10 Movie Endings That Outshine Their Book Counterparts

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Cinema is a form of art that’s been around for approximately a century, making it relatively new compared to literature which is one of the oldest forms of art. For millennia, literature has provided entertainment to countless individuals. There’s an abundant source of stories, many with dedicated fan bases. This wealth of tales serves as a great resource for Hollywood. Over time, movie studios have purchased the rights to numerous novels, translating their narratives and characters from the written page to the silver screen, even though adaptations don’t always adhere strictly to the original words.

In many instances, Hollywood alters or deviates from the original story in films based on books, particularly the ending. This change can range from minor adjustments to significant rewrites. The reasons for these modifications could be due to the perceived unsuitability of the book’s ending for screen adaptation, or simply because filmmakers think they can create a more compelling conclusion. Occasionally, the movie ending may fall short in comparison to the novel, leaving its ardent followers displeased. However, on occasion, the movie ending manages to surpass the novel’s finale, offering a more satisfying resolution.

These ten movies offer endings that are more impactful, fitting, or unforgettable compared to the original books on which they’re based.

10
‘Fight Club’ (1999)

The groundbreaking debut novel “Fight Club”, penned by Chuck Palahniuk, left quite a mark, largely due to the cinematic interpretation by director David Fincher. Both the book and the movie share the same basic plot. Dissatisfied with the superficial and monotonous lifestyle, an anonymous protagonist (played by Edward Norton) forms an underground fight club in companionship with his nonconformist friend, Tyler Durden (portrayed by Brad Pitt). However, their conclusions diverge substantially.

Following Tyler’s defeat in the movie, the injured storyteller and his romantic companion, Marla (portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter), remain standing, intertwining their fingers, as they observe Tyler’s explosives detonate, leveling numerous credit-card company headquarters. A truly memorable scene.

In the novel, instead of attacking multiple credit card firms, the protagonist, Tyler, chooses a museum as his target, but fortunately, no explosion occurs. Afterward, the narrator takes his own life in a manner similar to the film version. However, he later wakes up in a psychiatric facility, where he has an unusual dialogue with what appears to be God. The staff at this institution are secret members of Tyler’s domestic terrorism group, Project Mayhem, who had been anticipating his arrival. Overall, it offers a less optimistic conclusion compared to the movie, but many find that the film delivers a more satisfying ending.

9
‘Jaws’ (1975)

Drawing inspiration from the 1974 novel, the film titled Jaws unfolds in a New England coastal community besieged by a colossal, flesh-eating great white shark. Eager to quell its rampage, an unlikely group is formed, consisting of Martin Brody (portrayed by Roy Scheider), Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), and the unconventional shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw). In essence, it can be likened to Moby Dick, and it nearly ended with a climax reminiscent of that classic tale as well.

In the book version, the shark is depicted as killing Hooper inside an underwater cage, but in reality, it dies from harpoon wounds. This ending seems a bit underwhelming, doesn’t it? However, director Steven Spielberg opted for a more thrilling conclusion in the movie, and I’m grateful he did! Watching the shark’s head explode was definitely a lot more exhilarating and satisfying, don’t you agree?

8
‘Hannibal’ (2001)

In 1991, the film “The Silence of the Lambs” was derived from Thomas Harris’ novel of the same title. Following the immense success of this Academy Award-winning movie, Harris felt motivated to create a sequel for his book. The outcome was “Hannibal”, published in 1999. Interestingly enough, this story was later brought to the big screen in 2001 by director Ridley Scott. Scott made certain adjustments to the original source material – and I’m glad he did so.

In the novel’s climax, Mason Verger, the story’s villain, met a gruesome and implausible demise. To fully grasp it, you should read up on it. What makes this worse is that the tale concludes with Hannibal Lecter, a notorious cannibal, and Clarice Starling, an FBI agent who pursued him initially, in a romantic entanglement. Incredibly, this twisted romance was featured in the original book. Fortunately, the movie version omitted most of this, instead ending with Hannibal (Anthony Hopkins) and Clarice (Julianne Moore) not sharing a relationship and Hannibal once more escaping capture.

7
‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)

According to Matthew Quick’s first novel, Silver Linings Playbook is a blend of drama and comedy directed by renowned filmmaker David O. Russell. The story centers around Pat Solitano, who yearns for reconciliation with his former spouse after spending time in a psychiatric facility. However, complications arise when he encounters Tiffany, a widow dealing with her own issues. The movie and the book delve into themes of romance and mental health, presenting an honest portrayal of relationships that encompasses both their charming and challenging aspects.

In the book, Tiffany falsifies letters from Pat’s former spouse and persuades him to join a dance contest, leading him to believe she would be present. However, his ex-wife does not show up, and later, Tiffany admits to the deception. The story concludes with them reconciling after a few weeks on a frozen football field in a touching scene. Readers were surprised when the movie ending deviated from this, as in the film, Pat discovers the letters are fake and his ex-wife actually attends the dance competition. But instead of staying with her, he declares he’s moving forward and chases after Tiffany.

6
‘The Mist’ (2007)

In the chilling tale penned by Stephen King, titled “The Mist“, we find ourselves following David (Thomas Jane) and his child, who find themselves ensnared within a local grocery store alongside other townsfolk. The reason for their captivity? An enigmatic fog has descended upon their town, concealing horrifying, supernatural beings that pose a lethal threat. As the story unfolds, David, his son, and a small group of survivors manage to escape in a vehicle, venturing deeper into the seemingly unending mist.

