As a lifelong Marvel enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of these characters on both the big and small screens, I must say that the deaths of Yondu and Wolverine are undeniably among the most poignant moments in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In Marvel Comics lore, it’s generally accepted that only Uncle Ben remains truly deceased. The films based on these Marvel characters have maintained the notion that death is easily alterable or reversible. Characters like Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and Willem Dafoe’s Norman Osborn/Green Goblin have managed to return from what appeared to be irreversible deaths on multiple occasions.
Due to aspects such as the multiverse, there’s a possibility that every character in the MCU who has died so far could return someday. Regardless, the influx of Marvel film adaptations during recent years has resulted in some deeply emotional death scenes. Whether these deaths were eventually undone or not doesn’t matter. At the time, these scenes made viewers cry for characters that one might least expect to evoke such feelings.
What makes the death scenes in Marvel movies so impactful? There are numerous factors, such as skillful casting, the significance of these deaths within the larger storyline, powerful dialogue during the death sequences, and more. It’s worth noting that most Marvel characters seem to dodge death effortlessly, like we breathe air. Nevertheless, when it comes to ranking the most emotional death scenes in Marvel movies, it’s the unforgettable feelings these sequences evoke that stick with us.
12. Aunt May in Spider-Man: No Way Home
In contrast to the traditional Spider-Man lore, the Marvel Cinematic Universe portrayal features Uncle Ben as a character only mentioned off-screen. Although each villain who took Uncle Ben’s life left a deep impression on Spider-Man, this adaptation chose a different path for Peter Parker (Tom Holland)’s origin story. In this particular version of the story, Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) takes on the role of the guiding influence that imparts the wisdom “with great power comes great responsibility.
In the film “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” it turns out tragically for May when she meets her end during a confrontation with Norman Osborn/Green Goblin, portrayed by Willem Dafoe. This event takes place in front of Peter, leaving an indelible mark on him. The irony lies in the fact that May, who dedicates her time to local charities in this universe, is the one who urges Peter to aid Osborn and other multiversal villains, only for them to ultimately lead to her demise.
In the movie “No Way Home,” May plays a significant role in teaching kindness and empathy to Peter. Sadly, allowing Osborn to live ultimately leads to her death. This tragic event isn’t merely a side note; it serves as a pivotal turning point for Peter. It makes him question whether there’s any hope left in the world.
11. The Ancient One in Doctor Strange
In “Doctor Strange,” the death of The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) isn’t just sad due to her physical demise; instead, it carries an emotional weight from the heartfelt conversation she shares with Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) in those last moments. During this poignant exchange, they communicate not as physical beings but as astral entities on a New York City balcony, where time seems to stand still around them.
Gazing at their surroundings, The Ancient One gently smiles and comments on how frequently she’s overlooked opportunities to savor such scenic vistas. She then imparts wise counsel to Strange, emphasizing that not everything revolves around him. Relationships, sorcery, saving the world – these are vast, intricate matters that transcend any single individual, even an overconfident ex-surgeon like Stephen Strange.
In the conclusion of this conversation, Strange briefly looks away and then… she’s nowhere to be found. The spiritual form of The Ancient One fades at the same instant her physical body ceases functioning. This poignant scene, filled with tranquil acceptance, leaves viewers appreciating the impending disappearance of a wise character from both Strange’s life and the movie. There’s a bittersweet melancholy in this quiet moment that allows us to fully grasp the fact that this thoughtful presence is soon to vanish. Furthermore, The Ancient One’s death evokes even more striking visuals reminiscent of the original “Doctor Strange” film.
10. Vision in Avengers: Infinity War
As a dedicated Marvel gamer, I’ve often found myself moved by the untimely demises of our beloved heroes at the hands of heartless villains. However, in the case of Vision (Paul Bettany) in “Avengers: Infinity War,” there was a twist. Fearing that the Mind Stone in his head would fall into the wrong hands and lead to Thanos’ destruction, Vision asked his lover, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), to end his life before it was taken from him. “Rest assured,” he told her, “you could never hurt me.” Tearfully, Wanda didn’t want to part ways with her love, but she had no other choice. She utilized her powers to destroy the Mind Stone, which ultimately led to Vision’s self-determined sacrifice.
