Avengers: Endgame may have been the MCU’s action-oriented conclusion to an epic saga spanning over a decade; however, it did not disappoint in the sentimentality space. For those who have been a part of this 22-film narrative since Downey’s early days as Stark, the film made sure to include some tear-jerking moments as part of its final bow.

From somber sobs and wistful weeping to tears of joy, Avengers: Endgame was quite the emotionally stirring film. Coming in at three hours and two minutes long, the movie used several of its precious moments to remind us of why we are drawn to MCU films in the first place: the characters, their relationships, and then, the intricately designed narratives. So, which scenes were most likely to catalyze crying? Below, find the Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s top five picks.

5. Tony Stark gets to say goodbye to his father; his doubts and worries, at last, released

If you’re one of the many out there who fails to boast a peachy relationship with the folks, this moment likely triggered the waterworks. The writers gave Tony Stark — though time travel — an opportunity to mend a broken past (to some extent). 

Tony learns that his father truly loved him, and gets that reassurance — gets to rid his mind and heart of all those doubts — before ending his life to save humankind. Could we have asked for more? 

4. Tony Stark and Peter Parker embrace 

When Peter Parker disintegrated in Tony Stark’s arms during Infinity War, there wasn’t a dry eye left in the house. When he returned, the sense of joy that overtook the cinema was palpable. 

Tony Stark felt responsible for Peter Parker, and during this long embrace, the father-son dynamic between the two comes to utter fruition. Tony became more vulnerable with each successive installment; his relationship with Parker embodies his growth as a character. When Tony began letting people in, he developed bonds that were worth fighting for, as opposed to further developing an ego in need of protecting. 

3. Captain America utters, “Avengers, Assemble”

We have been waiting for this since the beginning of time! When, at last, Captain America uttered these words, we knew the heroes were about to win. The sense of imminent triumph transferred from the screen to the audience, and we entered the battle alongside our favorite heroes, ready to save the day. 

Once again, this scene led to happy tears in the audience, as the Avengers were about to reclaim what was lost and ensure that Natasha’s death, and the death of several other Avengers, would not be in vain. Avengers: Endgame just takes the gold for happy tears.

2. Natasha dies early on in ‘Avengers: Endgame’

Natasha has been with the Avengers since the early days. Joining in Iron Man 2, she went from an assistant with an impressive skillset to someone who found a family in her team of heroes. 

Natasha’s sacrifice depicts who she really is, and what she is willing to fight for. She sacrificed herself to save Hawkeye’s family and, in doing so, reveals just how far she has come. Initially, a character who was meant to be seen as quite self-serving wound up being a character who was quite selfless (with a heart of gold). And finally, her relationship with Clint is emphasized through sacrifice as if tying a little bow on top of their long-gestating dynamic in the MCU.

1. Tony Stark sacrifices himself 

When you think about it, Avengers: Endgame was largely in place to bid farewell to two of the MCU’s most integral players: Iron Man and Captain America. Thus, Iron Man’s sacrifice — surprising, yet inevitable — is nothing less than pure movie magic. He needed to be the one to go, to show just how far he has come.

Pepper Potts tells him it’s okay to let go, and the audience loses it! Tony Stark does have a heart; no matter how often he tries to convince you that he doesn’t, he operates, at this moment, from a purely emotional and selfless place. 

Honorable Mentions

1. Captain America dances with Peggy
2. Thor tries to save his mother