10 Times Comic Book Movies Made Us Cry

For as much is said about the Dark Knight, people don't take into account the emotional toll it has on the viewer. The film may already be given heaps of praise by fans and critics alike, but the phenomenal performances by Heath Ledger and Christian Bale make you forget that you're watching two actors on screen. Beyond the clever fight scenes and amazing dialogue, the real heart of the film comes in the form of Rachel Dawes.

Though we had gotten to know Rachel in Batman Begins, her role in this film acts as a shred of hope for Bruce, as if she is the one person who can save him from his vigilante persona. However, the tables turn a bit once Joker captures Harvey Dent and Rachel, leaving Batman with only enough time to save one of them.

While Rachel ends up dying in an explosion, the letter that she leaves for Bruce is much more emotional than any onscreen death could have been. As the fallout ensues onscreen, Dawes explains to Bruce that she plans to marry Harvey, subsequently killing any potential for Bruce to have a normal life again.

Instead of breaking his heart further, Alfred recovers the note only to burn it to spare Bruce those feelings. While Batman gets his happy ending at the closing of the trilogy, this moment made it feel as though he was doomed forever to sacrifice his humanity for his superhero mantle.