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** On November 27, 2018, Hillenburg finally died from ALS, a year and a half after his diagnosis. [[AuthorExistenceFailure The man who brought Bikini Bottom to the entire world is now dead.]]
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** On November 27, 26, 2018, Hillenburg finally died from complications of ALS, a year and a half after his diagnosis. [[AuthorExistenceFailure The man who brought Bikini Bottom to the entire world is now dead.]]
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** On November 27, 2018, Hillenburg finally died from ALS, a year and a half after his diagnosis. The man who brought Bikini Bottom to the entire world is now dead.
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** On November 27, 2018, Hillenburg finally died from ALS, a year and a half after his diagnosis. [[AuthorExistenceFailure The man who brought Bikini Bottom to the entire world is now dead.]]
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** On November 27, 2018, Hillenburg finally died from ALS, a year and a half after his diagnosis. The man who brought Bikini Bottom to the entire world is now dead.
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* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS] and his [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html eventual passing in 2018]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan.
to:
* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS] ALS]] and his [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html eventual passing in 2018]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan.
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* Yet another meta-example: A person got a tattoo of Spongebob and Patrick in tribute of their friend who [[https://www.facebook.com/wholesomememers/photos/a.1767752050139200.1073741827.1767746526806419/2169659686615099/?type=3&theater&ifg=1 passed away]]
to:
* Yet another meta-example: A person got a tattoo of Spongebob [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick in tribute of their friend who [[https://www.facebook.com/wholesomememers/photos/a.1767752050139200.1073741827.1767746526806419/2169659686615099/?type=3&theater&ifg=1 passed away]]
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* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan. And now on November 27th 2018, [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html he passed away]].
to:
* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS]].ALS] and his [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html eventual passing in 2018]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan. And now on November 27th 2018, [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html he passed away]].
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Changed line(s) 279 (click to see context) from:
* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan. And now on November 27th 2018, [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html he's passed away]].
to:
* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan. And now on November 27th 2018, [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html he's he passed away]].
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Changed line(s) 279,280 (click to see context) from:
* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan.
** [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html And now he’s dead]].
** [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html And now he’s dead]].
to:
* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan.
**fan. And now on November 27th 2018, [[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html And now he’s dead]].he's passed away]].
**
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** [https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html And now he’s dead].
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** [https://www.[[https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html And now he’s dead].dead]].
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** And now he’s dead.
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** [https://www.yahoo.com/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-173003126.html And now he’s dead.dead].
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** Sandy's reaction to [=SpongeBob=] not recognizing her (due to amnesia), which in her eyes looks like he's snubbing her for what she did. Although this doesn't last long and she realizes what's really going on with him.
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Changed line(s) 74 (click to see context) from:
* The music playing in the scene just before Squidward says he's going to make SpongeBob's day meaningful might even bring a tear for sensitive viewers [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JZcoQfV3Zo]]
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* The music playing in the scene just before Squidward says he's going to make SpongeBob's [=SpongeBob's=] day meaningful might even bring a tear for sensitive viewers [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JZcoQfV3Zo]][[https://youtu.be/2JZcoQfV3Zo]]
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* The friends forever scene in "The Secret Box". Doubles as heartwarming. Basically, we see [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick's lives since they were born, up until their dead, buried together, with an echo of their laugh. Also, Patrick's reaction when he discovers SpongeBob's Best Friends Forever ring after he tried to steal the secret box really hurts, as he tearfully declares that their friendship is over (thankfully, he was just kidding, but still...).
to:
* The friends forever scene in "The Secret Box". Doubles as heartwarming. Basically, we see [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick's lives since they were born, up until their dead, buried together, with an echo of their laugh. Also, Patrick's reaction when he discovers SpongeBob's [=SpongeBob's=] Best Friends Forever ring after he tried to steal the secret box really hurts, as he tearfully declares that their friendship is over (thankfully, he was just kidding, but still...).
Changed line(s) 111,116 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Patrick:''' Hey, [=SpongeBob=], wanna go jellyfishing?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Sorry, Patrick, I can't. I have school today!
-->'''Patrick:''' Well, what am I supposed to do all day while you're at school?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' I don't know. What do you normally do while I'm gone?
-->'''Patrick:''' *starts to cry* Wait for you to get back!
* The song at end of the lost episode that plays [[spoiler: after the jellyfish help [=SpongeBob=] to fly without pants]]. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyvraRtOGds All you need is friendship.]]
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Sorry, Patrick, I can't. I have school today!
-->'''Patrick:''' Well, what am I supposed to do all day while you're at school?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' I don't know. What do you normally do while I'm gone?
-->'''Patrick:''' *starts to cry* Wait for you to get back!
* The song at end of the lost episode that plays [[spoiler: after the jellyfish help [=SpongeBob=] to fly without pants]]. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyvraRtOGds All you need is friendship.]]
to:
-->'''Patrick:''' Hey, [=SpongeBob=], wanna go jellyfishing?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:'''jellyfishing?\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Sorry, Patrick, I can't. I have schooltoday!
-->'''Patrick:'''today!\\
'''Patrick:''' Well, what am I supposed to do all day while you're atschool?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:'''school?\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' I don't know. What do you normally do while I'mgone?
-->'''Patrick:'''gone?\\
'''Patrick:''' *starts to cry* Wait for you to get back!
* The song at end of the lost episode that plays[[spoiler: after [[spoiler:after the jellyfish help [=SpongeBob=] to fly without pants]]. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyvraRtOGds All you need is friendship.]]
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:'''
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Sorry, Patrick, I can't. I have school
-->'''Patrick:'''
'''Patrick:''' Well, what am I supposed to do all day while you're at
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:'''
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' I don't know. What do you normally do while I'm
-->'''Patrick:'''
'''Patrick:''' *starts to cry* Wait for you to get back!
* The song at end of the lost episode that plays
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* In the episode "ChefBob", in an attempt to entertain guests at the Krusty Krab, [=SpongeBob=] puts on a paper bag over his hand and does a ventriloquist's act by drawing his own face on it. [[DemonicDummy Unfortunately, the bag puppet starts heckling Spongebob and his friends.]] Though what makes this a [=Tearjerker=] moment is the insult directed towards Spongebob himself. The look on [=Spongebob's=] face just shows how hurt he is.
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* In the episode "ChefBob", [="ChefBob"=], in an attempt to entertain guests at the Krusty Krab, [=SpongeBob=] puts on a paper bag over his hand and does a ventriloquist's act by drawing his own face on it. [[DemonicDummy Unfortunately, the bag puppet starts heckling Spongebob and his friends.]] Though what makes this a [=Tearjerker=] moment is the insult directed towards Spongebob himself. The look on [=Spongebob's=] face just shows how hurt he is.
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* "Never Give Up" from "Hello Bikini Bottom!" is a mix of this and AwesomeMusic.
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* "Never Give Up" from "Hello Bikini Bottom!" is a mix of this and AwesomeMusic.SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic.
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** In the same episode, a guy with a pet worm walks in and [=SpongeBob=] says pets aren't allowed and they walk away slowly; It's sad until Mr. Krabs allows them inside anyway.
** The ending, as well. [=SpongeBob=] drags Gary to work against his will, and Mr. Krabs basically uses Gary as free labor.
** The ending, as well. [=SpongeBob=] drags Gary to work against his will, and Mr. Krabs basically uses Gary as free labor.
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** In the same episode, a guy with a pet worm walks in and [=SpongeBob=] says pets aren't allowed and they walk away slowly; It's sad until [[spoiler: Mr. Krabs allows them inside anyway.
anyway.]]
** The ending, as well. [[spoiler: [=SpongeBob=] drags Gary to work against his will, and Mr. Krabs basically uses Gary as free labor.]]
** The ending, as well. [[spoiler: [=SpongeBob=] drags Gary to work against his will, and Mr. Krabs basically uses Gary as free labor.]]
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[[folder:Season 11]]
*In the episode "ChefBob", in an attempt to entertain guests at the Krusty Krab, [=SpongeBob=] puts on a paper bag over his hand and does a ventriloquist's act by drawing his own face on it. [[DemonicDummy Unfortunately, the bag puppet starts heckling Spongebob and his friends.]] Though what makes this a [=Tearjerker=] moment is the insult directed towards Spongebob himself. The look on [=Spongebob's=] face just shows how hurt he is.
-->'''Puppet:''' He must've been born on a highway, 'cause that's where most accidents happen!
[[/folder]]
*In the episode "ChefBob", in an attempt to entertain guests at the Krusty Krab, [=SpongeBob=] puts on a paper bag over his hand and does a ventriloquist's act by drawing his own face on it. [[DemonicDummy Unfortunately, the bag puppet starts heckling Spongebob and his friends.]] Though what makes this a [=Tearjerker=] moment is the insult directed towards Spongebob himself. The look on [=Spongebob's=] face just shows how hurt he is.
-->'''Puppet:''' He must've been born on a highway, 'cause that's where most accidents happen!
[[/folder]]
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** The book cover version of Squidward pushing [=SpongeBob=] out the door has some differnces:
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** The book cover version of Squidward pushing [=SpongeBob=] out the door has some differnces:differences:
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** The book cover version of Squidward pushing [=SpongeBob=] out the door has some differnces:
** Squidward smiling as he's taking [=SpongeBob=] out the Krusty Krab
** Mr. Krabs yelling
** [=SpongeBob=]'s reaction, which can all make you feel sorry for the little guy
** Squidward smiling as he's taking [=SpongeBob=] out the Krusty Krab
** Mr. Krabs yelling
** [=SpongeBob=]'s reaction, which can all make you feel sorry for the little guy
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* The music playing in the scene just before Squidward says he's going to make SpongeBob's day meaningful might even bring a tear for sensitive viewers [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JZcoQfV3Zo]]
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*** This quote is significant in that it's one of the rare moments where Squidward being the show's resident ButtMonkey ''isn't'' PlayedForLaughs.
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* Anyone who saw the infamous scene in "Are You Happy Now?" where [[spoiler: it looks like Squidward [[DrivenToSuicide is going to hang himself]]]] had one of several reactions: [[NightmareFuel sheer horror from the content]], [[DudeNotFunny sheer horror from the fact that the writers would attempt to make such a crass joke]], [[ShoutOut amusement that the writers seemingly referenced the Creepypasta]] ''[[FanFic/SquidwardsSuicide]]'', or heartrending levels of sorrow. [[TheWoobie Who didn't want to give poor Squid a hug?]]
to:
* Anyone who saw the infamous scene in "Are You Happy Now?" where [[spoiler: it looks like Squidward [[DrivenToSuicide is going to hang himself]]]] had one of several reactions: [[NightmareFuel sheer horror from the content]], [[DudeNotFunny sheer horror from the fact that the writers would attempt to make such a crass joke]], [[ShoutOut amusement that the writers seemingly referenced the Creepypasta]] ''[[FanFic/SquidwardsSuicide]]'', ''[[FanFic/SquidwardsSuicide Squidward's Suicide]]'', or heartrending levels of sorrow. [[TheWoobie Who didn't want to give poor Squid a hug?]]
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Changed line(s) 99 (click to see context) from:
** Plus where [=SpongeBob=] is made fun of for the kissy mark on his forehead. The fact that his tormenters never get any comeuppance and even spy on him and his grandma at the end of the episode makes it worse.
to:
** Plus where [=SpongeBob=] is made fun of for the kissy mark on his forehead. The fact that his tormenters [[KarmaHoudini never get any comeuppance comeuppance]] and even spy on him and his grandma at the end of the episode [[FromBadToWorse makes it worse.]]
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* Squidward's prefect evening at a Kelpy-G concert being ruined thanks to Patrick's meddling and Spongebob's immaturity during Smoothe Jazz at Bikini Bottom. Worst, Patrick gets off at the end, and receives no punishment, and Spongebob is recognized by Kelpy G instead of Squidward.
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*Yet another meta-example: A person got a tattoo of Spongebob and Patrick in tribute of their friend who [[https://www.facebook.com/wholesomememers/photos/a.1767752050139200.1073741827.1767746526806419/2169659686615099/?type=3&theater&ifg=1 passed away]]
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Another one
Changed line(s) 186 (click to see context) from:
* The episode ''Model Sponge'', where [=SpongeBob=] thinks he's been fired from his job. You don't have to be a long-time fan to know how much [=SpongeBob=] loves his job, so his reaction is pretty sad. Then, later when he goes to beg Mr. Krabs for his job back, he is in tears and crawling on his knees, promising he'll do better and he doesn't want to go. Of course, Krabs has no idea what he's talking about (remember, [=SpongeBob=] misinterpreted something Krabs had said earlier), but that makes it no less sad.
to:
* The episode ''Model Sponge'', "Model Sponge", where [=SpongeBob=] thinks he's been fired from his job. You don't have to be a long-time fan to know how much [=SpongeBob=] loves his job, so his reaction is pretty sad. Then, later when he goes to beg Mr. Krabs for his job back, he is in tears and crawling on his knees, promising he'll do better and he doesn't want to go. Of course, Krabs has no idea what he's talking about (remember, [=SpongeBob=] misinterpreted something Krabs had said earlier), but that makes it no less sad.
