Marvel’s cinematic history has proffered some of the most harrowing death scenes in superhero cinema, many of which viewers are still struggling to get over. The best Marvel movies have given audiences some of the most thrilling and emotionally resonant cinematic experiences of the last two decades. From epic battles to deeply personal struggles, these films have not shied away from showing the sacrifices and losses that come with being a hero.
The MCU timeline is littered with surprisingly harrowing moments that took viewers by surprise. Among these, certain character deaths have left a lasting impact, not just on the other characters within the stories, but also on the audience watching. These moments left viewers heartbroken, shocked, and, in many cases, traumatized. Whether it is because of the tragic death of a beloved character, or an unexpected fatality that caught audiences off-guard.
10 Uncle Ben
Spider-Man (2001)
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The death of Uncle Ben in Spider-Man (2001) is one of the most iconic and emotionally charged moments in Marvel movie history. Played by Cliff Robertson, Uncle Ben is more than just Peter Parker’s beloved guardian; he is the moral compass that guides Peter’s transformation into Spider-Man. The phrase “With great power comes great responsibility” becomes the driving force behind Peter’s actions, but it is the tragic circumstances of Uncle Ben’s death that solidify this lesson.
After an argument with Peter, Uncle Ben is carjacked and shot by a criminal whom Peter could have stopped earlier but chose not to. The realization that his own inaction led to Uncle Ben’s death is a gut-wrenching moment for Peter and a turning point in his journey as Spider-Man. This death serves as a reminder of the consequences of our actions and the heavy burden that comes with great power.
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Spider-Man (2002)
Spider-Man is the first film in Sam Raimi’s trilogy starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker. Released in 2002, the film introduced superhero fans to a live-action Norman Osborn, played by Willem Dafoe, who is transformed into his villainous alter ego, Green Goblin, after being forced out of Oscorp Industries. At the same time, Peter Parker is grappling with his newfound abilities as the iconic wall-crawler.
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*Availability in US Director Sam Raimi Release Date May 3, 2002
9 Lylla
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 deftly depicted Rocket Raccoon’s backstory, including the harrowing death of Lylla. Lylla, one of the genetically modified animals alongside Rocket, represents innocence and the bond of friendship in the darkest corners of the Marvel universe. Her character is introduced as a close companion to Rocket during his time of captivity and experimentation by the High Evolutionary.
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Lylla’s death is particularly traumatic because it happened just as the hope of freedom seemed within reach. The scene is heart-wrenching, as Rocket, Lyll, and their fellow captives dream of a life beyond their cages, only for that hope to be violently ripped away. Lylla is shot and killed in front of Rocket, triggering his intense grief and rage, which has been a defining aspect of his character throughout the Guardians series. This moment is a stark reminder of the cruelty that Rocket endured and the deep scars it left on him.
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9/10 9/10 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
The conclusion to the trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, will see the Guardians on one final adventure together as they face off with the powerful Adam Warlock – one of the most significant threats the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever seen. To protect a friend and their world as they know it, Peter Quill and his allies will band together to save one of their own and the galaxy from certain doom.
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*Availability in US Director James Gunn Release Date May 5, 2023
8 Jean Grey
X2: X-Men United
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The death of Jean Grey in X2: X-Men United is one of the most tragic scenes in the X-Men movie timeline. Jean, played by Famke Janssen, sacrifices herself to save the rest of the X-Men during a desperate escape from Alkali Lake. Jean uses her telekinetic powers to hold back the water and lift the X-Jet to safety, fully aware that doing so will cost her life.
As the water overwhelms her, Jean’s telepathic goodbye to Cyclops and Professor Xavier is a deeply emotional moment that underscores her love and devotion to the X-Men. Her death is not just a heroic sacrifice; it is the loss of one of the most powerful and beloved members of the team. The impact is profound, as Jean’s death is both tragic and noble, symbolizing the ultimate act of selflessness ahead of her descent into villainy in X-Men: The Last Stand.
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7/10 X2: X-Men United
X2: X-Men United is the follow-up film to Fox’s 2000 X-Men starring Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart. The film features the introduction of Colonel William Stryker (Brian Cox) as he kidnaps Charles Xavier, which leads the X-Men to team up with Magneto. Most of the cast from the original film returned for the sequel, along with the introduction of Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler.
