Movies have made audiences laugh, cry and cry even more. Whether it be labeled as a comedy, an action or a romance, chances are someone always dies. Filmmakers make characters relatable and lovable, even if they’re intended to be the antagonist. Therefore, an audience becomes attached and wants more of that character, and when the character dies, it triggers the waterworks. Sometimes, losing a fictional character is comparable to grieving a loved one, especially if that character is at the core of some cherished memories.
Here are some movie deaths that broke our hearts — and continue to break them after every tragic rewatch.
Tony Stark – Avengers: Endgame
In Avengers: Endgame‘s epic climax, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) make a final valiant attempt to defeat Thanos (Josh Brolin) who wields the Infinity Stones and intends to use their combined cosmic powers to eradicate humanity at the mere snap of his fingers. When Thanos is distracted, Tony Stark obtains the Infinity Stones and fashions his own Infinity Gauntlet using his advanced nanotech suit.
Iron Man sacrifices himself to erase Thanos from existence and restore the lost souls that were presumed dead after Thanos’ initial snap in Avengers: Infinity War. Needless to say, many tears were shed. Despite the tear-jerking factor, Tony’s death was beautifully poetic to conclude its 22 movie culmination that fittingly began with Iron Man (2008). Hardcore fans found it soul-destroying to watch Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) weep and touchingly say, “you can rest now.”
Ellie – Up
Disney’s Up is a fan-favorite for adults and children alike. Everyone wants to grow old with their beloved — just like Carl (Ed Asner) and Ellie. Nothing is quite as sweet as the retelling of how Carl and Ellie met as children and how their lives together progressed. From old-school romance to chasing life-long dreams, Carl and Ellie live their lives to the fullest.
When Ellie suffers a miscarriage and is unable to have children, Carl and Ellie decide to pursue an adventure to a cliff overlooking Paradise Falls, a beautiful destination to make their forever home. However, they are constantly forced to spend their savings on more urgent needs. Now elderly, Carl finally arranges for the trip, but Ellie suddenly falls ill and dies. If the concept alone isn’t upsetting enough, the Oscar-winning score that complements the sequence in Disney’s Up will uncover some profound emotions in even the most stubborn of viewers.
Rosie Betzler – Jojo Rabbit
Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit may advertise itself as a comedy-drama, but one particular dark-toned scene questions its comedic foundation. Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) firmly believes in the ideals of Nazism manifested by his imaginary friend, Adolph (Taika Waititi) — a buffoonish equivalent of Adolph Hitler. However, Rosie Betzler (Scarlett Johansson), Jojo’s mother, does not. As Jojo Rabbit progresses through its deep dive into the chaotic war era, Rosie is revealed to be part of the German resistance to Nazism; among her tasks is spreading anti-Nazi messages around town.
While Rosie is out, the Gestapo (the official secret police of Nazi Germany) come to investigate Jojo’s home, forcing him to deceive them regarding his association with a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie). Later on, Jojo goes searching for his mother, only to find Rosie hanged at a gallows in the public square for her crimes. One of Rosie’s anti-Nazi messages, “Free Germany,” is stuck to her leg. Watching Jojo clutch his mother’s legs and grieve her loss is devastating, especially when considering Jojo is just 10-years-old.
Marley – Marley & Me
Only the heartless can keep a straight face when a beloved animal dies, both fictional and non-fictional. Marley & Me follows John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Anniston), a couple who choose to adopt a dog to test their readiness to raise a family. They choose a Labrador retriever and John names him Marley — after Bob Marley. Marley proves to be disobedient and incorrigible, which makes the perfect column topic for John, an aspiring reporter.
As Marley & Me reaches its final act, an aging Marley suffers a near-fatal intestinal disorder. He recovers, but, too old for corrective surgery, suffers a second attack later. John and Jenny make the difficult decision to euthanize Marley and relieve him of his suffering. Marley is euthanized with John at his side and the family mourns its beloved pet. Marley’s death warrants at least three tissues, if not more.
Gwen Stacy – The Amazing Spider-Man 2
For the Marvel fans, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 — even years later — is a sore subject. Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) and his girlfriend, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), are a popular duo within Marvel pairing culture. They are one of the longest-established partnerships in Marvel Comics history, which makes their separation so unbearable to watch. Spider-Man’s primary foe in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is Electro (Jamie Foxx), but Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), son of Norman Osborn, adopts the Green Goblin identity when Peter interferes with his plans to make biogenetic weaponry.
When Electro causes a citywide blackout, Spider-Man — followed by Gwen — leaves to battle him. After Electro is defeated, Norman arrives on-scene as Green Goblin. He kidnaps Gwen and takes her to the top of a clock tower to enact revenge on Peter. In the commotion, Gwen falls down the tower; Peter catches her with a web but fails to save her in time. The speed of her fall and the abrupt stop before impact break her spine, killing her. At least Andrew Garfield wasn’t alone in mourning Gwen’s death; viewers were sobbing just as hard.
About The Author
