10 Most Memorable Death Scenes In Horror Films

"Come, it is time to keep your appointment with the Wicker Man."

Sergeant Howie's death scene in The Wicker Man is, hands down, the most shocking and powerful death in horror movie history, and possibly the genre's greatest ever ending. Even for those of us who saw the big reveal coming a mile off (as most of us likely did), it was no less gut-wrenching to watch the look of realisation grow on Howie's face when he finally understands exactly what's in store for him.

There isn't much that is scarier than a community of people committing evil acts in the name of their faith. The islanders merrily joining hands around the burning, sacrificial vessel, singing their pagan songs over the sound of Howie bellowing his Christian hymns, and subsequently his pained screams, is an unbearably bleak ending to a fantastic film.

Edward Woodward yelling "Oh God... Oh, Jesus Christ!" as he is being dragged up the hill, the imposing Wicker Man slowly coming into view, is a terrific piece of acting which leaves the viewer feeling utterly helpless on his behalf. Admittedly, Howie is an insufferably annoying protagonist throughout the film, arrogantly unaccepting of any faith or way of life that contradicts his own.

However, to see him desperately trying to maintain a front of fearlessness, his faith unfaltering as his desperation mounts, leaves us genuinely devastated when he is killed.