Brief Summary
This video ranks the top 20 most successful, emotionally complete, and/or triumphant movie finales. The list includes iconic scenes from films like The Shawshank Redemption, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Rocky, The Truman Show, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Jaws, Knives Out, The Pursuit of Happyness, Predator, Heat, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Avengers: Endgame, Whiplash, Rudy, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Breakfast Club, Fight Club, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, The Dark Knight Rises, Gladiator, Goodwill Hunting, and The Usual Suspects.
- The video highlights the emotional impact of these endings, focusing on themes of redemption, hope, love, and triumph over adversity.
- The list includes a diverse range of genres, from action and adventure to drama and romance.
Avengers: Endgame - Captain America's Dance
The video begins with the ending of Avengers: Endgame, where Captain America, after returning the Infinity Stones, decides to stay in the past with Peggy Carter. The scene shows him growing old with Peggy and finally getting to dance with her, fulfilling a long-awaited dream. This ending provides a satisfying conclusion to both Avengers: Endgame and Captain America's story, offering a sense of closure and happiness.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Reuniting Despite Memory Loss
In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Joel and Clementine, after having their memories of each other erased, reunite and decide to give their relationship another chance. Despite their complicated past and the risks involved, they choose to embrace the uncertainty of the future, highlighting the enduring power of love and the importance of second chances.
Heat - Handshake of Respect
Heat features a tense and emotional finale where Lieutenant Vincent Hanna, after a long chase, finally corners the criminal Neil McCauley at LAX. Instead of a sensational ending, the film focuses on the emotional connection between the two men, who share a handshake as McCauley dies. This moment highlights the respect and understanding that can exist even between adversaries, showcasing the complexity of human nature.
Predator - Dutch Makes it to the Chopper
The ending of Predator sees Dutch, the last surviving member of a team of mercenaries, finally defeating the alien predator after a grueling battle in the jungle. The scene where Dutch is rescued by helicopter, while his friends did not survive, provides a sense of relief and triumph, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Pursuit of Happyness - Chris Gets the Job
The Pursuit of Happyness follows Chris Gardner's struggles as he navigates homelessness and poverty while pursuing an unpaid internship. The film culminates in a powerful scene where Chris, after months of hard work and perseverance, finally gets the job at the brokerage firm, securing a brighter future for himself and his son. This ending is both heartwarming and inspiring, showcasing the power of determination and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.
Knives Out - Marta Wins the Estate
In Knives Out, Marta Cabrera, an unlikely hero, helps Benoit Blanc solve a murder mystery and ultimately wins Harland Thrombey's estate. The ending highlights Marta's strength and resilience, showcasing her ability to outsmart the Thrombey family and secure her own future. This feel-good ending provides a satisfying conclusion to the film, leaving viewers with a sense of justice and hope.
Jaws - Brody Kills the Shark
Jaws culminates in a thrilling and suspenseful scene where Chief Brody, after a series of terrifying encounters with the great white shark, finally confronts and kills the creature. This explosive ending provides a sense of relief and closure, showcasing Brody's bravery and determination in protecting his town from the menacing predator.
Whiplash - Andrew's Drum Solo
Whiplash follows Andrew Neiman's journey to become a great musician under the tutelage of the demanding Fletcher. The film's climax sees Andrew, after enduring intense pressure and abuse, deliver a powerful and impressive drum solo, earning a place in the band. This ending is both tragic and triumphant, showcasing Andrew's talent and resilience while highlighting the dark side of ambition and the sacrifices one might make to achieve greatness.
Rudy - Rudy Gets to Play
Rudy tells the story of Rudy Ruettiger, a young man with a dream of playing football for Notre Dame. The film culminates in a heartwarming scene where Rudy, after years of hard work and determination, finally gets to play in a game for the team. This inspiring ending showcases the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing your dreams, no matter the obstacles you face.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two - Full Circle Moment
The final installment of the Harry Potter series ends with a time jump, showing Harry, Ron, and Hermione sending their own children off to Hogwarts. This full-circle moment, bringing the friends back to the iconic platform where their journey began, evokes a sense of nostalgia and closure, reminding viewers of the enduring power of friendship and the cyclical nature of life.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Tearful Farewell
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial ends with a poignant and emotional farewell between Elliot and his alien friend, E.T., as the latter prepares to return home. This heartbreaking scene, set to the iconic music of John Williams, highlights the bittersweet nature of goodbyes and the enduring power of friendship, leaving viewers with a sense of both sadness and hope.
The Breakfast Club - Don't You Forget About Me
The Breakfast Club follows a group of high school students who find common ground and form unexpected bonds during detention. The film ends with the students parting ways, but with a newfound understanding of each other and themselves. This hopeful ending, set to the iconic song "Don't You Forget About Me," emphasizes the importance of connection and the lasting impact of shared experiences.
Forrest Gump - Feather on the Wind
Forrest Gump ends with a poignant and bittersweet scene where Forrest, after a life filled with extraordinary experiences, reunites with his childhood friend Jenny, only to lose her to illness. The image of a feather blowing in the wind, symbolizing the fragility of life and the enduring power of love, leaves viewers with a sense of both sadness and hope.
Django Unchained - Dynamite Unleashed
Django Unchained culminates in a violent and cathartic scene where Django, after a harrowing journey to rescue his wife from slavery, returns to the plantation and blows it up with dynamite. This explosive ending, showcasing Django's strength and determination, provides a sense of justice and retribution, highlighting the fight for freedom and the enduring power of love.
