Top 20 Movie Characters We Didn't Want to Die

Top 20 Movie Characters We Didnt Want to Die

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were counting down our picks for the movie characters who were too good or survived too much to be taken out so tragically. Well be excluding animated movies and animals from this list, as both deserve their own recognition. And, if it werent obvious already, beware of major spoilers ahead!

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

This Marvel trilogy sure knows how to redeem the universes most misunderstood beings, and Yondu might be the most notable example. A fearsome Ravager who kidnapped Peter Quill as a child, Yondu doesnt exactly make the greatest first impression on audiences. But Vol. 2 provides some unexpected depth to this contentious relationship, revealing that Yondus decision to raise Peter actually protected him from his genocidal father, Ego. That devotion runs deep enough for him to sacrifice his life as Egos planet explodes. Flying into space with only one air supply, Yondu willingly surrenders to the endless void so that Quill can go on. Its a devastating blow for the Guardians leader, who only realizes what he meant to Yondu in time to begin mourning him.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

This Oscar-winning film provides new meaning to the phrase revenge is a dish best served cold. Cassie lost her friend Nina after the latter was assaulted, making it her mission to confront the man responsible and those who vouched for him. Her unconventional vigilantism, on top of Carrie Mulligans provocative performance, makes Cassie an easy character to root for. So, our jaws were on the floor when her plan seemingly failed after her target, Al Monroe, suffocated her. But Promising Young Woman is a movie as unpredictable as its lead character, who thankfully has a backup plan to ensure that Al gets whats coming to him. Even so, its fair to say that justice couldve been much sweeter had Cassie lived to see it served.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Thanks to production leaks and test screening publicity, this was a death many Trekkies were expecting, but one that still broke millions of hearts. While the Enterprise ultimately defeats the titular villain, Khan manages to activate his Genesis device before his own demise. Acting quickly, the level-headed Spock makes the logical yet selfless decision to repair the ships warp drive, allowing it to escape the impeding explosion. In the process, however, he leaves himself vulnerable to lethal radiation. The science officers final moments with Captain Kirk are nothing short of agonizing for anyone whos witnessed the adventures of these two friends. But Spocks honor gives his crew members a reason to journey on, making the emotional weight of his actions that much more significant.

Aliens (1986)

Its safe to say death hangs heavy over this entire franchise. But Aliens packs an especially big wallop thanks to the strong dynamic of the Marines sent to combat the colony of xenomorphs. Bidding adieu to Bill Paxtons comedically panicked Hudson was tough enough, but the real kicker was Private Vasquezs farewell a few moments later. Arguably the most capable member of the unit, Vasquez eventually finds herself cornered in an air duct alongside the feeble Lieutenant Gorman. Knowing that a worse fate awaits them otherwise, Vasquez and Gorman choose to go out together by setting off a grenade. Its a noble end for a noble character, as Vasquez not only went down fighting, but gave her comrades the chance they needed to escape.

The Outsiders (1983)

If any character in this coming-of-age staple deserved a happier ending, it was Johnny Cade. Mistreated by his family, Johnny takes what little comfort he can find in his fellow Greasers. But when Johnny and Ponyboy are forced to go on the run after a gang fight turns fatal, the former spends the remainder of the story atoning for his sins. Luckily, Johnny is able to see the light after saving a group of kids from a fire. Though critically injured in the rescue, he ultimately learns that theres more to life than violence, and encourages Ponyboy to stay gold. Its hard-earned wisdom well beyond his years, and its more than bittersweet knowing that Johnny didnt have enough time to put that wisdom into practice.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

On the hottest day of summer, things reach a boiling point on a street in Brooklyn. Spike Lees 1989 classic boldly confronts racial tensions through the lens of a predominantly black neighborhood and the Italian pizzeria they patronize. The unease surrounding the restaurants lack of representation on its Wall of Fame spills over when a fight breaks out between the owner, Sal, and Radio Raheem. The police arrive shortly thereafter, and one officers overt aggression results in Raheems untimely death. The grisly and avoidable nature of the act makes Raheems loss even more poignant today than it was then. Its an all too real portrayal of how unforgiving the world can be, as even those with the purest intentions can meet the most awful fates.

