Full House is known for its sentimental moments, and while not every episode is a tearjerker, there are a few that bring the waterworks every time.
Full House, a show about a wholesome family living in San Francisco, is known for its sentimental moments — many of which have made viewers cry. While not every episode is a tearjerker, there are a few that bring the waterworks. These installments tap into the universal themes of love, family, and personal growth, creating emotionally charged moments that resonate deeply. Whether it’s a heart-to-heart conversation, a life-altering decision, or a poignant realization, Full House has the remarkable ability to evoke genuine emotions in its audience.
Full House graced television screens from 1987 to 1995, capturing hearts with its endearing premise. The show revolves around widowed father Danny Tanner, who enlists the help of his brother-in-law Jesse and best friend Joey to raise his three daughters: D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle. This unique family dynamic serves as the perfect backdrop for the emotional moments that have made fans shed tears of laughter and sorrow. Throughout its run, Full House delivers powerful storytelling and heartfelt scenes that have become ingrained in the hearts of viewers. Despite it being a classic sitcom, emotional moments are in abundance, and that is ultimately what makes the series work.
15 Comet Runs Away
“Comet’s Excellent Adventure” (Season 8, Episode 1)
In this emotional episode of Full House season 8, the Tanner family faces a distressing ordeal as their beloved golden retriever, Comet, goes missing. The depth of this moment comes from the genuine concern and sadness displayed by the family — particularly Michelle — as they search high and low for their furry friend. The bond between Comet and the Tanners has always been heartwarming, making this episode impactful as viewers witness their desperate quest to reunite with their faithful companion.
14 Stephanie Gets Stood Up
“All Stood Up” (Season 8, Episode 22)
Stephanie’s experience of being stood up for the school dance is a heartbreaking and relatable moment. The universal feeling of disappointment and heartache that comes with being stood up, especially for a young teenager like Stephanie, adds to the sadness that encompasses Full House season 8’s “All Stood Up.” It’s easy to empathize with her as she navigates the awkwardness of the situation, made even more touching by her family’s attempts to support her. The episode captures the emotional heartache that sometimes comes with growing up, an experience Full House regularly revisits.
13 DJ Breaks Up With Steve
“Love On The Rocks” (Season 7, Episode 19)
Steve becomes an integral part of the Tanner family, so by the time he and DJ break up in Full House season 7, it’s hard not to give into emotion. Enduring a long-distance relationship, DJ and Steve face a challenging test in their relationship. With limited communication during his absence, DJ begins to question the future of their relationship. When Steve returns from his trip, they take a hike up a mountain, where they engage in a heartfelt conversation about the state of their romance. The sad moment unfolds when they come to the difficult agreement that their love story has reached its end, and DJ and Steve break up.
12 DJ Connects With Eddie
“The Volunteer” (Season 5, Episode 7)
In Full House season 5, episode 7, “The Volunteer,” DJ forms a heartwarming friendship with an elderly man named Eddie Johnson. Their bond deepens, but their time together takes a sad turn when Eddie starts displaying symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. He even forgets DJ’s name. It’s an emotional moment to witness as their beautiful connection changes so quickly. This storyline conveys the importance of friendship, support, and brightening someone’s day, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
11 DJ Starts A Crash Diet
“Shape Up” (Season 4, Episode 8)
Full House season 4, episode 8, “Shape Up,” delves into DJ Tanner’s desire to lose weight and her struggle with body image. The emotional impact of this episode lies in DJ’s internal struggle as she begins a crash diet and intense exercise regimen. She initially keeps her efforts a secret, but when Stephanie discovers what DJ has been up to, Stephanie is faced with a choice about whether to say something or keep her sister’s confidence. Eventually, DJ collapses during a family outing at the gym. This heartbreaking moment is a reminder of the pressure on young girls to maintain a certain image.
10 Kimmy Gets Drunk
“Under The Influence” (Season 8, Episode 10)
While it was already known that Pam Tanner died in a car accident, it’s revealed that she was killed by a drunk driver. This adds insult to injury when Kimmy gets drunk and embarrasses DJ at a fraternity party during Full House season 8, episode 10, “Kimmy Gets Drunk.” The knowledge of this tragedy adds an emotional layer to DJ’s concerns about her friend’s reckless behavior. DJ’s decision to remove Kimmy from the party cements the complexities and challenges of their friendship while also highlighting her loyalty.
9 Stephanie’s Friend Gets In A Car Accident
“Stephanie’s Wild Ride” (Season 8, Episode 9)
Stephanie and her friend Gia’s reckless escapades take a sad turn when they encounter a couple of older boys at the mall. Initially, their desire for adventure seems exciting, but it soon spirals into a dangerous situation. Stephanie struggles with her better judgment, wanting to have fun while feeling the overwhelming pull of responsibility. After deciding to not follow Gia on a joyride with the older boys, she later learns that they were involved in a car crash, which lands Gia in the hospital. This shocking and sad moment quickly puts things into perspective for Stephanie, and her sadness for her friend is strongly felt.