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Fixed a small quote error
Changed line(s) 164 (click to see context) from:
* A small example, but in the episode ''Growth Spout'', when Mrs. Puff was sleeping, she mutters out that she must protect her garden, and that it's the only thing worth living for. This comes into effect when you remember that most of her life would be boat driving with [[IdiotHero SpongeBob]] and nearly getting killed by him.
to:
* A small example, but in the episode ''Growth Spout'', "Growth Spout", when Mrs. Puff was sleeping, she mutters out that she must protect her garden, and that it's the only thing worth living for. This comes into effect when you remember that most of her life would be boat driving with [[IdiotHero SpongeBob]] and nearly getting killed by him.
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->''"I don't wanna grow up! I want cookies! And 'milkie'! I want a sweater with love in the stitches! I wanna wear 'diadies'! I wanna ride in my wagon! I wanna cuddle-wuddle with Mister Stuffykins! I wanna rocky-rock on my seahorsey! And I want kissy-kissy on my boo-boo!"'' [cries really hard, shocking him grandmother in the process]
to:
->''"I don't wanna grow up! I want cookies! And 'milkie'! I want a sweater with love in the stitches! I wanna wear 'diadies'! I wanna ride in my wagon! I wanna cuddle-wuddle with Mister Stuffykins! I wanna rocky-rock on my seahorsey! And I want kissy-kissy on my boo-boo!"'' [cries really hard, shocking him his grandmother in the process]
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** The entire episode is just saddening.
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** The entire episode is just saddening.saddening, as the prospect of [=SpongeBob=] moving out of his beloved pineapple can really hit home for some fans.
Changed line(s) 97 (click to see context) from:
* The episode "Grandma's Kisses". [=SpongeBob=]'s hysterical rant about how he doesn't want to grow up hits a very tender nerve. More specifically, he spends the entire episode trying to act more grown up around his Grandmother, but then finally snaps and goes into a fit of tears, yelling how he wants to do everything he wanted to do as a kid again, and wants some of the moments back.
to:
* The episode "Grandma's Kisses". [=SpongeBob=]'s hysterical rant about how he doesn't want to grow up hits a very tender nerve. More specifically, he spends the entire episode trying to act more grown up around his Grandmother, but then finally snaps and goes into a fit of tears, yelling how he wants to do everything he wanted to do as a kid again, and wants some of the moments back. The rant in question serves as the quote for this page as seen above.
Changed line(s) 101 (click to see context) from:
* A little one. From "Patty Hype." Mr. Krabs and Squidward make [=SpongeBob=] cry by mocking his idea of "Pretty Patties-" vibrantly colored Krabby Patties- along with other ideas [=SpongeBob=] has of drawing customers and making things interesting, believing they are all childish. Eventually, [=SpongeBob=] actually gets angry- something we don't see him do a lot- and says, in an uncharacteristically determined way, "I KNOW this is a good idea! YOU'LL SEE!" He runs out of the restaurant to embark on a solo entrepreneurship. A little later, he starts crying again, having lost confidence. "Maybe Mr. Krabs was right...maybe my idea IS dumb! (sob!)"
to:
* A little one. From one from "Patty Hype." Mr. Krabs and Squidward make [=SpongeBob=] cry by mocking his idea of "Pretty Patties-" vibrantly colored Krabby Patties- along with other ideas [=SpongeBob=] has of drawing customers and making things interesting, believing they are all childish. Eventually, [=SpongeBob=] actually gets angry- something we don't see him do a lot- and says, in an uncharacteristically determined way, "I KNOW this is a good idea! YOU'LL SEE!" He runs out of the restaurant to embark on a solo entrepreneurship. A little later, having lost confidence, he starts crying again, having lost confidence. again and says, "Maybe Mr. Krabs was right...maybe my idea IS dumb! (sob!)" ''is'' dumb!"
Changed line(s) 103 (click to see context) from:
* The friends forever scene in "The Secret Box". Doubles as heartwarming. Basically, we see [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick's lives since they were born, up until their dead, buried together, with an echo of their laugh.
to:
* The friends forever scene in "The Secret Box". Doubles as heartwarming. Basically, we see [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick's lives since they were born, up until their dead, buried together, with an echo of their laugh. Also, Patrick's reaction when he discovers SpongeBob's Best Friends Forever ring after he tried to steal the secret box really hurts, as he tearfully declares that their friendship is over (thankfully, he was just kidding, but still...).
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!![[WesternAnimaton/The[=SpongeBob=]SquarepantsMovie First movie]]
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--->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' The sign says "Kitchen", but my heart says jail.
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Re-creating page with correctly capitalized title.
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%%Please open an Image Pickin' thread for any desired changes to the page image
[[quoteright:256:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gary_come_home_5169.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:256:Gary, come home...]]
->''"I don't wanna grow up! I want cookies! And 'milkie'! I want a sweater with love in the stitches! I wanna wear 'diadies'! I wanna ride in my wagon! I wanna cuddle-wuddle with Mister Stuffykins! I wanna rocky-rock on my seahorsey! And I want kissy-kissy on my boo-boo!"'' [cries really hard, shocking him grandmother in the process]
-->-- [=SpongeBob=]'s epic breakdown, "Grandma's Kisses"
Even a show that is reliant on [[Funny/SpongeBobSquarePants comedy]], [[NauseaFuel/SpongeBobSquarePants gross stuff]], and [[SeasonalRot at one point]] [[CringeComedy the misery]] [[SadistShow of its characters]] as well can cause have a few [[TearJerker sad]] scenes.
----
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder: Season 1]]
* A small moment from the show's pilot, "Help Wanted". Right before running to the Krusty Krab to apply for the job of his dreams, he suffers from cold feet and begins to run back home, saying "I can't do this!" Patrick shows up and questions [=SpongeBob=]'s sudden squeamishness about the situation, prompting [=SpongeBob=] to cry, in a shaky, distraught voice, "I can't! Don't you see?! I'm not good enough!"
* In "Hall Monitor", the mortified and remorseful look on [=SpongeBob=]'s face and the way he slowly flinches when Ms Puff [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech angrily scolds him]] for causing chaos in the city.
* The picnic scene in "Nature Pants" where Patrick begs [=SpongeBob=] to come back.
** [[BadBadActing "Why thank you, Sandy. I would love one.]] [[ReadingTheStageDirectionsOutLoud Take patty.]] [[BadBadActing I sure wish he'd come home. These are his favorite.]] [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming Take...bite..."]]
*** Hey, at least his [[MoodWhiplash facial expression after he reads the last of the script]] is utterly hilarious!
** The legitimately depressing and mournful-sounding violin music in this scene really sells it.
** Him going berserk and viciously chasing [=SpongeBob=], especially when he admits defeat, is just heartbreaking.
--->'''Patrick:''' Okay! So this is the way it's gonna be. I hope you're happy. *snaps the jellyfish net in two and walks away*
** Even more heartbreaking if that's [[TragicKeepsake Ol']] [[MementoMacGuffin Reliable]] ([[ItWasAGift SpongeBob's favorite jellyfishing net]]) that Patrick's using. The fact that he [[ItsAllJunk breaks it]] after giving up shows how Patrick's given up on getting [=SpongeBob=] back.
** [=SpongeBob=] realizes the error of living with the jellyfish and walks back to Bikini Bottom. He looks at the Krusty Krab, then at Sandy's tree dome, and then walks back to his house.
--->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' What have I done? I had a great life and friends and I gave all of that up.
* How about the episode where Mr. Krabs gives [=SpongeBob=] the boots? And then he later steals them back, leaving [=SpongeBob=] sobbing and telling Mr Krabs that he let him down for "losing" them. It's always the characters crying over minor things that make me the saddest.
--->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Oh, Mr. Krabs, I'm sorry, SORRY SORRY, I'm sorryyyyyyy...
** [=SpongeBob=] even tries out the "magic oven mitts" on his feet, but, "They're Not The Same!"
* The episode "Texas", where Sandy becomes very homesick and even sings a song expressing her homesickness ([[EverybodyCries everybody who hears it ends up crying]]). She then decides to actually return home. Thankfully, [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick manage to convince her otherwise (through hilarious means, however).
* Oddly enough, the episode "Arrgh!". When [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick complain about going on a wild goose chase of a treasure hunt led by Mr. Krabs, he mourns that without a loyal crew, a captain's nothing. This in itself is just a ploy on Krabs' part to get them to stick around, but it works; the tearful way Patrick says "Don't cry, Captain Krabs," just nails me.
** What got me was the part where he puts the sword like a cross.
* From "Home Sweet Pineapple", [=SpongeBob=] quotes: "I can no longer hold onto you little pebble. (Buries the pebble and begins to shed a tear) You hold too many memories. (Cries as tear falls onto the pebble)"
** There's also Patrick sobbing hysterically when [=SpongeBob=]'s parents arrive. Also just seeing him cry while grabbing his parents' boat is heartwrenching.
** [=SpongeBob=] decides that he must move back with his parents, pictured with them smiling on a picture, but when Patrick replies that he doesn't have to, they are pictured with a sad look on their face. It makes sense considering how in life parents love to be around their children and spending time with them.
** The entire episode is just saddening.
* From "Opposite Day":
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Go away! I never wanna see you again!\\
'''Patrick:''' ''[cries]'' [=SpongeBob=] doesn't like me anymore!
** It turns out that [[spoiler:it was [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Opposite Day]] and [=SpongeBob=] was just playing along with it]] but imagine going to your best friend's house (one that you've known ''since you were a baby'') and instantly being rejected for no good reason.
* The goddamn April Fools special, "Fools in April." It's pretty funny, up until the scene where Squidward viciously pranks [=SpongeBob=], to everyone else's disgust. It goes straight into tear jerker territory as Squidward laughs during the prank, while [=SpongeBob=] is yelling in fear the whole time. It gets worse as [=SpongeBob=] runs away in tears, and everyone calls out Squidward for his jerkassery. "April Fools, jerk!" Later, he gives a disheveled, depressed [=SpongeBob=] an insincere apology to ease his own conscience. After that, he flashes back to everyone else's reaction to the prank. "It must have been pretty good to make him CRY like that," Patrick says. Eventually, a hallucination of Squidward's own MOTHER appears to scold Squidward for being such a bastard. That leads to the kicker - Squidward collapses before [=SpongeBob=]'s door and breaks down, apologizing for the prank, and says how much he actually LIKES [=SpongeBob=] despite how annoying he is, and how he appreciates everything about him. Happy tears ensue for the audience when [=SpongeBob=] opens the door, and is completely back to his old self, cheerfully smiling, haven completely forgiven Squidward.
** [[spoiler: And then the whole thing turns out to be an April Fool's joke on [=SpongeBob=]'s end...]]
* The following moment from "Karate Choppers". The setup is that after [=SpongeBob=] acts so paranoid over Sandy jumping him that he attacks customers, Mr. Krabs tells [=SpongeBob=] to never perform Karate again, or else he'll be fired. Keep in mind [=SpongeBob=]'s passion for his job and for the Krusty Krab.
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' No more Karate? How am I gonna tell Sandy?\\
''[[=SpongeBob=] is jumped by Sandy]''\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Sandy wait, I can't! Mr. Krabs said I have to give up karate!\\
'''Sandy:''' Uh-huh, sure [=SpongeBob=]!\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' No, really Sandy, stop!\\
'''Sandy:''' I'm not falling for it, [=SpongeBob=]!\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' No really! ''Please stop!''\\
''[Mr. Krabs walks out to the window, and sees Sandy attacking [=SpongeBob=]]''\\
'''Mr. Krabs:''' What the?! [=SpongeBob=]!\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' AAAAAAAHHH!! Mr. Krabs!\\
'''Mr. Krabs:''' What did I ''just'' get through telling ye, lad?\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' But, I, she--!\\
'''Mr. Krabs:''' [=SpongeBob=]! You're '''''FIRED!!'''''\\
'''Sandy:''' Huh?\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' ''[tiny voice]'' Fired? ''[face disappears like water in a drain]''\\
'''Mr. Krabs:''' ''[somewhat surprised]'' Eh?\\
'''Sandy:''' ...[=SpongeBob=]?\\
''[[=SpongeBob=] bursts into tears and runs away bawling]''
* The end of "Pizza Delivery" goes off as this until [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Squidward takes matters into his own hands]]. After spending all day (and night, presumably) lost in the wilderness, [=SpongeBob=] doggedly keeps the pizza through tornadoes and starvation so that the customer can get the order he wants. But when they get there, the customer believes he ordered a drink, and rejects his entire order in anger. The actual stinger comes when the guy who ordered it says:
-->'''Recipient:''' ''[shoves the pizza in [=SpongeBob=]'s face]'' Didn't you ever ''once'' think of the ''customer?!''
** And then after having the door slammed in his face, [=SpongeBob=] staggers to Squidward, who actually tries to comfort him before he finally breaks down. Even he knows this was just too far.
* In "The Chaperone" when [=SpongeBob=] ruins Pearl's prom and he runs into the bathroom sobbing. Poor guy.
* In "Pickles" where [=SpongeBob=] is so [[HeroicBSOD shook up]] from getting a Krabby Patty order wrong that his mind becomes completely dysfunctional. The poor guy can't even form sentences in the proper order and is nailing food the wall when Mr. Krabs finds him. [[TheWoobie Did anyone else just want to hug him?]]
* I can imagine how depressing it must have been to the unpopular guys or to people who are stuck with the idea of being friend-zoned to watch "Ripped Pants". So, [=SpongeBob=] loses Sandy's attention (someone that it was hinted that he had feelings for, by the way) to Larry, who is a physically fit and nice guy, overall. Many teenagers could identify themselves with [=SpongeBob=] by the time it was aired. The song by the end was just the nail in the coffin.