In this poignant scene from “Infinity War”, it becomes painfully clear that Vision chooses to meet his end, and it’s not due to a common street crime or evil villain’s triumph. Instead, it’s a choice he makes, ultimately determining his fate. To intensify the emotional impact on viewers, it’s important to note that this is not the solitary death of Vision in “Infinity War”. Shortly after Vision ceases to function, Thanos uses the Time Stone to rewind time and snatch the Mind Stone away before Scarlet Witch can prevent him. As a result, movie spectators are given the distressing experience of witnessing Vision’s demise not once but twice in “Infinity War,” with the second death following close on the heels of his initial selfless act.
9. Uncle Ben in Spider-Man
Without a doubt, the initial live-action Spider-Man film was bound to portray Uncle Ben’s heartbreaking death. This event is essential for shaping the Spider-Man character we’re familiar with into being. The loss of Ben serves as an eye-opener for Peter Parker, making him understand that the saying “with great power comes great responsibility” holds genuine significance in his life.
As a gamer, I found Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” incredibly emotional, particularly because of Cliff Robertson’s performance as Uncle Ben. A veteran actor with a long list of iconic roles, Robertson truly shone as Uncle Ben in this movie centered around Tobey Maguire. Throughout the film, Robertson imbued Ben with a warm and wise presence that felt genuinely comforting and insightful. When Uncle Ben’s death finally came, it was incredibly impactful due to Robertson’s convincing portrayal of both comfort and advice, making his demise all the more poignant.
The portrayal by Robertson of Ben’s death on a sidewalk, gasping his last words to Peter, is deeply touching. For years, Uncle Ben’s death has been a significant part of Spider-Man’s comic book adventures, and fans eagerly anticipated its representation in the “Spider-Man” series. With Cliff Robertson’s exceptional acting, this pivotal moment in Spider-Man’s story was brought to life beautifully, living up to its longstanding significance.
8. Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame
“I think about death so often it seems like a past experience.” The Hamilton line you mentioned seems to resonate with Tony Stark/Iron Man’s character, as his encounters with death are frequent and significant throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the 2008 movie “Iron Man,” he narrowly escaped being killed in an ambush by the Ten Rings. Later on, in various instances such as the opening scene of “Avengers: Endgame,” where he and Nebula nearly starved to death in space, Tony Stark consistently teetered on the brink of death.
In the climactic finale of “Endgame,” Tony managed to pull through initially, but ultimately gave his life selflessly to safeguard all of existence by using the Infinity Gauntlet to eliminate Thanos (Josh Brolin) and his army. As a result, Thanos and the wicked ones disintegrated into dust, leaving Tony in a severely weakened condition for just a brief while. During these final moments, he was able to bid farewell to Rhodey (Don Cheadle), Peter Parker, and Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow).
As a devoted Marvel fan, the sight of such an integral part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tony Stark, clearly mortal and deceased, never fails to tug at my heartstrings, even after multiple viewings of “Endgame.” The way his death scene is meticulously constructed, with Iron Man succumbing without uttering a final word, adds an extra layer of poignancy. It’s almost surreal to witness a character who has so skillfully dodged death throughout the films, find his long-awaited peace in the end. Such a powerful and moving moment indeed!
7. Lylla in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
In the third standalone “Guardians of the Galaxy” film, it was a thrill to see my childhood buddies, Lylla (voiced by Linda Cardellini), along with Teefs the walrus and Floor the rabat, who were Rocket’s animal companions from the comics, make their big-screen debut. We all had a rough past at the hands of The High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). The scenes where Rocket, Lylla, and us critters found comfort in each other during our shared trauma were incredibly captivating.
