MCU: 25 most heartbreaking Marvel Cinematic Universe character deaths

Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME..L to R: Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye/Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner)..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2019

1. Black Widow

Movie it happened in: Avengers: Endgame

Why it was so heartbreaking: We knew there were going to be deaths in Avengers: Endgame. One of the biggest reasons why Tony Stark is number two on this list is because it was expected. With Robert Downey Jr. walking away at the end of the movie, the Marvel Cinematic Universe had to deal with it in some way permanent.

The one Marvel Cinematic Universe death that many didn’t see coming was Black Widow’s death. After years of development, Black Widow’s storyline had, effectively, come to an end. She was the one who had little to lose – only the Avengers and other heroes who had fought by her side to miss her.

When we saw Black Widow and Hawkeye head to get the soul stone, we knew one would have to die. And then, we got the confirmation that this death couldn’t be undone. Even if the soul stone was returned, the death couldn’t be reversed. So, it was one or the other.

Black Widow made a huge sacrifice to make sure Hawkeye’s family still had him. After all, while he was grieving right now, his family would return if everything worked out. Sacrificing himself and allowing Black Widow to live wouldn’t have made much sense for them afterward.

To make this Marvel Cinematic Universe death even more heartbreaking, the two fought for the right to sacrifice themselves. There was no massive heartfelt speech from either. They went out the way they have always decided on something – the one to win the fight would be the one to “win” the right to sacrifice themselves.

Do you agree with this Marvel Cinematic Universe list? Which Marvel Cinematic Universe death affected you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.