8 Stephanie Loses Her Teddy Bear
“Goodbye Mr. Bear” (Season 2, Episode 18)
Full House season 2, episode 18 has Stephanie’s attachment to her stuffed bear, Mr. Bear, as the central focus. This cherished bear was a gift from her mother, a tangible connection to a time when Stephanie was too young to form her own lasting memories. As the family watches a video of the day they brought Michelle home, the tears flow, offering a bittersweet glimpse of their late mother, Pam. Michelle eventually discovers Mr. Bear, turning the sad moment into a joyful one.
7 Mother-Daughter Sleepover
“Slumber Party” (Season 4, Episode 4)
Stephanie’s experience at her girl scout’s mother-daughter sleepover takes a disastrous turn when she feels left out and unable to fully participate. DJ, empathizing with her younger sister, acknowledges that Stephanie didn’t have their mother, Pam, during her Honeybee sleepover, unlike her own experience. In response, DJ reminds Stephanie of the love and support they now have from their three fathers, emphasizing the unique and heartwarming family they’ve become. DJ’s reassurance and guidance highlight the importance of sisterly support and the strength of their unconventional but loving family dynamic.
6 Uncle Jesse Moves Out
“The Long Goodbye” (Season 6, Episode 2)
Jesse and Becky’s wedding conveys the bittersweet reality that Jesse will soon need to leave the Tanner household and create a new one with his wife. Michelle, however, is deeply affected by this, and Jesse helps her muster up the courage to face this change. Their close bond and emotional farewell, marked by the exchange of goodbye gifts and silent tears, makes this one of the more emotional moments of the show. Ultimately, the family’s decision to have Jesse and Becky move into the attic signifies that even in moments of transition, love and togetherness remain at the core of the Tanner family.
5 The Family Mourns The Loss Of Pam
“Our Very First Show” (Season 1, Episode 1)
One of the harsh realities of Full House is that it has a pretty dark premise, as viewers are introduced to the Tanner family after a tragic loss. The series opens with the passing of Danny Tanner’s wife, leaving him to raise their three young daughters on his own. This emotional and sobering moment sets the tone for the series, highlighting the challenges of single parenthood and the family’s journey to heal and find joy after their heartbreaking loss. While there is sadness in the emptiness of their lives after this loss, it also paves the way for a heartwarming journey as the Tanner family becomes a closer unit.
4 The First Thanksgiving Without Pam
“The Miracle Of Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 9)
Viewers should prepare for tears as the Tanner’s celebrate their first Thanksgiving without the family matriarch in Full House season 1, episode 9, “The Miracle of Thanksgiving.” This emotionally charged episode shows the difficulties they encounter navigating the holiday without her presence. Jesse continues to struggle with his sister’s death, but the healing process begins as he flips through a photo album of memories with Stephanie, emphasizing the power of family support.
3 Michelle Gets Amnesia
“Michelle Rides Again, Part 2” (Season 8, Episode 24)
Spanning two episodes in Full House’s final season, the emotional weight of Michelle’s amnesia storyline hits hard, especially when the family has to break the devastating news to her about her mother’s passing, a recurring theme in the series. This heart-wrenching revelation, paired with the realization that this is the final episode of Full House, adds an extra layer of sadness. The impending farewell to beloved characters and the culmination of Michelle’s amnesia arc make it an emotionally charged moment that tugs at the heartstrings.
2 Stephanie Discovers Her Classmate Is Abused
“Silence Is Not Golden” (Season 6, Episode 17)
In one of Full House’s darker moments, the show takes a serious turn. Full House season 6, episode 17, “Silence Is Not Golden,” tackles a difficult theme that stands out against the series’ more lighthearted storylines. The discovery that Stephanie’s classmate is a victim of abuse by his father takes the episode to a darker place that isn’t tightly wrapped up at the end. The absence of a tidy resolution leaves a lasting impact on viewers and makes it a deeply emotional and thought-provoking episode.
1 Papouli Passes Away
“The Last Dance” (Season 7, Episode 17)
The loss of Jesse’s adored grandfather, Papouli, while he visits San Francisco, is one of the saddest moments of Full House’s eight-season run. Jesse and Michelle take it the hardest as they deal with the profound grief of his sudden passing. This incredibly emotional episode doesn’t just affect the characters; it also left a lasting impact on those who grew up with the show, becoming one of the most memorable tear-jerking moments in the series. The theme of loss and dealing with the death of a loved one strikes a chord with viewers, making it an unforgettable part of Full House.