The Silence of the Lambs - Hannibal's Escape
The Silence of the Lambs ends with Clarice Starling successfully capturing the serial killer Buffalo Bill, but also with Hannibal Lecter escaping from captivity. This ambiguous ending, leaving viewers with the unsettling knowledge that Lecter is still at large, adds a layer of suspense and intrigue, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Fight Club - Tyler's Revelation
Fight Club ends with the unnamed narrator discovering that Tyler Durden is actually a manifestation of his own fractured psyche. This shocking revelation leads to a violent climax where the narrator shoots himself, effectively killing Tyler. The ending, showcasing the destructive nature of internal conflict and the power of self-destruction, leaves viewers with a sense of both terror and fascination.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi - Vader's Redemption
The final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy ends with a climactic battle between Luke and his father, Darth Vader. The scene where Vader, after being tempted by the Emperor, chooses to protect Luke and kill his former master, showcases his redemption and the power of love. This ending, culminating in Vader's death and his return as a Force ghost, provides a sense of closure and hope, highlighting the possibility of redemption even for the most villainous characters.
The Dark Knight Rises - Alfred's Fantasy
The Dark Knight Rises ends with Batman seemingly sacrificing himself to save Gotham City. However, the film's final scene shows Alfred seeing Bruce Wayne alive and well in a cafe in Florence, suggesting that Batman may have survived. This ambiguous ending, leaving the possibility of Batman's return open, provides a sense of hope and closure, showcasing the enduring legacy of the hero.
Gladiator - Maximus's Death
Gladiator ends with Maximus, a former Roman general, defeating the corrupt Emperor Commodus in a duel. Although Maximus dies shortly after, his death is portrayed as a glorious and triumphant moment, allowing him to reunite with his family in the afterlife. This ending, showcasing Maximus's courage and determination, provides a sense of justice and peace, highlighting the importance of fighting for what is right.
Goodwill Hunting - Will's Pursuit of Happiness
Goodwill Hunting ends with Will Hunting, a talented genius, finally choosing to pursue his own happiness instead of running from potential pain. This bittersweet ending, showcasing Will's growth and his decision to embrace the unknown, leaves viewers with a sense of hope and optimism, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
The Usual Suspects - Verbal's Deception
The Usual Suspects ends with a shocking twist where Verbal Kint, a seemingly harmless witness, reveals himself to be the mastermind behind a series of crimes. This ingenious ending, pulling the rug out from under the audience, leaves viewers with a sense of disbelief and intrigue, showcasing the power of deception and the unreliability of perception.
The Matrix - Neo Flies Away
The Matrix ends with Neo, after a climactic battle with Agent Smith, achieving mastery over the Matrix and promising to free the remaining humans trapped within it. This hopeful ending, showcasing Neo's power and his commitment to fighting for freedom, leaves viewers with a sense of wonder and excitement, highlighting the possibilities of a world where anything is possible.
Groundhog Day - Phil's New Day
Groundhog Day ends with Phil Connors, after repeating the same day over and over again, finally breaking free from the time loop and finding happiness with his coworker, Rita. This heartwarming ending, showcasing Phil's transformation and his newfound appreciation for life, leaves viewers with a sense of joy and hope, highlighting the importance of personal growth and the power of love.
Casablanca - Rick's Farewell
Casablanca ends with Rick Blaine, after a series of romantic entanglements, choosing to let Ilsa go with her husband, Victor Laszlo. This heartbreaking farewell, showcasing Rick's selflessness and the enduring power of love, leaves viewers with a sense of both sadness and hope, highlighting the importance of sacrifice and the enduring nature of true love.
Rocky - Going the Distance
Rocky ends with Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer, going the distance against heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. Although Rocky loses the fight, he proves himself and earns the respect of both Creed and the audience. This inspiring ending, showcasing Rocky's determination and resilience, highlights the importance of self-belief and the power of perseverance.
The Truman Show - Truman Escapes
The Truman Show ends with Truman Burbank, after discovering that his entire life is a carefully controlled TV show, escaping from the confines of his world. This liberating ending, showcasing Truman's courage and his desire for freedom, leaves viewers with a sense of satisfaction and hope, highlighting the importance of breaking free from societal expectations and pursuing your own path.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - Sunset
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade ends with Indiana Jones and his father, after a quest for the Holy Grail, choosing to let it go and embrace life's adventures. This hopeful ending, showcasing the importance of family and the enduring spirit of adventure, leaves viewers with a sense of excitement and anticipation, highlighting the possibilities that lie ahead.
Citizen Kane - Rosebud
Citizen Kane ends with the revelation that Charles Foster Kane's last word, "Rosebud," was the name of his childhood sled. This poignant ending, showcasing the importance of childhood memories and the enduring power of nostalgia, leaves viewers with a sense of reflection and understanding, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the search for meaning in life.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Bow to No One
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ends with the defeat of Sauron and the return of peace to Middle-earth. The scene where Aragorn, the newly crowned king, bows to the hobbits, who played a crucial role in saving the world, showcases the importance of humility and the recognition of those who have made sacrifices. This satisfying ending, highlighting the triumph of good over evil and the power of unity, leaves viewers with a sense of hope and closure.
The Shawshank Redemption - Reunion
The Shawshank Redemption ends with Andy Dufresne, after a daring escape from prison, reuniting with his friend Red on a beach in Mexico. This heartwarming ending, showcasing the enduring power of friendship and the triumph of hope over adversity, leaves viewers with a sense of joy and satisfaction, highlighting the importance of human connection and the possibility of redemption.
