The 20 Most SHOCKING GTA Moments

20 Shocking GTA Moments

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we are juicing up angry parents of the gaming world by exploring 20 Shocking GTA Moments. This wasn’t a tough list to build, because whether it shocked players, parents, or the world, GTA has proven to be a controversial game for non gamers, and a gripping narrative for gamers. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

#20: Darko

“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008)

Grand Theft Auto IV has PLENTY of shocking moments, so expect to hear from it a LOT on this list. In a pivotal moment, when Darko (the man Niko has spent the entire narrative trying to find) is delivered to Niko, crippled and broken by years of substance abuse, players are confronted with a profound decision: whether or not to end his life. Opting to do so, Niko executes Darko with twelve deliberate shots, each representing a lost friend, a casualty of Darko's betrayal. This somber sequence stands out as one of the franchise's most emotionally intense moments. I for one, wish we could have added a couple extra bullets, just for a laugh.

#19: Full Frontal

“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008)

Remember when I said we’d see a lot of GTA IV? We'll eventually move on, but let’s keep going for now. Continuing their trend of pushing boundaries, Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and the Damned DLC introduced a unique form of nudity. However, it wasn't the typical glamorous portrayal. Instead, it centered around Tom Stubbs, a middle-aged Congressman. In a scene titled "Politics," Johnny encounters Stubbs at a massage parlor, where Stubbs delivers a speech while completely nude. Despite being the first game DLC to feature detailed male genitalia, it didn't generate the anticipated buzz. Which actually works in the game’s favor, as it remained a surprising moment, catching many off guard. It caught me off guard that’s for sure, but sometimes I catch myself off guard in the mirror so... Bad example.

#18: Ladies of the Night

“Grand Theft Auto III” (2001)

Now, we’re choosing to say Ladies of the Night so we don’t get demonetised... But I assume you all know what we’re referring to. Although it's now considered common knowledge, when GTA III initially launched, parents and guardians were genuinely taken aback by the game's portrayal of interactions with prost… Ladies of the night. Reflecting the gritty underworld of Liberty City, the game included these elements intentionally. Players could engage with certain scantily clad women, who would then enter the vehicle in exchange for payment. While there was no explicit nudity depicted in the crude animations, players were left to imagine what transpired inside the bouncing vehicle. Alarmingly, some discovered they could reclaim their money by simply running over the ladies with their vehicle after they exited. Not me! I would never… Okay I did it, but only for science.

#17: Trevor’s Lifestyle

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

Have you ever spent time around someone whose lifestyle is so upsettingly dark and depressing that it actually makes you sad? Well… Trevor. Trevor epitomizes the most extreme, destructive tendencies of a GTA character, amplified by his addiction to methamphetamine. While it’s easy to imagine what the lifestyle of a raging meth addict would be like, the reality is even more repulsive. His home is a decrepit trailer filled top to toe with mold, used syringes, condoms, pizza remnants, spoiled food, and empty beer cans. The walls serve as canvases for provocative posters, likely affixed with who-knows-what substance. Do you want to know what substance? Because I’ll spell it out to you. C... U… I’ll stop.

#16: Freedumb

“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008)

Niko Bellic shares similarities with CJ from San Andreas in terms of moral integrity. He too grapples with ethical dilemmas and occasionally confronts regret over his criminal deeds. One such regrettable act is likely the assassination of Aiden O'Malley during the "Tunnel of Death" mission. O'Malley, who believes he's escaped imprisonment after Niko intercepts his transfer, experiences a fleeting moment of freedom before meeting his demise. Witnessing the despair in O'Malley's eyes as his newfound liberty is brutally snatched away creates a poignant scene that is bound to weigh heavily on Niko's conscience.

#15: Executed

“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008)

You won't encounter many human beings on this planet as sanctimonious as Manny Escuela. Presenting himself as a reformed gangster, Manny dedicates himself to unveiling the illicit activities of the streets, under the reasoning of safeguarding children. Initially commendable, his true motive soon becomes apparent: fame. This realization tarnishes his image. Manny's relentless pursuit of celebrity ultimately leads to his downfall. When he and his cameraman Jay intrude into Elizabeta Torres' apartment, intending to expose her operations, Elizabeta, fueled by drugs and paranoia, swiftly eliminates them both with gunshots to the head. The suddenness of their demise leaves little room for processing their deaths, and it’s honestly one of Elizabeta’s finest moments. Boom, boom, bye.