* In "SB-129", there's the scene where Squidward returns to the time machine, screaming how badly he wants to go home and he misses Bikini Bottom, his Easter Island head, and most of all, [=SpongeBob=].
* In "Hooky," Krabs is horrified when he discovers that [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick are playing on the fishing hooks. He rushes to stop them before they get hurt, but just before he arrives, [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick are carried away on the hooks. Krabs collapses onto the ground and cries, lamenting that he couldn't save them in time, even saying "If only I could hold them in me arms again..." It's little moments like this, especially in the first season, that show that Krabs really does have a heart under his gruff exterior and really does want to look out for [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick.
** Later on in the episode, [=SpongeBob=]'s sheer terror over being "hooked" (his clothing getting snagged on a fishing hook,) is kind of hard to watch. He sounds completely terrified and is sobbing due to the stress of the situation.
* In "I Was A Teenage Gary," [=SpongeBob=] leaves Gary in Squidward's care as he goes to a jellyfish convention for the weekend. Squidward neglects Gary by forgetting about him, and by the time he remembers, Gary looks increasingly ill due to dehydration. When [=SpongeBob=] returns from his trip, he sees Gary in this state, bursts into tears and cradles Gary in his arms, begging Squidward to do something to help. It can really strike a chord with many pet owners.
* A small example from "Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy II." [=SpongeBob=] abuses the power of the Conch Signal, running Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy ragged with several pointless, petty errands. Eventually, Barnacle Boy snaps at [=SpongeBob=] ''very'' angrily, chewing him out for being such a pain in the neck. [=SpongeBob=]'s response is to well up with tears, and say, "I'm sorry... I just wanted to spend time with you... You guys are my HEROES!" and break down sobbing. It's one of the few times when his sobbing isn't played up in a hammy, ridiculous way. Barnacle Boy tells him it's too late, and proceeds to destroy the Conch Signal with his Sulfur Vision...or at least he tries because he's so old, so he decides to use something back at the Mermalair instead. Mermaid Man, however, is so moved that he persuades Barnacle Boy to stop giving him a hard time and to let [=SpongeBob=] go "on patrol" with them for a day.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Season 2]]
* Dying For Pie. "[[WhatTheHellHero You had to kill 'im. The boy cries you a sweater of tears, and you]] ''[[WhatTheHellHero kill 'im]]''."
** When [=SpongeBob=] and Squidward are watching the sunset:
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' You know, if I were to die right now in some fiery explosion due to the carelessness of a friend, well, that would just be okay. (cut to Squidward quietly sobbing)
** And then, near the end, there's Squidward bawling over how he killed [=SpongeBob=], saying how he at least made his last day meaningful. [[spoiler: It turns out that he never actually ate the pie-bomb in the first place, but still.]]
** A little moment, when Krabs is audibly choking back tears while putting up a new "Help Wanted" sign.
** The look on [=SpongeBob=]'s face after Squidward disgustedly throws the handmade sweater at him.
* In "Imitation Krabs", when a customer questions what the secret formula contains, [=SpongeBob=] literally [[OffWithHisHead rips his head off]], revealing a smaller fish underneath (said head actually came from a "head-enhancement clinic") who runs away crying. That was a little harsh, wasn't it?
* This quote from "Life of Crime":
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' No more nice warm beds. No more Krabby Patties. No more getting mail. No more Gary. No more movies. No more Squidward. No more Sandy or Pearl or Mr. Krabs, NO MORE ANYTHING!
* [=SpongeBob=] breaking down in tears of humiliation in "Artist Unknown" after Squidward gives him an unnecessarily harsh critique of his artwork. Can hit a little close to home to many art students in similar situations. (Doesn't hurt that the episode was written by someone who attended an art school.)
** Look at [=SpongeBob=]'s face during Squidward's "critique."
** The latter half of the episode is sad in a pretty understated way, lost in the genuine comedy. Because of his harsh words, Squidward has successfully broken [=SpongeBob=]'s artistic spirit ''so much'' that [=SpongeBob=] is unable to create any of the great things he once was.
* The band episode. Sure, it's hilarious, particularly the total lack of good things to say about Squidward, but his utter despair as the band starts...and then the look on his face as it's actually ''good''.
** And let's not forget ''this'' quote:
--->'''Squidward:''' ''[on the brink of tears]'' Well... you did it. You took my one chance at happiness... and crushed it. Crushed it into teeny little bite size pieces! I really had expected better of you people. I guess I'm a loser for that too! Don't bother showing up tomorrow. I'll just tell them you all DIED in a marching accident! (as he walks away in tears) So thanks... thanks for nothing.
** [[SignatureSong "Sweet Victory"]] can invoke some happy tears, especially if you grew up on this show.
* Also the episode Dumped, where Gary becomes friends with Patrick and begins to play with him instead of [=SpongeBob=]. Throughout the episode, [=SpongeBob=] tries to get Gary to come back to him with toys and his favorite snacks. It ultimately ends up with [=SpongeBob=] trying one last time to get Gary to come back by offering things to Gary he wasn't allowed to do before. [[spoiler:Gary goes back to [=SpongeBob=], only because he wanted Patrick for the cookie in his pocket.]]
* [=SpongeBob=] crying in the ChristmasEpisode, mainly because of the very sad face he makes while Squidward continues to torment him over SantaClaus not appearing, which is why SB's crying in the first place. He even manages to make Squidward feel sorry for him and dress up as Santa to make him happy after it's revealed that [=SpongeBob=] made Squidward a present so he wouldn't feel left out when Santa came..
-->'''Squidward:''' What's this?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' A present. I made it for you so you wouldn't be left out...''WHEN SANTA CAME!!!''
** The absolutely heartbreaking way he says "Santa Claus" after Squidward takes out a camera for a picture.
* There was also "Welcome to the Chum Bucket", where Plankton wins [=SpongeBob=]'s contract from Krabs. The song [=SpongeBob=] and Mr. Krabs sing while missing each other was just so sad, especially the part where they stare out the window at each other.
** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB1AAn23VOs If you can handle it, here is the song.]]
* The episode "Grandma's Kisses". [=SpongeBob=]'s hysterical rant about how he doesn't want to grow up hits a very tender nerve. More specifically, he spends the entire episode trying to act more grown up around his Grandmother, but then finally snaps and goes into a fit of tears, yelling how he wants to do everything he wanted to do as a kid again, and wants some of the moments back.
** ESPECIALLY if you grew up with the show and happen upon the episode again once you're older.
** Plus where [=SpongeBob=] is made fun of for the kissy mark on his forehead. The fact that his tormenters never get any comeuppance and even spy on him and his grandma at the end of the episode makes it worse.
-->"I have been publicly humiliated ''for the last time! *Runs off crying*''"
* A little one. From "Patty Hype." Mr. Krabs and Squidward make [=SpongeBob=] cry by mocking his idea of "Pretty Patties-" vibrantly colored Krabby Patties- along with other ideas [=SpongeBob=] has of drawing customers and making things interesting, believing they are all childish. Eventually, [=SpongeBob=] actually gets angry- something we don't see him do a lot- and says, in an uncharacteristically determined way, "I KNOW this is a good idea! YOU'LL SEE!" He runs out of the restaurant to embark on a solo entrepreneurship. A little later, he starts crying again, having lost confidence. "Maybe Mr. Krabs was right...maybe my idea IS dumb! (sob!)"
* The scene in "Something Smells" in which [=SpongeBob=] breaks down in tears at the movie theater, (at one point curling up into a TroubledFetalPosition,) and says, "I can't do it, Patrick! I try, and I try, but... I'm not always as confident as I look! Maybe I should just go back home and hide!" It's PlayedForLaughs, but his sobbing sounds so ''broken'' that it's hard not to feel a pang of sympathy for him there.
* The friends forever scene in "The Secret Box". Doubles as heartwarming. Basically, we see [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick's lives since they were born, up until their dead, buried together, with an echo of their laugh.
* "Shanghaied" has three endings, one where each character ([=SpongeBob=], Patrick, or Squidward) gets the final wish. Most fans who saw subsequent airings or home releases of the episode may remember the [=SpongeBob=] ending, which somehow manages to be hilarious since [[spoiler: even though they didn't escape the Flying Dutchman's clutches, they at least weren't ''eaten'']]. The other two endings, however, are quite different. Patrick and Squidward pretty much share the same ending, and we warn you it's [[DownerEnding not a happy one]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 3]]
* "New Student Starfish": It's a small one, yet still heartbreaking.
-->'''Patrick:''' Hey, [=SpongeBob=], wanna go jellyfishing?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Sorry, Patrick, I can't. I have school today!
-->'''Patrick:''' Well, what am I supposed to do all day while you're at school?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' I don't know. What do you normally do while I'm gone?
-->'''Patrick:''' *starts to cry* Wait for you to get back!
* The song at end of the lost episode that plays [[spoiler: after the jellyfish help [=SpongeBob=] to fly without pants]]. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyvraRtOGds All you need is friendship.]]
** And then there's the beginning of the lost episode, in which Patchy The Pirate is distraught over what he ''thought'' was the lost episode, and proceeds to rip apart every single merchandise that he ever owned. An experience some people may have felt after they felt "betrayed" by a work they've invested so much time for.
* I could handle the con artist in "Chocolate with Nuts" for a while, but I have not been able to watch the part where he [[spoiler:pretends to be badly and shockingly injured (the way he describes it to [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick is enough of a Tear Jerker in itself)]] without tearing up. {{Jerkass}}. And a very clever one.
* ''My Pretty Seahorse'', the episode where [=SpongeBob=] becomes attached to a wild seahorse. At the end of the episode, Mr. Krabs tells [=SpongeBob=] how it's wrong to keep a wild animal from their natural habitat and lifestyle. [=SpongeBob=] understands and, with a heavy heart, releases the seahorse (which he named Mystery). The episode can hit harder for kids, considering that [=SpongeBob=] has a child-like mental state and many children tend to get attached to animals (toys and live, alike) fairly quickly.
** When [=SpongeBob=] releases Mystery back into the wilds, he starts a sad diatribe trying to drive her away, "Just get out of here, you (sobbing) stupid, dumb animal..." It doesn't help that Mystery already ran off.
*** However, [[CrowningMomentOfFunny Patrick walking towards [=SpongeBob=] with a straight look on his face and causally walking away when he's "called a stupid, dumb animal" is genius.]]
** Mr. Krabs backstory in this episode is tear inducing as well. He tells the story that he, as a kid, had received a dollar from his father. They were both the best of friends, they did all the things together- but on a hot summer day, while at the beach, he was so thirsty that he spent his dollar on a soda. The way Krabs is telling the story to SB is working, too.
* [=SpongeBob=] talking to Patrick on the phone and begging him for help in ''The Bully''; by the end of it, he's actually crying. Anyone who's ever been bullied as a child or has ever comforted a bullied child would have a hard time not tearing up with the poor guy.
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Please Patrick! I'm so scared it feels like I'm going to throw up!
** Perhaps the worst part of the episode is that Flatts ''[[KarmaHoudini gets away with the psychological torment he brought down upon SpongeBob]].'' Talking to Mrs. Puff about it is no good because Flatts simply makes up the lie of [[CatchPhrase "I'm gonna kick your butt!"]] being a friendly and misunderstood colloquialism and Mrs. Puff believes it, and while Flatts does collapse after failing to beat down the punch-resistant [=SpongeBob=], Mrs. Puff mistakes the resulting scene for [=SpongeBob=] beating up Flatts and it's implied she punishes ''[=SpongeBob=]'' instead. Keep in mind, this is '''''before''''' Mrs. Puff became a psychopath in later episodes. And sadly, there are one too many cases of school bullying victims getting punished while the perpetrators get off scot-free, though in the modern day, teachers are much more wise to bullies trying to play the WoundedGazelleGambit.
*** It may also be that Mrs. Puff knew Flatts wanted to beat up [=SpongeBob=], and ''[[Main/SadistTeacher intentionally turned a blind eye so she could get revenge on [=SpongeBob=] for all the physical and psychological pain he has inflicted on her]]''. Besides, hardly any of the episodes take place in chronological order.
* In "Born Again Krabs", after it looks like Mr. Krabs has died of food poisoning, Squidward finds Mr. Krabs' nosehair trimmer and uses it.
--> '''[=SpongeBob=]:''' You shouldn't go through Mr. Krabs' belongings, Squidward. *sobbing* HE WOULDN'T LIKE IT!
* "The Great Snail Race" has [=SpongeBob=] become obsessed in winning a racing contest with Gary, turning into a coach for him and ultimately becoming rather abusive. When Gary is left exhausted by the time of the race, he struggles on as [=SpongeBob=] tears into him. Then as Gary starts to finally undergo a HeroicRROD, things finally start to hit [=SpongeBob=], and, in a very meek and remorseful sounding voice, he starts begging Gary to stop. Gary doesn't, though, and begins acting like an out-of-control race car, before crashing and exploding. The worst part? The spectators ''cheered'' at the crash because it looked cool (though they also could have been cheering because it was immediately clear that Gary was okay), and Squidward was mercilessly ''laughing at the situation'', knowing he was right about a "mongrel mutt" not being able to win.
* The beginning of "Mid-Life Crustacean" can hit close to home for older audiences if they've ever suffered a midlife crisis.
* Seeing poor Squidward bawl like a broken man in "Can You Spare A Dime?", the poor bastard having just lost his home, job, paintings, everything. The way he sobs is absolutely heart-wrenching.