The heavy sadness of The High Evolutionary’s world gradually affects Rocket’s young friendships. When the animals attempt to free themselves from their mad creator, Lylla gets shot and dies in Rocket’s arms. Although Lylla has a much more joyful ending in the comics, departing from the original source material worked effectively for “Vol. 3.” Witnessing such an innocent character die, followed by Rocket’s agonized cry, creates a powerful emotional impact that will send chills down the spines of even the most hardened viewers.
Currently, a duo of computer-generated animals display an astonishing depth of emotion, becoming truly tangible characters. It’s not just a collection of pixels that have ceased to exist; rather, a cherished companion named Lylla has been lost. The tragic death of Lylla is closely followed by the equally devastating demise of Teefs and Floor, making an already profound loss even more poignant. Although she was only featured in one Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Lylla’s death will forever be etched in the memories of dedicated Marvel fans.
6. Phil Coulson in The Avengers
Initially appearing as a pleasant yet non-essential character in “Iron Man,” Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) gradually evolved into a familiar and consistent figure in the early Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. When “The Avengers” arrived, his screen time increased significantly, and he developed a charming, goofy persona with a fondness for Captain America. By this point, he had become an endearing everyday character amidst a cast of towering superheroes. Unfortunately, his engaging portrayal by Gregg made it all the more heart-wrenching when Coulson met his untimely demise at the hands of Loki (Tom Hiddleston).
In the comedic and entertaining film “The Avengers”, the sobering reality of its universe was emphasized when Agent Coulson met a grisly on-screen death, complete with an unsettling sound effect. Despite the lighthearted humor, this movie underscored the very real threats and consequences of danger and death. Coulson’s valiant attempt to apprehend Loki singlehandedly, accompanied by his witty one-liner (“so that’s what that does”) before he succumbed, made his death scene particularly memorable. Although Coulson was later resurrected in the TV series “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”, the emotional resonance of his death in “The Avengers” remains significant due to its distinct continuity. It’s fascinating to consider that such a potent scene could be derived solely from Coulson’s screen time in “Iron Man”.
5. Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Watching Chris Pine’s character, Peter Parker, die at the hands of Wilson Fisk/The Kingpin (Liev Schreiber) in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is heartbreaking indeed. This tragic end occurs when Peter, ever the hero, is attempting to warn Fisk about his flawed plans that involve alternate dimensions. But what truly makes this death in the “Spider-Verse” particularly poignant is a scene showing New Yorkers reacting to the news of Peter’s passing. In an emotionally charged montage, we see various citizens react with shock and sorrow as they learn through their phones and nearby TV screens that their beloved web-crawler has perished.
In “Into the Spider-Verse”, the impact of ordinary people discovering the demise of an extraordinary superhero, Spider-Man, is strikingly portrayed. What’s even more remarkable is how seamlessly the storyline transitions from this event into the tale of Miles Morales (Shameik Moore). A memorial speech by Mary Jane (Zoe Kravitz) for Peter serves as a reminder to Miles that heroes can spring up anywhere. The way Peter dies, especially the graphic nature of it, stands out in a PG-rated American animated movie, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
4. T’Challa/Black Panther In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
As a devoted fan, I found myself immersed in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” where the movie opens on a somber note with Shuri, played brilliantly by Letitia Wright, desperately seeking a cure for her brother’s fatal illness. Unfortunately, her attempts prove futile, and we bid farewell to T’Challa/Black Panther – just as we have had to say goodbye to the extraordinary actor, Chadwick Boseman, who brought him to life on screen. This poignant prologue serves as a stark reminder that “Wakanda Forever” reflects our own reality, honoring the memory of T’Challa and Boseman alike.
Instead of most superhero films, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” chooses a more subtle approach in dealing with T’Challa’s death. Unlike other movies where the character’s demise is detailed, this film only hints at it through drawings on a wall and limited appearances until the end. In the final scene, as Shuri reflects on her brother, memories of T’Challa are shown, marking the first time in the movie that we see Chadwick Boseman on screen again. This thoughtful and perfectly-placed moment underscores the film’s graceful handling of the loss of two significant characters, one fictional and one real.
