The lyrics of the ballad really narrate the heartwarming behind the moment, especially with the line bittersweet and strange, finding you can change, learning you were wrong.
This troper's favorite moment of the dance scene is when they're about to dance, the Beast is visibly (and audibly) nervous, and then Belle guides his hands to their proper place and makes him feel at ease.
During a song montage, the Beast is helpless with his spoon, so Belle ignores any technical rules of etiquette to pick up the bowl and sip from its edge, which the Beast then imitates with a grateful smile. This troper tears up every time he sees that sequence, especially since the reason he's struggling with the spoon in the first place is that he noticed Belle looking chagrined at him slobbering down his meal like, well, an animal. The bowl drinking is a meeting in the middle moment that defines the pair's growing relationship beautifully.
The Beast saves Belle from a pack of wolves her first night in the castle. While grand and daring and heroic, it's also motivated somewhat by selfishness: if she dies, he has no chance of becoming human again. The first truly selfless act we see from him is when he takes Belle with him to show her the castle library, which he presents to her as a gift. His childlike glee and excitement as he pulls open the drapes, and her expression of astonishment and wonder (matching the audience's), are truly touching, and the first signs that there really is hope for them.
Saving her from the wolves, arguably, is a selfless act as he is in no position to make her return to the castle afterwards and may have been intended as a Heroic Sacrifice (as discussed in the commentary).
Belle returns the favor by not leaving him to die in the snow after he collapses from the effort of said rescue. She has no reason to help but does so.
Beast: You came back? Belle: Of course I came back! I couldn't let them...oh, this is all my fault. If only I'd gotten here sooner... Beast: Maybe it's better...it's better this way. Belle: Don't talk like that! You'll be all right. We're together now, everything's going to be fine, you'll see. Beast: At least..I got to see you...one last time. *closes his eyes and dies* Belle: No! No! Please! Please! Please don't leave me... I love you.
And when the Beast transforms back into a Prince, after a scene that pretty much defines Visual Effects Of Awesome... even if you're disappointed with how he looks, the joy in his and Belle's expressions and voices is just so contagious and wonderful. And then they share a kiss that literally sets off fireworks, which transform the castle and its inhabitants back to their original state. Apparently, the screenplay describes it as "The kiss that has waited for so long."
That kiss was so passionate, it made it go from night-time to full-blown daylight.
the first "You came back!" is a sweet moment as well.
Though not technically part of the movie, the dedication to lyricist Howard Ashman, who died during production of the movie, at the end of the credits was certainly heartwarming.
To our friend, Howard Who gave a mermaid her voice And a beast his soul, We will be forever grateful.
The simple moment when Belle thanks Beast for saving her life. It's the look of shock on his face as he hears her sincerely thanking him that really drives home this moment is the starting point of his redemption. Him saying "You're welcome" as we pan away from the cozy room is icing on the cake.
Belle's entire relationship with her father, like how she tries to cheer him up, she tries her best to save him and risks her life for him and he for her, and how she leaves the castle to care for him when he's sick and does her best to prove that the Beast is real so he won't get thrown into the asylum.
From the stage show, No Matter What. It really shows how much Belle and Maurice love each other.
You're never strange, don't ever change. You're all I've got, no matter what.
And also from the stage show, "Home (Reprise)."
Cheer up, child. It'll turn out all right in the end, you'll see.
All of the enchanted objects' delight at being changed back, especially Chip, who may have been kind of cute as an object, but is just cute as a button as a boy.
The relationship that all the servants have towards the Beast. Here is this spoiled brat that has gotten them morphed into household appliances, and yet every day they are there for him, trying to help him see the error of his ways and change himself for the better. Never once do they blame the Beast for their predicament, and in fact they actually put their lives on the line to protect him by driving off the attackers in the climactic battle despite the fact that they can be injured and/or killed (as was shown by the feather duster and Lumiere).
Cogsworth pulling a Big Damn Heroes for Lumiere and Lumiere pulling one for Babette. I just thought it was very sweet, especially when Lumiere catches her and they both exchange an adorable expression.
The Beast showing Belle the enormous library in his castle. Her look of amazement seals it.
