One of the bad endings in the Japanese version of Streets of Rage 3, of all things, has this. Specifically, it's the "fail to defeat the Final Boss in time" ending: Although you fail to stop the bombs from going off, causing extensive amounts of property damage and most likely casualties throughout Lima, the culprit was identified, nuclear war was still stopped, and the citizens give the heroes a second chance because they tried their best. It takes a bit of the sting out of failing to kill the boss in 3 minutes.
In the second game, seeing Skate reunite with his brother Adam and hugging him in the ending.
In the third game, if you defeat Bruce before defeating Roo, Roo runs off, and the next time you continue, he's one of the playable characters, as if he's thanking you for freeing him from his abusive master and returning the favor.
Axel's look of surprise at Shiva's complete Face Turn in 4, and Shiva's bow of respect as the heroes leave.
