16 Movies With Amazing Endings That Had Viewers Relishing The Moment
Making a great film is not an easy task, but even if a filmmaker gets almost everything right, it all comes down to one thing: the ending. How will you let the fans out of your story?
What do you want them to remember as they leave the cinema, and what emotion do you want to leave with them? Getting all of this across while also winding up your story can be difficult, and the ending is very often more of a footnote than anything else—not as captivating as what came before.
However, only a few films are able to elevate the conclusion to new heights, providing a final scene or shot that viewers are unable to shake off easily. This could be a brilliant visual idea that taps into the movie’s conceptual throughline, or it could be an excitingly ambiguous note that leaves a fraction of the conclusion up to the audience.
There’s one reason why great and satisfying endings are so memorable: they don’t happen very often. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites from cinema history, which range from the tearful to joyful to delightfully twisted, but they all have one thing in common: they’re unforgettable.
Take a look at the best movie endings of all time. Enjoy!
1. When Mia and Sebastian didn't end up together at the end of La La Land
"When there's a 'happy ending,' it almost stresses me out more and makes me ask, 'Why can't I have that? Why does everyone seem to be happy but me?' The hyper-realistic ending, one the audience can actually relate to, provides great comfort for me. Anyone else?"
Summit Entertainment2. The end of 'Gone with the Wind' when Scarlett vows to protect Tara and stand up for herself
"It closes on a beautiful sunset with her glancing out at the world."
MGM3. In 'Me Before You' when Will goes through with his original plan, despite falling for Lou
"Will helped Lou realize some of her dreams, and he gave her the confidence she needed. There is sort of a 'happily ever after,' but it's not the Disney movie-esque, riding into the sunset type of ending."
New Line Cinema4. When Guy buys Girl a piano in the 'Once' movie, despite going their separate ways
"It's a still, quiet ending. Everything is communicated with a few strums of the guitar and slow cuts between shots. It's so heavy and emotional that it's difficult to imagine the need for any dialogue at the end. It's just right as-is."
Fox Searchlight / Courtesy Everett Collection5. In 'Lady Bird' ending when Christine leaves her mom a voicemail describing how she felt the first time she drove around Sacramento
"I always tear up. The ending is *chef's kiss.*"
IAC Films6. When Thanos won in Avengers: Infinity War
"I know half of the universe disappeared, but it was the first time that I truly felt like the stakes were high. Plus, I knew there would be a Part 2 where they would most likely try to bring back everyone, so that made this ending even better!"
Marvel Studios7. In 'Stranger Than Fiction' when Karen rewrote her novel ending and spared Harold's life
"I think the movie got slept on because most people expect Will Ferrell to always be silly, but it’s a smart and interesting film with a happy ending that is thoroughly earned."
Mandate Pictures8. Andy and Red reuniting in Zihuatanejo in 'The Shawshank Redemption'
"Andy escapes, the warden gets his, the prison guard captain weeps when arrested, and Red gets parole. Then, Andy and Red reunite as best friends."
Castle Rock Entertainment
9. When Veronica watches as JD blows himself up in 'Heathers' ending
"I loved how Veronica went back to her usual self at the end and asked Martha to watch movies with her on prom night."
New World Pictures
10. 'But I'm a Cheerleader' ending when Megan and Graham got together
"Then, Megan's parents, who were anti-gay at the start of the movie, are shown going to a PFLAG meeting to learn how to come to terms with the fact that Megan is gay."
Lionsgate
11. The heist that was pulled off in Ocean's 8
"Then, you learn that there was a second heist! Also, the cast is *chef's kiss.*"
Warner Bros.
12. Elle giving her graduation speech at the end of Legally Blonde
"Warner is unsuccessful. Elle graduates quite successfully. Paulette and Kyle are together. Emmett supposedly proposes to Elle that night. To top it all off, they end the movie with the song it started with. It made me happy."
MGM
13. Everybody having their moment at the end of Lord of the Rings
"Moan about it all you want, but Lord of the Rings ends perfectly. People always say it has too many endings, but they just aren't used to seeing so many plots wrap up in such a fulfilling way. Aragorn is crowned king and is betrothed to Arwen. The Hobbits are recognized, not only for their sacrifice, but for their value and impact on the entirety of Middle Earth. Frodo is changed forever by the events of the story, but is honored for his actions. Sam returns home — the past behind him — ready for a life with his obligation fulfilled. Life goes on. It's the end of an age."
New Line Cinema
14. Andy giving his toys to Bonnie in 'Toy Story 3' ending
"The ending beautifully portrayed what it means to grow up. Woody saying, 'So long, partner,' always gets me."
Pixar
15. 'Dead Poets Society' ending when the boys stand on their desks saying, 'O Captain! My Captain!
"Anyone who says they don't get chills is a liar."
Touchstone Pictures
16. In 'Promising Young Woman' when Cassie's plan comes through
"All the scumbags got what was coming to them!"
FilmNation Entertainment
The best and most satisfying endings stay with you long after you leave the cinema, and in some cases, they move you to keep rewatching that ending part. You feel so deeply connected to the characters and the story being told on the screen that you feel as if you were there with them.
Which of the movie endings on our list do you enjoy the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