* The climax of "Rock-A-Bye-Bivalve" is pretty sad to watch. After Patrick and [=SpongeBob=] get in a heated argument over the former's poor performance as a parent, Junior jumps out of the window, ([[spoiler: learning to fly for the first time]]). [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick race over to rescue him, but when they fail to catch him, they break down, crying "WE'RE BAD PARENTS!". It can be especially saddening for parents who feel they aren't doing their job properly.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Season 4]]
* Most of "Have You Seen This Snail?" touches nearly every emotional button of pet owners at the heartbreak of them running away and how much they'd miss them. And there just had to be a montage of [=SpongeBob=] looking for Gary and how much he missed him. Even those who loath the post-movie episodes have wept.
** The song, simply called "Gary's Song", doesn't help the matter either.
* "Patrick Smartpants" has Patrick going from his usual dumb self to a genius ([[spoiler: because his head was accidentally replaced with brain coral]]), which eventually alienates [=SpongeBob=] so much they can't be friends. Then, there's the scene where they look at their old photo albums of each other.
** It's also a point to mention that at the same time, Patrick (after it becomes apparent that his being smart is alienating him from his friends) does the same thing in his rock... and ends up being the one we see cry.
--->"Oh, the GloryDays... Why have we grown ''[[WeUsedToBeFriends apart]]''?"
* Seeing Pearl cry in "Whale of a Birthday" when her Sweet Sixteen is ruined can hit close to home for people who have parents who don't care about their children.
* Patrick crying over breaking his jellyfish net in "Best Day Ever". [=SpongeBob=] gives him another one, and he ends up breaking that as well. [=SpongeBob=] then lets him use Ol' Reliable, but rather begrudgingly.
* Patrick almost leaving Bikini Bottom in "The Pink Purloiner".
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 5]]
* The special "Whatever Happened to [=SpongeBob=]" applies as one of the very few times [=SpongeBob=] can actually take a hint he's not wanted, and it's heart wrenching. After every single one of his friends and even his pet chew him out for making an ass of things, he decides they're better off without him and leaves town dejected.
** Even more so is Sandy and Patrick's TearsOfRemorse after they discover his farewell letter, with Squidward's UngratefulBastard attitude making it worse, especially when he intentionally sabotages the search for [=SpongeBob=] because he hated him that much, and even nearly quitting his job after Mr. Krabs threatened to fire him. Ultimately, Krabs has to bribe Squidward.
* "Breath of Fresh Squidward": After catching an overly cheerful Squidward pogo-dancing with Patrick, [=SpongeBob=] snaps and yells at Squidward to get out, causing Squidward to leave in tears. Considering how happy Squidward was throughout the episode, that was just wrong!
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 6]]
* Plankton's Regular as a whole. Just to give Plankton one tiny victory and then have Mr. Krabs smash it in his face... It's not funny, just sad.
** Also, the fact that Plankton can't even have so much as ''one'' customer without Krabs trying to ruin him. ''ONE''. Either Krabs is that petty, hellbent on maintaining what is practically a monopoly on Bikini Bottom's fast-food industry, hates Plankton that much, or all three.
* "Giant Squidward". The bit where he goes to sleep on a mountain, finds the troublesome duo, [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick, in his bellybutton, angrily throws him out and has a breakdown.
* The ending of "No Nose Knows". After having his nose destroyed by the [[spoiler: giant stinkball]], Patrick laments that he just wanted to smell like his friends and runs away crying. We then cut to a funeral for his nose, with [=SpongeBob=] sadly stating that [him and his friends] punished Patrick for just wanting to be like them. Squidward, though, shows no sympathy, but then finds out [[spoiler:Patrick has gotten ears and heard his insult.]]
* Shell Shocked: The scene when [=SpongeBob=] and Gary were crying because they couldn't find any more replacement shells for Gary. It's a heartbreaking scene.
* The ending to "The Clash Of Triton" where Neptune accepts Triton as his son.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Season 7]]
* A majority of "Stuck In The Wringer" because [=SpongeBob=] is suffering physical pain due to getting glued to his wringer by Patrick, getting kicked out of work because of it, Patrick not making things better by any means, and more.
** And when [=SpongeBob=] calls out Patrick for his behaviour and the latter runs off crying, the townspeople witnessing it proceed to give [=SpongeBob=] one last kick in the teeth to send him into depression.
-->'''Fish:''' Your body is not the problem. It's your heart. You deserve what you've gotten!
** Thing is, though, that [=SpongeBob=]'s TheReasonYouSuckSpeech to Patrick was 100% justified, as his life has pretty much been ruined. Not only can he no longer make a living, but the wringer is actually blocking his esophagus, meaning he can't even ''eat'' anymore. Yet the townspeople believe [=SpongeBob=] was just a huge jerk, showing that they're either hypocrites (as usual in the intermovie episodes), or just found an excuse to be racist against a non-fish person.
* A small example, but in the episode ''Growth Spout'', when Mrs. Puff was sleeping, she mutters out that she must protect her garden, and that it's the only thing worth living for. This comes into effect when you remember that most of her life would be boat driving with [[IdiotHero SpongeBob]] and nearly getting killed by him.
* A small one, but [=SpongeBob=] fainting into Squidward's arms and Krabs crying due to the Krusty Krab's shutdown in "[=SpongeBob=]'s Last Stand".
* "One Coarse Meal." Lets just say TheBadGuyWins and leave it at that.
** In case you aren't sure, the bad guy is [[spoiler: Mr. Krabs this time around]]
*** [[EsotericHappyEnding Yeah...]] [[DesignatedHero sure.]]
* "Back to the Past": In the bad future where Man Ray has taken over the entire town - we see [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick go to the 'Krusty Krab' and he sees supposedly the Old Mermaidman and Barnacle Boy with their spirits broken...We get this tear-jerker reminder:
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' But what about the Younger Mermaidman and Barnacle Boy? Surely they refused to go without a fight?
-->'''Mermaidman:''' Don't you get it! We ARE the younger ones! The older ones, bless their souls, have been immortalized in this very restaurant [pan right to grave-site].
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' I am at a total loss...for yourselves.
** The fact that in "Back to the Past", Man Ray had killed the original Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy and buried them under the Krusty Krab as a reminder of how MM & BB's younger versions failed.
** Even worse is that the older MM's actor died later on, as did the younger one's.
** It also doubles as Fridge Horror, as, if this episode is considered canon, the old MM&BB who [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick had built a trusting, friendly relationship with, had been betrayed by them, left to die in the past, while the existing ones that went back to the present now know them as "the heartless fiends who killed two elderly men", meaning that all of their original ties with each other have been destroyed. Awful day for everyone.
* Mrs. Puff just can't catch a break in "Summer Job". In it, she's forced to work at the Krusty Krab to repair for accidental damages (that happened when she tried to outrun [=SpongeBob=]), with [=SpongeBob=] constantly taking her down a peg like a stereotypical teacher. It's not funny even, it just makes you wanna give Mrs. Puff a hug or reassurance.
* Even if it is just Plankton in disguise as [=SpongeBob=]'s great grandmother, you'll really feel bad for [=SpongeBob=] when the decoy of Plankton is shredded by the garbage disposal, causing him to bawl his eyes out under the assumption that a long lost relative is dead.
** "Long lost" most likely implies she's dead anyways, but he's probably unaware of that.
* Poor Gary being treated like a slave by Mr. Krabs by making him attract money in "The Cent Of Money". Though the blow is softened when Mr. Krabs is forced to give up all the money to pay for his medical bills, since he's too cheap to get medical insurance.
* In "Shellback Shenanigans", Plankton disguises himself as Gary as another plot to infiltrate [=SpongeBob=], only for the yellow guy to think his snail is sick and bring him to the hospital, subsequently brought to tears believing "Gary" is dying. It can hit hard for people who have had to experience the loss of a beloved pet.
* "A Pal For Gary": How [=SpongeBob=] treats Gary in this episode: even after saving his life from Puffy Fluffy, he still yells at the poor little snail, accusing him of being jealous of the so-called "pal" for him.
** In the same episode, a guy with a pet worm walks in and [=SpongeBob=] says pets aren't allowed and they walk away slowly; It's sad until Mr. Krabs allows them inside anyway.
** The ending, as well. [=SpongeBob=] drags Gary to work against his will, and Mr. Krabs basically uses Gary as free labor.
* "Rodeo Daze": The fact that everyone (minus [=SpongeBob=]) seemed to have forgotten Sandy's existence when [=SpongeBob=] asks for help in saving her from the rodeo. That, or they just don't care because they're racist against land animals. Imagine being in a world like that yourself (or not). No wonder the yellow guy kidnapped everyone.
* The episode "Karate Star" where Patrick learned the perfect karate move has a part where he thinks he murdered his own best friend. No, not the table sponge one, the one where he found him unconscious and thought he died. He then got vengeful at his own hand and ripped it off. [[TruthInTelevision Luckily thanks to being a sea star, he regenerates it]].
* The episode ''Model Sponge'', where [=SpongeBob=] thinks he's been fired from his job. You don't have to be a long-time fan to know how much [=SpongeBob=] loves his job, so his reaction is pretty sad. Then, later when he goes to beg Mr. Krabs for his job back, he is in tears and crawling on his knees, promising he'll do better and he doesn't want to go. Of course, Krabs has no idea what he's talking about (remember, [=SpongeBob=] misinterpreted something Krabs had said earlier), but that makes it no less sad.
* This screenshot from "Enchanted Tiki Dreams" defines Seasons 4 to 6 perfectly; it's Squidward curled up under a chair in a pool of tears. [[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=400660526642610&set=a.147404425301556.25799.147101001998565&type=3&theater It's a strong image]].
** If you're wondering why Squidward is crying, it's from getting annoyed by [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick both at home and work. At the moment of the screenshot, he asks the world why he can't have one day of relaxation... and [=SpongeBob=] pokes him with a stick on the grounds they were playing tag (after Patrick had just "tagged" him with an electric eel). It makes you realize that Jerkass as he is, Squidward's neighbors have put him through so much torture that he can't ever escape for even a little while, and for once [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness doesn't even yell at them to get out of his house]]. Counts as in-universe TearJerker, because [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick feel so terrible seeing Squidward like this that they decide to do something nice for him.
*** The part where Squidward sees his Tiki Dreamland and thinks it's a mirage counts too. Even if happiness is right in front of him, he can't bring himself to believe it. But he soon finds himself relaxing and the episode [[ThrowTheDogABone even has a satisfying ending for him]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 8]]
* If you've ever been in a situation like [=SpongeBob=]'s in "Sentimental Sponge", you will feel his pain, especially because it is hard to let go of things cherished by yourself for so long and having to do so eventually.
* "Squidward's School For Grownups" has two:
** The first is when Squidward decides that he must separate [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick because [=SpongeBob=] is much less mature than Patrick.
** The other example is [=SpongeBob=]'s opera not much later... Thankfully, a CMOH follows when [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick hug at the end, as well as a CMOF when Squidward is pelted with fruit for bashing [=SpongeBob=]'s performance and [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick yell "Food fight!".
* Squidward's unfair punishment at the end of "The Googly Artiste". Specially when he breaks down when Patrick says he'll probably not become an artist.
* You'll definitely feel sorry for Karen in "Walking The Plankton" when she finds out Plankton only took her on the cruise for the sake of the formula than a honeymoon. It does become funny after thankfully.
* [=SpongeBob=] thinking that Sandy is dead near the end of "Mooncation".
* "Mermaidman Begins" is most likely a farewell to major Mermaidman and Barnacle Boy episodes, especially if you know about the death of Mermaidman's voice actor. It may just seem like an origin episode, but currently the two heroes only get cameos as of now and many people report feeling misty eyed while watching this episode.
* Pearl crying in the bathroom due to her barnacle/acne issue getting out of hand and her father caring less in "Barnacle Face".
* The sheer amount of terror Gary goes through, courtesy of Patrick, in "Pet Sitter Pat".
** The poor snail looks practically unhealthy after being "bathed".
* Fuzzy Acorns harshly criticizing [=SpongeBob=] as a poor student and [=SpongeBob=] moping away in "The Way Of The Sponge".
* Anyone who saw the infamous scene in "Are You Happy Now?" where [[spoiler: it looks like Squidward [[DrivenToSuicide is going to hang himself]]]] had one of several reactions: [[NightmareFuel sheer horror from the content]], [[DudeNotFunny sheer horror from the fact that the writers would attempt to make such a crass joke]], [[ShoutOut amusement that the writers seemingly referenced the Creepypasta]] ''[[FanFic/SquidwardsSuicide]]'', or heartrending levels of sorrow. [[TheWoobie Who didn't want to give poor Squid a hug?]]
** That one scene of Squidward and [=SpongeBob=] crying together.
** Hell, the episode as a whole is a HumiliationConga for Squidward.
* From "Karen 2.0": Karen expressing her sadness to Mr. Krabs and [=SpongeBob=] on how Plankton dumped her for an upgraded Karen 2.
** The scene where she and Plankton reunite at the end is more of a happy tearjerker though.
* The ending of "Inspongeiac" where [=SpongeBob=] is forced to cry mustard onto Krabby Patties by Mr. Krabs.
** You can't help but feel sorry for him in the preceding scene where Krabs expresses NoSympathy for his predicament.
* "Glove World RIP", for obvious reasons, especially for fans of the old series or anyone whose favorite place is now gone. When [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick realize it looks like that Glove World is "on its last fingers" they try and fail to save it (as the park is literally falling apart from poor maintenance). [[spoiler: Migitated by the fact that Glove Universe is opened in its stead, but that place hasn't been used at all yet.]]
