Several moments in the storyline were genuinely heartwarming. The ending, as mentioned, the scene with Squall and Rinoa on the Ragnarok, a good chunk of their scenes on disc 3, actually. I think VIII is tied with X as the most emotional in the series, though VIII seems to be on the happier side while X is more bittersweet.

Laguna is an awesome character, plain and simple.

Triple Triad is one of the best FF minigames ever, right up there with blitzball and Chocobo Hot and Cold.

The summon designs are probably the most badass in the series.

The FMVs are GORGEOUS even today, the intro and the waltz scene in particular.