We’ve all experienced it: lounging on the couch with popcorn in hand and completely engrossed in a story when, all of a sudden, our beloved character has an unexpected and devastating demise.
These made-up deaths, whether they occur on television, in a film, or in a novel, have a profound effect on us and leave us speechless, troubled, and occasionally even terrified.
Come along as we discuss the top most fictional character deaths that had fans on the edge of their seats, crying, and reeling. Prepare to relive the experiences that made us all exclaim, “No way!” They can’t be gone!”
But let me remind you.. there are a lot of spoilers ahead!
1. Saymour in Futurama
In “Futurama,” Seymour, Fry’s loyal dog, dies in the episode “Jurassic Bark.” After Fry finds Seymour’s fossilized remains, he plans to clone him but decides against it, thinking Seymour moved on after Fry was frozen.
The episode’s heartbreaking twist reveals that Seymour waited faithfully for Fry at the pizzeria until his death.
This moving scene captured the hearts and minds of many viewers, making “Jurassic Bark” one of the most memorable and tragic episodes ever.
2. Hodor in Game of Thrones
“Game of Thrones” has never hesitated to kill off beloved characters to advance the story. However, some deaths seem designed solely to break fans’ hearts, and the gentle giant Hodor is a prime example.
Hodor’s heroic and unforgettable death at the hands of the Night King’s army left a profound impact on fans, deeply saddening and emotionally affecting many.
In the scene where Hodor heroically sacrifices himself to save Bran and Meera, he kept yelling his name which originally meant HOLD THE DOOR. The tragedy and heroism of Hodor’s character made his death even more heartbreaking.
3. Ned Stark in Game of Thrones
A major turning point in “Game of Thrones” was Ned Stark’s death, which shocked viewers and defied predictions. Ned is considered a key character and the moral compass of the story due to his dignified position as the leader of House Stark.
He was brutally executed by King Joffrey. This scene demonstrated the unpredictability of the series and showed that no character, no matter how adored, was safe.
Ned’s death set a precedent for the show’s high stakes and willingness to kill off major characters, which drastically changed viewers’ expectations and increased the suspense for upcoming episodes.
4. The Red Wedding in Game of Thrones
The Red Wedding in “Game of Thrones” is one of the most shocking and devastating events in television history, leaving fans utterly stunned and emotionally shattered.
Robb Stark, his mother, his wife, his child and their followers were slaughtered mercilessly by the treacherous Walder Frey and his allies.
As viewers watched the joyous occasion turn into a bloodbath, the horror and disbelief were palpable. The impact of the Red Wedding echoed long after the episode aired.
5. Finnick Odair in Hunger Games
In The Hunger Games series, Finnick Odair meets his tragic end while he and a team of rebels, including Katniss, are travelling through the sewers to assassinate President Snow.
They are ambushed by lizard mutations sent by Snow. Finnick fights bravely, killing several mutts, but one pulls him back into the water. To end his suffering quickly, Katniss uses Holo’s self-destruct feature to give him a merciful death.
His death served as a stark reminder of the heavy toll of war and the personal sacrifices made by those fighting for freedom.
6. Glenn in the Walking Dead
The loss of Glenn Rhee on “The Walking Dead” affected viewers on an emotional level. One of the original characters from the show, Glenn, was adored for his inventiveness, bravery, and generosity.
Negan uses Lucille, his signature weapon, to viciously stomp Glenn’s head to kill him. This moment was particularly devastating for fans who had grown attached to Glenn over six seasons.
Even after years of Glenn’s death, its cruelty is still deeply ingrained in viewers’ minds.
7. Bob in Stranger Things
The loss of Bob Newby in “Stranger Things, season 2” is devastating. He was a lovable, kind man who was Joyce Byers’s lover.
His final scene is frightening and poignant. During an intense scene, Bob assists Joyce, Will, Mike, and Dr. Owens in escaping from a pack of deadly and dangerous Demodogs who have penetrated the Hawkins National Laboratory.
The group is able to escape once he successfully restores power and unlocks the doors. But just as he is going to free himself, Demodogs attack and murder him.
8. Prim in Hunger Games
In “The Hunger Games” series, Primrose Everdeen, Katniss’s beloved younger sister, dies in a bombing during the final assault on the Capitol in “Mockingjay.”
Her death is a pivotal and devastating moment in the story. It is tragic especially because Katniss’s initial motivation to volunteer for The Hunger Games was to protect Prim.
Despite her efforts, Prim becomes a casualty of the war. Hunger Games lovers were heartbroken at Prim’s death.
9.Opie in Sons of Anarchy
Opie, a main character in the FX series “Sons of Anarchy,” died in Season 5 after being brutally beaten to death by a group of inmates and corrupt prison guards in a prison brawl.
Opie’s death in Sons of Anarchy was a gut punch for viewers. It had a profound emotional impact on the audience.
The slow and tragic build-up to his demise, coupled with the shocking and brutal manner of his death, left viewers in a state of shock and devastation.
