Top 10 Saddest Film Deaths

Movie death's, why are they so heart-breaking? Aside for the fact that these characters don't exist, why do we care for their fate, they're not relevant in our lives, we have only gotten to know some of them within a half hour or less and then watch their life play out  on the big screen. This is a testament to the efforts of not only the actors, but the directors, writers, cinematographers and animators who managed to convey so much character, passion and emotion to the audience to make us sob our eyes dry. I am considering doing the same in July for TV month, so get your choices in quick! Without further ado, here are your top 10 picks. Spoiler's (of course that goes without saying)!

10. Maximus-Gladiator

According to many fanatics of history that I have talked to gladiator is a very accurate portrayal of life in Roman times. But one does not simply judge a film by its historical inaccuracy, but its emotional spectrum of cheering in the victory of the battle and the following tragedy of death. Maximus fought for the return to the glory of the Roman empire,  a dream and died a martyr for that cause. He earned his redemption in a scene highlighted by tense action and a haunting score by Hans Zimmer. 

  9. Roy Batty-Blade Runner

I bet Ridley Scott just loves killing of beloved and intriguing characters in the most heart wrenching way imaginable. This film not only shaped the future of Sci Fi, but also created the most thought provoking death monologues ever improvised (seriously,  Rutger Hauer improvised the entire monologue bringing the crew to tears). Listening to this you may hear echo's of this speech in everything from Doctor Who to Futurama. Poigniant in its presentation,  we finally believe that the murderous android Batty has truely become more human than us humans. Symbolic and upsetting, we truly acknowledge his attempts to extend his life as the strongest of needs and dreams found in all men.

  8. Mufasa-The Lion King

Growing up,  no child could ever miss, or even forget for that matter, the death of Mufasa. As well as being the most graphic,  disturbing and heartbreaking moments in Disney,  it also strikes a chord with those who have lost someone important in their lives. Whether it be a mother, father, grandparent, etc., we as an audience feel united and connect to young Simba's loss.

  7. Giant-The Iron Giant

Here we see a case of conflicting tears. We don't know whether to cry in anguish that a friend whom we have speng an entire movie trying to understand, is so willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good or to shed tears of joy that he could finally chose what to be and not be the predetermined destroyer of man that he was built for. As he leaves everything behind to ascend to space his final words show us the inevitable emergence of a soul bound in heart of steel.

  6.Green Mile 

You cannot imagine the power film can have on you, unless you have seen The Green Mile. As we see the progression of time, how the innocent and mystical John Coffey became a friend to the guards and saved the lives of many, his final moments are bleak and depressing. Not only for his conviction despite his innocence, but that we must continue to live in a world of greed and corruption.  

  5. Ellie-Up

Its the belief of many that if Pixar had put "The End" after the first ten minutes, the audience would have been satisfied. We recieve a montage of the shortest presented animated couple, from early age to the ripe age of maturity,  these kindred spirits portray the most tender romance recorded in film. But comes crashing down as old age catches up with lovers and nothing can be done.

  4.  Darth Vader-Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi                                From being the most ruthless and evil villains to grace the silver screen to becoming the true hero of the galaxy, the prophesy came full circle as we finally see Anikin become the Jedi he was born to be,  but at a high cost. Redeemed and content with his victory, accepting death as a friend he looks upon his son with proud and loving eye's. 

  3. Severus Snape-Harry Potter the Deathly Hallows part II

Why do the good die young, and yet the brooding antihero who misled the audience into believing he was an asshole making us all feel guilty that we misjudged him die at the age of 102 (50 in muggle years). But what we feel for severus isn't pity or anger, but sympathy, living a lie to protect those he loved more than anything. 

  2. Everyone-Titanic

I will admit, I grew up with this movie as my favourite. Mainly because of the sinking. But it's fame as the movie that made grown men cry is not undeserving. Performed and directed in good taste and with incredible accuracy. As the moving song nearer my god to thee plays on, we see just to what extent the damage that ego and frugality can have on the lives of others. Their lives were lost in vain, many unknown lost and merely a statistic to compare against.

  1. Gandalf-The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

One would be surprised to see a fantasy film top our list, but I truely believe that even though Gandalf returns, even though he did fight the Balrog from the mountains depths to it's peak,  his sacrifice to save the lives of his friends and allies is not without loss. With a powerful defence and a proclaimed YOU SHALL NOT PASS, his efforts are in vain as he is pulled to his death and my favorite piece by Howard Shore plays through the friends mourning the loss of Gandalf. But if that's not enough, then how about the ending to Return of the King, as the elves, Gandalf and Frodo part ways and Aragon is finally crowned as king of Gondor. Now that was heartbreaking to see it all end.

There you have it, my top ten.  What deaths do you tear up the most at. Please leave a comment and tell me what list or movie you would like to see on this sight in the future. Here are some runners up.