MCU’s Most Heartbreaking Scenes That Fans Can’t Bear to Rewatch

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In addition to thrilling sequences and well-developed characters, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) also delves into deep, sorrowful narratives. These stories may involve death or intense suffering, making the most poignant moments in the MCU incredibly heartrending. Some of these emotional scenes are so powerful that they are difficult to rewatch, even when the rest of the movie is excellent.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), intense moments such as Iron Man’s demise or Wanda’s spellcasting stand out as deeply emotional and impactful. Yet, they can be challenging to endure. Generally speaking, fans enjoy revisiting MCU films and shows. However, these specific scenes might prove too intense at times, causing viewers to skip them rather than relive the experience repeatedly.

Hawkeye Losing His Family Almost Justifies His Time as Ronin

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

A full year following the release of “Avengers: Infinity War” and its sequel “Avengers: Endgame,” viewers were met with a poignant scene. At that particular moment, Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, was enjoying a carefree day with his family. However, just for a brief instant, he was diverted, and upon returning to the picnic, his wife and children were nowhere to be found.

It’s quite poignant to observe this turn of events, largely due to the striking contrast. One instant, Clint appears to be enjoying a carefree family day, with his children smiling and everything appearing peaceful. The next instant, he’s left utterly alone; not a single member of his family survived unscathed. In the movie later on, we discover that Clint gave up his role as Hawkeye to transform into Ronin, a ruthless avenger who eliminates criminals who managed to survive the Snap. This transformation seems to be his method of dealing with the fact that his family, filled with innocent people, was not spared.

Wendy Spector Is Unarguably the Worst Mom In the MCU

Moon Knight (2022)

In the fifth installment of the Moon Knight series, we finally learned about the true nature of the character – that he is an alter ego for Steven Grant, who emerged as a means for Marc Spector to cope with the trauma of losing his brother Randall in a heartbreaking accident during childhood. This tragedy led to their mother’s abusive behavior towards him, and he dealt with this by creating the persona of Steven, as shown through a harrowing sequence of flashbacks from his youth.

In stark contrast to Steven, the fans had already uncovered the truth, yet Marvel Studios hadn’t disclosed the reasons behind this event. Watching Wendy’s frigid attitude and harsh words towards her son was excruciatingly tough, even more so as Steven himself grappled with the shock of what he’d just seen. Of course, Oscar Isaac’s exceptional acting only served to heighten the intensity in these scenes.

Natasha Says Goodbye to Her Teammates Hurts Plenty on a Rewatch

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Just as the surviving Avengers prepare for their time-jumping exploits during the Time Heist, Black Widow flashes a smug grin towards Captain America and casually remarks, “I’ll see you in a bit.” This statement implies they will reappear at the same point in time. Regrettably, her words don’t hold true for her character; instead, Natasha makes a selfless sacrifice to claim the Soul Stone on Vormir less than an hour later in the film, ultimately giving up her life.

Initially, many viewers missed this link, but after realizing the Widow’s ending, this line carries a much stronger impact. Sacrificing herself was Natasha’s ultimate form of atonement, despite already having repented for her wrongdoings. What makes it even more painful is that her death is overshadowed by other deaths and climactic battles.

Wanda’s Hex Was Made Out Of Pure Grief

WandaVision (2021)

In the latest installment of WandaVision, we learned that Wanda’s kidnapping of Westview was triggered by a series of events following the Snap. Desperate to find Vision’s body, the Scarlet Witch went to S.W.O.R.D., but couldn’t sense him in his synthezoid remains. Unable to accept this loss, she visited Westview, where Vision had bought a property for them. As she came to understand that he had planned for their future there, her grief overwhelmed her and the Hex was born.

In this scene, it was truly captivating to witness the unveiling of the truth behind Westview’s mysterious events. Yet, it was equally distressing. Elizabeth Olsen delivered an exceptional performance as Wanda, and this instance serves as a testament to her talent. The way she crumples to the ground, clutching paperwork, with sorrow etched across her face, is heart-wrenchingly authentic. It all fits together perfectly – her grief overpowering her, transforming her into Westview’s most significant danger.

Yondu’s Funeral Was the Perfect Send-Off For This Redeemed Character

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Following the destruction of Ego in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”, Yondu bravely sacrifices himself to save Peter, ensuring his safe escape from the ensuing explosion. Subsequently, a poignant tribute unfolds, resembling a cosmic Viking funeral for the Ravager. As his remains drift through space, “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens softly plays, and the Ravagers express their grief and admiration by orchestrating a stunning celestial fireworks show.

Initially, I encountered Yondu in the Marvel Universe’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” as a secondary antagonist, yet his character arc unfolded beautifully over time, turning him into an undeniable fan favorite. The Ravager Funeral we witnessed was a poignant farewell, one that left us teary-eyed. However, revisiting it isn’t something we yearn for often, as its emotional depth can be overwhelming.

