11 Movies That Absolutely Nailed Their Final Scene, And 11 That Tripped Over The Finish Line
1.The ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) left some fans feeling bleh:
"Here's how it should've ended:
Old Lady: What's your name?
Rey: I'm Rey. Rey Palpatine.
Old Lady: Palpatine? But that was the name of the guy who committed two galaxy-wide genocides! Are you saying you're related to him?!
Rey: Yes, but bloodlines...aren't important.
THE END."
2.But fans thought the ending of Rogue One (2016) kicked all kinds of butt:
"That Darth Vader scene was freaking amazing!"
3.The ending of Glass (2019) was a twist no one wanted:
"Someone spoiled the ending for me before I even had a chance to see it, and I was still disappointed. Still, Unbreakable is one of my favorite movies."
4.But the twist in Us (2019) left viewers satisfied (and scared):
"This one has a really interesting ending. It makes you really wonder who the real villain is — Red or Adelaide?"
5.DC fans felt the third act of Wonder Woman (2017) was a little lackluster:
"The first two acts were really good, and then everything fell apart in a terrible final battle sequence."
6.But they truly believe nothing can top the end of The Dark Knight (2008):
"The swell of the music underneath Jim Gordon's monologue — there's something about that that stays in your head."
7.Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) left fans of the franchise confused and let down:
"The very last moment of this? Like, hey, let's upheave tons of established lore in the last 30 seconds! The fuck was that?!"
8.Whereas Avengers: Infinity War (2018) left fans of the franchise energized:
"As frustrating and devastating as it was for the entire fandom, that ending scene was incredible."
9.Disney lovers despise the end of Toy Story 4 (2019)
"Woody turned his back on literally everything he stood for during the entire series. The whole movie, he was fighting to get back to his friends, and then he just decides to leave in the last 5 minutes?"
10.But adore the final moments of The Lion King (1994):
"Simba slowly walking up Pride Rock as the majestic 'King of Pride Rock' score plays, and Mufasa appearing one last time to say 'Remember...' before Simba roars as the new king. Then the transition to some time later when the land is healthy again and Simba and Nala’s cub is being presented as a chorus sings a triumphant reprise of 'Circle of Life'? Pure perfection."
11.The finale to La La Land (2016) left romantics feeling down:
"I was so mad when they were together for a bulk of the movie and then split up in the future sequence. It ruined everything that the movie was building up to and it broke my heart."
12.While the ending of Moonlight (2016) is positively sublime:
"This one had an amazing ending. It left me in such an emotional state of mind. Chiron saying, 'You were the only man that ever touched me. I haven’t really touched anyone since,' brought tears to my eyes. And then baby Chiron on the beach, under the moonlight, looking at the camera was perfect. I’m emotional just typing it."
13.The ending to Hereditary (2018) was a bit too much for some horror fans:
"It would have been one of the best horror movies ever had the last 20 minutes been shaved off."
14.But the ending of Scream (1996) was iconic:
"That final shot with Courteney Cox giving her Gale Weathers 'Exclusive Eyewitness Account' newscast with the police in the background as the camera cranes upward to face the rising sun to the tune of Moby's 'First Cool Hive' playing in the background...biiiiitch, chills. SO ICONIC."
15.The decision at the end of Mamma Mia (2008) had some viewers displeased:
"I hate the ending. The entire movie relates to the impending marriage of the young couple. The setting for the wedding is incredibly beautiful. Then, at the alter, they ditch the vows and decide to just live together? COWARDS!"
16.But Mammas (and daughters) everywhere loved the ending of Lady Bird (2017):
"When she calls her mother and talks about how emotional she felt when driving around Sacramento? It was so perfect. It gives me chills just thinking about it."
17.Sci-Fi and romance fans hated the ending of Passengers (2016):
"It could have been an amazing sci-fi movie where Jennifer Lawrence was forced to make the same decision Chris Pratt did...but instead they went the 'happily ever after' route."
18.But loved the last scene of Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012):
"This is probably an unpopular opinion, but when I think of great endings — it's this one. Not only was it poetic, romantic, and beautiful, it also changed how I viewed life and love. It affected me deep down and I will carry some small piece of that film with me for the rest of my life...so yeah, I think it's an award-worthy ending."
19.And speaking of "romance," fans of the genre thought the end of The Other Woman (2014) was a bit much:
"Solid movie until the last five minutes when they essentially made the man a cartoon villain? Crashing through the glass walls, dialogue, etc instead of leaving it at “you’re broke and single now!” It’s always ruined the last bit of the movie for my husband and myself.
20.But can't deny the sheer perfection that is the final moments of Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019):
"This had the best ending to any film I’ve ever seen. It was truly a remarkable way to end the film, and Adele Haenel’s performance in the scene should have gotten her an Oscar all on its own. I was truly disoriented after I left the theater. That ending sat with me for WEEKS after."
21.And finally, nerds everywhere could've done without the ending of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008):
"I was so excited to finally have another Indiana Jones movie and then...ALIENS? Seriously?"
22.But worship the finale scene(s) in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) — all "45" of them:
"What about these endings? All 45 of them?! LOL. Seriously though, it's a perfect film."
Well, you've read their picks, but now it's your turn! What's an ending scene in a movie that you love? How about one you can't stand? Share all of your thoughts in the comments below!
Some responses were edited for length and/or clarity.
