16 Movies With the Best Endings You’ve Ever Seen

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The movies we end up remembering, loving and quoting the most don’t always stick with us for the same reasons. Sometimes its a plot twist at the end, sometimes the memorable dialogue, sometimes the overall vibes or cinematography. Take a second to think about your most memorable movies. 

We’ve made a list of 15 movies, each memorable in some way; they’ll make you laugh, cry, or feel all the feels. Ready for a movie adventure where the last scenes have echoes that make you stop and think? Check out this list now! 

1. The Princess Bride (1987)

The 1987 comedy-adventure film The Princess Bride is a timeless fairy tale adventure directed by Rob Reiner. It follows the story of Princess Buttercup and her true love, Westley, as they go through many challenges—pirates, giants, and a cunning Sicilian!

Filled with wit, humor, and memorable characters like Inigo Montoya, the film combines romance and swashbuckling action. The best part? The ending perfectly blends love and humor and leaves audiences with a warm and satisfied feeling. It cleverly wraps up the story with a kiss, a reunion, and the promise of “happily ever after.” It truly is a magnificent film that makes you believe in true love!

2. The Thing (1982)

Who can ever forget the ending of John Carpenter’s The Thing? This chilling sci-fi horror masterpiece is just pure paranoia from start to finish as a shape-shifting alien infiltrates the crew

The film’s ending is also a masterstroke of ambiguity, leaving viewers haunted by uncertainty. The final scene, where survivors MacReady and Childs face an uncertain fate in the frozen wilderness, sparks endless debate about who might be the alien. It makes you question and guess the entire time, making it thought-provoking and unforgettable even after it ends.

3. The Usual Suspects (1995)

Are you a fan of extreme plot twists you’d never be able to guess? Try this riveting crime thriller and challenge yourself to guess the ending! A group of criminals thought they were involved in a simple heist, but they eventually find themselves entangled in a web of deception orchestrated by the mysterious Keyser Söze.

The brilliance of the ending lies in the unexpected twist, as the unreliable narrator, Verbal Kint, unveils his true identity. That revelation alone reshapes the entire narrative, showcasing a cleverly constructed plot that challenges perceptions. The film’s iconic twist ending has earned it a reputation as one of the best in cinematic history.

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4. Clue (1985)

Here’s a film that turns the classic board game into a hilarious murder mystery. Picture a grand mansion, a group of eccentric characters—Mrs. Peacock and Professor Plum—and a murder that sets the stage for a rollercoaster of wit and suspense.

But here’s the twist: Clue boasts not one but three different endings! Imagine the buzz in theaters as audiences experience a unique conclusion. The genius lies in the film’s interactive element, turning viewers into detectives and sparking endless debates about the ultimate whodunit.

5. The Mist (2007)

Did you know The Mist, a gripping horror film, is adapted from Stephen King’s novella? And it has one of the most brutal movie endings, too! Stranded in a supermarket, a group faces otherworldly creatures concealed in an eerie mist.

Now, about that ending—it’s a jaw-dropping gut punch that leaves you questioning everything. The twist challenges the characters and the audience, inviting deep contemplation about morality and the unknown. It’s not just an ending; it’s a conversation starter, a shocker that lingers in your mind, making The Mist a standout in the area of thought-provoking horror narratives.

6. Big Fish (2003)

If you want a heartfelt fantasy film centered on the complex relationship between a father and son, Big Fish is a must-see. The ending of this film is a tear-jerking masterpiece that brings all the fantastical elements into a poignant reality.

It prompts the audience into introspection about the power of storytelling, familial bonds, and the blending of truth and imagination. And the best part is that it invites viewers to reflect on their own life stories, making the film relatable. Overall, it’s definitely a soul-stirring finale that resonates long after the credits roll.

7. 12 Monkeys (1995)

This sci-fi thriller, in which time is both a canvas and a conundrum, bends the viewers’ minds as it twists and turns. James Cole is the name of a character sent back in time to stop a mass virus. While it sounds simple, time travel and a contagious virus do their work to make this film a mind-bending story where the storyline is hard to put into linear and understandable form.

