The 10 saddest character deaths in films of 2024

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The 10 saddest character deaths in films of 2024

This article contains spoilers for several of 2024's biggest movesAs with any year, there were a wide variety of films in 2024 that left a huge impact on audiences. Whether they were blockbusters or low-budget dramas, the year was full of interesting films that left their mark – and one of the biggest ways to leave an impression on audiences is by killing off a beloved character. Deaths are an important part of any story, and they are often moments that are remembered long after the credits roll. The most heartbreaking deaths in movies are the ones viewers never imagine, and 2024 had plenty of them.

However, the death of a well-executed film is not just one that shocks and disturbs the audience – it also has to have a very specific purpose that makes the film better through its inclusion. Even the deaths of movie villains can be great, and sometimes sad, if they're done with enough empathy and purpose. 2024 had several films that achieved this feat, killing off its most complex and polarizing characters in a way that consistently surprised audiences and subverted expectations.

10

Skye Riley (Smile 2)

Played by Naomi Scott

Although Skye Riley's death in Smile 2The final scene of was more scary than moving, yet it's an incredibly sad scene because of how much trauma and stress the character went through in the film – all for nothing. The use of practical effects in this final scene is incredible, and Parker Finn's direction does a great job of showing the audience just enough without turning his death into an unnecessary spectacle.

9

Sister Barnes (heretic)

Played by Sophie Thatcher


Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East cycling in Heretic

Hugh Grant is undeniably the star of the show in Hereticbut the two lead performances by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East also deserve recognition for their ability to create so much sympathy and empathy for their characters. The audience really comes to care about them as they go through countless torturous ordeals, which is why Barnes' sudden death is such a depressing surprise. It's the film's clear turning point, and her character's absence is truly felt afterwards.

8

Arthur Fleck (Joker: Folie a Deux)

Played by Joaquin Phoenix

Arthur Fleck's death at the end of Joker: Folie à Deux it was extremely unexpected, and even though the character was objectively a bad person, there is still some sympathy for the fact that his death came as a result of his trying to repent for his crimes. It's a stunning statement from director Todd Phillips about the cyclical nature of evilending his film on a sour note that leaves the audience intentionally unsatisfied.

7

Lucilla (Gladiator 2)

Played by Connie Nielsen

Although Lucilla did not play a major role Gladiator 2the character is still an important part of this series, and his death in the final moments of the sequence was a crushing scene. She was among the only figures who were consistently willing to put her life on the line to achieve her father's vision of Rome as a functioning democracy, and the fact that she died before seeing this dream come to fruition is a tragic ending. . for your bow.

6

Kay (Alien: Romulus)

Played by Isabela Merced


Isabela Merced's Kay looks worried in Alien Romulus

Kay is one of Alien: Romulus'more relatable and likable characters, which is why their death in the film's final act is so disturbing. The film almost tricks the audience into thinking the conflict is over, defeating the first wave of aliens they had been fighting for most of the story, before abruptly killing Kay and introducing an even more dangerous enemy for the remaining characters. It's a shocking moment that truly subverts expectationsand although the public doesn't have much time to grieve, Kay's death is still sad.

5

Geraldo (Blitz)

Played by Paul Weller


Gerald (Paul Weller) carrying his cat Olly in Blitz

Steve McQueen Blitz is one of the most emotional films of 2024, but the scene that made the audience cry the most was right at the end, when young George returns home and discovers that his grandfather has died after a Nazi air raid. This shocking death seems to come out of nowhere, but that's exactly why it's so powerful: it proves that no one was safe during war and that innocent lives were always at risk.

4

Samira (A Quiet Place: Day One)

Played by Lupita Nyong'o

Samira's death at the end of A peaceful place: first day it's a noble sacrifice that the film does a great job of gradually working towards. The story gives many hints that she may not be able to go on much longer, so when the time comes for her to put her life on the line, feels like a well deserved moment This fits her character perfectly.

3

Sammy (Civil War)

Played by Stephen McKinley Henderson


Stephen McKinley Henderson as Sammy wearing a press badge around his neck in Civil War
Image via A24

Sammy's character serves as a beacon of hope and optimism in Civil WarSo when he is abruptly killed at the end of the film, it is a clear statement from director Alex Garland about the indiscriminate nature of war. His death erases all light from this storyand the characters' emotional goodbyes really make that point clear.

2

Vincent (his three daughters)

Played by Jay O. Sanders


Carrie Coon and Elizabeth Olsen look at something off camera while sitting at the kitchen table in His Three Daughters

Although Vincent barely appears in His three daughters, his death is a pivotal moment that seems inevitable after all the conflicts and resolutions that led to this. It is his children who take center stage for most of the film, but Vincent's appearance at the end of His three daughters It's a moving scene that speaks volumes about the film's main themes, regret and repentance.

1

Almut (We Live in Time)

Played by Florence Pugh

Although it's clear from the start We live in time Although Almut is approaching his final days, it doesn't make his implied death at the end of the story any easier. The film spends a lot of time discussing the importance of prioritizing what really matters in life, and Almut's death really reinforces the idea that no one knows how much time we have left.

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