Fans Thought Aunt May Would Survive

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

In the heart-wrenching confrontation between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, I found myself hoping against hope. After Spidey had taken a brutal beating, my dear Aunt May stepped in to aid him. Unfortunately, this act of kindness backfired, as the vile villain struck her with his Goblin Glider, slipping away unharmed. Tragically, it wasn’t Aunt May who escaped harm that day – she was left reeling from her injuries, and despite my prayers for her recovery, she eventually succumbed to them.

Due to the general assumption that she would recover well, plot armor indeed played a role. Regrettably, Peter Parker’s character growth is deeply tied to his hardships, resulting in him losing everyone dear to him within a short span of two weeks in the movie. This heart-wrenching sequence was tough to witness, and many viewers are reluctant to reexperience it.

Rocket Meeting Batch 89 Was Only a Taste Of How Sad the Movie Would Be

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Following the High Evolutionary’s initial tests on Rocket as a baby, he places him in a pen with the rest of Batch 89. The tiny raccoon huddles in fear, but the other creatures approach him. Initially, Rocket doesn’t utter a sound, but when he recognizes they’re friendly, he conveys his only means of communication at that moment: “Hurts,” indicating his pain from the experiments. Lylla understands this and tenderly attends to the wound on his head.

Something deeply sad occurs as these four defenseless animals adapt admirably under their circumstances, showing affection towards each other. Rocket appears terrified, yet Floor, Teefs, and Lylla, despite their unusual appearances, offer him comfort, easing his plight. This moment also reveals the true cruelty of the High Evolutionary, as he subjected them to painful experiments, modifying their bodies with extra mechanical limbs. Moreover, it’s hard to fathom that such a small creature like Rocket understands the meaning behind his first word, “hurts.” This scene serves as one reason why Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 might be best avoided when revisiting Marvel Cinematic Universe films due to its heavy emotional content.

Peter Parker Clung to Iron Man As He Disappeared

Avengers: Infinity War (2019)

In “Avengers: Infinity War,” fans were left in shock as several beloved characters vanished from the universe at the film’s conclusion. These losses resonated deeply with viewers, but the demise of Spider-Man was especially poignant due to Tom Holland’s heartfelt portrayal of innocence during that scene. Though Peter Parker is a hero, he also idolizes Iron Man, so when he finds himself on the brink of disappearing, he clings to Tony Stark, pleading for it to stop.

The death of Peter serves as a reminder that Spider-Man is still young and vulnerable. Initially, he reacts with fear to this situation. The helplessness Tony displays when witnessing Peter’s departure is heartbreaking. The absence of music throughout the scene creates an unsettling atmosphere that feels strange yet authentic. It’s difficult for fans not to empathize with Spider-Man’s fear or Tony’s sorrow over losing their comrades, making rewatching the Snap a challenging experience, regardless of how devoted a fan one might be.

Tony Stark’s Death Marked the End of an Era

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

At the peak of their struggle against Thanos, Iron Man, in a moment of clarity, understands what action is necessary. He seizes the Stones from Thanos and uses them to disintegrate Thanos and his troops, thereby ending the war. However, this feat exacts a heavy toll on Tony, causing his body to fail due to the immense power he wielded. In his final moments, Pepper and Peter reach him, allowing Iron Man to bid his farewells.

Tony Stark, in a peaceful rather than dramatic fashion, breathes his last as a hero. The quiet shutting down of his arc reactor marks the end of his journey, making the emotional impact all the more poignant because it lacks the grandeur usually associated with such moments. This understated finale to Iron Man’s story has left fans yearning for the character even six years later.

Floor & Teefs’ Desperation Was Palpable Through the Screen

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

As a gamer, let me share my take on this: In the heat of our game, Rocket, Lylla, Teefs, and I found ourselves in a tight spot, fleeing from the High Evolutionary. His bitterness towards Rocket’s brains boiled over when he struck down Lylla, taunting Rocket as he lost his cool. Enraged, Rocket, in a fit of fury, abandoned our objective and charged at the High Evolutionary. Teefs and Floor tried to rein him in, but their efforts were in vain. In the end, they paid the ultimate price for Rocket’s wrath.

In a heart-wrenching twist, the character Rocket Raccoon serves as an intensely emotional protagonist whose narrative leaves audiences in tears at the cinema. Among the many poignant moments, there is one particularly difficult to bear again due to its profound sadness. The cries for help from Floor and Teef urging Rocket to flee with them, the malicious taunting of the High Evolutionary following Lylla’s demise, and ultimately, Rocket realizing his solitude as he gazes upon his deceased friends – these events combine to create an overwhelming emotional burden that is hard to revisit.

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2025-05-05 00:55