#14: Head Banger

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

Grand Theft Auto V has its share of plot-driven ‘WOAH!’ moments, and one that stands out for me is the demise of LifeInvader CEO Jay Norris. Lester tasks Michael with a covert operation: infiltrating Lifeinvader headquarters under the guise of an employee. Locate a prototype phone, place a small device in it, and leave. The mission appears tame compared to typical Grand Theft Auto standards. However, the true severity unfolds post-mission. Michael's assignment extends beyond acquisition; he's instructed to watch Norris' press conference on TV and subsequently call a number. Following lengthy dialogue, the pivotal moment arrives: the phone detonates, instantly claiming Norris' life with a blast to the brain that belongs on a back alley gore death website. Wild stuff.

#13: Burying Alive

“Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” (2004)

For a GTA protagonist, the task of knocking down a portable toilet may seem routine. It's one part push, two parts run. However, the game takes a darker turn, escalating the activity with a beautiful dosing of death and looking the other way… Remember earlier when I said CJ and Niko share a similar moral balance?I’ve changed my mind. Instead of merely toppling the structure, players are compelled to bury the foreman alive in cement while he remains trapped inside the portable toilet. Among all the casualties and collateral damage caused by CJ, this unfortunate individual likely endures the most harrowing fate, facing a slow, suffocating, and odorous demise… Covered in poopy.

#12: Johnny Klebitz

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

Johnny, the formidable biker, was once revered as both a formidable foe and a captivating lead character. However, in the era of GTA V, it appeared as if Johnny underwent a profound transformation, emerging as an entirely different individual. The introduction of Trevor coincided with Johnny's unexpected appearance, immediately raising suspicions. It becomes evident that Johnny has succumbed to a severe methamphetamine addiction. His screen time is fleeting, lasting merely two minutes, culminating in a shocking and perplexing scene where Trevor violently assaults him, leaving audiences stunned by the abrupt twist of fate. It was shocking to see how quickly a fan favorite could disappear, driving home how terrifying Trevor actually is.

#11: Bye Bye Dom

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

Who would have thought a simple "Strangers and Freaks” mission would hide such a shocking moment? Not me! These missions serve as a gateway to various eccentric personalities, engaging players in interactive encounters that often unfold into intriguing narratives. Among these personas is Dom Beasley, an adrenaline enthusiast who crosses paths with Franklin during the game. Dom's ventures range from dirt biking to skydiving, showcasing his fearless spirit. Yet, just when you believe he has mastered it all, Dom meets a tragic end, plunging off the Land Act Dam without a parachute. I mean... That’ll do it.

#10: Hot Coffee

“Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” (2004)

"Hot Coffee" is the colloquial term for a mini-game originally intended to be inaccessible within Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. That was until modders found the files hidden within the game's data, and created one of the more controversial GTA moments we’ve seen. This controversial feature depicted a roughly animated sexual encounter between the protagonist, Carl Johnson, and one of his romantic partners. The name "Hot Coffee" stemmed from the concept that the mini-game would commence when CJ's girlfriend invited him inside for a cup of coffee. A little Netflix and chill, if you will.

#9: Molly Schultz Death

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

Molly's demise in GTA V is shockingly brutal. In a frantic chase, Michael pursues her as she flees onto the airport runway. In a tragic accident, Molly veers directly into the path of a jet engine, instantly being shredded into pieces by the powerful turbines. The scene unfolds in a horrifying display of violence, leaving players stunned by the sudden and graphic end to Molly's character. Graphic? Yep. Shocking? You betcha.

#8: Floyd and Debra

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

Uh oh... Trevor is back. After crashing the home of Floyd and Debra, an admittedly awful couple, yes, but generally innocent law abiding people, Trevor faces them finally, and violently. As tensions escalate, what initially appears as a routine domestic disagreement quickly spirals into a tense standoff in the living room, involving Floyd, Debra, and Trevor. Trevor, visibly displeased, reaches a breaking point. The scene abruptly fades to black, leaving viewers in suspense. Moments later, Trevor emerges from the apartment, stained with Floyd and Debra's blood, leaving audiences bewildered by the sudden turn of events and questioning the outcome of the intense confrontation.

