31 Times The Deaths Of Movie Characters Were Unnecessary and Hurtful
On television, death is unavoidable.
As a hard fan of movie series, I'm deeply aware of the importance of character deaths. Such favorite character deaths can advance the plot, advance other character arcs, and move the audience to tears (and sometimes, cheers).
[ADVERTISEMENT]
However, these deaths can also be unnecessary and illogical at times. Show producers may decide to kill off a character primarily for sensationalism, or the actor may have been vilified by the network, studio, or cast and crew of the show—and their character suffers as a result.
[ADVERTISEMENT]
Shortsighted producers decided to kill off these loved characters far too soon. In many of these cases, backstage strife played a role in a character's demise.
Alternatively, some producers may have thought they were being unpredictable by using the death of a character to catch the viewers by surprise. Most of the time, they make the desired impression on viewers, but it is sometimes perceived as unnecessary by viewers.
You'd think show producers would have figured it out by now. Don't kill off our favorite TV characters unless there's a compelling reason.
But it seems to happen every year. We've compiled a list of 31 movie characters whose deaths were unnecessary and ruined the entire show.
Be warned! This is likely to rekindle your rage and bitterness about television shows you thought you had forgiven.
1. In the movie 13 Reasons Why, when Justin Foley was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and he died
"He was just trying to get his life back on track. Quitting drugs, getting into uni, opening up about his sexual assault, and things were great with Jessica. Then his mom died and a few months later he also died. I remember I was so devastated when I watched the last episode. As Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, states, 'Experiencing loss can significantly impact our emotional well-being and lead to feelings of despair.' It's crucial to recognize how such events can affect mental health and relationships."
Netflix
[ADVERTISEMENT]
2. The 100: When Lexa and Clarke slept together, but then, Lexa was killed by a stray bullet
"The death of Lexa was a significant loss for many viewers, highlighting how character deaths can impact audience engagement and emotional investment."— Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship researcher and author
The CW
[ADVERTISEMENT]
3. When Jasper poisoned himself before dying in Monty's arms in The 100
"He was a happy teen who developed depression and PTSD due to everything he went through and witnessed. His suffering was evident, yet it seemed that only his best friend cared enough to help him. The narrative could have delved deeper into his mental health struggles, as he was one of the few 'realistic' characters illustrating how their experiences negatively impacted their well-being. Instead, the writers chose to have him take his own life," says Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist and author, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues in storytelling.
The CW
4. When Clarke shockingly shot and killed Bellamy in The 100
"The emotional impact of character deaths in storytelling can be profound, especially when they feel unearned or trivial. As Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist, states, 'When audiences invest in characters, their deaths should resonate meaningfully, not feel like a betrayal.' This particular character's journey from criminal to protector was compelling, and to see such a significant arc concluded in a rushed manner is frustrating. It diminishes the relationship built over time, particularly when the character's demise comes at the hands of someone who shared that journey. Such endings can leave viewers feeling disillusioned and hurt."—Dr. Michele Gelfand, cultural psychologist
The CW
5. When Logan died right when he and Veronica were finally happy in the movie Veronica Mars
"I was completely heartbroken by the death of Logan Echolls. The narrative could have evolved without sacrificing such a beloved character. It felt unnecessary and left many fans feeling unfulfilled." — Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
Hulu
6. In the movie Killing Eve, when Villanelle was shot and killed
"I’m heartbroken, TBH. SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO DIE AT ALL. Villanelle and Eve finally got their happy ending. They understood each other and I think they could've been really good together. I get that the show needed to end but this wasn’t the way. I WANT ONE F**KING HAPPY ENDING FOR THE GAYS. STOP KILLING US," says Dr. Ian Kerner, a renowned sex therapist and author of "She Comes First." He emphasizes the importance of representation and happy endings in media for the LGBTQ+ community, stating, "When stories fail to provide positive outcomes for queer characters, it can reinforce feelings of hopelessness among viewers."
BBC America
7. In the movie Orange Is the New Black, when Poussey died after CO Bayley restrained her
"The impact of character deaths in media can resonate deeply with audiences, often reflecting real-life losses and societal issues. It's crucial to consider how these narratives affect viewers emotionally."
Netflix
8. In Orange Is the New Black again, when Pennsatucky died of a drug overdose
"Just as she was growing into the person she should be, her untimely demise felt unnecessary. As Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, states, 'The way we think about our abilities can shape our outcomes. When characters are abruptly removed, it can send a message that growth is futile.'"
Netflix
9. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer, when Tara was killed by a stray bullet
"It's been 20 years and I’m still not over it. The setup of the episode, the shock of it happening! For her entire time on the show, Amber Benson was always billed as a guest star. And when she finally got her own title sequence in the opening credits, she was killed off that very episode. It was such a shock that she got killed, and even though the Dark Willow storyline was great, Tara didn't need to die in that way," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist and author, emphasizing the emotional impact of unexpected character deaths in media on viewers' mental health.