* Mr. Krabs crying because of Plankton and Squidward's new recipe ruining his business in "Chum Fricassee". Hell, even one of Plankton's customers feels sorry for him.
-->'''Customer:''' Here, take my chum. It's the least I can do to help. (to himself) Poor guy.
* Plankton saying his farewells to the Chum Bucket due to the possibility of it being bulldozed in "Move It or Lose It". [=SpongeBob=] expresses sympathy for him:
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' ''[tearfully]'' I can't help but think I somehow had a hand in your misery.
* "Never Give Up" from "Hello Bikini Bottom!" is a mix of this and AwesomeMusic.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 9]]
* [=SpongeBob=]'s reaction to getting fired in "[=SpongeBob=], You're Fired!" (for extremely petty reasons; read: Mr. Krabs wanted to save ''a nickel'') is actually portrayed very realistically. It's very sad.
** Not just from the Krusty Krab, but from his temporary jobs. He made food between two buns because that was how he had done it for many years. Upon seeing it, all his bosses (save for the Taco Man) [[{{Jerkass}} fire [=SpongeBob=] on the spot without seeing if his food was any good.]] Then, when he pleaded to keep his job, he impulsively acts as if he was fired from the Krusty Krab...
** With each job he gets fired from, [=SpongeBob=] gets progressively angrier, first by [[Main/DeadpanSnarker snarking to himself]], all the way to talking back angrily.
* "Larry's Gym" is probably the first episode that places Larry in a sympathetic light. Due to large amounts of paperwork, Larry is unable to exercise in his own gym, soon becoming weak, flabby and depressed. Knowing what he is normally like, seeing him in this state would not sit well for Larry fans.
* The surprisingly brutal DownerEnding of "Married to Money," especially considering the ridiculousness of the premise and most of the plot. Naturally, Krabs finds out that "Cashina" was really just a robot operated by Plankton, but [[HeroicBSOD his reaction]] is something else. [[spoiler:Krabs becomes too distraught by the fact that the love of his life was a fake that he can't bring himself to crush Plankton like he usually does, caring less that his "wife" was yet another attempt to steal the secret formula and more that Plankton was playing with his emotions. He then proceeds to share with his arch-nemesis the loneliness he'd been suffering for years before meeting Cashina, as if the two of them were still friends honest with each other. Plankton, being [[{{Jerkass}} Plankton]], simply brushes off Krabs's genuine emotion as something crazy, not caring that he broke his heart and leaving the crustacean in tears. Sure, the idea of [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin falling in love with a literal (albeit sentient, unlike the subject in "To Love a Patty") wad of cash]] is a bit absurd, but ignoring that fact and knowing that the woman he was in love with turned out to be a lie is truly heartbreaking.]] It's an ending that can actually make a viewer [[TheWoobie feel sorry for Krabs]], even when taking into account the terrible things he'd done seasons earlier.
--> '''Krabs:''' [[spoiler:Cashina may not have been real, but me feelings were, weren't they?!]]
** It's even worse when you consider ''how'' Krabs realizes that Cashina was a fake. [[spoiler:He's about to reveal the secret formula (unknowingly, at this point) to Plankton, only to become too overwhelmed with love for his "wife" that he begins to tear up, causing Plankton's robot to blow up.]]
** What ''really'' doesn't help is that [[spoiler:it's implied that Plankton didn't give a damn about what Mr. Krabs was feeling, and ESPECIALLY the fact that he [[KarmaHoudini surprisingly gets away scot-free.]] He just wanted the formula and some revenge for Mr. Krabs' previous actions.]]
* In "[=CopyBob DittoPants=]," [=SpongeBob=]'s reaction to the disappearances of his 299 copies. He mentions how attached he was with them and cries as each of them starts vanishing.
* Patrick bidding farewell to his last baby tooth at the end of "The Whole Tooth."
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 10]]
* In "Mimic Madness", after doing one too many impressions, [=SpongeBob=] begins to lose sight of who he really is and expresses this through [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cphLWxA4QA song]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Movies]]
!![[WesternAnimaton/The[=SpongeBob=]SquarepantsMovie First movie]]
[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/the_spongebob_squarepants_movie_spongebob_squarepants_10302864_592_320.jpg]]
* And of course, there's [[spoiler: [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick's DisneyDeath]] in TheMovie. Near the end, [[spoiler: as they're slowly drying out under the heat lamp, and [=SpongeBob=] has kind of a lengthy monologue about how they let everyone down, and how they failed (how ''broken'' he sounds at this point doesn't help either), and then they both realise that they at least got to Shell City (which turns out to be a gift shop, a lovely BrickJoke if you remember the first season episode "Hooky"), and they turn to one another, express their gratitude for having each other as friends, and with the last of their strength start singing the "Goofy Goober Song" together before they die, ending with their tears merging to form a heart shape. [[EverybodyCries Even the pirates in the theater were bawling]]. Bonus points on making such a cheesy song so heartbreaking.]]
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' [[spoiler: Pat... we ''did'' make it.]]\\
'''Patrick:''' [[spoiler: Yeah...I guess we did.]]\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' [[spoiler: We did alright for a...couple of goofballs. ''(both of them shed a tear)'']]
** [[spoiler:[[FridgeBrilliance And when you realize the so called]] DeusExMachina that saves them is actually a CallBack to Tea at the Treedome]], it is even more tear jerking to long-time fans.
** Also, earlier in the movie, when [=SpongeBob=] is excited to become manager...then Mr. Krabs turns him down for being [[ManChild a kid]]. He walks away into the sunset ([[MadnessMantra I'm ready...depression...I'm ready...depression...]]) Then later he's over at Goofy Goober's [[BreakTheCutie crying]] because his lifelong dream was ruined.
** The scene of [=SpongeBob=] in the bar crying was both depressing and hilarious.
!![[WesternAnimation/TheSpongeBobMovieSpongeOutofWater Second movie]]
* [=SpongeBob=] watching helplessly as Bikini Bottom becomes a post-apocalyptic wasteland and his friends try to hunt him down.
* [[spoiler: Karen being sacrificed to get Plankton's time machine working, especially when the latter sheds a tear.]]
* [=SpongeBob=] volunteers to [[HeroicSacrifice sacrifice himself]] if it means restoring Bikini Bottom to its glory and appeasing the sandwich gods.
* A brief one at the beginning of the movie: During the montage of people enjoying Krabby Patties, we cut to a man enjoying a patty in a [[BlackComedy hospital bed]] as his wife mourns her loss while eating a Krabby Patty herself. Made worse by the doctor [[AngstWhatAngst cheerfully]] telling her "He'll be gone in a week".
* Plankton [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech blowing up at SpongeBob]], calling him the worst teammate ever. Poor [=SpongeBob=] is so horrified that he suffers a HeroicBSOD and starts screaming unintelligibly.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Others]]
* The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiKuhfDjims credits song]]. God, the credits song. The overwhelming feeling of nostalgia combined with what the show is nowadays, if you're on the "new seasons are bad" boat, it will make you misty-eyed.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6DKzNRdwyI Award Winners A]]. The description of the video is almost exclusively of people commemorating lost series, which can give it some emotional heft in spite of its victorious sound.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUcPpu-T2vc Stack of Leis]]. It's like the musical representation of sitting alone on a beach shore at sunset, watching the water scale up and reminiscing childhood memories that are now long gone as you've grown up far too fast, and realizing that you want nothing more than to be a kid again.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIF9bQ-KHyE Nostalgic Romance]] is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed for the show. The fact that it only plays in a handful of episodes doesn't help.
* Some moments when [=SpongeBob gets=] ''very'' sad.
* A meta-example: the death of Ernest Borgnine, the voice of Mermaid Man, a character who has been around since season 1.
** After that, Nickelodeon, without any advertisement, put on a small two hour marathon containing the numbered Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy episodes, ''Back to the Past'', ''The Bad Guy Club For Villains'', and ''Mermaid Man Begins.''
* Another meta-example: the death of one of the show's longtime composers, Barry Anthony Trop, who was Squidward's clarinet "voice" from season 4 to 8, until his retirement in 2014. The season 10 episode ''Snooze You Lose'' was dedicated to him and featured a section of a clarinet/bassoon duo from an earlier episode ''New Fish in Town'' (later used in ''Squid Plus One'').
* The 2005 educational short [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UOCmMYINkI "The Endless Summer"]], [[DownerEnding due to the ending]]. [[DespairEventHorizon Mr Krabs just gives up]] [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone when he realizes it's too late.]]
* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan.
[[/folder]]
----
[[quoteright:256:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gary_come_home_5169.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:256:Gary, come home...]]
->''"I don't wanna grow up! I want cookies! And 'milkie'! I want a sweater with love in the stitches! I wanna wear 'diadies'! I wanna ride in my wagon! I wanna cuddle-wuddle with Mister Stuffykins! I wanna rocky-rock on my seahorsey! And I want kissy-kissy on my boo-boo!"'' [cries really hard, shocking him grandmother in the process]
-->-- [=SpongeBob=]'s epic breakdown, "Grandma's Kisses"
Even a show that is reliant on [[Funny/SpongeBobSquarePants comedy]], [[NauseaFuel/SpongeBobSquarePants gross stuff]], and [[SeasonalRot at one point]] [[CringeComedy the misery]] [[SadistShow of its characters]] as well can cause have a few [[TearJerker sad]] scenes.
----
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder: Season 1]]
* A small moment from the show's pilot, "Help Wanted". Right before running to the Krusty Krab to apply for the job of his dreams, he suffers from cold feet and begins to run back home, saying "I can't do this!" Patrick shows up and questions [=SpongeBob=]'s sudden squeamishness about the situation, prompting [=SpongeBob=] to cry, in a shaky, distraught voice, "I can't! Don't you see?! I'm not good enough!"
* In "Hall Monitor", the mortified and remorseful look on [=SpongeBob=]'s face and the way he slowly flinches when Ms Puff [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech angrily scolds him]] for causing chaos in the city.
* The picnic scene in "Nature Pants" where Patrick begs [=SpongeBob=] to come back.
** [[BadBadActing "Why thank you, Sandy. I would love one.]] [[ReadingTheStageDirectionsOutLoud Take patty.]] [[BadBadActing I sure wish he'd come home. These are his favorite.]] [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming Take...bite..."]]
*** Hey, at least his [[MoodWhiplash facial expression after he reads the last of the script]] is utterly hilarious!
** The legitimately depressing and mournful-sounding violin music in this scene really sells it.
** Him going berserk and viciously chasing [=SpongeBob=], especially when he admits defeat, is just heartbreaking.
--->'''Patrick:''' Okay! So this is the way it's gonna be. I hope you're happy. *snaps the jellyfish net in two and walks away*
** Even more heartbreaking if that's [[TragicKeepsake Ol']] [[MementoMacGuffin Reliable]] ([[ItWasAGift SpongeBob's favorite jellyfishing net]]) that Patrick's using. The fact that he [[ItsAllJunk breaks it]] after giving up shows how Patrick's given up on getting [=SpongeBob=] back.
** [=SpongeBob=] realizes the error of living with the jellyfish and walks back to Bikini Bottom. He looks at the Krusty Krab, then at Sandy's tree dome, and then walks back to his house.
--->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' What have I done? I had a great life and friends and I gave all of that up.
* How about the episode where Mr. Krabs gives [=SpongeBob=] the boots? And then he later steals them back, leaving [=SpongeBob=] sobbing and telling Mr Krabs that he let him down for "losing" them. It's always the characters crying over minor things that make me the saddest.
--->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Oh, Mr. Krabs, I'm sorry, SORRY SORRY, I'm sorryyyyyyy...
** [=SpongeBob=] even tries out the "magic oven mitts" on his feet, but, "They're Not The Same!"
* The episode "Texas", where Sandy becomes very homesick and even sings a song expressing her homesickness ([[EverybodyCries everybody who hears it ends up crying]]). She then decides to actually return home. Thankfully, [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick manage to convince her otherwise (through hilarious means, however).
* Oddly enough, the episode "Arrgh!". When [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick complain about going on a wild goose chase of a treasure hunt led by Mr. Krabs, he mourns that without a loyal crew, a captain's nothing. This in itself is just a ploy on Krabs' part to get them to stick around, but it works; the tearful way Patrick says "Don't cry, Captain Krabs," just nails me.
** What got me was the part where he puts the sword like a cross.
* From "Home Sweet Pineapple", [=SpongeBob=] quotes: "I can no longer hold onto you little pebble. (Buries the pebble and begins to shed a tear) You hold too many memories. (Cries as tear falls onto the pebble)"
** There's also Patrick sobbing hysterically when [=SpongeBob=]'s parents arrive. Also just seeing him cry while grabbing his parents' boat is heartwrenching.
** [=SpongeBob=] decides that he must move back with his parents, pictured with them smiling on a picture, but when Patrick replies that he doesn't have to, they are pictured with a sad look on their face. It makes sense considering how in life parents love to be around their children and spending time with them.
** The entire episode is just saddening.
* From "Opposite Day":
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Go away! I never wanna see you again!\\
'''Patrick:''' ''[cries]'' [=SpongeBob=] doesn't like me anymore!