Skyfall (2012)

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of cinemas most iconic spy, Skyfall is a fitting exploration of the past catching up with the present. In one of his most personal missions, James Bond is out to stop ex-MI6 agent Raoul Silva from carrying out a revenge plot against their cunning boss, M. In the process, Skyfall throws in a multitude of surprises for longtime viewers, but the biggest one comes in the explosive climax, where M is shot by Silva. Judi Denchs tenure with the Bond franchise lasted nearly two decades, so it was certifiably upsetting to finally see her go, especially considering Ms fearlessness in the face of danger. She may take her death in stride, but we definitely dont, and neither does Bond.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Perhaps the most unexpected improvement in this sci-fi sequel was its more humane portrayal of the titular robot. Reprogrammed to better the resistance, the Terminator becomes a loyal ally and friend to John and Sarah Connor as he protects them from the malevolent T-1000. The T-800 learns his fair share about humanitys worth in the process, culminating in an ending were still getting choked up about. Knowing that his existence threatens the future, the T-800 willingly lowers himself into a vat of molten steel to prevent the creation of Skynet. Between Sarahs newfound respect, Johns tearful protestations, and the cyborgs accepting thumbs up, this moment incites a wide variety of reactions. Despite the franchises longevity, its still a deeply felt sequence to this day.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Rebellions may be built on hope, but that doesnt stop the Star Wars franchise from traversing tragic and dark territory in pursuit of it. Look no further than the scrappy rebels of Rogue One if you need proof. Led by the tenacious Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor, they all know their plan to steal the Death Star plans is one theyre unlikely to survive, but that doesnt stop them from trying. Its a gut punch of an ending as each team member dies one-by-one, culminating in Jyn and Cassians sobering final moments as they await the Death Stars destruction of Scarif. But, whether they know it or not, their actions ultimately seal the Empires fate, reminding us that some sacrifices, however sad, are still necessary.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

The unflinching perspective Saving Private Ryan brings to World War II means its portrayal of death is about as morose as it gets. Captain Millers squadron experiences horrific fates in their mission to bring home the titular Private Ryan. But its the Captain himself whose death hits hardest. Assisting Ryan in defending a bridge during the films finale, Miller is shot by a German POW that his men reluctantly released earlier in the film. On top of its tragic irony, what makes Millers final minutes so egregious is that he survived incredible odds only to go down in a quick and uncaring manner. His final words to Ryan are stirring in their simplicity, leaving the homebound soldier, and us, eternally inspired by his choices.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

MCU fans were well prepared for this Black Panther sequel to swing for the emotional fences. But in one of the franchises more startling sequences, Wakandas fragile royal family is hit with a loss that not even we saw coming. Under attack by King Namor of Talokan, Queen Ramonda finds herself trapped in the flooded throne room with Riri Williams, the scientist Namor intends to kill. Ever the virtuous ruler, Ramonda manages to save Riri from the destruction, but her impeccable morals extract a heavy toll. By the time Shuri and the Dora Milaje come to her aid, Ramonda is already beyond saving. Letitia Wrights devastating performance sells every bit of Shuris loss and loneliness, as shes now left to reckon with yet another tragedy.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

The only person dealt a tougher hand than Harry Potter himself was his godfather, Sirius. Estranged from his intolerant family and imprisoned for a crime he didnt commit, Sirius remains by Harrys side long after escaping from Azkaban. Thats what makes his sudden demise in the climax of Order of the Phoenix so unjust. Hit with the Killing Curse by Bellatrix Lestrange, Siriuss passing is magic in its cruelest form: one moment hes there, and the next, he isnt. Its hard not to feel just as confused, distraught, and helpless as the Boy Who Lived when yet another family member gives their life to protect him. To make matters worse, future installments would also see Dumbledore and Dobby make similar sacrifices to equally tragic results.

Rocky IV (1985)

For as unhinged as the Rocky franchise became in later installments, the boxing sequences still managed to pack a visceral punch from time to time. Case in point: few went into Rocky IV expecting to see the charismatic Apollo Creed go down for good. Outmatched by Soviet extraordinaire Ivan Drago, theres no way out for the former heavyweight champ. But Apollo is too overwhelmed by his pride to have Rocky throw in the towel on his behalf. The protagonist honors the request, but at the cost of his enemy-turned-mentors life. As Apollo lay motionless in the ring and Drago shows no remorse, the otherwise goofy Rocky IV takes a hard right turn with the loss of a character audiences had just grown to appreciate.