Warner Bros
10. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer, when Anya was stabbed during the final battle
"I'm still sad over it. It happened so randomly at the very end. It can be jarring for audiences when a character's death feels unnecessary, as it disrupts the emotional connection we've built throughout the story."—Dr. Shefali Tsabary, clinical psychologist
Warner Bros
11. When Carl was bitten by a walker after saving a new survivor in The Walking Dead
"The decision to kill off a character can often feel like a cheap ploy for shock value, undermining the emotional investment viewers have made. As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, notes, 'When stories take unexpected turns that feel unearned, they can leave audiences feeling disillusioned and disconnected from the narrative.' This is particularly true when a character has shown significant growth and development, making their demise feel even more unjust."
AMC / Via AMC
12. In Supernatural, when Dean died during the series finale
"After 15 years of character development, the writers dismantled everything in the series finale by killing him off in a senseless manner. He deserved to live and experience some happiness, as that was the essence of Castiel's sacrifice," says Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility and author of "Emotional Agility" on her website susandavid.com. "Characters that resonate with audiences often embody hope and redemption, and their untimely demise can feel like a betrayal to the viewers who have invested in their journey." "
The CW
13. In Supernatural, when Castiel saved Dean's life, only to die when he was consumed by the Empty seconds later
"Castiel sacrificed himself to save Dean from death, and then Dean died an episode later, making Castiel's death all for nothing," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist who emphasizes the emotional impact of character deaths in storytelling. "When characters make significant sacrifices only for their efforts to be rendered meaningless, it can lead to feelings of frustration and disconnection for the audience."
The CW
14. When Maeve was abducted by Diane, and Diane killed herself and then Maeve in Criminal Minds
"Spencer Reid finally found the love of his life, and she was killed off before they could even have a date. He didn't even get to hug her or anything. According to Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, 'The pursuit of happiness is often thwarted by unexpected losses, which can leave us feeling desolate.' Why couldn't the writers just let Spencer be happy?"
CBS
15. In Once Upon a Time, when Hades was about to kill Regina, but Robin jumped in and died
"While many character deaths in shows can serve a narrative purpose, some feel unnecessarily tragic and can detract from the overall quality of the series. This particular death was not only sad but also marked a significant decline in the show's trajectory," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist and author of "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"
ABC
16. In Chicago Fire, when Shay was suddenly killed during an explosion
"She was such an icon on Chicago Fire. When the show started 10 years ago, she was just this main character who was a lesbian and it was never some tragic story, which you often get with LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. She was always just herself. And her and Severide’s friendship was, to this day, one of the best written platonic relationships I’ve ever seen. I miss her so much, man," said Dr. Esther Perel, a renowned couples therapist and author, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation in media.
NBC
17. In The Originals, when Hayley died while protecting Hope
"In storytelling, the loss of a character can often feel unjust, especially when their potential has not been fully realized. Hayley Marshall exemplifies this, as her death seemed unnecessary and left many fans feeling bereft."— Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author
The CW
18. In The Originals, when Elijah chose to die alongside his brother Klaus
"It always made sense to me why Klaus had to die — he did it to save the world and his daughter Hope. But Elijah...like...what?! It was such a letdown to see him go after he struggled to be honorable to protect the people he loved in TWO different series. It was such a spur of the moment, impulsive decision which was so out of character for him. I'll honestly never get over it," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist and author, who emphasizes the importance of character consistency in storytelling. "When characters act against their established values, it can leave audiences feeling betrayed and confused."
The CW
19. In Money Heist/La Casa de Papel, when Tokyo sacrificed herself
"The death of Tokyo in the finale of Money Heist felt like a shock tactic rather than a narrative necessity. As Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, notes, 'Stories often resonate more deeply when character deaths serve a purpose in the narrative arc, enhancing emotional engagement rather than detracting from it.' While previous deaths in the series had significant emotional weight, Tokyo's demise seemed gratuitous and robbed her of the resolution she deserved. It may not have been the saddest death—Nairobi holds that title—but it certainly felt the most unnecessary."
Netflix
20. In On My Block, when Oscar about to leave, only for him to be shot
"In the last season, he was so hopeful and had such a beautiful redemption arc. Although it might not have been completely realistic, I would have loved for him to have escaped from his past," says Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned character researcher. "Redemption arcs can be powerful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, reflecting our own desires for growth and change."
