The Heartbreaking Demise: Ranking the Top 10 Saddest Deaths in Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer enjoyed a successful run of seven seasons, introducing talented actors who went on to have diverse and fruitful careers. The show not only spawned a popular spin-off series, Angel, but also a thriving comic book series that continues to engage Buffy fans.

Exciting news has recently been announced regarding the upcoming audio series, Slayers: A Buffy-verse Story. This highly anticipated project will reunite several original cast members, including James Marsters, Charisma Carpenter, and Anthony Head. Throughout the seven-season journey of the show, numerous characters met their demise in various ways, whether it be at the hands of vicious vampires or through natural causes. While Buffy the Vampire Slayer brought forth truly heart-wrenching deaths, certain losses resonate more deeply than others.

10 Jesse McNally

Jesse never had the chance to make a significant impact in the Buffy-verse as he met his demise in the pilot episode. His death was particularly poignant since he was counted among Xander's close circle of friends.

This marked the beginning of numerous fatalities that the group would encounter throughout the series. To compound the tragedy, Jesse not only lost his life, but he was also transformed into a chilling vampire before meeting his untimely demise once more.

9 Jonathan Levinson

Jonathan, a recurring character in the show, gradually grew in importance as the seasons progressed. His sole desire was to belong and be accepted by his peers, yet, unfortunately, he never achieved this aspiration.

Tragically, he met his demise at the hands of the First while endeavoring to unlock the Seal of Danzalthar. Jonathan embarked on a journey seeking redemption, but ultimately, he paid the ultimate sacrifice.

8 Kendra Young

The death of a slayer is always a difficult event to accept. Despite the fact that Buffy died and was revived twice, there is one slayer who never had the chance to return: Kendra Young, in the second season.

Kendra's emergence is a direct result of Buffy's temporary death at the end of season one. With a looming threat in Sunnydale, the world is in need of a slayer. Although Buffy has already returned, Kendra was already instructed to join the fight. She becomes a part of the group but tragically meets her end when Drusilla fatally slashes her throat. It would have been intriguing to explore Kendra's potential further, but her fate was sealed.

7 Jenny Calendar

The initial death that occurred during the second season of the show was particularly difficult to accept. Jenny Calendar, although flawed, held a special place in Giles' heart, and the audience grew to love her as well.

Jenny was on the brink of deciphering the spell to restore Angel's soul, a task of great importance. Furthermore, she and Giles were about to embark on a romantic relationship. The devastation experienced by Giles upon discovering her lifeless body at the hands of Angelus is unforgettable. Notably, Angelus didn't even think she was worthy of being fed upon; he simply ended her life by snapping her neck.

6 Anya Jenkins

Anya began her journey as a vengeance demon, but ultimately became an integral part of the Scooby gang. Despite her initial disdain towards humans, she experienced a profound transformation when she fell deeply in love with Xander.

Regrettably, her demise remains one of the most peculiar and melancholic moments in the series. Engaged in a fierce battle against the Harbingers, Anya tragically succumbed to a fatal blow inflicted by a sword plunged into her back. While her death portrayed her as a valiant hero, it was an unfortunate and avoidable loss.

5 Angel

Angel's death was brief, as he soon gained his own successful show which ran for five seasons. However, the audience was unaware of this outcome when Buffy plunged a sword into him, condemning him to hell. This event is regarded as one of the most intense break-ups in history, as Buffy proclaims her love, shares a last kiss, and sacrifices him in order to protect the world, subsequently altering the concept of vampires.

4 Spike

Spike's character development in the show was truly remarkable. Starting off as a menacing vampire in Sunnydale, he eventually transformed into the ultimate hero by the end. His departure in Buffy's final episode, though he took pleasure in it, left a bittersweet feeling for the loyal viewers who had followed his journey despite his rebellious nature.

Fans of the Buffy-verse received great news when Spike made a comeback in the fifth season of Angel. He brought comic relief and consistently challenged Angel's patience. Unfortunately, their happiness was cut short when Angel was unexpectedly canceled after Spike's first season as a regular.

3 Tara Maclay

Tara's character was intriguing as she often remained on the outskirts of the show. Despite initially being a guest star, she was later credited with a title, only to meet her unfortunate demise in the same episode. A tragic turn of events indeed.

Tara became an unintended target of a bullet intended for Buffy, fired by Warren Mears. This event had far-reaching consequences for the plot, triggering Willow's descent into darkness and ultimately leading her to become the primary antagonist.

2 Buffy Summers

Another death trick similar to Angel's in a previous season occurs to Buffy in the show. The introduction of the notable villain, Glory, in the fifth season added to the show's memorability. It seemed like Buffy had finally encountered her equal, and to some extent, she did.

Buffy's friends manage to defeat Glory, but at the cost of the show's protagonist. To close the dangerous portal, Buffy bravely leaps off a tower and sacrifices herself to save the world. When the show returned for its sixth season, it was evident that this was a significant retcon. However, during that time, fans were uncertain about the show's future, so it felt like a conclusion for many. Some fans argue that this would have served as a fitting end to the show.

1 Joyce Summers

The most heart-wrenching death in Buffy the Vampire Slayer was surprisingly not caused by a vampire or any other ruthless creature with intentions to conquer. It was the demise of Joyce, Buffy's mother. Despite her cancer appearing to be gone, she tragically passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm, leaving the Scooby gang in complete shock.

No monstrous creature or vampire could ever inflict the same level of devastation as discovering her lifeless mother on the couch did for Buffy. Aptly titled "The Body," this episode stands out as the most realistic and heartbreaking installment the show has ever created.