10 horror movie characters who deserved better endings than they got

Given that the best Horror movies Trying to involve their characters in harrowing events, it adds a layer of pathos for the audience if the characters are too charismatic and compelling or simply innocent and undeserving. Indeed, there are times when characters don’t seem to get the endings they truly deserve. Whether they go out with a bang, sacrifice themselves for the good of the group, or become tragic figures who suffer unspeakable fates, many horror icons leave us longing for an alternative outcome.

Certain characters capture viewers, and their presence often becomes a key reason why audiences stay invested in the film, only to be devastated when our favorite ally meets an untimely end. Shocking movie endings are unforgettable, And character deaths are often easy fodder for big audience responses. But risks like this can leave viewers either emotionally shattered by the death of their most beloved character or fiendishly frustrated by how their story turns out.

10

Agnes – Speak No Evil (2022)

The movie was directed by directed by Christian Tafdrup

Few endings are as devastating as this one Speak no evil Delivers for young Agnes. When her parents bend over backwards to be civil to their increasingly evil hosts, Agnes becomes collateral damage in a twisted game.

The revelation that Patrick and Karin are killing families to steal their children is horrific enough, but seeing Agnes meet that fate is unbearable. Her tragic death, and the loss of her tongue, serves as a haunting reminder of her parents’ inability to act when it matters most. Agnes’ fate is tragic, partly because of its inevitability, making Speak no evilIt ended up being a chilling one.

9

Adrien – Raw (2016)

The movie was directed by directed by Julia Ducournau

The roommate and only true friend to Justin in Julia Ducournau Roy, Adrienne stands out as a beacon of kindness and understanding in a sea of ​​chaos. He accepts Justine’s quirks, supports her through her dark transformation, and even becomes romantically involved with her despite his own preferences.

His death at the hands of Justin’s sister is cruel, not only because it is violent, but because Adrien was the last source of stability for Justin in this coming-of-age cannibal horror. Adrien’s end is as shocking as it is tragic, and viewers wish he could have escaped the madness.

8

Clark – The Thing (1982)

The movie was directed by directed by John Carpenter

Clark’s love for the dogs in The thing Makes him an outright standoutBut that same connection paints a target on his back. He suspects that he is infected, and his quiet demeanor does little to convince the others of his innocence.

His death at the hands of MacReady, who shoots him in self-defenseFeels like a tragic misunderstanding that could have been avoided. by The thingIn the end, it is revealed that Clark is not infected at all.

Clark did not deserve this fate – He was just a man trying to protect his dogs In a world that has fallen apart.

7

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

The movie was directed by directed by George A. Ramero

Ben’s fate in Night of the Living Dead is arguably one of the most poignant in horror history. After surviving a night of terror and barely escaping the heads of the undead, his story ends not with a heroic escape, but with a tragic, bitter twist.

The 56-year-old horror movie sees Ben shot by a group of rescuers who mistake him for a zombie. His death is more than just a shocking ending—it’s a haunting allegory about the racial tensions of the time. He deserved to survive the night, but instead, his life was cut short in a way that leaves a lasting impact on audiences to this day.

6

Helen Shivers – I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

The movie was directed by Jim Gillespie

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Helen is easily the most sympathetic character in I know what you did last summer. Despite her pageant-queen exterior, she is a tragic figure, watching helplessly as her boyfriend and sister are slaughtered.

And just when you think she can escape, we get one of the most suspense-filled chases in slasher history – only for her to meet a brutal end just steps away from safety. Helen deserved so much better than to become another victim of the Crook-Colner killer. Her relentless fight for survival should have paid off, perhaps even enabling her to continue the fight in these I know what you did last summer Franchise.

5

Sally Hardesty – Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

The movie was directed by directed by David Blue Garcia

Texas Chainsaw MassacreSally Hardesty survived one of the most horrific on-screen maulings in horror history, Barely escaping leatherface in the original 1974 classic. So, when she returns in the 2022 sequel, fans expect a moment of redemption or at least a meaningful conclusion.

Instead, she is reduced to a shell of her former self, ultimately meeting a brutal, anticlimactic end. Sally deserved better than to become Leatherface’s latest victim, especially after all she’s been through. The 2022 film Utterly Fails Sally Hardesty. Her legacy should have been honored, not tossed aside for shock value.

4

Dick Hallorann – The Shining (1980)

The movie was directed by directed by Stanley Kubrick

Dick Halloran is nothing short of a hero The Shining. From the moment he connects with young Danny through their shared “shine,” it’s clear that he’s more of a father figure to the boy than Jack could ever be.

Halloran risks everything to return to the Overlook, battling a snowstorm to try to save Danny and Wendy. But despite his efforts, Kubrick’s Stephen King adaptation mercilessly cuts his story short with a brutal ax blow from Jack. In the novel, Hallorann survives, which makes his film death feel all the more undeserved. This man went through hell to help and deserved to leave.

3

Dewey – Scream (2022)

The movie was directed by Tyler Gillette and Matt Bettinelli-Olfin

Dewey’s death in scream (2022) was a gut-wrenching moment for fans who grew up with him during the franchise. After racing to the hospital to save Tara, Dewey overpowers Ghostface and subdues the killer.

But when he makes the fatal decision to go back and finish the job, Ghostface catches him off guard and stabs him several times. As Davey dies, Ghostface chillingly tells him, “It’s an honor.”

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Watching Devi, the heart of the scream franchise, dying is devastating – both because it’s such a wild way to go and Dewey almost died countless times throughout the film series. It felt inevitable yet still heartbreaking. His willingness to sacrifice himself was true to his character, but the way it turned out – a missed opportunity, a phone call from Galle at the worst moment – it felt like pure coincidence. Dewey died a hero, fighting one last time, but the loss of such an iconic character after Sting.

2

Sang-hwa – Train to Busan (2016)

The movie was directed by directed by Yeon Sang-ho

From that moment Sang-hwa appeared on the screen Train to BusanHe is a force to be reckoned with. Although his initial tension with Seok-woo sets him up as a potential villain, it soon becomes clear that Sang-hwa is a hero in the making. He is fierce, selfless and ready to punch a zombie square in the face if it means saving others.

His final act of sacrifice – holding back the infected to ensure the safety of his pregnant wife – is heartbreaking and heroic. In what is likely Don Lee’s best movie to date, Sang-hwa is a character who radiates strength and love, making his timeline death a gut-wrenching loss. He deserved to live long enough to meet the child he was so excited to welcome into the world.

1

Frank – 28 Days Later (2003)

The movie was directed by Danny Boyle

Frank is one of the most lovable characters in 28 days laterA tough but kind father who does his best to protect his daughter in a world overrun by the infected. His death comes as a result of pure bad luck – a drop of infected blood falls into his eye, turning him into one of the very monsters he fought so hard to avoid.

His final moments, where he tells his daughter he loves her, are heartbreaking, making his death feel both unfair and unjust. Frank deserved better, especially after all he had to do to keep the group safe.

And with these 28 years later Sequel in development, Brendan Gleeson’s friendly face will certainly be missed from the original cast.