#7: Louise Cassidy-Williams

“Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories” (2006)

Most people you encounter in the Grand Theft Auto universe are heightened versions of the worst of humanity. And, in a world filled with unsavory characters, Louise stood out as someone deserving of empathy. As a single mother striving to provide for herself and her baby, she garnered sympathy from players. However, when she falls victim to Jerry Martinez's kidnapping, her fate takes a bleak turn. The next time we encounter Louise, she lies battered and wounded on the floor, pleading with Vic to ensure the welfare of her child before it's too late. This shocking moment is devoid of comedic overtones, or any light-hearted relief. It’s brutal and shocking, and hard to forget.

#6: Cuban-Haitian Gang Wars

“Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” (2002)

In November 2003, civil rights organizations representing Cuban-American and Haitian-American communities in Florida publicly denounced Vice City. They argued that the game encouraged violence against immigrants from these nations. Initially, Rockstar Games, headquartered in New York City, stood firm. However, former New York City Mayor Bloomberg's statement changed the course. He condemned the game, stating, "This type of hate has no place in our City." Consequently, Vice City was withdrawn for modifications. Mayor Bloomberg urged the Human Rights Commission to halt its investigation until the game was revised, emphasizing the importance of repairing relations with the vibrant Haitian community.

#5: Trevor’s Death

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

Following the final heist in the game, Franklin faces a pivotal decision: to eliminate Trevor, Michael, or their betrayers. Opting for the latter is often deemed the preferred outcome. However, choosing Trevor's demise results in one of the series' most harrowing deaths. After an intense car pursuit, Michael deliberately collides with Trevor's vehicle, sending it careening into a gas tanker. Grievously wounded and soaked in gasoline, Trevor futilely crawls, berating his former allies for their treachery. Finally, Franklin or Michael ignites the gas, incinerating Trevor as he writhes in agonizing torment.

#4: The Red Wedding

“Grand Theft Auto IV” (2008)

Not only is this one of the more shocking moments in GTA history, but one of the saddest, too. In the mission "One Last Thing," Niko faces a pivotal decision: to accept a deal with Dimitri Rascalov or reject it. Each choice leads to one of two outcomes: Roman's death or Kate's death following Roman's wedding. Both fatalities occur abruptly, undoubtedly shocking players unaware of the potential consequences. Despite ultimately achieving revenge, Niko is left with a bitter outcome regardless of the path taken. This scenario stands as a poignant example of the impact of choice-driven storytelling in video games, resonating as one of the most compelling instances of multiple endings.

#3: Killing Michael

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

Among all the characters in GTA 5, Michael emerges as one of the most internally conflicted yet ultimately sympathetic figures. His humor is perfectly balanced with gripping gravitus. This complexity likely dissuaded many players from selecting the final mission option of killing him. However, for those who did opt for this path, the experience proved intense. Franklin, whom Michael views as a surrogate son, is tasked with carrying out the grim deed. Despite the emotional stakes, Michael submits to his fate without much resistance, meeting a tragic end. Even if players have a change of heart at the eleventh hour, the outcome remains unchanged, as Michael resigns himself to his perceived betrayal by Franklin.

#2: The Green Sabre

“Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” (2004)

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has a narrative that truly blows up, expanding beyond the homegrown vibe it begins with. After beginning the game bonding with your former gang members, we move into a pivotal moment within GTA San Andreas. CJ uncovers a monumental betrayal among the Grove Street Families during "The Green Sabre" mission. Shockingly, the traitor is none other than Big Smoke (his mentor and guide), revealing a betrayal far greater than CJ anticipated. Not only did Smoke betray Grove Street, but he also committed the heinous act of murdering CJ, Sweet, and Kendl's mother, the revered matriarch of Grove Street.

#1: Playable Torture

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

In Grand Theft Auto V, players assume the role of Trevor, tasked with extracting information from Mr. K regarding an Azerbaijani fugitive who poses a threat to the FBI. For those unfamiliar with GTA's satirical take on American culture, it's important to note that the game often delves into societal commentary. Unfortunately, this mini-game highlights a disturbing reality: the torture techniques utilized by Trevor are reminiscent of methods still employed by the FBI to interrogate prisoners today.