10. John Coffey in the Green Mile
The death of John Coffey in “The Green Mile” is a heartbreaking paradox. Kind-natured Coffey with healing powers is given the death penalty for a crime he did not commit.
His death brings attention to the injustices of the death penalty and the shortcomings in the legal system.
The audience strongly connects with John Coffey’s pain and suffering because he can feel the pain of others through his telepathic abilities.
11. Little Foot’s Mom in The Land Before Time
In the 1988 animated film “The Land Before Time,” Littlefoot’s mother dies during a confrontation with a Tyrannosaurus rex, Sharptooth.
She puts herself in danger, losing her life, to keep Littlefoot and his friend safe. This moment is one of the most distressing and heart-wrenching scenes in the film.
The scene is made even sadder by Littlefoot’s innocent confusion and his mother’s dying wishes for him to go on without her. The portrayal of her death was done in a dark and rattling sequence that still makes viewers cry.
12. Iron Giant in The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant’s demise in the 1999 animated film “The Iron Giant” is a real tearjerker. In a heroic act, he sacrifices himself to save the town of Rockwell from a nuclear missile.
He soars towards the missile and takes the full force of the explosion, which seemingly destroys him in a blinding flash. This leaves Hogarth, the young boy who befriended the giant, and the audience utterly heartbroken.
The Iron Giant’s selfless act of heroism and sacrifice resonated deeply with viewers, evoking strong emotional responses. His death gives a powerful message about bravery and selflessness.
13. L in Death Note
In the anime and manga series “Death Note,” the character L, a brilliant and enigmatic detective, dies in a confrontation with the main protagonist, Light Yagami. L is killed by Rem, a Shinigami, who is manipulated by Light into doing so to protect Misa Amane, another key character. L’s death marks a significant turning point in the story.
The impact on the audience was substantial. L was a beloved character among fans due to his unique personality, intellect, and the intense cat-and-mouse dynamic he shared with Light. Many viewers were surprised and grieved by his death, which came as a dramatic and unexpected turn in the story.
14. Fred Weasley in Harry Potter
Fred Weasley’s death was one one the saddest scenes in the Harry Potter series. Be it the book or the movie, the fans of the franchise were enraged by the sudden death of their beloved character.
Throughout eight movies the Weasley Twins were the favourite duo following the lead trio’s camaraderie.
Although the book had a detailed scene when he was attacked by a Death Eater which resulted in his death. The movie shows it from Harry’s perspective when he enters the hall and sees the whole Weasley family gathered around his body.
Even the brief scene that showed his body was like a gut punch to fans as the story had killed one of the favourite protagonists of the franchise.
15. Remus in Harry Potter
Remus Lupin’s death in “Harry Potter” is a crushing blow for the viewers. He meets his demise at the hands of Death Eater Antonin Dolohov in the pivotal Battle of Hogwarts.
For the audience, Remus’ death is particularly devastating because he was one of Harry’s last connections to his parents and the Marauders.
Also, Teddy, his newborn baby, was left an orphan as his wife Nymphadora Tonks passed away at the same time as him. This adds to their already heavy loss.
16. Obi-Wan in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s death in “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” while saving Luke Skywalker is a pivotal moment that hits viewers hard.
Obi-Wan engages Darth Vader, the former apprentice of Anakin Skywalker, in a tense lightsaber combat on the Death Star. Even though Obi-Wan is a proficient Jedi Master, Vader’s evil strength overwhelms him.
In a heartbreaking moment, Vader strikes down Obi-Wan, who fades away peacefully accepting his fate. The emotional weight of his death was amplified by the strong bond he had formed with Luke, making his loss all the more painful.
17. Beth in Little Women
Beth March’s death in “Little Women” is one of the most heart-wrenching moments. She is the center of the March family; she is warm, kind, and compassionate.
After initially getting scarlet fever while taking care of a poor household, Beth eventually succumbed to it. She recovers, but the sickness weakens her, and she passes away quietly at home.
The audience is very saddened by her loss because her death was a direct consequence of her selfless nature and her dedication to helping others.
18. The Dogs in Where the Red Fern Grows
In “Where the Red Fern Grows,” the two beloved dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, die tragically protecting Billy from a mountain lion.
This ferocious fight leaves them both fatally wounded. Billy finds them side-by-side, devastated by their sacrifice.
The audience feels this loss deeply because the dogs were more than just pets; they were Billy’s best friends and loyal companions throughout his adventures.
The deaths of Old Dan and Little Ann made fans cry because they represent the intense affection and bond that exists between dogs and their owners.
19. Boromir in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Boromir’s death in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” deeply affected the audience. Boromir, the brave warrior from Gondor, dies while trying to protect the hobbits Merry and Pippin from orc attacks.
Even after being hit by many arrows, he keeps fighting until he collapses. The impact of Boromir’s death on the audience is significant.
It leaves viewers feeling emotional by the end of the film. The scene also shows the complexity of Boromir’s character, highlighting his flaws and struggles with the temptation of the Ring.
