The 10 Most Shocking Character Deaths in ‘The Boys’, Ranked

‘The Boys’ thrives on its wild mix of dark humor and brutal violence, delivering moments that leave you stunned. Its characters, from flawed heroes to twisted supes, often meet grim fates that hit hard or shock with their sheer audacity.

I’ve watched every season, cringing and gasping at the carnage. Here’s my ranking of the 10 most shocking character deaths in ‘The Boys’ (2019–present), counting down from 10 to 1, each with a look at why they left such a mark.

10. Ambrosius

Ambrosius, voiced by Tilda Swinton, is The Deep’s octopus lover, a quirky addition to the show’s bizarre relationships. Introduced in season three, this sentient sea creature lives in a tank, forming an odd bond with The Deep that’s both comedic and strangely heartfelt.

Her death, when The Deep smashes her tank in a rage, is a gut-punch of cruelty. I felt a surprising pang for her desperate gasps, making this a weirdly tragic moment in the show’s chaos.

9. Hugh Campbell Sr.

Hugh Campbell Sr., played by Simon Pegg, is Hughie’s loving but frail father. The show, created by Eric Kripke, follows a group fighting corrupt superheroes, with Hughie as a key member. Simon Pegg’s casting nods to the comic’s inspiration for Hughie’s character.

When Compound V turns him into a deranged supe, his accidental hospital rampage forces Hughie to end his life. I was heartbroken watching Hughie make that impossible choice, soaked in his dad’s blood.

8. Mesmer

Mesmer, portrayed by Haley Joel Osment, is a mind-reading supe who tries to play both sides. The series, based on Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s comic, is known for its raw take on superhero corruption, and Mesmer’s scheming fits right in.

His betrayal of The Boys leads to Butcher smashing his skull against a sink. I was shocked by the brutal, hands-on violence, a stark reminder of Butcher’s ruthless edge.

7. Popclaw

Popclaw, played by Brittany Allen, is A-Train’s girlfriend and a former supe with retractable claws. Her struggles with addiction and fame add depth to the show’s gritty exploration of superhero life, making her a fan favorite despite her flaws.

A-Train’s forced overdose to silence her as an informant is cold and sudden. I cringed at her betrayal and the tragic waste of a character with so much potential.

6. Grace Mallory

Grace Mallory, portrayed by Laila Robins, is the CIA operative who founded The Boys. Her tough demeanor and history with Butcher anchor the show’s fight against Vought, making her a key figure in its morally gray world.

Ryan’s accidental killing of her during a tense standoff is a brutal twist. I was floored by the loss of such a pivotal character, especially at the hands of a kid.

5. Black Noir

Black Noir, played by Nathan Mitchell, is the silent, deadly member of The Seven. The show’s satirical take on superheroes gives him a mysterious edge, with his masked persona hiding a complex backstory revealed in later seasons.

Homelander’s vicious gut-punch death for hiding secrets is both gory and unexpected. I gasped at the betrayal, as Noir’s loyalty made his end feel like a gut-wrenching shock.

4. Madelyn Stillwell

Madelyn Stillwell, portrayed by Elisabeth Shue, is Vought’s cunning VP who manipulates Homelander. Her role in the first season sets up the corporate greed driving the series, making her a central antagonist with a knack for control.

Homelander’s laser vision through her skull for lying about his son is horrifyingly intimate. I was stunned by the suddenness, losing a character who seemed untouchable.

3. Victoria Neuman

Victoria Neuman, played by Claudia Doumit, is a politician with a deadly head-popping power. Introduced as an ally before her supe reveal, she’s a complex figure in the show’s web of deception and power struggles.

Butcher’s Compound V-fueled attack, ripping her in half after her deal with The Boys, is a bloody betrayal. I couldn’t believe the show killed off such a cunning player so brutally.

2. Translucent

Translucent, portrayed by Alex Hassell, is a member of The Seven with invisible, diamond-hard skin. His early role in the series highlights the arrogance of Vought’s heroes, setting up the team’s conflict with The Boys.

His death by an internal bomb, detonated by Hughie, is a gory milestone for the group. I was shocked by the visceral explosion, marking Hughie’s dark turn in the fight.

1. Robin Ward

Robin Ward, played by Jess Salgueiro, is Hughie’s girlfriend, killed in the show’s opening episode. Her death sets the tone for the series’ brutal world, where superheroes cause chaos, and ordinary people pay the price.

A-Train’s high-speed collision, reducing her to a blood mist, is a horrifying jolt. I still feel the gut-wrenching impact of that moment, driving Hughie’s quest for justice.

Which death in ‘The Boys’ left you speechless, or did I miss one that hit you hard? Share your thoughts in the comments!