** It turns out that [[spoiler:it was [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Opposite Day]] and [=SpongeBob=] was just playing along with it]] but imagine going to your best friend's house (one that you've known ''since you were a baby'') and instantly being rejected for no good reason.
* The goddamn April Fools special, "Fools in April." It's pretty funny, up until the scene where Squidward viciously pranks [=SpongeBob=], to everyone else's disgust. It goes straight into tear jerker territory as Squidward laughs during the prank, while [=SpongeBob=] is yelling in fear the whole time. It gets worse as [=SpongeBob=] runs away in tears, and everyone calls out Squidward for his jerkassery. "April Fools, jerk!" Later, he gives a disheveled, depressed [=SpongeBob=] an insincere apology to ease his own conscience. After that, he flashes back to everyone else's reaction to the prank. "It must have been pretty good to make him CRY like that," Patrick says. Eventually, a hallucination of Squidward's own MOTHER appears to scold Squidward for being such a bastard. That leads to the kicker - Squidward collapses before [=SpongeBob=]'s door and breaks down, apologizing for the prank, and says how much he actually LIKES [=SpongeBob=] despite how annoying he is, and how he appreciates everything about him. Happy tears ensue for the audience when [=SpongeBob=] opens the door, and is completely back to his old self, cheerfully smiling, haven completely forgiven Squidward.
** [[spoiler: And then the whole thing turns out to be an April Fool's joke on [=SpongeBob=]'s end...]]
* The following moment from "Karate Choppers". The setup is that after [=SpongeBob=] acts so paranoid over Sandy jumping him that he attacks customers, Mr. Krabs tells [=SpongeBob=] to never perform Karate again, or else he'll be fired. Keep in mind [=SpongeBob=]'s passion for his job and for the Krusty Krab.
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' No more Karate? How am I gonna tell Sandy?\\
''[[=SpongeBob=] is jumped by Sandy]''\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Sandy wait, I can't! Mr. Krabs said I have to give up karate!\\
'''Sandy:''' Uh-huh, sure [=SpongeBob=]!\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' No, really Sandy, stop!\\
'''Sandy:''' I'm not falling for it, [=SpongeBob=]!\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' No really! ''Please stop!''\\
''[Mr. Krabs walks out to the window, and sees Sandy attacking [=SpongeBob=]]''\\
'''Mr. Krabs:''' What the?! [=SpongeBob=]!\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' AAAAAAAHHH!! Mr. Krabs!\\
'''Mr. Krabs:''' What did I ''just'' get through telling ye, lad?\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' But, I, she--!\\
'''Mr. Krabs:''' [=SpongeBob=]! You're '''''FIRED!!'''''\\
'''Sandy:''' Huh?\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' ''[tiny voice]'' Fired? ''[face disappears like water in a drain]''\\
'''Mr. Krabs:''' ''[somewhat surprised]'' Eh?\\
'''Sandy:''' ...[=SpongeBob=]?\\
''[[=SpongeBob=] bursts into tears and runs away bawling]''
* The end of "Pizza Delivery" goes off as this until [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Squidward takes matters into his own hands]]. After spending all day (and night, presumably) lost in the wilderness, [=SpongeBob=] doggedly keeps the pizza through tornadoes and starvation so that the customer can get the order he wants. But when they get there, the customer believes he ordered a drink, and rejects his entire order in anger. The actual stinger comes when the guy who ordered it says:
-->'''Recipient:''' ''[shoves the pizza in [=SpongeBob=]'s face]'' Didn't you ever ''once'' think of the ''customer?!''
** And then after having the door slammed in his face, [=SpongeBob=] staggers to Squidward, who actually tries to comfort him before he finally breaks down. Even he knows this was just too far.
* In "The Chaperone" when [=SpongeBob=] ruins Pearl's prom and he runs into the bathroom sobbing. Poor guy.
* In "Pickles" where [=SpongeBob=] is so [[HeroicBSOD shook up]] from getting a Krabby Patty order wrong that his mind becomes completely dysfunctional. The poor guy can't even form sentences in the proper order and is nailing food the wall when Mr. Krabs finds him. [[TheWoobie Did anyone else just want to hug him?]]
* I can imagine how depressing it must have been to the unpopular guys or to people who are stuck with the idea of being friend-zoned to watch "Ripped Pants". So, [=SpongeBob=] loses Sandy's attention (someone that it was hinted that he had feelings for, by the way) to Larry, who is a physically fit and nice guy, overall. Many teenagers could identify themselves with [=SpongeBob=] by the time it was aired. The song by the end was just the nail in the coffin.
* In "SB-129", there's the scene where Squidward returns to the time machine, screaming how badly he wants to go home and he misses Bikini Bottom, his Easter Island head, and most of all, [=SpongeBob=].
* In "Hooky," Krabs is horrified when he discovers that [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick are playing on the fishing hooks. He rushes to stop them before they get hurt, but just before he arrives, [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick are carried away on the hooks. Krabs collapses onto the ground and cries, lamenting that he couldn't save them in time, even saying "If only I could hold them in me arms again..." It's little moments like this, especially in the first season, that show that Krabs really does have a heart under his gruff exterior and really does want to look out for [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick.
** Later on in the episode, [=SpongeBob=]'s sheer terror over being "hooked" (his clothing getting snagged on a fishing hook,) is kind of hard to watch. He sounds completely terrified and is sobbing due to the stress of the situation.
* In "I Was A Teenage Gary," [=SpongeBob=] leaves Gary in Squidward's care as he goes to a jellyfish convention for the weekend. Squidward neglects Gary by forgetting about him, and by the time he remembers, Gary looks increasingly ill due to dehydration. When [=SpongeBob=] returns from his trip, he sees Gary in this state, bursts into tears and cradles Gary in his arms, begging Squidward to do something to help. It can really strike a chord with many pet owners.
* A small example from "Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy II." [=SpongeBob=] abuses the power of the Conch Signal, running Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy ragged with several pointless, petty errands. Eventually, Barnacle Boy snaps at [=SpongeBob=] ''very'' angrily, chewing him out for being such a pain in the neck. [=SpongeBob=]'s response is to well up with tears, and say, "I'm sorry... I just wanted to spend time with you... You guys are my HEROES!" and break down sobbing. It's one of the few times when his sobbing isn't played up in a hammy, ridiculous way. Barnacle Boy tells him it's too late, and proceeds to destroy the Conch Signal with his Sulfur Vision...or at least he tries because he's so old, so he decides to use something back at the Mermalair instead. Mermaid Man, however, is so moved that he persuades Barnacle Boy to stop giving him a hard time and to let [=SpongeBob=] go "on patrol" with them for a day.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Season 2]]
* Dying For Pie. "[[WhatTheHellHero You had to kill 'im. The boy cries you a sweater of tears, and you]] ''[[WhatTheHellHero kill 'im]]''."
** When [=SpongeBob=] and Squidward are watching the sunset:
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' You know, if I were to die right now in some fiery explosion due to the carelessness of a friend, well, that would just be okay. (cut to Squidward quietly sobbing)
** And then, near the end, there's Squidward bawling over how he killed [=SpongeBob=], saying how he at least made his last day meaningful. [[spoiler: It turns out that he never actually ate the pie-bomb in the first place, but still.]]
** A little moment, when Krabs is audibly choking back tears while putting up a new "Help Wanted" sign.
** The look on [=SpongeBob=]'s face after Squidward disgustedly throws the handmade sweater at him.
* In "Imitation Krabs", when a customer questions what the secret formula contains, [=SpongeBob=] literally [[OffWithHisHead rips his head off]], revealing a smaller fish underneath (said head actually came from a "head-enhancement clinic") who runs away crying. That was a little harsh, wasn't it?
* This quote from "Life of Crime":
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' No more nice warm beds. No more Krabby Patties. No more getting mail. No more Gary. No more movies. No more Squidward. No more Sandy or Pearl or Mr. Krabs, NO MORE ANYTHING!
* [=SpongeBob=] breaking down in tears of humiliation in "Artist Unknown" after Squidward gives him an unnecessarily harsh critique of his artwork. Can hit a little close to home to many art students in similar situations. (Doesn't hurt that the episode was written by someone who attended an art school.)
** Look at [=SpongeBob=]'s face during Squidward's "critique."
** The latter half of the episode is sad in a pretty understated way, lost in the genuine comedy. Because of his harsh words, Squidward has successfully broken [=SpongeBob=]'s artistic spirit ''so much'' that [=SpongeBob=] is unable to create any of the great things he once was.
* The band episode. Sure, it's hilarious, particularly the total lack of good things to say about Squidward, but his utter despair as the band starts...and then the look on his face as it's actually ''good''.
** And let's not forget ''this'' quote:
--->'''Squidward:''' ''[on the brink of tears]'' Well... you did it. You took my one chance at happiness... and crushed it. Crushed it into teeny little bite size pieces! I really had expected better of you people. I guess I'm a loser for that too! Don't bother showing up tomorrow. I'll just tell them you all DIED in a marching accident! (as he walks away in tears) So thanks... thanks for nothing.
** [[SignatureSong "Sweet Victory"]] can invoke some happy tears, especially if you grew up on this show.
* Also the episode Dumped, where Gary becomes friends with Patrick and begins to play with him instead of [=SpongeBob=]. Throughout the episode, [=SpongeBob=] tries to get Gary to come back to him with toys and his favorite snacks. It ultimately ends up with [=SpongeBob=] trying one last time to get Gary to come back by offering things to Gary he wasn't allowed to do before. [[spoiler:Gary goes back to [=SpongeBob=], only because he wanted Patrick for the cookie in his pocket.]]
* [=SpongeBob=] crying in the ChristmasEpisode, mainly because of the very sad face he makes while Squidward continues to torment him over SantaClaus not appearing, which is why SB's crying in the first place. He even manages to make Squidward feel sorry for him and dress up as Santa to make him happy after it's revealed that [=SpongeBob=] made Squidward a present so he wouldn't feel left out when Santa came..
-->'''Squidward:''' What's this?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' A present. I made it for you so you wouldn't be left out...''WHEN SANTA CAME!!!''
** The absolutely heartbreaking way he says "Santa Claus" after Squidward takes out a camera for a picture.
* There was also "Welcome to the Chum Bucket", where Plankton wins [=SpongeBob=]'s contract from Krabs. The song [=SpongeBob=] and Mr. Krabs sing while missing each other was just so sad, especially the part where they stare out the window at each other.
** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB1AAn23VOs If you can handle it, here is the song.]]
* The episode "Grandma's Kisses". [=SpongeBob=]'s hysterical rant about how he doesn't want to grow up hits a very tender nerve. More specifically, he spends the entire episode trying to act more grown up around his Grandmother, but then finally snaps and goes into a fit of tears, yelling how he wants to do everything he wanted to do as a kid again, and wants some of the moments back.
** ESPECIALLY if you grew up with the show and happen upon the episode again once you're older.
** Plus where [=SpongeBob=] is made fun of for the kissy mark on his forehead. The fact that his tormenters never get any comeuppance and even spy on him and his grandma at the end of the episode makes it worse.
-->"I have been publicly humiliated ''for the last time! *Runs off crying*''"
* A little one. From "Patty Hype." Mr. Krabs and Squidward make [=SpongeBob=] cry by mocking his idea of "Pretty Patties-" vibrantly colored Krabby Patties- along with other ideas [=SpongeBob=] has of drawing customers and making things interesting, believing they are all childish. Eventually, [=SpongeBob=] actually gets angry- something we don't see him do a lot- and says, in an uncharacteristically determined way, "I KNOW this is a good idea! YOU'LL SEE!" He runs out of the restaurant to embark on a solo entrepreneurship. A little later, he starts crying again, having lost confidence. "Maybe Mr. Krabs was right...maybe my idea IS dumb! (sob!)"
* The scene in "Something Smells" in which [=SpongeBob=] breaks down in tears at the movie theater, (at one point curling up into a TroubledFetalPosition,) and says, "I can't do it, Patrick! I try, and I try, but... I'm not always as confident as I look! Maybe I should just go back home and hide!" It's PlayedForLaughs, but his sobbing sounds so ''broken'' that it's hard not to feel a pang of sympathy for him there.
* The friends forever scene in "The Secret Box". Doubles as heartwarming. Basically, we see [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick's lives since they were born, up until their dead, buried together, with an echo of their laugh.
* "Shanghaied" has three endings, one where each character ([=SpongeBob=], Patrick, or Squidward) gets the final wish. Most fans who saw subsequent airings or home releases of the episode may remember the [=SpongeBob=] ending, which somehow manages to be hilarious since [[spoiler: even though they didn't escape the Flying Dutchman's clutches, they at least weren't ''eaten'']]. The other two endings, however, are quite different. Patrick and Squidward pretty much share the same ending, and we warn you it's [[DownerEnding not a happy one]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 3]]
* "New Student Starfish": It's a small one, yet still heartbreaking.
-->'''Patrick:''' Hey, [=SpongeBob=], wanna go jellyfishing?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Sorry, Patrick, I can't. I have school today!
-->'''Patrick:''' Well, what am I supposed to do all day while you're at school?
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' I don't know. What do you normally do while I'm gone?
-->'''Patrick:''' *starts to cry* Wait for you to get back!
* The song at end of the lost episode that plays [[spoiler: after the jellyfish help [=SpongeBob=] to fly without pants]]. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyvraRtOGds All you need is friendship.]]
** And then there's the beginning of the lost episode, in which Patchy The Pirate is distraught over what he ''thought'' was the lost episode, and proceeds to rip apart every single merchandise that he ever owned. An experience some people may have felt after they felt "betrayed" by a work they've invested so much time for.