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*Availability in US Director Bryan Singer Release Date May 2, 2003
7 Gamora
Avengers: Infinity War
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Gamora’s death in Avengers: Infinity War is one of the most shocking and heartbreaking developments in the entire MCU. Played by Zoe Saldaña, Gamora is the adopted daughter of Thanos. In a cruel twist of fate, Thanos must sacrifice someone he truly loves to acquire the Soul Stone. Despite his monstrous nature, it is revealed that he genuinely loves Gamora.
The scene on Vormir is gut-wrenching as Gamora initially believes that Thanos’s quest for the Soul Stone will fail because he is incapable of love. However, she realizes too late that she is the one he loves most, and Thanos, with tears in his eyes, throws her off the cliff to her death. It’s a moment that leaves a lasting emotional scar, not just because of the loss of a beloved character, but because of the tragic and unanticipated circumstances.
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6/10 9/10 Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War is the third Avengers movie in the game-changing Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film is positioned as the beginning of the culmination of everything that has transpired in the franchise to date. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War, have assembled the largest ensemble in a superhero film to date. Nearly every living character in the MCU is included as the Avengers join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy to take down Thanos in a battle that has massive repercussions for the future of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. A sequel, Avengers: Endgame, was released in 2019 and marked the end of the Infinity Saga.
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*Availability in US Director Joe Russo , Anthony Russo Release Date April 27, 2018
6 Aunt May
Spider-Man: No Way Home
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Aunt May’s death in Spider-Man: No Way Home is one of the most unexpected and emotional moments in the film. Played by Marisa Tomei, Aunt May has been a central figure in Peter Parker’s life, offering wisdom, support, and love. Throughout the film, she continues to encourage Peter to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. Her belief in helping others, no matter the cost, is a guiding principle that Peter carries with him.
Her death occurs during a climactic battle when she is caught in the crossfire between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. Aunt May initially appears to be unharmed, but it quickly becomes apparent that she is gravely injured. As she dies in Peter’s arms, she delivers her touching rendition of the iconic line, “With great power, there must also come great responsibility,” passing on the famed wisdom that shapes Peter’s journey as Spider-Man.
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9/10 Spider-Man: No Way Home
For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the trials and tribulations of being a superhero. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) asks for help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) when his identity becomes a problem for the ones he loves. Unfortunately, when the spell goes wrong, Spider-Man will now have to face off with villains such as Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) and Electro (Jamie Foxx) as Peter finally comes to terms that he can’t run from being Spider-Man. Supported by his close friends and help from an unexpected place (or multiverse), Spider-Man will go toe-to-toe with some of the most legendary foes in his storied history.
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*Availability in US Director Jon Watts Release Date December 17, 2021
5 Yondu Udonta
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2
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Yondu Udonta’s death in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was a surprisingly emotional scene. Yondu, played by Michael Rooker, starts out as a complex father figure for Star-Lord. In the film’s climax, Yondu sacrifices himself to save Peter during the battle against Ego, Peter’s biological father. As the planet collapses, Yondu places the only available spacesuit on Peter, choosing to die in the vacuum of space to ensure Peter’s survival.
Yondu’s final words, “He may have been your father, but he wasn’t your daddy,” highlight the emotional connection Yondu felt towards Peter, revealing the depth of his love and his regret over his past actions. It is a remarkably touching moment following the antagonistic relationship the pair have shared thus far. The funeral scene, where the Ravagers honor Yondu with a grand send-off, is a particularly tear-jerking moment.
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7/10 9/10 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Set to the sonic backdrop of Awesome Mix 2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the adventures of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Baby Groot as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics reappear.
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*Availability in US Director James Gunn Release Date May 5, 2017
4 Black Widow
Avengers: Endgame
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9/10 9/10 Avengers: Endgame
The penultimate chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Endgame, marks the finale of the first three phases of the MCU and acts as part two of Avengers: Infinity War. With Earth’s Mightiest Heroes failing to stop Thanos from wiping out half of all existence, the heroes discover one final chance to make things right. Journeying back through space and time, the surviving Avengers attempt to stop Thanos before all is lost.
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*Availability in US Director Joe Russo , Anthony Russo Release Date April 26, 2019
Black Widow’s death in Avengers: Endgame is one of the most emotional and selfless moments in the MCU. As the Avengers work to undo the damage caused by Thanos, Natasha and Hawkeye travel to Vormir to retrieve the Soul Stone. Upon learning that one of them must sacrifice their life to obtain the stone, Natasha and Clint engage in a desperate struggle to determine who will make the ultimate sacrifice.
