The Best Parts Are When They Cry: The 15 Most Tear-Jerking ‘Supernatural’ Moments
#15 Dean Teaches Sam to Fix the Impala
Season 3, Episode 7: “Fresh Blood"
Some of the most emotional moments come from the brotherly bonding time Sam and Dean spend, and no time was better than when Dean decided to teach his little brother how to fix his car, due to the fact that Dean was on his way to Hell.
#14 Sam and Dean Meet Their Ghost Mother
Season 1, Episode 9: “Home"
Not having seen their mother since she died when they were very young, Sam and Dean found her ghost and the result was a heartfelt family reunion.
#13 Bobby Kills His Wife Again
Season 5, Episode 15: “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid"
Poor Bobby had to kill his wife once when she was possessed, but when she came back as a zombie, he had to go through that pain all over again.
#12 Dean Dies the Next Day
Season 3, Episode 11: “Mystery Spot"
Watching Dean die every possible way was hilarious, but when the Trickster seemingly freed the Winchesters and Dean still died the next day, it suddenly became real and painful.
#11 Young Sam Gives Young Dean the Necklace for Christmas
Season 3, Episode 8: “A Very Supernatural Christmas"
The simple act of young Sam giving young Dean a present was emotional enough, but when it’s added with the weight of everything we know about that particular necklace, this because an extra tissue-worthy moment.
#10 Dean Wants to Live
Season 3, Episode 10: “Dream a Little Dream of Me"
After many episodes spent having fun and living life to the fullest knowing that he was going to Hell, this was the moment when Dean finally woke up and realized that he didn’t want to die.
#9 Sam Would Do Anything for Dean
Season 2, Episode 22: “All Hell Breaks Loose, Part 2"
Tears aren’t always from sadness, and here they came in a moment of brotherly triumph. After Dean sold his soul to bring Sam back, Sam was a little upset, vowing that he’d do anything to save his brother too.
#8 Bobby Wants to Kill Himself
Season 5, Episode 7: “The Curious Case of Dean Winchester"
Bobby’s journey in season 5 was rough, especially in this episode where he revealed to Dean that he felt useless and simply wanted to die.
#7 Dean Can’t Stop Lilith
Season 4, Episode 16: “On the Head of a Pin"
Recuperating from Alastair’s beatdown where Dean learned he was responsible for opening the first Seal to unleash Lucifer, the weight of his actions was too much and Dean cried about how he was unable to stop Lilith. Seeing Dean this weak and vulnerable was certainly sad.
#6 Sam Kills Madison
Season 2, Episode 17: “Heart"
The publisher of the Supernatural books was right when she listed this as one of the saddest moments, “When Sam had to kill Madison, the first woman since Jessica he really loved."
#5 Dean Begs God for Help
Season 5, Episode 14: “My Bloody Valentine"
Trying to stop Lucifer and keep Sam on the wagon was too much, resulting in Dean’s tearful prayer to God begging for help. Sadly, it went unanswered, but the Winchesters managed anyway.
#4 Jo Dies in Ellen’s Arms
Season 5, Episode 10: “Abandon All Hope"
Easily the saddest non-Sam or Dean moment, seeing Ellen cry as she held her daughter while Jo took her final breaths was as emotionally draining as this show can be.
#3 Sam Finds His Dead Dad
Season 2, Episode 1: “In My Time of Dying"
Watching Sam walk by his father’s room, see his dad on the floor and drop his coffee cup, only to have it land right-side up remains one of the most haunting and tragic visuals the show has created.
#2 Dean Calls His Dad for Help
Season 1, Episode 9: “Home"
The estranged relationship the Winchesters had with their father was the driving force behind season 1, and the scene where Dean left a message for his father begging for help was the perfect example of this dynamic.
#1 Sam Dies in Dean’s Arms
Season 2, Episode 21: “All Hell Breaks Loose, Part 1"
Nothing will ever top the pure tragedy of Dean watching as Jake Talley got up and killed Sam. Watching Dean run to his fallen brother and cradle him in his arms is enough to make even the strongest Hunter weep.