Though these films were incredible, fans were left devastated by the heroic deaths they witnessed.
It is a surprising and sad twist when a movie kills off a beloved character and hero. Often, they’re built up as a savior, not necessarily perfect, but doing their best, and that’s what makes their death even worse – they were trying to help others and lost their lives for it.
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Killing a main character has become a regular trope in big-hit movies and TV shows because of the shock factor. Studios like Marvel have somewhat lost their sense of surprise over the years, as superhero films in particular can sometimes fall into a trap of following a predictable plot. The deaths they bring about have to make sense and hold meaning to have the biggest effect on audiences.Skip Ad10/10Willam Wallace’s Execution Led His People To Freedom
Braveheart
The 1995 movie Braveheart saw Mel Gibson bring William Wallace, a Scottish knight, to life. Wallace is bold and brave and even in death, he calls out for freedom. He rallied his people to fight for liberation and became their leader.
Unfortunately, Wallace is sentenced to death for treason, and is executed for his crimes. What he fought for is not lost, however, and his legacy lived on and inspired the Scots to continue their fight, and eventually win their freedom. The film is amazing, and the hero chose to die for his cause instead of giving in.
9/10Leonidas’ Bravery Inspired His Soldiers
300
300 is another historical film depicting battle and war. It follows King Leonidas as he leads his 300 Spartans to fight against Xerxes and his 300,000 soldiers. The odds aren’t in Leonidas’ favor, but that doesn’t stop him from trying. The movie was very successful, with an incredibly high box office opening.
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Leonidas was a central part of the battle and, sadly, lost his life in it. Like in Braveheart, Leonidas’ sacrificial death inspired his people. It led to another battle in the name of the 300 lost.
8/10Maximus’ Drive For Vengeance Made Him Famous
Gladiator
Even after over twenty years, Gladiator is still watched and beloved by fans. Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix have been widely praised for their performances. The movie is based on real events and producers did attempt to closely detail Roman culture. Gladiator follows Maximus as he seeks revenge against Commodus.
Despite winning his fight, Maximus loses his life as Commodus stabs him before their match in order to gain an advantage. The story ends with Maximus’ death, but not before he kills Commodus and brings justice to those Commodus harmed – including himself.
7/10Miller’s Sacrifice Made Him A True Hero
Saving Private Ryan
In Saving Private Ryan, Captain John Miller, played by Tom Hanks, leads a group of soldiers to save Ryan and bring him home. The Captain gives his all, and eventually gives his life, to save Ryan.
This sacrifice, as well as the sacrifices of the other men on the mission, reaffirms Miller and his team as true heroes. The World War II epic pulls at the heartstrings, as it drags viewers into the dark and terrifying world of war, graphically depicting violence and the realities of battle.
6/10Superman Died Fighting
Dawn Of Justice
The reviews for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice are mixed, with many fans believing that it didn’t meet expectations. It was, however, nominated for many awards. The extended cut (Ultimate Edition) was preferred, as it added more detail, and is considered the stronger film.
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At the end of the movie, Superman realizes that he and the monster Luthor created have something in common: they’re both vulnerable to kryptonite. This is ultimately both of their undoings as Superman uses the kryptonite to kill the monster and himself along with it.
5/10Tony’s Snap Saved Millions Of Lives
Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame were always set to be huge films, not just in budget but in length. It was likely that a superhero or two would lose their lives in the huge battle set to come. It was a surprise to many fans however, that Thanos’ snap eliminated a good amount of Marvel’s greatest heroes.
It was likely that many would return, but fans weren’t prepared for what this would cost. Sadly, it was at the expense of Tony Stark’s life. He put on the gauntlet, withstood the power of all the infinity stones, and brought everyone back. Unfortunately, Tony didn’t survive.
4/10Han Solo Is Murdered By His Son
The Force Awakens
Han Solo tragically dies in The Force Awakens, as his son pierces him with a lightsaber. Not only that, but his best friend Chewie sees it happen. Ben, or Kylo Ren, believes his father is standing in the way of him truly becoming one with the dark side, so he kills him.
Han let his guard down in one final attempt to change Kylo’s mind. It doesn’t work, and his death is a major loss. Han was a major part of the rebel cause, fighting for freedom and gaining fame and acclaim as he did it.
3/10Jack Insisted Rose Survives
Titanic
Titanic depicts the tragedy of the RMS Titanic, which stuck an iceberg and sank in 1912. There is both fact and fiction within the movie, as it follows the story of Jack and Rose, and how they fell in love. Jack was a hero for giving his life to allow Rose to live.
He sacrificed himself, knowing that only one of them could survive, insisting that it be Rose. It is a devastating story, made worse with the knowledge that the tragedy of the shipwreck actually occurred. The film will forever be remembered as a beautiful piece of cinema, but is also terribly sad and deeply impactful.
2/10Natasha Willingly Gave Her Life
Avengers: Endgame
Another tragic loss in Avengers: Endgame is Black Widow. She not only sacrifices herself for the greater good, but also for the sake of her friend, Clint. One of them has to give their lives for the soul stone, and Natasha refuses to allow Clint to make that sacrifice.
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Natasha is a hero, not just for her death but for everything she does in life. Losing her sent shock waves through the Marvel fandom and clearly through the lives of the characters, especially her sister Yelena and Bruce. Endgame is an amazing movie and within it, Natasha showcases what it truly means to be a hero and a friend.
1/10Wolverine Lost His Healing
Logan
Fans perhaps thought that they would never have to face losing Wolverine, due to his healing powers. However, he dies in Logan after it is revealed that his abilities have faded with age and he cannot recover from his wounds.
Logan dies defending Laura and passes away in her arms. They recognize one another as father and daughter, and she then buries him. Wolverine has been a huge part of the X-Men since they first appeared on-screen, and his death is devastating to witness.
