You know, I was trying to think of a good one, and came up with a couple of decent enough nominees (examples included FullMetal Alchemist[footnote]
[/footnote] the "Monster" anime[footnote]
[/footnote], and I Am Legend[footnote]
[/footnote], among others), but honestly, I think I just found a scene that beats anything I might have come up with on my own. Have you perhaps heard of a movie called "The Champ"?
I just found that while trying to find moments from media I've actually seen, but it still managed to do a number on me. To me, that's a good scene. ....Dang, now I need something to lighten the mood.
Maes Hughes. The circumstances behind his death nonwithsanding, the greatest accomplishment of this is that the death itself made a point of just how much he loved his family and the aftermath was truly heartwrenching in showing how much he too was loved.
Richard Brawn, [formerly] alcoholic Private Investigator. He's only the focus for about 4 episodes but you connect with the guy's desire to see his estranged daughter again and can see how much the addiction is still eating at him despite his refusal to give in, eventually culminating in his daughter saying she wants to see him again. And then...Johan comes in and breaks him with a few choice words and a well placed line. In addition to being a sucker punch, this beautifully demonstrated just how dangerous and malevolent Johan actually was.
Sam. The only companion the protagonist has had in recent years and he is forced to turn his comforting hug to a deadly choke in the span of seconds. And you can see just how much that kills him.
I just found that while trying to find moments from media I've actually seen, but it still managed to do a number on me. To me, that's a good scene. ....Dang, now I need something to lighten the mood.