As readers and viewers, we often become deeply invested in the lives of fictional characters to the point where they become like old friends. We follow their stories, cheering for their success, laughing with them, crying for them, and supporting them in their battles. But sometimes, these stories take an unexpected turn, and those beloved characters are taken from us in shocking ways. It’s no wonder we feel sad when they die.
Recently, on Reddit, a question was asked: “What was the saddest fictional character death for you?” Many people responded, eager to share their thoughts. We have gathered 12 unexpected fictional character deaths that left fans reeling, unable to shake the deep impact of their loss.
A word of caution: you might want to brace yourself, as this trip down memory lane could be emotional. But if you’re ready, let’s dive in!
1. Stoick the Vast in How to train your dragon
In “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” the character Stoick the Vast, who is Hiccup’s father, sacrifices himself to protect Hiccup from an attack by the dragon hunter Drago Bludvist. This event serves as a pivotal moment in the story, driving Hiccup to take on more responsibility and ultimately leading to his growth as a leader.
The moment is heartbreaking because Stoick has just reconciled with his wife after over 15 years apart and spends only about 15 minutes with her before his death. It’s even more tragic because it’s Toothless who causes it, and Stoick’s family and friends are all standing there, watching him pass.
2. Dobby the house elf
Dobby the house elf. I sobbed reading it and watching it.
primeprover replied:
“Such a beautiful place, to be with friends. Dobby is happy to be with his friend, Harry Potter.”
3. Eddie in Stranger Things
Eddie Munson is the fan-favorite Stranger Things 4 character, played with oodles of charm by Joseph Quinn, sadly met his end on the popular Netflix series. Like many fans, I wasn’t happy with this overly predictable outcome.
4. Wolverine in Logan, that was such a great ending to his story but damn if it wasn’t sad
Wolverine, at the end of Logan, was brutally killed by his deranged clone X-24. While Wolverine’s main weakness is drowning, which he used to kill his son, Daken, he has also died by having all his flesh melted off and by suffocating in adamantium. It was a great ending to his story, but incredibly sad.
5. Ellie from UP gets me everytime
MaterialScientist420:
Ellie from UP gets me everytime
cycloptian_tit replied:
Sometimes I wonder how movies ever took off when the first ones were short with no sound.
Then I remember the time a 10 minute animation with no dialogue absolutely wrecked me. It’s a god-damned masterpiece and I hate it.
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6. John Coffey in the Green Mile
Admirable_Dream_:
There’s a passage in the book (around the time Paul and Brutal and Harry take John to see Melinda Moores) when they pass through the room that houses the electric chair and John remarks about Old Sparky and how he can hear voices coming from it, screaming.
colddeaddrummer replied:
After religiously watching the film and reading the book a handful of times, it hurts so much to know John has to ride the lightning in that same chair, despite being a being of pure light and magic. He’s one of King’s all-time great characters: a simple, unassuming creature of mythical power, tender wisdom, and infinite generosity.
7. Mufasa’s death
thatbitch8008:
Mufasa’s death gets me every time
kss114 replied:
I just watched lion King with my daughter and I knew the scene was coming and l was Worried it would be too hard on her. When Simba is like you gotta get up I was like NVM this is too much for my hormonal ass.
8. Sirius Black from Harry Potter
Dragon_Queen79:
Sirius Black from Harry Potter. He was my favorite character.
Sirius was only 36 years old when he tragically died at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange.
During a frenzied duel with Bellatrix, Sirius taunts her for failing to harm him. Bellatrix strikes Sirius with a curse, sending him backwards into the veil and to his death.
9. Brooks, Shawshank Redemption
Kross516:
Brooks, Shawshank Redemption.
It was just so damn sad to see someone so heavily institutionalized. And honestly, I didn’t even realize what was happening in that scene until after he had already carved “Brooks was here” into the beam. It gets me every time. Poor Jake 🙁
10. Bubba in Forrest Gump
ChuckZombie:
Bubba in Forrest Gump.
That whole scene had me wrecked. From Bubba’s weak, “I wanna go home,” to Forrest’s narration saying he died by that river in Vietnam while showing him holding Bubba…God damn, I’m crying just thinking about it.
ice_bear-92 replied:
Bubba died. Right there by that river in Vietnam….and that’s all | have to say about that.
11. Thomas J. Sennett in My Girl
peesharmanfortytwo:
Thomas J. Sennett in My Girl.
“He can’t see without his glasses”
Lakota Wolf replied:
Seeing this as a young child (before I had experienced any real loss of family/friends) really made me realize “oh wow, MY friends could die too!” I was 9. It was rough. But it was such a good, well-made movie that really presented Vada’s point of view and her emotions and reactions, that I think it actually helped me accept that sometimes death DOES happen to children, even your friends or family members.
12. Tony Stark
lostmymainprof: Tony Stark had the best goddamn character development through the entire phase 1/ infinity war saga, I will die on this hill.