Now, the ending is a head-scratcher where you’re left wondering what’s real and what’s not. The 12 Monkeys is like time travel for your brain—twists, turns, and a whole lot wondering what just happened?

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8. Field of Dreams (1989)

Imagine a cornfield, dreams, and a baseball diamond. In Field of Dreams (1989), Kevin Costner takes us on a journey where the ending isn’t just a finale; it’s a revelation. Without spoiling the magic, it’s a tearful, heart-soaring reunion that defies time and resonates with the power of belief. This isn’t your ordinary wrap-up—it’s a home run of emotions that’ll have you cheering through the tears. The film’s last inning is a heartfelt knockout punch you never saw coming.

9. Once Upon In a Time In Hollywood (2019)

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is a groovy journey through 1969 Hollywood, featuring the dynamic duo of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. Amidst the glitz, glamour, and Manson Family mayhem, the film captures the essence of a bygone era.

Now, the ending—it’s a Tarantino twist that rewrites history with style. Without giving too much away, it’s a cinematic rollercoaster that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew. It’s not just an ending; it’s a cinematic mic drop that leaves you with a grin and a whole bunch of questions.

10. Carrie (1976)

Let’s talk about how scary the original film Carrie (1976) and its ending are. The film delves into teen angst, bullying, and supernatural revenge. Now, the ending—it’s a jaw-dropping spectacle that’ll have you glued to the screen. Without spoiling, let’s just say prom night takes an unexpected turn with bloody revenge. If this is your first time watching any Carrie films, it will definitely give you a shock to the system that lingers in your mind. Beware; it will shiver down your spine.

11. Shutter Island (2010)

Shutter Island is one of those films that will really give you an intense psychological rollercoaster. Well, what else do you expect from Martin Scorsese? Leonardo DiCaprio plays a U.S. Marshal investigating a mysterious disappearance on an eerie psychiatric island. The atmosphere is tense, the plot is thick, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the ending hits you like a plot-twist tsunami. Get ready to be wowed, baffled, and left with a cinematic jaw-drop!

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12. Schindler’s List (1993)

Spielberg’s masterpiece, Schindler’s List is a powerful depiction of Oskar Schindler’s heroic efforts to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. The film grips your heart with its raw emotion and stunning cinematography. If you’ve already heard this film many times, it’s really good—not overrated.

It also has one of the greatest endings ever—truly a gut-wrenching, soul-stirring finale that leaves you breathless. The real-life survivors paying tribute to Schindler at his grave pack an emotional punch that resonates deeply. The ending transforms sorrow into an everlasting testament of hope and humanity. A must-watch!

13. Into the Wild (2007)

It is based on the true story of a young explorer, Chris McCandless, who upon graduation, donated his college fund and went out to explore America. Into The Wild is a story that explores how McCandles grapples with finding his place in society. What Emile Hirsch, playing McCandless, narrates from McCandles’ diary right before the end of the movie is heartbreaking and traggic.

14. Planet of the Apes (1968)

This sci-fi gem blends gripping storytelling, social commentary, and groundbreaking makeup effects. But here’s the kicker: the unforgettable twist at the end, the apocalyptic moment, sets this film apart from others in the franchise. It’s not just an ending; it’s a seismic revelation that reshapes the narrative.

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15. Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

Tim Robbins takes us on a journey as Jacob Singer, a Vietnam War vet who deals with some seriously spooky visions. The movie’s like a puzzle, blurring what’s real and what’s not. And the ending? It’s a mind-bending revelation that flips everything on its head. Get ready for a finale that’s thought-provoking and leaves you with that kind of spine-tingling feeling. 

16. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Starring Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongly convicted. The film is a journey of hope, friendship, and redemption. The ending is also legendary—specifically, the moment Andy breaks free and stands triumphantly in the rain. It symbolizes resilience and freedom. Get ready to cheer because The Shawshank Redemption isn’t just a movie; it’s an emotional rollercoaster with an ending that echoes long after the credits roll.

Explore these 15 movies with unforgettable endings—terrifying, tearful, and everything in between. Each film leaves a lasting impression, turning goodbyes into profound echoes.

 

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