10 Most Disturbing Ending Scenes in Marvel and DC Movies

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has delivered a number of profoundly dark endings throughout its filmography, echoing similar trends in the DCEU and various standalone projects from both franchises. While these movies typically follow a distinct formula crafted by Marvel Studios, incorporating humor and light-hearted elements, the darker themes and endings demonstrate that the franchise is not afraid to plunge into tragic narratives, yielding some of its most impactful stories.

Conversely, DC films are often perceived as grimmer, especially in the realm of live-action cinema. Lighter entries within the DCEU, such as the Shazam! installments, still manage to incorporate darker twists. As heroes wrestle with their foes, the intensity of conflict often culminates in tragic conclusions. The following list exemplifies some of the darkest movie conclusions across both the MCU and DC universes.

10 Bruce Wayne’s Parents Die & Hell Breaks Loose

Joker (2019)

Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker struck a chord with audiences, amassing over $1 billion at the box office and becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film at the time. This dark origin story, chronicling the transformation of Arthur Fleck into one of DC’s most notorious villains, underscores the cruel realities of society that lead him to embrace chaos.

The unsettling climax occurs when Arthur, after committing heinous acts, inspires a violent mob to rise against the city. The brutal death of Bruce Wayne’s parents in front of him solidifies the Joker’s role in shaping Batman’s tragic upbringing.

9 Batman Has To Take The Fall For Harvey Dent

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight is heralded as one of the greatest superhero films, largely due to Heath Ledger’s unforgettable performance as the Joker. The film delivers a poignant message about morality and chaos, culminating in a profoundly dark ending.

Joker’s true aim isn’t to eliminate Batman or Harvey Dent; it’s to prove that Gotham’s heroes can be corrupted. Following the death of Rachel Dawes—an event intricately manipulated by the Joker—Bruce Wayne is faced with a harrowing choice. To protect Dent’s legacy, he assumes the responsibility for the tragedies that have befallen Gotham, reinforcing his role as the city’s misunderstood protector.

8 Peter Parker Is Left All Alone

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Spider-Man: No Way Home became a monumental success, uniting three iterations of Spider-Man in an emotional narrative that goes beyond mere spectacle. Tragically, the film’s climax is marked by a significant loss as Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin kills Aunt May, leading Peter Parker to make a heartbreaking decision.

In an attempt to protect the people he loves from the dangers of the multiverse, Peter chooses to erase all memories of himself from their lives. This choice plunges him into isolation, illustrating a dark turn in his journey as a hero.

7 Henry Cavill’s Superman Dies

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is notable for its heavy themes and emotional weight, making it one of the darkest entries in the DC film catalog. The film explores the conflict between two iconic heroes, culminating in a devastating showdown.

The death of Superman at the hands of Doomsday is a turning point that resonates with viewers, signifying not only a physical death but also a moral loss. The tragedy is compounded by Batman’s moment of realization regarding Superman’s humanity, further deepening the film’s emotional resonance.

6 Rorschach Is Killed To Maintain World Peace

Watchmen (2009)

Doctor Manhattan in Zack Snyder's Watchmen

Zack Snyder’s Watchmen adapted the acclaimed graphic novel into a film filled with moral ambiguity and complex characters. The conclusion reflects a grim reality where unethical decisions are made for the greater good.

The controversial ending sees Doctor Manhattan kill Rorschach to protect the grim truth behind Ozymandias’ actions from being revealed, highlighting the intricate balance between heroism and villainy. This ending solidifies the film’s bleak outlook on the human condition.

5 Iron Man And Captain America Fight

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Captain America fighting Iron Man in Civil War

In Captain America: Civil War, the conflict between two beloved heroes reaches a heartbreaking climax. The revelation that Bucky Barnes was responsible for the deaths of Tony Stark’s parents deepens the chasm between Iron Man and Captain America.

This emotional rift not only devastates their relationship but also serves as a poignant reminder of how war—in this case, ideological—can tear apart friendships forged in battle.

4 Superman Kills General Zod

Man of Steel (2013)

Man of Steel redefined Superman’s narrative, introducing moral complexity to a character long thought to be infallible. In a shocking turn of events, Superman breaks Zod’s neck, leading to a deep internal conflict about his identity and responsibilities as a hero.

This pivotal moment challenges conventional portrayals of Superman, positioning him against his own moral code and resulting in widespread debate over his actions.

3 Arthur Fleck Was Never The Real Joker

Joker: Madness for Two (2024)

In the follow-up to the acclaimed Joker, Joker: Folie à Deux delves deeper into Arthur Fleck’s psyche, suggesting that his narrative was tragically misdirected. This darker sequel culminates in a heartbreaking demise, where Arthur is betrayed and killed by an inmate who will eventually claim the mantle of the Joker, leaving audiences reflecting on the futility of his struggles.

2 Iron Man Dies To Save Everyone

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Avengers: Endgame is revered not just for its monumental scale, but for its emotional weight. As the culmination of over a decade of storytelling, the film concludes with the ultimate sacrifice made by Iron Man, who gives his life to save the universe.

Thus, the franchise closes the arc of its foundational hero in a heart-wrenching scene that forever marks his legacy. As he delivers the climactic snap, the final moments capture the profound loss felt by his friends and allies.

1 Thanos Kills Half Of The Universe

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War shocked audiences with its bold, dark conclusion, breaking the mold of traditional superhero fare where heroes always triumph. In a devastating twist, Thanos successfully wipes out half of all life in the universe, leaving the remaining heroes—and viewers—dazed and uncertain.

This heart-stopping conclusion transformed the narrative landscape, prompting reflections on loss, hope, and sacrifice as beloved characters perished in Thanos’s merciless quest for balance. The haunting finality of his success solidifies this moment as the darkest ending in superhero cinema.

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