The 15 Most Devastating Deaths in the MCU, Ranked

The Marvel Cinematic Universe, spanning films from 2008, delivers epic battles, witty heroes, and moments that leave you emotionally wrecked. Among its many triumphs, the MCU knows how to hit hard with character deaths that linger long after the screen fades.

These losses aren’t just plot points—they shape the heroes’ journeys and resonate with audiences. I’ve ranked the 15 most devastating deaths in the MCU movies based on how much they made me cry, drawing from their emotional weight and impact on the story.

Maria Hill

Maria Hill, Nick Fury’s loyal S.H.I.E.L.D. operative, is coldly murdered by Gravik in disguise in ‘Secret Invasion’ (2023). Her sudden death in the series’ opening episode feels like a gut punch, especially for a character who’s been a steady presence since ‘Iron Man’ (2008).

Her supporting role across the MCU made her loss sting, amplified by its occurrence in one of the franchise’s weaker entries. It’s a harsh reminder that even trusted allies aren’t safe.

Yinsen

Yinsen, the scientist who saves Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man’ (2008), sacrifices himself to help Tony escape captivity. His final revelation—that his family is already gone—makes his death profoundly sad, as he gives his life to reunite with them.

This early MCU loss sets the tone for Tony’s transformation into Iron Man. Yinsen’s quiet heroism and selfless act make his death one of the most touching.

N’Jobu

N’Jobu, Erik Killmonger’s father, is killed by his brother T’Chaka in ‘Black Panther’ (2018). The image of young Erik clutching his father’s body after T’Chaka’s betrayal is heart-wrenching, setting the stage for Erik’s tragic path.

This death carries heavy emotional weight, as it fuels the conflict between family and duty in Wakanda. It’s a quiet but devastating moment that shapes the entire film.

Queen Ramonda

Queen Ramonda, Wakanda’s fierce leader, drowns during Namor’s flood in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022). Her death, so soon after T’Challa’s, leaves Shuri and Wakanda reeling, compounding their grief.

Angela Bassett’s powerful performance makes Ramonda’s loss feel like a personal blow. It’s a stark reminder of the cost of war, hitting hard for both characters and viewers.

Peggy Carter

Peggy Carter, Steve Rogers’ love and a founder of S.H.I.E.L.D., dies of old age in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016). Her passing, though natural, carries the weight of Steve’s lost chance at a life with her, seen in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011).

Her funeral is a somber moment, despite Steve’s brief distraction with Sharon Carter. Peggy’s role in Steve’s heart makes her death quietly devastating.

Lylla

Lylla, Rocket’s otter friend in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023), is shot by the High Evolutionary, shattering Rocket’s hope of freedom. Her death, followed by Teefs and Floor’s, is a brutal blow to Rocket’s early life.

The emotional bond between these CGI animals feels painfully real, making Lylla’s loss a tearjerker. Her death drives Rocket’s arc, leaving a lasting ache.

Quicksilver

Quicksilver, Wanda’s twin brother, dies saving Hawkeye and a child in ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015). His heroic sacrifice, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is sudden and cuts deep, especially given his potential as a hero.

His death fuels Wanda’s later grief, shaping her tragic path. The waste of such a vibrant character makes this loss hard to move past.

Loki

Loki, the trickster god, meets a heroic end in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018), trying to kill Thanos to save Thor. His swift strangulation by Thanos is brutal, marking a definitive end to his complex arc from villain to anti-hero.

The early timing in the film amplifies the shock, and seeing Loki’s frost giant form as a corpse adds heartbreak. His redemption makes this death sting fiercely. Still, he returned so many times that his death doesn’t have such a big impact.

Vision

Vision, the synthetic Avenger, dies twice in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018). First, Wanda destroys the Mind Stone to stop Thanos, only for Thanos to rewind time and rip it from Vision’s forehead, killing him again.

The double loss, coupled with Wanda’s anguish, makes this one of the MCU’s cruelest moments. Vision’s gentle nature and their love story amplify the tragedy.

Yondu

Yondu, Peter Quill’s surrogate father, sacrifices himself to save Peter in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017). His death in space, giving Peter his breathing device, is a redemptive act for the rough-edged Ravager.

Michael Rooker’s performance and the funeral scene, with Rocket’s grief, make this a tearful farewell. Yondu’s love for Peter hits hard, leaving a lasting mark.

Groot

Groot, the lovable tree, sacrifices himself in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014), shielding his friends with his branches, saying, ‘We are Groot.’ His death is later revealed to be permanent, as Baby Groot is his son, not a rebirth.

The shift from his simple ‘I am Groot’ to ‘We are Groot’ is heart-shattering. Groot’s selflessness and bond with Rocket make this a deeply emotional loss.

Aunt May

Aunt May, Peter Parker’s guardian, dies in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021) after Green Goblin’s attack. Her final words, urging Peter to embrace his responsibility, shape his journey, delivered with Marisa Tomei’s heartfelt performance.

This loss, mirroring Uncle Ben’s in other Spider-Man stories, devastates Peter and forces him to grow. It’s a pivotal, tear-inducing moment in the MCU.

Gamora

Gamora, the fierce Guardian, is thrown off a cliff by Thanos in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018) to claim the Soul Stone. Her death, at the hands of her abusive adoptive father, is shocking and emotionally raw.

Though a variant returns, the original Gamora’s loss is final, breaking Peter Quill’s heart. The betrayal and her fight to escape make this death unforgettable.

T’Challa

T’Challa, the Black Panther, dies off-screen from an illness in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022), mirroring Chadwick Boseman’s real-life passing in 2020. The funeral sequence honors both the character and actor with gut-wrenching sincerity.

The grief in Wakanda, especially Shuri’s, reflects the real-world loss of Boseman. This death’s emotional depth makes it one of the MCU’s heaviest.

Tony Stark

Tony Stark, Iron Man, sacrifices himself in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019) to defeat Thanos, snapping the Infinity Gauntlet. His death, leaving behind Pepper and their daughter, is the MCU’s most devastating, with Robert Downey Jr.’s silent farewell breaking hearts.

Tony’s arc from selfish playboy to selfless hero culminates in this moment. Peter Parker’s grief and the quiet aftermath make it impossible to forget.

Which MCU death hit you the hardest, or is there a loss I missed that still brings tears? Share your thoughts in the comments!