- All of the interactions between Robbie and Rachel. It's clear that they're very close and care for one another, with Robbie being one of the few who can calm his sister down when she has a panic attack.
- The scene where Ray sings "Little Deuce Coupe" as a lullaby to Rachel. From that moment on, you can tell how much closer they are.
- Ray also notices her horse show ribbon, something she's been trying to show him since the early scenes.
- During the ferry scene, Robbie goes to help people trying to get onto the ferry. Ray looks on with an impressed and proud smile.
- The military throwing everything they have at the tripods in Operations THUNDERCHILD, knowing full well nothing is getting past the shields. Why? Because they are trying to keep the tripods' attention on them to buy time for the civilians to run.
- When Ray comes back after killing Ogilvy, and Rachel goes over to him and sits on his lap, and they fall asleep together. You can feel the sheer relief they're both feeling.
- Also, Ray's reaction upon realizing what he has to do. He slowly comes out of the basement, stares at Rachel for a moment, then rushes over to her and hugs her tight. Tom Cruise's acting is amazing in that moment.
- Ray and Rachel's reunion in the tripod basket. She's traumatized and doesn't even register that he's there. Ray just keeps repeating her name over and over, hoping to snap her out of it. Slowly, she starts to look at him as he keeps saying her name. And then she smiles in recognition and whispers, "Dad?"
- If one pays close attention to the scene in the tripod cage, a complete stranger can be seen moving to shield Rachel from the tentacle when it comes down to select a human, despite being clearly (and justifiably) terrified.
- Rachel's awestruck reaction when Ray destroys the tripod and saves her is one of the most touching moments in the film.
- When the last tripod comes down, Ray hugs Rachel close and tenderly reassures her that it's going to be okay. It's incredibly cathartic after seeing the aliens' defeat.Ray: [whispering] It's okay. I love you. It's okay. You're going to be okay.
- If you listen closely, Rachel starts crying in response to this.
