved characters. Hershel's demise was truly heart-wrenching and ranks among the saddest moments in the series. The sheer chaos that unfolded in the immediate aftermath was the only thing that helped fans cope with this tragic loss.

8. Maggie & Glenn Reunited After The Prison

In Season 4, Episode 15, "Us"

7. Rick Sacrificed Himself To Blow Up The Bridge

Despite the scarcity of true romantic storylines in The Walking Dead, Glenn and Maggie emerged as the most resilient couple in the series. Their love story unfolded authentically in a world engulfed by death, creating an exceptional bond between them. Their unexpected connection blossomed, leading to a heartfelt union through marriage. The destruction of the prison forced them apart, resulting in numerous episodes filled with longing and determination to reunite. The eventual meeting brought tears and became one of the series' most poignant moments.

In Season 9, Episode 5, "What Comes After"

Despite long-standing rumors, Andrew Lincoln's departure from The Walking Dead was still a difficult pill to swallow. For over nine seasons, Lincoln had portrayed the beloved character of Rick Grimes, making his decision to move on from the role all the more heartbreaking. However, fans can find solace in the fact that he will be returning in a spinoff. In a truly tear-jerking moment, Rick, injured and nearing the end of his strength, made the ultimate sacrifice by blowing up a bridge swarming with walkers, ensuring the safety of his fellow survivors. While he technically survived the ordeal, the knowledge that this marked the end of Rick's journey in the series was undeniably bittersweet.

6. Sophia Exiting The Barn

In Season 2, Episode 7, "Pretty Much Dead Already"

The episode "Pretty Much Dead Already" from The Walking Dead presented itself as one of the most daring shows on television. The revelation of Sophia emerging from the barn marked an unforgettable and monumental scene within the entire series. Throughout the season, the group tirelessly searched for Carol's daughter, only to discover her as a zombie. This shocking moment not only demonstrated the show's fearlessness but also exemplified the difficulties viewers could face while watching. The powerful image of Carol's emotional breakdown upon seeing her reanimated child left an indelible impression, forever resonating with viewers.

5. Daryl Killed Zombie Merle

In Season 3, Episode 15, "This Sorrowful Life"

Early in The Walking Dead's run, Daryl and Merle were not always the most likeable characters. However, the ending to their brotherhood was unexpectedly emotional. Merle, who was often seen as an antagonist, managed to find some form of redemption by attempting to fight against the Governor. When Daryl discovered his brother's lifeless body, he was devastated to realize that Merle had turned into a zombie. He had no choice but to put him down for good. Despite being aware of his brother's flaws, this was one of the toughest moments for Daryl throughout the entire series. Norman Reedus's tearful performance left a profound impact on the audience, who couldn't help but be moved along with him.

4. Carl's Final Words

In Season 8, Episode 9, "Honor"

Throughout the 11 seasons of The Walking Dead, Carl's death became a significant topic of discussion. It was a needless and anticlimactic demise that became a breaking point for many viewers, evoking anger and emotions. It appeared to be a death inserted purely for dramatic effect rather than serving the story, which ultimately led to a complete departure from the similarities between the show and the comics. Although there is a possibility of Carl Grimes returning in Rick's Walking Dead spinoff, his time as a regular on the series has long since ended. The moment when Carl bid his final words to his father and Michonne will always carry an emotional weight, even if for the wrong reasons.

3. Lizzie Killed By Carol

In Season 4, Episode 14, "The Grove"

Her having to witness her own daughter turning into a walker was already distressing, but Carol's struggle to pull the trigger on Lizzie made it difficult to hold back tears. "The Grove," an episode from season 4, effectively depicted the challenges of growing up in the midst of the apocalypse. Despite her good intentions, Lizzie clearly was not suited for this harsh world. After she killed her own sister, it became evident that Lizzie would pose a danger to more people if Carol didn't end her life. In a heart-wrenching moment, Carol instructed Lizzie to look at the flowers before shooting her in the back of the head—a scene that will forever remain one of the saddest in the show's history.

2. Beth Killed After Being Rescued

In Season 5, Episode 8, "Coda"

After spending a significant amount of time in a hospital, being forced to align with Dawn's group, Beth finally appeared to have gained her freedom. Rick and the other survivors managed to locate her and negotiate her release, only for her life to be abruptly taken before she could escape the confines. This unexpected turn of events, coupled with the character development she had undergone throughout her challenging journey, left audiences utterly stunned. The sight of Daryl carrying Beth's lifeless body towards her sister was undeniably one of the most heart-wrenching moments of the show, likely evoking tears from many viewers.

1. Glenn & Abraham Killed By Negan

In Season 7, Episode 1, "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be"

The season 6 finale and the season 7 premiere of the series were exceptionally intense. Negan's arrival was not only shocking and disturbing due to the brutality of his murders, but also because viewers were left in suspense about who the victim would be. The sight of the surviving characters feeling utterly hopeless was unprecedented in the series, and the fact that two significant characters met their demise was truly astonishing. This particular episode stirred up a range of emotions, and the loss of both Glenn and Abraham undoubtedly brought tears to the eyes of fans, forever altering the course of The Walking Dead.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the article "20 Heartbreaking Moments in The Walking Dead That Moved Fans to Tears". On the one hand, I appreciate the show's ability to evoke strong emotions in viewers, and I think that the moments listed in the article are indeed some of the most moving and memorable in the series. On the other hand, I feel that the show sometimes relies too heavily on emotional manipulation, and that some of the deaths and reunions feel forced and unearned.

Overall, I think that The Walking Dead is a well-made and entertaining show, but I would have liked to see more character development and a more nuanced exploration of the themes of survival and morality.