In the end, Natasha wins, choosing to give her life so that Clint can return to his family. Her death is a profound act of love and sacrifice, ensuring that the Avengers can complete their mission and restore the lives lost in Infinity War. Natasha’s death is a devastating and shocking development. It’s both tragic and heroic, leaving fans to mourn the loss of one of the MCU’s most iconic characters.
3 Gwen Stacy
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
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Though the movie was widely derided, the death of Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is one of the most harrowing and traumatic moments in any Spider-Man film. Throughout the film, Peter is haunted by the promise he made to Gwen’s father to keep her out of harm’s way, but his love for her ultimately leads to tragic consequences. In the climactic battle against the Green Goblin, Gwen (Emma Stone) is caught in the crossfire, and Peter desperately tries to save her as she falls from a great height.
In a heart-stopping moment, Peter shoots a web to catch her, but he is just a fraction too late, and Gwen’s neck snaps from the whiplash. Andrew Garfield delivers a masterful performance as he cradles her lifeless body. Indeed, Gwen’s death is a defining moment for Peter, shaping his future as Spider-Man and reminding him (and the audience) of the heavy cost of being a hero.
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7/10 7/10 The Amazing Spider-Man 2
In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Andrew Garfield returns to the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, dealing with balancing his life as a high school student and his responsibilities as a hero. After reconnecting with his old friend, Harry Osborn, Peter learns details regarding his late father’s mysterious past and begins to connect the dots that his father’s disappearance, the emergence of new supervillains, and other dark dealings in his city are all connected to Oscorp.
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*Availability in US Director Marc Webb Release Date May 2, 2014
2 Iron Man
Avengers: Endgame
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The death of Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame is one of the most significant and emotionally charged moments in the entire MCU. Tony, played by Robert Downey Jr., has been the heart and soul of the MCU since Iron Man (2008), and his journey from a self-absorbed billionaire to a selfless hero is one of the most compelling arcs in the franchise. In the final battle against Thanos, Tony makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the universe.
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After successfully retrieving the Infinity Stones from Thanos, Tony uses them to snap Thanos and his army out of existence, knowing full well that the power of the stones will kill him. His final words, “I am Iron Man,” are a powerful callback to the moment that started it all, cementing his legacy as a hero. The aftermath of his sacrifice, as the Avengers and the world mourn his loss, is one of the most heartbreaking sequences in the MCU, which dumbfounded many viewers.
1 Wolverine
Logan
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The death of Wolverine in Logan is the most powerful and beautiful death scenes in Marvel movie history. Hugh Jackman’s Logan has been a central figure in the X-Men franchise for nearly two decades, and his journey comes to a poignant end in this gritty, Western-inspired film. In Logan, Wolverine’s healing factor is failing, and he is struggling to protect a young mutant named Laura, who is revealed to be his biological daughter. In the climactic battle, Logan sacrifices himself to save Laura and the other young mutants from a ruthless group of mercenaries.
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Fatally wounded, Logan shares a final, tender moment with Laura, who calls him “daddy” as he dies in her arms. His death is a gut-wrenching moment that signifies the end of an era for the X-Men franchise and for fans who have followed Wolverine’s journey for so long. Logan’s death is a powerful conclusion to his story, encapsulating the themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the passing of the torch to a new generation. It shattered audiences emotionally, mourning one of Marvel’s most iconic and beloved characters.
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8/10 8/10 Logan
Logan sees the titular hero, AKA Wolverine, in his twilight years as his healing factor has begun to fail him, and he has begun to age more rapidly. Set several years in the future, Logan finds himself caring for an ailing Professor Xavier, whose mind has begun to succumb to dementia, making him an incredibly dangerous mutant that can cause widespread destruction accidentally. But when the preoccupied Logan is asked to meet with a woman that requests he transports a young girl to a mutant haven known as Eden, he learns that she may have his DNA and that the fate of mutant-kind may rest in her hands.
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*Availability in US Director James Mangold Release Date March 3, 2017
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Captain America: Brave New World
Release Date February 14, 2025
- Thunderbolts*
Release Date May 2, 2025
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
Release Date July 25, 2025
- Blade (2025)
Release Date November 7, 2025
- Avengers: Doomsday
Release Date May 1, 2026
- Avengers: Secret Wars
Release Date May 7, 2027
Captain America: Brave New World
Thunderbolts*
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
Blade (2025)
Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Secret Wars