* I could handle the con artist in "Chocolate with Nuts" for a while, but I have not been able to watch the part where he [[spoiler:pretends to be badly and shockingly injured (the way he describes it to [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick is enough of a Tear Jerker in itself)]] without tearing up. {{Jerkass}}. And a very clever one.
* ''My Pretty Seahorse'', the episode where [=SpongeBob=] becomes attached to a wild seahorse. At the end of the episode, Mr. Krabs tells [=SpongeBob=] how it's wrong to keep a wild animal from their natural habitat and lifestyle. [=SpongeBob=] understands and, with a heavy heart, releases the seahorse (which he named Mystery). The episode can hit harder for kids, considering that [=SpongeBob=] has a child-like mental state and many children tend to get attached to animals (toys and live, alike) fairly quickly.
** When [=SpongeBob=] releases Mystery back into the wilds, he starts a sad diatribe trying to drive her away, "Just get out of here, you (sobbing) stupid, dumb animal..." It doesn't help that Mystery already ran off.
*** However, [[CrowningMomentOfFunny Patrick walking towards [=SpongeBob=] with a straight look on his face and causally walking away when he's "called a stupid, dumb animal" is genius.]]
** Mr. Krabs backstory in this episode is tear inducing as well. He tells the story that he, as a kid, had received a dollar from his father. They were both the best of friends, they did all the things together- but on a hot summer day, while at the beach, he was so thirsty that he spent his dollar on a soda. The way Krabs is telling the story to SB is working, too.
* [=SpongeBob=] talking to Patrick on the phone and begging him for help in ''The Bully''; by the end of it, he's actually crying. Anyone who's ever been bullied as a child or has ever comforted a bullied child would have a hard time not tearing up with the poor guy.
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' Please Patrick! I'm so scared it feels like I'm going to throw up!
** Perhaps the worst part of the episode is that Flatts ''[[KarmaHoudini gets away with the psychological torment he brought down upon SpongeBob]].'' Talking to Mrs. Puff about it is no good because Flatts simply makes up the lie of [[CatchPhrase "I'm gonna kick your butt!"]] being a friendly and misunderstood colloquialism and Mrs. Puff believes it, and while Flatts does collapse after failing to beat down the punch-resistant [=SpongeBob=], Mrs. Puff mistakes the resulting scene for [=SpongeBob=] beating up Flatts and it's implied she punishes ''[=SpongeBob=]'' instead. Keep in mind, this is '''''before''''' Mrs. Puff became a psychopath in later episodes. And sadly, there are one too many cases of school bullying victims getting punished while the perpetrators get off scot-free, though in the modern day, teachers are much more wise to bullies trying to play the WoundedGazelleGambit.
*** It may also be that Mrs. Puff knew Flatts wanted to beat up [=SpongeBob=], and ''[[Main/SadistTeacher intentionally turned a blind eye so she could get revenge on [=SpongeBob=] for all the physical and psychological pain he has inflicted on her]]''. Besides, hardly any of the episodes take place in chronological order.
* In "Born Again Krabs", after it looks like Mr. Krabs has died of food poisoning, Squidward finds Mr. Krabs' nosehair trimmer and uses it.
--> '''[=SpongeBob=]:''' You shouldn't go through Mr. Krabs' belongings, Squidward. *sobbing* HE WOULDN'T LIKE IT!
* "The Great Snail Race" has [=SpongeBob=] become obsessed in winning a racing contest with Gary, turning into a coach for him and ultimately becoming rather abusive. When Gary is left exhausted by the time of the race, he struggles on as [=SpongeBob=] tears into him. Then as Gary starts to finally undergo a HeroicRROD, things finally start to hit [=SpongeBob=], and, in a very meek and remorseful sounding voice, he starts begging Gary to stop. Gary doesn't, though, and begins acting like an out-of-control race car, before crashing and exploding. The worst part? The spectators ''cheered'' at the crash because it looked cool (though they also could have been cheering because it was immediately clear that Gary was okay), and Squidward was mercilessly ''laughing at the situation'', knowing he was right about a "mongrel mutt" not being able to win.
* The beginning of "Mid-Life Crustacean" can hit close to home for older audiences if they've ever suffered a midlife crisis.
* Seeing poor Squidward bawl like a broken man in "Can You Spare A Dime?", the poor bastard having just lost his home, job, paintings, everything. The way he sobs is absolutely heart-wrenching.
* The climax of "Rock-A-Bye-Bivalve" is pretty sad to watch. After Patrick and [=SpongeBob=] get in a heated argument over the former's poor performance as a parent, Junior jumps out of the window, ([[spoiler: learning to fly for the first time]]). [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick race over to rescue him, but when they fail to catch him, they break down, crying "WE'RE BAD PARENTS!". It can be especially saddening for parents who feel they aren't doing their job properly.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Season 4]]
* Most of "Have You Seen This Snail?" touches nearly every emotional button of pet owners at the heartbreak of them running away and how much they'd miss them. And there just had to be a montage of [=SpongeBob=] looking for Gary and how much he missed him. Even those who loath the post-movie episodes have wept.
** The song, simply called "Gary's Song", doesn't help the matter either.
* "Patrick Smartpants" has Patrick going from his usual dumb self to a genius ([[spoiler: because his head was accidentally replaced with brain coral]]), which eventually alienates [=SpongeBob=] so much they can't be friends. Then, there's the scene where they look at their old photo albums of each other.
** It's also a point to mention that at the same time, Patrick (after it becomes apparent that his being smart is alienating him from his friends) does the same thing in his rock... and ends up being the one we see cry.
--->"Oh, the GloryDays... Why have we grown ''[[WeUsedToBeFriends apart]]''?"
* Seeing Pearl cry in "Whale of a Birthday" when her Sweet Sixteen is ruined can hit close to home for people who have parents who don't care about their children.
* Patrick crying over breaking his jellyfish net in "Best Day Ever". [=SpongeBob=] gives him another one, and he ends up breaking that as well. [=SpongeBob=] then lets him use Ol' Reliable, but rather begrudgingly.
* Patrick almost leaving Bikini Bottom in "The Pink Purloiner".
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 5]]
* The special "Whatever Happened to [=SpongeBob=]" applies as one of the very few times [=SpongeBob=] can actually take a hint he's not wanted, and it's heart wrenching. After every single one of his friends and even his pet chew him out for making an ass of things, he decides they're better off without him and leaves town dejected.
** Even more so is Sandy and Patrick's TearsOfRemorse after they discover his farewell letter, with Squidward's UngratefulBastard attitude making it worse, especially when he intentionally sabotages the search for [=SpongeBob=] because he hated him that much, and even nearly quitting his job after Mr. Krabs threatened to fire him. Ultimately, Krabs has to bribe Squidward.
* "Breath of Fresh Squidward": After catching an overly cheerful Squidward pogo-dancing with Patrick, [=SpongeBob=] snaps and yells at Squidward to get out, causing Squidward to leave in tears. Considering how happy Squidward was throughout the episode, that was just wrong!
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 6]]
* Plankton's Regular as a whole. Just to give Plankton one tiny victory and then have Mr. Krabs smash it in his face... It's not funny, just sad.
** Also, the fact that Plankton can't even have so much as ''one'' customer without Krabs trying to ruin him. ''ONE''. Either Krabs is that petty, hellbent on maintaining what is practically a monopoly on Bikini Bottom's fast-food industry, hates Plankton that much, or all three.
* "Giant Squidward". The bit where he goes to sleep on a mountain, finds the troublesome duo, [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick, in his bellybutton, angrily throws him out and has a breakdown.
* The ending of "No Nose Knows". After having his nose destroyed by the [[spoiler: giant stinkball]], Patrick laments that he just wanted to smell like his friends and runs away crying. We then cut to a funeral for his nose, with [=SpongeBob=] sadly stating that [him and his friends] punished Patrick for just wanting to be like them. Squidward, though, shows no sympathy, but then finds out [[spoiler:Patrick has gotten ears and heard his insult.]]
* Shell Shocked: The scene when [=SpongeBob=] and Gary were crying because they couldn't find any more replacement shells for Gary. It's a heartbreaking scene.
* The ending to "The Clash Of Triton" where Neptune accepts Triton as his son.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Season 7]]
* A majority of "Stuck In The Wringer" because [=SpongeBob=] is suffering physical pain due to getting glued to his wringer by Patrick, getting kicked out of work because of it, Patrick not making things better by any means, and more.
** And when [=SpongeBob=] calls out Patrick for his behaviour and the latter runs off crying, the townspeople witnessing it proceed to give [=SpongeBob=] one last kick in the teeth to send him into depression.
-->'''Fish:''' Your body is not the problem. It's your heart. You deserve what you've gotten!
** Thing is, though, that [=SpongeBob=]'s TheReasonYouSuckSpeech to Patrick was 100% justified, as his life has pretty much been ruined. Not only can he no longer make a living, but the wringer is actually blocking his esophagus, meaning he can't even ''eat'' anymore. Yet the townspeople believe [=SpongeBob=] was just a huge jerk, showing that they're either hypocrites (as usual in the intermovie episodes), or just found an excuse to be racist against a non-fish person.
* A small example, but in the episode ''Growth Spout'', when Mrs. Puff was sleeping, she mutters out that she must protect her garden, and that it's the only thing worth living for. This comes into effect when you remember that most of her life would be boat driving with [[IdiotHero SpongeBob]] and nearly getting killed by him.
* A small one, but [=SpongeBob=] fainting into Squidward's arms and Krabs crying due to the Krusty Krab's shutdown in "[=SpongeBob=]'s Last Stand".
* "One Coarse Meal." Lets just say TheBadGuyWins and leave it at that.
** In case you aren't sure, the bad guy is [[spoiler: Mr. Krabs this time around]]
*** [[EsotericHappyEnding Yeah...]] [[DesignatedHero sure.]]
* "Back to the Past": In the bad future where Man Ray has taken over the entire town - we see [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick go to the 'Krusty Krab' and he sees supposedly the Old Mermaidman and Barnacle Boy with their spirits broken...We get this tear-jerker reminder:
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' But what about the Younger Mermaidman and Barnacle Boy? Surely they refused to go without a fight?
-->'''Mermaidman:''' Don't you get it! We ARE the younger ones! The older ones, bless their souls, have been immortalized in this very restaurant [pan right to grave-site].
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' I am at a total loss...for yourselves.
** The fact that in "Back to the Past", Man Ray had killed the original Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy and buried them under the Krusty Krab as a reminder of how MM & BB's younger versions failed.
** Even worse is that the older MM's actor died later on, as did the younger one's.
** It also doubles as Fridge Horror, as, if this episode is considered canon, the old MM&BB who [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick had built a trusting, friendly relationship with, had been betrayed by them, left to die in the past, while the existing ones that went back to the present now know them as "the heartless fiends who killed two elderly men", meaning that all of their original ties with each other have been destroyed. Awful day for everyone.
* Mrs. Puff just can't catch a break in "Summer Job". In it, she's forced to work at the Krusty Krab to repair for accidental damages (that happened when she tried to outrun [=SpongeBob=]), with [=SpongeBob=] constantly taking her down a peg like a stereotypical teacher. It's not funny even, it just makes you wanna give Mrs. Puff a hug or reassurance.
* Even if it is just Plankton in disguise as [=SpongeBob=]'s great grandmother, you'll really feel bad for [=SpongeBob=] when the decoy of Plankton is shredded by the garbage disposal, causing him to bawl his eyes out under the assumption that a long lost relative is dead.
** "Long lost" most likely implies she's dead anyways, but he's probably unaware of that.
* Poor Gary being treated like a slave by Mr. Krabs by making him attract money in "The Cent Of Money". Though the blow is softened when Mr. Krabs is forced to give up all the money to pay for his medical bills, since he's too cheap to get medical insurance.
* In "Shellback Shenanigans", Plankton disguises himself as Gary as another plot to infiltrate [=SpongeBob=], only for the yellow guy to think his snail is sick and bring him to the hospital, subsequently brought to tears believing "Gary" is dying. It can hit hard for people who have had to experience the loss of a beloved pet.
* "A Pal For Gary": How [=SpongeBob=] treats Gary in this episode: even after saving his life from Puffy Fluffy, he still yells at the poor little snail, accusing him of being jealous of the so-called "pal" for him.
** In the same episode, a guy with a pet worm walks in and [=SpongeBob=] says pets aren't allowed and they walk away slowly; It's sad until Mr. Krabs allows them inside anyway.
** The ending, as well. [=SpongeBob=] drags Gary to work against his will, and Mr. Krabs basically uses Gary as free labor.
* "Rodeo Daze": The fact that everyone (minus [=SpongeBob=]) seemed to have forgotten Sandy's existence when [=SpongeBob=] asks for help in saving her from the rodeo. That, or they just don't care because they're racist against land animals. Imagine being in a world like that yourself (or not). No wonder the yellow guy kidnapped everyone.
* The episode "Karate Star" where Patrick learned the perfect karate move has a part where he thinks he murdered his own best friend. No, not the table sponge one, the one where he found him unconscious and thought he died. He then got vengeful at his own hand and ripped it off. [[TruthInTelevision Luckily thanks to being a sea star, he regenerates it]].