At the end of “Wakanda Forever,” the film masterfully explores the challenging process of dealing with immense grief, making the inclusion of archival footage of Boseman feel genuine rather than exploitative. This moving montage is a fitting finale for “Wakanda Forever” and encapsulates the movie’s distinctive way of portraying the departure of a superhero character and the cherished actor who embodied him.
3. Erik Killmonger in Black Panther
In the comic book movie genre, the deaths of villains typically elicit little more than cheers or fist-pumps from viewers. However, the death of Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) in “Black Panther” stands out as an exception. Rather than portraying his demise as a triumphant victory, writer-director Ryan Coogler presents it as a tragic event. This is because the movie had successfully delved into Killmonger’s psyche, making his death feel more like a loss or tragedy.
Jordan’s heartfelt delivery of Killmonger’s last words, particularly his tearful reminiscing about the absurdity of dreaming of a Wakandan sunset as a child, intensifies the emotional impact of his demise. The unexpected finale, where T’Challa and Killmonger share a sunset, adds an extra layer of poignancy to how superhero films usually depict villain deaths.
Later on, there’s a powerful statement by Killmonger: “Let me be laid to rest in the ocean with my ancestors who leaped from ships, for they understood that death was preferable to enslavement.” This line encapsulates the beauty of his dialogue and is likely to be etched in cinema history. Moreover, it underscores the emotional intensity of Killmonger’s demise, making it one of the most poignant deaths in all Marvel film adaptations.
2. Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Prior to 2014, asking an average moviegoer or even many comic book enthusiasts about Yondu would have resulted in a puzzled expression. This lesser-known Marvel character was not familiar to many for several decades. Nevertheless, the character was brought to life on screen by Michael Rooker’s energetic portrayal in the 2014 film “Guardians of the Galaxy.” In the sequel, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” Yondu received more screen time, offering glimpses into his past and an exciting scene where he annihilates pirate armies while “Come a Little Bit Closer” plays in the background.
In the closing scenes of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”, the audience became deeply attached to the rogue character, Yondu. His on-screen death, where he gazes into his adopted son Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) eyes, carries more emotional weight than one might initially assume. This pivotal moment comes as Yondu sacrifices himself in the cold vastness of space to save Peter. Following this selfless act, a heart-wrenching funeral service underscores the significant relationships Yondu forged during his life as a space pirate.
In the concluding sequences of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”, an emotional torrent and human touch was extracted from a character who was initially considered as far removed from common household recognition as a blue alien – Yondu. Even after his death in “Vol. 2”, Yondu’s name became indelibly etched in the minds of moviegoers worldwide.
1. Wolverine in Logan
In the movie “Logan”, the first Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) audiences encountered in 2000’s “X-Men” finally met his end, but not before sacrificing himself to protect a new generation of mutants, among them his daughter Laura/X-23 (Dafne Keen). As he lay dying, Wolverine held Laura close and realized the true weight of mortality. Following a makeshift funeral by the remaining young mutants, they departed towards what they hoped would be a brighter future. This poignant ending fittingly conveys the profound effect of Wolverine’s demise.
As a gamer, I appreciated how Director James Mangold tactfully used silence to emphasize the somber impact of that sequence, particularly after the kids departed from Wolverine’s grave. The gravity of this event was palpable, and his heroic demise added depth to the emotional resonance of the ending. It was poignant to witness Wolverine, who had long denied caring for others, dedicating his last moments to shielding weaker humans from harm.
By blending Hugh Jackman’s captivating portrayal of the character’s last moments, particularly his heartrending delivery of the man’s final words, it is not surprising that this sequence moved viewers worldwide to tears. In fact, its profound emotional impact was so strong that it was even mentioned in a self-referential “Deadpool and Wolverine” scene.
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2024-10-07 19:31