Top Gun (1986)

Heres a moment that shook our nerves and rattled our brains. This iconic 80s actioner gave us a wingman for the ages in Goose Bradshaw. As Mavericks backseater and best friend, Goose keeps the rebellious pilots feet on the ground while simultaneously encouraging his antics. On top of that, hes also a devoted family man. Unfortunately, his life is just too good to last. During a fateful exercise, the duo are forced to eject after their plane flames out. While Maverick parachutes to safety, Goose fatally collides with the jets canopy. Our disbelief is as palatable as Mavericks guilt, and the fact that this incident carries further weight in the films sequel just goes to show that not even time can heal all wounds.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Sometimes revenge is cold, but here, its red hot! In Quentin Tarantinos revisionist take on World War II, Shosanna Dreyfus is a Jewish cinema owner quietly plotting vengeance against the Nazi command after losing her entire family. An archetypal Tarantino heroine, shes sympathetic, highly observant, and, above all, a badass. Its oh so gratifying when her plan to take out the Third Reich succeeds in fiery fashion, but shes ultimately unable to see the full realization of her brilliant scheme. Mere moments before her theater is set ablaze, shes taken out by longtime admirer Fredrick Zoller. It definitely caps the film off on a less-than-happy note, but Shosannas bravery and pride in a cause greater than herself leaves us glad we got to know her.

Titanic (1997)

Part of what makes this characters departure so gut-wrenching is his passion for life. Jack Dawson doesnt have a penny to his name, but his artistry, sense of humor, and worldliness make him immediately endearing. His whirlwind romance with Rose is certifiably swoonworthy, but the Titanics fate had tragic plans for their time together. As the two fight for their lives in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, Jack helps Rose take refuge on top of a floating panel. Regardless of whether or not there was room for both of them, its an unquestionable act of love on his part. But this only makes things harder to stomach when help arrives, with Rose left helpless as Jack is lost to the ocean.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The line between good and evil is clearly drawn in this epic trilogy, but Boromir is one of the few characters to flirt with it. His arrogance and lust for power leaves us unsure if we can trust him after he joins the Fellowships journey to Mordor. And our suspicions are seemingly confirmed after he tries to steal the One Ring from Frodo. However, his regret is immediate and palpable, and he more than redeems himself by defending Merry and Pippin from an onslaught of Uruk-hai. Even after being hit with arrows, Boromir heroically continues to stand up for his newfound friends. His demise is as dramatic as the metamorphosis he undergoes beforehand, and were left to wonder what more he was capable of.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

In addition to its heartbreaking portrayal of the Holocaust, Life Is Beautiful is also one of the most moving depictions of parenthood ever put to film. Writer-director Roberto Benigni also headlines this Italian dramedy as Guido, a Jewish man who convinces his son, Giosuè, that their time in a concentration camp is all an elaborate game. Absolutely nothing shakes his resolve, not even the reality of his impending execution. As Guido is led away by German soldiers, he maintains the facade long enough for Giosuè to remain unaware of the atrocities. Life Is Beautiful honors Guidos efforts by sparing us the horror of his final moments. But the lengths hes willing to go to protect his son only makes this loss sting that much more.

Logan (2017)

Perhaps it was fitting for an older, more hardened take on Wolverine to scar us in ways we couldve never imagined. Logan sees the titular character protecting his daughter Laura from the mutant-hunting Reavers while also reckoning with his own mortality. With his adamantium skeleton slowly poisoning him, Logan finds the energy for a climactic rampage through the forest, but cant compete with X-24, his unhinged clone. Left to succumb to his wounds after a tense battle, Logans parting advice to Laura are earth-shattering to the least, especially for longtime fans. Future appearances be damned, its a testament to Hugh Jackmans commitment that his last stand as Logan hurt this much. After 17 years, a beloved character was gone but a legacy was solidified.

The Green Mile (1999)

In a sinister world, kindness can arrive in the most unexpected form. Thats what the mystical John Coffey embodies throughout this Stephen King adaptation. Stranded on death row for a crime he didnt commit, Johns miraculous healing abilities earn the fascination of the guards, especially Paul Edgecomb. Its a magical circumstance that leads to a magical kinship, but one thats destined to end tragically. Paul comes to believe in Johns innocence, but is unable to prevent his execution, leading to what has to be one of the saddest endings in movie history. The movies thought-provoking fantasy is stripped away in favor of cruel reality, and while John accepts his fate, were left begging through the screen for Paul not to go through with it.

Is there a movie character you wished had made it out alive? Let us know down in the comments!