15 Most Epic Last Stands In Movie History

4. "Superman" - The Iron Giant

The Iron Giant Superman
Warner Bros.

After government agent Kent Mansley (Christopher McDonald) recklessly orders a missile strike on the Iron Giant (Vin Diesel) that will also destroy the surrounding town and everyone in it, the Giant selflessly flies into space to intercept the missile safely away from Earth.

As he approaches the missile, young Hogarth's (Eli Marienthal) earlier words repeat in his mind, "You are who you choose to be", before he deems himself to be "Superman", closes his eyes and collides with the missile, exploding and saving the town.

An emotionally devastating finale to an animated classic, the blow might be softened a little by the Giant coming back to life at the end, but in the moment, it's still a beautiful, unforgettable sacrifice.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.