10 Most Moving Deaths in Science Fiction and Fantasy

All these ever popular lists are always subjective, since not everyone is moved by the same things. In a way this list doesn't only consider how moving a death was but also how shocking and how decisive for the story it was. As usual you are welcome to comment: 

Number 10: Madison, the werewolf in "Supernatural"

It might seem unusual to list the death of a guest character in the longest running fantasy show but whenever I rewatch this episode I am moved to tears, although we don't see the actual death.  This is in part due to the amazing performance of Jared Padalecki, Emanuelle Vaugier and Jensen Ackles but also because in this episode we come to understand how much the brothers are actually sacrificing for their work and to be "unsung heros". At the same time one can only admire Madison's brave choice to rather die than risk hurting anyone. 

Number 9: Boromir in "Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring"

Of course a list about movie / tv deaths wouldn't be complete without Sean Bean. Boromir is one of the most tragic characters in Tolkien's work and probably the embodiment of the anti-hero. His intentions are always good but because of this he ends up doing questionable things. Luckily the extended version of the movies does this character more justice. 

If one were to describe his death with one word it would certainly be "redemption". After having threatened Frodo he runs to protect Merry and Pippin against an overwelming force of Uruk hai and Orcs. Even deadly wounded he continues to fight them off until the rest of the fellowship appears ending up with countless arrows in his body. In the end he accepts Aragorn as his rightful King and dies almost peacefully. He is a man that was lost but found his way before death. 

Number 8: Han Solo in "Star Wars - The Force Awakens"

To be honest I still haven't forgiven J.J. Abrams this one (Just kidding the scene was brilliant!). It wasn't only shocking to loose such an iconic character but also the way he died which made it so tragic. We all would have expected to see Han die heroically in battle flying the Falcon into a hopefless situation saving the day. Instead in his death with see another side of Han Solo, the loving father. Because of the great writing and Harrison Ford's genius performance it still feels organic and not in contraction to the character. He lets his guard down trying to get his son back and the audience hopes until the last second that his bravery pays off but unfortunately it doesn't. We don't get any last words just a last gesture to Kylo Ren most likely indicating that his forgives him and that was it.  The audience is left behind with the shock of death. 

Number 7: Rue in "The Hunger Games"

Although "The Hunger Games" is based on a young adult novel it is shockingly bloody come to think of it but there is one death that was particularly moving: Rue's death in the movie. While we can overlook the remaining deaths of the tributes, which are also teenagers, hers is particular moving. This is only in part due to the fact that she is just 12 years old but also because she is one of the few characters whom we never see do anything remotely aggressive. She is probably the purest character and embodies all that one considers good. She trusts Katniss absolutely and only tries to survive. She becomes a true victim of the games. Her final wish is for Katniss to sing, which in itself is a symbol of innocence.

Number 6: Dobby in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1"

Dobby started of in the second movie as an informant and a comic relief of some sorts. His character developed steadily from there through his bravery and therefore grew on the audience. What also made his death so painful to watch is that he is thouroughly good, similar to Rue in the Hunger Games. Dobby isn't bad or treacherous or even mean. He just wants his friends to be safe and happy. His death is also a hero's death as he literally saves the day. 

Number 5: Kyle Reese in "Terminator"

Being a fan of Michael Biehn this death always touches me. Maybe because it happens more or less unexpected. We are used to lead characters dying after some speech or heroic act. At least they usually get to mumble meaningful last words. But with Reese we are deprived of all this. There is an action sequence and then he is dead. We see Sarah turn his body and expect him to moan or die in her arms but he is just gone. Also his character is very tragic, having grown up in a post-apocaliptic world our present world was also like a paradise to him. Ironically he survived a time which was way more dangerous. 

Number 4: Darth Vader in "Return of the Jedi"

We see Luke fighting to save his father for three movies, only to have him loose him minutes later. What makes this death so painful is that it is bittersweet. Darth Vader or more accurately in this case Anakin is at peace and grateful, that he has returned to the light side of the Force. He seems almost happy about the outcome and he literally lets go.

Number 3: Eddard Stark in "Game of Thrones" (series)

To movie enthusiasts it won't come as a surprise that Sean Bean is featured with two roles here. In the first season of "Game of Thrones" Eddard is without a doubt the lead character and not only that, he is the true embodiment of a hero. He is honest, brave, kind and with a sense of honour that would be difficult to match. Despite all that or maybe because of it, he gets imprisoned and executed. He is a victim of his own virtues and is also killed in front of his two daughters (Although Arya was turned away). The audience is left in shock, hoping is was a vision or a nightmare but it is not. It proves that on this show being good and the lead won't save you, quite the opposite.

Number 2: Spock in "Star Trek - The Wrath of Khan" (Classic movie) 

The reason why this death is so emotional because the person actually dying is known for not being emotional. This leads to what can only be perceived as heightened emotions. While William Shartner and Leonard Nimoy were not known as brilliant actors but in this scene their performance is oscarworthy. The scene conveys how deep a real friendship can be. In a way it was a pity that Spock was "revived" in the following movie, as it took away any chance of seeing the impact Spocks death would have had on Kirk. 

Number 1: Snape in "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows part 2"

This scene had it all. An anti-hero who bore the stigma of being a villain and accepted all the pain that was thrown his way only out of undying love, not just love unrequited love. He loved the woman who ultimately fell in love with the guy who bullied him. What a nightmare! In the end he dies a heros death and at least is forgiven when Harry learns the truth behind the man he believed to be his enemy but was in reality his guardian angel. All this was conveyed with little words (and some flashbacks later on). The scene is incredibly powerful because Alan Rickman's performance was brilliant. 

Each of these deaths has moved me to tears and I found them proof that making movies is indeed a unique art form. Do you agree with my list? Is any scene missing? Leave your opinion in comment section.