Top 10 Movie Deaths Everyone Saw Coming
#10: Bill
Top 10 Best Bill and Ted Movie Moments
“Kill Bill: Vol. 2” (2004)
Well, nobody can say that Quentin Tarantino's movie doesn't deliver exactly what’s promised by its title. During the four-hour two part epic called “Kill Bill,” the Bride seeks and achieves revenge against most of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, the group that nearly took her life on her wedding day. Since their leader Bill ordered the hit, his fate is sealed right from the story's start. But that doesn't make the journey any less entertaining. While the outcome is predictable, the actual encounter between the Bride and Bill is more discourse-heavy than you might expect. The final fatal fight is quick and to the point.
#9: Beni Gabor
“The Mummy” (1999)
If your first major contribution to a film has you leaving the hero for dead, then the bad karma you earned will ruin your plans for the future. A small-time thief who cares only about number one, Beni Gabor's allegiance is utterly dependent on which person seems the most powerful. Such a cowardly character would need to go through a lot of growth to stave off a grim fate, but Beni doesn't change at all during "The Mummy". By the time the thief finds himself stuck in a tomb with a swarm of scarab beetles, he has more than earned his awaited comeuppance.
#8: Jack Dawson
Top 10 Jack Black Roles
“Titanic” (1997)
While we did say we’re not considering movies based on real people, we didn’t say we were excluding films based on real events. Titanic centers around one of the biggest American disasters in history, so the fact that James Cameron's movie ends in tragedy should come as no surprise to anyone. However, it also features fictional elements and characters. Through its intro, "Titanic" establishes that Rose lived through the ordeal. But the movie's somber tone pretty much guarantees that Jack would not be surviving the extended flashback. Through great performances and direction, "Titanic" completely sells Jack and Rose's true love romance. It almost makes you forget the grim reaper might as well be following the pair like a morbid third wheel. Although Jack predictably meets his end in icy water, our tears still flow.
#7: Iron Man
Top 10 Greatest Iron Man MCU Scenes
“Avengers: Endgame” (2019)
With rumors circulating that Robert Downey Jr. was done with the MCU, it only made sense to conclude the "Infinity Saga" with the death of Iron Man. Following the devastating conclusion of "Infinity War," "Avengers: Endgame" brought back many of Marvel's fallen heroes. But casualties were still needed to add gravitas to the film. While not the only heroic death in the movie, Tony Stark's passing was the one we anticipated the most. At least he brought the "Infinity Saga" to a satisfying conclusion. He gave his life to ensure that half the universe was safe at the end while calling back to the MCU entry that started it all.
#6: Colonel Stars and Stripes
“Kick-Ass 2” (2013)
Even if someone has never read the "Kick-Ass" comics, they probably will not be too surprised when Colonel Stars and Stripes bites the dust. Slipping in nicely into the Big Daddy role from the first movie, Sal Bertolinni, A.K.A. Colonel Stars and Stripes, was a former mafia enforcer. He was eventually inspired by Kick-Ass to turn a new leaf. In turn, Bertolinni also serves as something of a mentor to the young hero. But his dark past had him marked for a dark fate. Bertolinni is eventually outnumbered and beaten down by Chris D’Amico’s villainous crew. Seeing the colonel’s demise makes D'Amico more menacing and propels the story forward as "Kick-Ass 2" enters its final act.
#5: Mufasa
“The Lion King” (1994)
Disney has been known to off a parent or two and use that tragedy to inspire growth in their youthful main characters. Right from the start, "The Lion King" makes it crystal clear that this is Simba's story, and the only way for the title to come to fruition is through king Mufasa's death. Regardless of whether someone is familiar or not with Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Mufasa's end is foreshadowed heavily through "The Lion King's" themes and imagery. Scar even sings a whole song to prepare everyone for the king’s fall from a cliff.
#4: Everyone
Top 10 Movie Hero Deaths That Came Out Of Nowhere
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016)
Set before the events of "A New Hope," "Rogue One" focuses on the universe-altering actions of a select few Rebels who retrieve the Death Star's plans for the Alliance. Every single one of them plays a crucial part in the defeat of the Empire. But since we haven't heard names like Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor in other "Star Wars" episodes, the writing was very much on the wall for them. Nearly everyone involved in "Rogue One" dies during the movie's final act. But they go out helping to ensure Princess Leia got the information that the Alliance needs.
#3: Superman
Top 10 Superman Movie Trivia
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016)
While the predictability of the Man of Steel's passing requires some DC comic knowledge, "The Death of Superman" is one of the most famous storylines of all time. Doomsday's main claim to fame is that the monster put Kal-El in the ground. The second that Lex Luthor “gives birth” to Doomsday in the film, Superman's future has to involve a coffin. It doesn’t take long for "Batman v Superman" to replicate this iconic comic moment. Despite "Dawn of Justice" only being the second entry in the DC Extended Universe, Superman indeed expires...for a bit. The hero does get better in the future.
#2: Han Solo
Top 10 Unexpected Horror Movie Deaths
“Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” (2015)
Focusing solely on the story's context, Han Solo's demise in "The Force Awakens" was the correct narrative choice. Not only did it make for a critical moment in Kylo Ren's development, but it also served as a passing of the torch from the old guard to the sequel trilogy's new heroes. Outside of the movies, Harrison Ford's desire to see Han Solo go is well documented. If the actor got his way, the smuggler would have perished in "Return of the Jedi." Han’s appearance in "The Force Awakens" had "one last ride" written all over it from the start. And due to the tragic passing of Carrie Fisher, Leia’s end in “The Rise of the Skywalker” was also unavoidable (xref).
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Manuel "Cheyenne" Gutiérrez, “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1968)
Because the New World Has No Room for This Bandit
Dr. Frederick Chilton, “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
Because Incompetence, Arrogance, & Jealousy Are a Deadly Combination
Pike Bishop & His Men, “The Wild Bunch” (1969)
Because Such a Violent Era Can Only End with More Fatalities
#1: Logan / Wolverine
LOGAN Spin-Off Movie About X-23 in the Works – The CineFiles Ep. 44
“Logan” (2017)
As Hugh Jackman's run as Weapon X came to a close, Logan went out with one incredible movie. Set in 2029, "Logan" envisions a world where the likes of Wolverine are remnants of a bygone era. Poisoned by his adamantium and with his healing ability severely weakened, Logan is slowly dying throughout the movie. Wolverine and Laura's trip across the country is about preserving the next generation of mutants, and Logan is simply not part of that future. Wolverine had a great run. On his last day, he went out as he lived: violently lashing out, a little angry and slightly hopeful.
