Heroes who died but never left

Died on-screen snapping his fingers, and "I am Iron Man" is still the line the whole saga gets measured against.

His death at Marineford reshaped Luffy's entire character for the hundreds of episodes that followed.

Died mid-series, but his lessons keep echoing in Naruto's choices all the way to the finale.

Struck down by Vader, then spends the rest of the original trilogy guiding Luke as a voice from beyond.

Dies defending Merry and Pippin, and that redemption echoes through his brother and father's arcs for two more films.

Dies in the first act, but "remember who you are" carries Simba through the rest of the film.

Executed at the end of season one, and nearly every character's motivation traces back to his memory.

Died years before the story even starts, and the reveal of why he did what he did redefines the entire Uchiha arc.

Dies early in the Games, but her flower salute becomes the trilogy's symbol of quiet rebellion.

Falls through a veil in one scene, but his belief in Harry shapes every choice Harry makes afterward.