* The episode ''Model Sponge'', where [=SpongeBob=] thinks he's been fired from his job. You don't have to be a long-time fan to know how much [=SpongeBob=] loves his job, so his reaction is pretty sad. Then, later when he goes to beg Mr. Krabs for his job back, he is in tears and crawling on his knees, promising he'll do better and he doesn't want to go. Of course, Krabs has no idea what he's talking about (remember, [=SpongeBob=] misinterpreted something Krabs had said earlier), but that makes it no less sad.
* This screenshot from "Enchanted Tiki Dreams" defines Seasons 4 to 6 perfectly; it's Squidward curled up under a chair in a pool of tears. [[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=400660526642610&set=a.147404425301556.25799.147101001998565&type=3&theater It's a strong image]].
** If you're wondering why Squidward is crying, it's from getting annoyed by [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick both at home and work. At the moment of the screenshot, he asks the world why he can't have one day of relaxation... and [=SpongeBob=] pokes him with a stick on the grounds they were playing tag (after Patrick had just "tagged" him with an electric eel). It makes you realize that Jerkass as he is, Squidward's neighbors have put him through so much torture that he can't ever escape for even a little while, and for once [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness doesn't even yell at them to get out of his house]]. Counts as in-universe TearJerker, because [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick feel so terrible seeing Squidward like this that they decide to do something nice for him.
*** The part where Squidward sees his Tiki Dreamland and thinks it's a mirage counts too. Even if happiness is right in front of him, he can't bring himself to believe it. But he soon finds himself relaxing and the episode [[ThrowTheDogABone even has a satisfying ending for him]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 8]]
* If you've ever been in a situation like [=SpongeBob=]'s in "Sentimental Sponge", you will feel his pain, especially because it is hard to let go of things cherished by yourself for so long and having to do so eventually.
* "Squidward's School For Grownups" has two:
** The first is when Squidward decides that he must separate [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick because [=SpongeBob=] is much less mature than Patrick.
** The other example is [=SpongeBob=]'s opera not much later... Thankfully, a CMOH follows when [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick hug at the end, as well as a CMOF when Squidward is pelted with fruit for bashing [=SpongeBob=]'s performance and [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick yell "Food fight!".
* Squidward's unfair punishment at the end of "The Googly Artiste". Specially when he breaks down when Patrick says he'll probably not become an artist.
* You'll definitely feel sorry for Karen in "Walking The Plankton" when she finds out Plankton only took her on the cruise for the sake of the formula than a honeymoon. It does become funny after thankfully.
* [=SpongeBob=] thinking that Sandy is dead near the end of "Mooncation".
* "Mermaidman Begins" is most likely a farewell to major Mermaidman and Barnacle Boy episodes, especially if you know about the death of Mermaidman's voice actor. It may just seem like an origin episode, but currently the two heroes only get cameos as of now and many people report feeling misty eyed while watching this episode.
* Pearl crying in the bathroom due to her barnacle/acne issue getting out of hand and her father caring less in "Barnacle Face".
* The sheer amount of terror Gary goes through, courtesy of Patrick, in "Pet Sitter Pat".
** The poor snail looks practically unhealthy after being "bathed".
* Fuzzy Acorns harshly criticizing [=SpongeBob=] as a poor student and [=SpongeBob=] moping away in "The Way Of The Sponge".
* Anyone who saw the infamous scene in "Are You Happy Now?" where [[spoiler: it looks like Squidward [[DrivenToSuicide is going to hang himself]]]] had one of several reactions: [[NightmareFuel sheer horror from the content]], [[DudeNotFunny sheer horror from the fact that the writers would attempt to make such a crass joke]], [[ShoutOut amusement that the writers seemingly referenced the Creepypasta]] ''[[FanFic/SquidwardsSuicide]]'', or heartrending levels of sorrow. [[TheWoobie Who didn't want to give poor Squid a hug?]]
** That one scene of Squidward and [=SpongeBob=] crying together.
** Hell, the episode as a whole is a HumiliationConga for Squidward.
* From "Karen 2.0": Karen expressing her sadness to Mr. Krabs and [=SpongeBob=] on how Plankton dumped her for an upgraded Karen 2.
** The scene where she and Plankton reunite at the end is more of a happy tearjerker though.
* The ending of "Inspongeiac" where [=SpongeBob=] is forced to cry mustard onto Krabby Patties by Mr. Krabs.
** You can't help but feel sorry for him in the preceding scene where Krabs expresses NoSympathy for his predicament.
* "Glove World RIP", for obvious reasons, especially for fans of the old series or anyone whose favorite place is now gone. When [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick realize it looks like that Glove World is "on its last fingers" they try and fail to save it (as the park is literally falling apart from poor maintenance). [[spoiler: Migitated by the fact that Glove Universe is opened in its stead, but that place hasn't been used at all yet.]]
* Mr. Krabs crying because of Plankton and Squidward's new recipe ruining his business in "Chum Fricassee". Hell, even one of Plankton's customers feels sorry for him.
-->'''Customer:''' Here, take my chum. It's the least I can do to help. (to himself) Poor guy.
* Plankton saying his farewells to the Chum Bucket due to the possibility of it being bulldozed in "Move It or Lose It". [=SpongeBob=] expresses sympathy for him:
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' ''[tearfully]'' I can't help but think I somehow had a hand in your misery.
* "Never Give Up" from "Hello Bikini Bottom!" is a mix of this and AwesomeMusic.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 9]]
* [=SpongeBob=]'s reaction to getting fired in "[=SpongeBob=], You're Fired!" (for extremely petty reasons; read: Mr. Krabs wanted to save ''a nickel'') is actually portrayed very realistically. It's very sad.
** Not just from the Krusty Krab, but from his temporary jobs. He made food between two buns because that was how he had done it for many years. Upon seeing it, all his bosses (save for the Taco Man) [[{{Jerkass}} fire [=SpongeBob=] on the spot without seeing if his food was any good.]] Then, when he pleaded to keep his job, he impulsively acts as if he was fired from the Krusty Krab...
** With each job he gets fired from, [=SpongeBob=] gets progressively angrier, first by [[Main/DeadpanSnarker snarking to himself]], all the way to talking back angrily.
* "Larry's Gym" is probably the first episode that places Larry in a sympathetic light. Due to large amounts of paperwork, Larry is unable to exercise in his own gym, soon becoming weak, flabby and depressed. Knowing what he is normally like, seeing him in this state would not sit well for Larry fans.
* The surprisingly brutal DownerEnding of "Married to Money," especially considering the ridiculousness of the premise and most of the plot. Naturally, Krabs finds out that "Cashina" was really just a robot operated by Plankton, but [[HeroicBSOD his reaction]] is something else. [[spoiler:Krabs becomes too distraught by the fact that the love of his life was a fake that he can't bring himself to crush Plankton like he usually does, caring less that his "wife" was yet another attempt to steal the secret formula and more that Plankton was playing with his emotions. He then proceeds to share with his arch-nemesis the loneliness he'd been suffering for years before meeting Cashina, as if the two of them were still friends honest with each other. Plankton, being [[{{Jerkass}} Plankton]], simply brushes off Krabs's genuine emotion as something crazy, not caring that he broke his heart and leaving the crustacean in tears. Sure, the idea of [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin falling in love with a literal (albeit sentient, unlike the subject in "To Love a Patty") wad of cash]] is a bit absurd, but ignoring that fact and knowing that the woman he was in love with turned out to be a lie is truly heartbreaking.]] It's an ending that can actually make a viewer [[TheWoobie feel sorry for Krabs]], even when taking into account the terrible things he'd done seasons earlier.
--> '''Krabs:''' [[spoiler:Cashina may not have been real, but me feelings were, weren't they?!]]
** It's even worse when you consider ''how'' Krabs realizes that Cashina was a fake. [[spoiler:He's about to reveal the secret formula (unknowingly, at this point) to Plankton, only to become too overwhelmed with love for his "wife" that he begins to tear up, causing Plankton's robot to blow up.]]
** What ''really'' doesn't help is that [[spoiler:it's implied that Plankton didn't give a damn about what Mr. Krabs was feeling, and ESPECIALLY the fact that he [[KarmaHoudini surprisingly gets away scot-free.]] He just wanted the formula and some revenge for Mr. Krabs' previous actions.]]
* In "[=CopyBob DittoPants=]," [=SpongeBob=]'s reaction to the disappearances of his 299 copies. He mentions how attached he was with them and cries as each of them starts vanishing.
* Patrick bidding farewell to his last baby tooth at the end of "The Whole Tooth."
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Season 10]]
* In "Mimic Madness", after doing one too many impressions, [=SpongeBob=] begins to lose sight of who he really is and expresses this through [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cphLWxA4QA song]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Movies]]
!![[WesternAnimaton/The[=SpongeBob=]SquarepantsMovie First movie]]
[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/the_spongebob_squarepants_movie_spongebob_squarepants_10302864_592_320.jpg]]
* And of course, there's [[spoiler: [=SpongeBob=] and Patrick's DisneyDeath]] in TheMovie. Near the end, [[spoiler: as they're slowly drying out under the heat lamp, and [=SpongeBob=] has kind of a lengthy monologue about how they let everyone down, and how they failed (how ''broken'' he sounds at this point doesn't help either), and then they both realise that they at least got to Shell City (which turns out to be a gift shop, a lovely BrickJoke if you remember the first season episode "Hooky"), and they turn to one another, express their gratitude for having each other as friends, and with the last of their strength start singing the "Goofy Goober Song" together before they die, ending with their tears merging to form a heart shape. [[EverybodyCries Even the pirates in the theater were bawling]]. Bonus points on making such a cheesy song so heartbreaking.]]
-->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' [[spoiler: Pat... we ''did'' make it.]]\\
'''Patrick:''' [[spoiler: Yeah...I guess we did.]]\\
'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' [[spoiler: We did alright for a...couple of goofballs. ''(both of them shed a tear)'']]
** [[spoiler:[[FridgeBrilliance And when you realize the so called]] DeusExMachina that saves them is actually a CallBack to Tea at the Treedome]], it is even more tear jerking to long-time fans.
** Also, earlier in the movie, when [=SpongeBob=] is excited to become manager...then Mr. Krabs turns him down for being [[ManChild a kid]]. He walks away into the sunset ([[MadnessMantra I'm ready...depression...I'm ready...depression...]]) Then later he's over at Goofy Goober's [[BreakTheCutie crying]] because his lifelong dream was ruined.
** The scene of [=SpongeBob=] in the bar crying was both depressing and hilarious.
!![[WesternAnimation/TheSpongeBobMovieSpongeOutofWater Second movie]]
* [=SpongeBob=] watching helplessly as Bikini Bottom becomes a post-apocalyptic wasteland and his friends try to hunt him down.
* [[spoiler: Karen being sacrificed to get Plankton's time machine working, especially when the latter sheds a tear.]]
* [=SpongeBob=] volunteers to [[HeroicSacrifice sacrifice himself]] if it means restoring Bikini Bottom to its glory and appeasing the sandwich gods.
* A brief one at the beginning of the movie: During the montage of people enjoying Krabby Patties, we cut to a man enjoying a patty in a [[BlackComedy hospital bed]] as his wife mourns her loss while eating a Krabby Patty herself. Made worse by the doctor [[AngstWhatAngst cheerfully]] telling her "He'll be gone in a week".
* Plankton [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech blowing up at SpongeBob]], calling him the worst teammate ever. Poor [=SpongeBob=] is so horrified that he suffers a HeroicBSOD and starts screaming unintelligibly.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Others]]
* The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiKuhfDjims credits song]]. God, the credits song. The overwhelming feeling of nostalgia combined with what the show is nowadays, if you're on the "new seasons are bad" boat, it will make you misty-eyed.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6DKzNRdwyI Award Winners A]]. The description of the video is almost exclusively of people commemorating lost series, which can give it some emotional heft in spite of its victorious sound.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUcPpu-T2vc Stack of Leis]]. It's like the musical representation of sitting alone on a beach shore at sunset, watching the water scale up and reminiscing childhood memories that are now long gone as you've grown up far too fast, and realizing that you want nothing more than to be a kid again.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIF9bQ-KHyE Nostalgic Romance]] is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed for the show. The fact that it only plays in a handful of episodes doesn't help.
* Some moments when [=SpongeBob gets=] ''very'' sad.
* A meta-example: the death of Ernest Borgnine, the voice of Mermaid Man, a character who has been around since season 1.
** After that, Nickelodeon, without any advertisement, put on a small two hour marathon containing the numbered Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy episodes, ''Back to the Past'', ''The Bad Guy Club For Villains'', and ''Mermaid Man Begins.''
* Another meta-example: the death of one of the show's longtime composers, Barry Anthony Trop, who was Squidward's clarinet "voice" from season 4 to 8, until his retirement in 2014. The season 10 episode ''Snooze You Lose'' was dedicated to him and featured a section of a clarinet/bassoon duo from an earlier episode ''New Fish in Town'' (later used in ''Squid Plus One'').
* The 2005 educational short [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UOCmMYINkI "The Endless Summer"]], [[DownerEnding due to the ending]]. [[DespairEventHorizon Mr Krabs just gives up]] [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone when he realizes it's too late.]]
* Show creator Stephen Hillenburg [[http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/spongebob-squarepants-creator-stephen-hillenburg-reveals-als-diagnosis-1202007865/ being diagnosed with ALS]]. The idea of the man who brought us [=SpongeBob=], Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and all the other wonderful characters losing his life to this incurable disease ''will'' make you tear up if you're a longtime [=SpongeBob=] fan.
[[/folder]]
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