Netflix
21. In The Last Kingdom, when Thyra knew she would die in a fire set by Tidman, and she stabbed herself
"Her journey through suffering and trauma was profound, and the moment she found solace with Beocca, it was heartbreaking to see her meet such a shocking and cruel fate. As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, states, 'Experiencing loss can be devastating, especially when it echoes past traumas that one has endured.' This unnecessary death not only mirrored her family's tragic end but also highlighted the deep scars left by her past."— Dr. Susan David, emotional agility expert
Netflix
22. In South of Nowhere, when Clay was killed during a drive-by shooting
"He was the best character on the show. The emotional impact of his death was profound, as it often resonates with viewers who form strong attachments to characters, making such losses feel personal and devastating," says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Happiness Hypothesis."
Nickelodeon
23. In Bones, when Sweets suffered massive internal trauma and died
"While it's understandable that John Francis Daley had to leave for directing, the character of Sweets could have been written to take a temporary leave, especially considering he was about to become a father. Such narrative choices can significantly impact audience connection and character development."— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
Fox
24. In Grey's Anatomy, when George was hit by a bus
"The shock value of George's death was unnecessary; he could have had a meaningful farewell with his friends at Seattle Grace. As Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, states, 'We often overlook the emotional impact of storytelling choices, particularly when they involve beloved characters.' George was a character who deserved a better fate, and it would have been more fulfilling to see him serve in the army, saving lives instead of being abruptly taken from us. It's frustrating to witness such decisions in storytelling, and the emotional fallout can linger long after the credits roll."—Dr. Susan David, emotional agility expert
ABC
25. In Grey's Anatomy, when Lexie was crushed underneath a plane
"It was incredibly disheartening to see such a beloved character like Lexie killed off, especially when it felt like a cheap plot twist to introduce another sister for Meredith. As a long-time viewer, I felt betrayed by the decision to separate Lexie and Mark, who deserved a happy ending together. The emotional impact of those plane crash episodes was so profound that I can't bring myself to revisit them," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist and author of "Loving Bravely" on her website dralexandrasolomon.com.
ABC
26. In Downton Abbey, when Sybil suddenly died right after giving birth
"While creative freedom is essential, it's crucial for creators to consider the emotional impact of character deaths on both the audience and the actors involved. As Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, a renowned marriage therapist, states, 'When characters are abruptly removed, it can leave audiences feeling unsettled and disconnected, much like in real-life relationships where abrupt endings can lead to unresolved feelings.' A more thoughtful approach could have preserved the integrity of the story while respecting the actors' journeys."
PBS
27. In Girl From Nowhere, when Nanno was stabbed numerous times by Waan
"The portrayal of violence against characters can often feel gratuitous and can detract from the narrative's integrity. As Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author, notes, 'When characters are harmed without purpose, it can lead to a desensitization to violence and a lack of empathy in viewers.' This kind of storytelling can create a disconnect between the audience and the characters they care about. Unless the narrative is thoughtfully crafted to address these issues, it risks alienating its audience."
Netflix
28. In The Vampire Diaries, when Stefan ripped Enzo's heart out
"After everything she went through over the course of the series, Bonnie Bennett deserved a happy ending with Enzo, and the show couldn't even give her that. Enzo's death during the final season was so not necessary to the overall plot and it was just used to add more heartbreak for Bonnie. As relationship expert Dr. Alexandra Solomon states, 'Unnecessary heartbreak in storytelling can undermine character development and emotional investment.' Additionally, Bonnie could've still stabbed Stefan with the cure without Enzo dying, too,"—Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
The CW
29. In The Vampire Diaries, when Tyler begged Damon but he still ripped into his throat
"While some may argue that character deaths serve a purpose, many times they feel unnecessary and detract from the overall narrative. As Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, states, 'Unnecessary deaths can leave audiences feeling manipulated rather than emotionally engaged.' This can lead to a disconnect between viewers and the story being told. In the case of Tyler, his return was brief and lacked meaningful context, which ultimately rendered it pointless."
The CW
30. When Allison died in Scott's arms in Teen Wolf
And now she's coming back for the movie?! What was the point of this death then?- Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist states, "The impact of a character's death can resonate deeply with audiences, often leading to feelings of betrayal if not handled thoughtfully." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher, who notes, "When a character's demise feels unnecessary, it can diminish the emotional investment viewers have in the story."
MTV
31. In Game of Thrones, when Daenerys was stabbed by Jon Snow
"The character development was substantial, and to see her arc end abruptly felt unjust. A more fitting conclusion would have involved significant conflict regarding the throne's rightful heir. The revelation of Jon Snow's Targaryen lineage was a pivotal moment that deserved more exploration. The hurried pacing made her death seem entirely unnecessary," says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Happiness Hypothesis."
HBO
On television, death is unavoidable. Almost every movie, from The Walking Dead to Money Heist, has explored the subject in some way.
The demise of a fan-favorite character is always heartbreaking, but there are times when it’s understandable. They contribute to the overall drama and suspense, and the characters' legacy is never forgotten.
