Don’t let anyone tell you it’s weird to mourn fictional characters. When a movie is well-written and directed, it’s almost impossible not to react emotionally when a character you love gets killed off.
No matter how much we form hard guy, some movies hit us so deeply that we momentarily forget we’re just watching a film. The emotions these scenes evoke can be overwhelming.
The following list features some of the most heart-wrenching movie deaths ever portrayed on screen. Grab a tissue—you might just find yourself tearing up as you relive these unforgettable moments.
1—Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame
I’m not the biggest superhero movie fan, but even I have to admit that Tony Stark’s death was incredibly moving. He was one of my favourite superheroes, and seeing his journey come to such a heart-wrenching end was tough. I remember sitting in the movie theatre, and when that scene played, the entire place went quiet. It was as if we were all collectively holding our breath, hoping for a different outcome. But when it was clear that this was the end for Tony, the sadness in the room was palpable. He’ll be missed.
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2—Jamie Sullivan in A Walk to Remember
This movie makes me sad every time I think about it. Jamie Sullivan’s story is one of the saddest yet most beautiful tales ever put on screen. I’m tearing up just writing this. The way Jamie and Landon’s relationship unfolds, with so much heart and sincerity, makes her death even more devastating. A Walk to Remember set the bar high for the many tear-jerking romantic movies that followed. And if you think the movie was sad, the book is even more heart-wrenching. Nicholas Sparks truly knows how to craft a story that stays with you long after it ends.
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3—Poussey Washington in Orange is the New Black
I stopped watching Orange is the New Black after Poussey died—I literally couldn’t continue. My heart ached for days. I loved her character and the actress who brought her to life, and I desperately wanted Poussey to get out of that prison. She really didn’t deserve to be there. It breaks my heart that she died trying to help her friend. Her death was so unnecessary, that my heart ached for days after. Poussey’s story is one that still haunts me, and her loss was truly devastating.
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4—Linda in Òlòtūré
Òlòtūré was an incredibly triggering movie, and the worst part is knowing that it’s based on a true story. It’s heartbreaking to think that so many girls are still trafficked to this day. The scene where Linda was killed was one of the most depressing moments I’ve ever witnessed on screen, especially when they murdered her right in front of her younger sister. My heart broke at that moment, and I couldn’t stop crying.
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5—Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton in The Notebook
The Notebook is the ultimate love story—a working-class boy and a wealthy girl brought together by a love so strong it transcends time and circumstance. It’s a classic that made us feel so many emotions and sometimes makes me believe there’s still love in this cold world. Even when Allie’s dementia took her memories away, Noah’s love never wavered. He read her stories of their life together until that beautiful moment when she finally remembered him. The movie ended with them dying in their sleep, holding hands—a bittersweet moment that broke all our hearts. It was the perfect end to their love story, but it still leaves a lump in my throat every time I think about it.
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6—Augustus Waters in The Fault in Our Stars
Augustus Waters’ story in The Fault in Our Stars is an extremely sad twist of fate that none of us saw coming. My God, I cried so hard watching this movie; the love between Augustus and Hazel was so real, that it actually pierced my heart. The saddest moment was when they organized a living funeral for him—my fragile heart couldn’t handle it. Such an amazing watch, though incredibly heartbreaking.
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7—Maggie in Million Dollar Baby
Hilary Swank absolutely nailed her role in Million Dollar Baby. The film tells the story of a female boxer and her coach, who was initially reluctant to train her. Their journey evolves into one of the most profound bonds I’ve ever seen on screen. By the end of the movie, Maggie is so severely injured from her fights that she can no longer breathe on her own. Her coach, who has grown deeply attached to her, ultimately decides to help her end her suffering. It’s a heart-wrenching yet justifiable decision.
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These movie characters might be fictional, but their stories can really get to us. As Dr. Jeffrey Zacks, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Washington University in St. Louis and author of the book Flicker: Your Brain on Movies, explains to Mental Floss, “Movies engage the algorithms already hardwired in our brains. When our nervous system confronts something in the cinema that looks and sounds real, our brain will respond to it appropriately.” It’s the reason why those intense, emotional scenes hit so hard. So, keep that tissue handy, and remember, it’s all part of the powerful way storytelling connects with our deepest emotions.
