There is something magical about the traditional tale of a brave and noble hero defeating a villain, saving the day, and living happily ever after. However, not all movies end like this. Sometimes heroes can’t walk unscathed, sometimes they can’t get out of their trials.
On the rare occasion that the main character dies at some point in the movie, the twist often serves as a powerful narrative tool that makes the story pack more punchy.
This goes without saying, but there are heavy spoilers ahead!
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016)
of Star Wars Franchises are used to big character deaths, but rogue one It was a completely different story. The jaw-dropping prequel follows a team of rebels who steal the blueprints for the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star. Things don’t end well for them.
Near the end of the film, the Empire launches the Death Star on a planet from which the Rebels have stolen the plans. A strong enough ending a few years ago that Andorthe show following one of the rebels killed in this sequence.
“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is often criticized for its tendency to bring all dead characters back to life.But in a vacuum, fans still remember the ending Infinity War as one of the most shocking sequences in the history of superhero movies.
Arguably, the film has the most poignant, brazen, and impactful ending in the MCU’s vast catalog. We see many of the heroes that fans have come to love turn to dust, and we see villains walk away calmly. Infinity War.
“Life is Beautiful” (1997)
Movies set in the Holocaust are always tragic and explore this tragic event in a meticulous way. Roberto Benigniof life is wonderful It takes a bold approach and explores events through the eyes of a little boy whose father made him believe everything was an elaborate game.
The juxtaposition of the heartwarming tone of the film’s subject matter with real-life horror is incredibly powerful. It’s heartbreaking.
“Saving Private Ryan” (1998)
Steven Spielbergof Private Ryan is a hellish movie (one that was robbed of Best Picture in its time, according to some), about eight WWII soldiers invading German-held territory. , tasked with bringing trapped American soldiers home.
As you can imagine, the film comes with a lot of casualties, but the one most affected is arguably the main character, Captain John Miller. His sacrifice is a compelling moment, the only iconic scene in a movie full of them.
“Gladiator” (2000)
I can’t help but entertain Ridley Scottaction era films Gladiatorwhere deceived and betrayed Roman generals fight for revenge.
The journey and multiple trials of Maximus Decimus Meridius are as devastating and brutal as they are emotional and captivating. Scott’s direction is beyond phenomenal, helping to craft his study of expansive characters with astounding technical qualities and endings that are as heartbreaking as they are evocative.
“Titanic” (1997)
James Cameronblockbuster titanic is based on the real tragedy of a sunken luxury liner in 1912, and puts a pair of star-crossed lovers in an environment where the viewer knows it’s not going to end well for them.
There’s something twisted about a story of doomed romance, titanic is no exception. The story before the ship actually sank is fascinating in and of itself, but when disaster strikes, the film becomes remembered as the most important disaster movie today.
“Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991)
The 90s was a hellish decade for the action genre. And in a very prolific period for that, terminator 2 Shine as one of the best. In it, The Terminator goes back to the days of Sarah Connor. This time, to protect her and her son from another killing machine.
first time terminator The movie is an amazing action thriller.But T2 is simply another. There are not only exhilarating action scenes, but also outstanding character development and some genuinely emotional moments, chief among them the tragic display of his T-800 after the villain is defeated. It’s fate.
“The Departed” (2006)
of Martin ScorseseBest Picture Oscar Winner deceased.
All crime movies tend to be full of loyalty twists and double crossings, deceased Take it a few steps forward.death of the main character Leonardo DiCaprio Shocking enough, but Mark Wahlbergcharacters arrive last to kill Matt DamonAnd the credit roll is a breathtaking spectator.
“Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006)
Few filmmakers are capable of making films as compelling as this one. Guillermo del Toroof. Pan’s Labyrinthhis most acclaimed masterpiece, tells the story of a young girl who lives with her pregnant mother and despotic father-in-law in a new home as she finds a terrifying and magical world.
Effectively juxtaposing the chilling horror and captivating beauty of a fascist regime is not easy, Pan’s Labyrinth, Del Toro managed. Finally, even when protagonist Ofelia dies from a bullet wound, the film marvels at its shimmering beauty.
“Psycho” (1960)
Today, the chance of a movie protagonist dying, though rare, is not unheard of. But back in the early ’60s, Alfred Hitchcock Made Psycho The audience was shocked when he killed the main character in the middle of the movie.
Today, the scene isn’t as amazing as it used to be, but it’s still incredibly powerful and well put together. There are quite a few reasons Psycho It is still considered one of the best horror movies of all time.
