10 Movie Characters Who Should've Died (But Didn't)

10. Batman - The Dark Knight Rises

No other series of comic book movies has paved the path to the death of a major superhero like The Dark Knight trilogy, which begins and ends with Christopher Nolan.

It was clear that neither director or star had any interest in continuing with Batman past their trilogy closer. Giving their Batman a clear and definitive arc, it could have culminated clearly and tidily with the heroic death of Batman, sacrificing himself for Gotham City.

It came close, too, with Batman presumed dead after running a ticking time bomb out of Gotham, and 'Robin' having taken over as his successor. But Nolan et al couldn't bring themselves to pull the trigger, and so Bruce survives for his happily ever after with Selina Kyle, enjoying a tasty cocktail in the sun. This ending may have cheered up poor old Alfred, but for the rest of us, it's a disappointing last-minute misstep.