In King’s novel, the story concludes with David and his companions intercepting a radio message containing the word “Hartford,” suggesting there may be other survivors alive. This ending is left open-ended, as the group sets off into the fog, presumably heading towards Hartford. Contrary to expectation from Stephen King’s work, this finale carries a hopeful and optimistic tone. Unfortunately, the movie adaptation lacks any semblance of positivity altogether.

In despair, believing the fog was eternal and the world was lost, David fired the final four rounds from his gun, taking the lives of the other passengers in the car – among them, his own son. Exhausting his ammunition, David exited the vehicle into the mist, ready to face death. However, what he thought would be an act of mercy turned into a chilling nightmare when the American military arrived shortly after, dispersing the fog. In the end, it was clear that David’s selfless actions were in vain. Even Stephen King, known for his dark storytelling, found this conclusion grim. While the ending sparked divided opinions among readers, Stephen King himself expressed a preference for the movie’s ending over his original one.

5
‘The Godfather’ (1972)

The Godfather is often hailed as one of the most outstanding movies ever produced, an artistic triumph. Derived from Mario Puzo’s top-selling novel, it portrays the Corleone crime clan as they navigate a power struggle in 1940s New York. The Godfather largely mirrors Puzo’s book, but their conclusions vary somewhat. In the book, Kay acknowledges that her husband, Michael Corleone, has transformed into a criminal overlord and seeks solace in church to pray for his spirit.

In the movie, it’s not shown otherwise. At a distance, Kay (portrayed by Diane Keaton) observes Michael (Al Pacino) within his office. A number of high-ranking gangsters are present, bowing to Michael’s ring and addressing him as Don Corleone, demonstrating his status as the dominant mob boss in New York City. At this moment, both Kay and the audience grasp the reality of Michael’s position. One of the gangsters subsequently shuts the door on a forlorn, tearful Kay, isolating her from their world and plunging her into darkness. This chilling conclusion is one of the most impactful final shots in cinematic history.

4
‘The Shining’ (1980)

According to Stephen King’s famous novel titled “The Shining,” this film is often hailed as one of the best and most impactful horror productions ever created. Essentially, it follows a familiar tale of a haunted hotel: a family finds themselves in the deserted Overlook Hotel, inhabited by spectral twins and vengeful elderly women. However, the father, Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson), gradually succumbs to madness and considers harming his own loved ones – not exactly an extraordinary plotline.

In Stephen King’s book, Jack manages to reclaim his mind from the influence of the Overlook Hotel and encourages his son to flee. In a tragic turn, Jack ends his own life by brutally attacking his own face and skull with a hammer. The Overlook Hotel takes possession of Jack’s lifeless body and continues its pursuit of his family. However, the hotel is destroyed when its boiler explodes due to instability, effectively eliminating all its ghostly inhabitants. The novel concludes in the subsequent summer, with Jack’s family and the hotel’s chef, Hallorann, still alive and recovering. Once again, King provides an unexpectedly optimistic ending.

In Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s work, he made certain changes that distinguished it from the original story, which King found unsettling. Notably, Jack Torrance, portrayed by Scatman Crothers as Hallorann, is killed by Jack himself and never recovers or atones for his actions. His family manages to flee to safety, leaving Jack’s frozen body on the hotel grounds. The Overlook Hotel, along with its spectral inhabitants, remains undisturbed, poised to haunt future visitors. This dark conclusion aligns more closely with typical horror storytelling. However, there’s more:

* In the film, Jack Torrance, instead of merely trying to kill his family, actually kills Hallorann and never regains control of his mind or redeems himself. His wife and child manage to escape to safety, leaving only Jack’s frozen corpse on the hotel grounds.
* The Overlook Hotel, along with all its ghostly inhabitants, remains undamaged and ready to terrorize new guests. This grim ending is more characteristic of horror movies.
* Additionally, Stephen King was reportedly displeased with Kubrick’s adaptation due to these creative differences.

At last, the scene shifts as the camera focuses closely on an antique photograph displayed in one of the hotel’s hallways. This image, dated 1921, captures Jack Torrance at its center, beaming broadly. As the credits roll, viewers are left pondering: Is this photo a composite of all the souls that the Overlook Hotel has taken throughout history? Or could it be that Jack has repeatedly served as the hotel’s caretaker—reborn or returning through time and again? The intriguing ambiguity in The Shining‘s ending has sparked endless discussion, cementing its place among the most thought-provoking and enduring conclusions in film history.

3
‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)

Jurassic Park is a cinematographic marvel derived from Michael Crichton’s 1990 science fiction novel. The story revolves around a team of scientists who are invited to visit a genetically engineered zoo, where a wealthy entrepreneur has brought back dinosaurs from the Jurassic period. Crichton’s book concludes with a bleak scenario marked by numerous deaths, including those of Ian Malcolm and John Hammond. The novel also suggests that some dinosaurs may have survived the island’s destruction and could potentially be reintroduced to Earth’s environment.

In my perspective, Steven Spielberg’s ending for Jurassic Park carries a more optimistic and even beautiful tone. Unlike the original storyline, Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) survives, and instead of the island being destroyed, it is abandoned, home to the dinosaurs. John Hammond (Richard Attenborough), too, makes it through to the end. The idea of Hammond meeting his demise at the hands of his own creations has a certain poetic touch, but I personally find a more fitting conclusion for him to survive. This would allow him the opportunity to reflect on the failed endeavor of his park and the scientific experiment he initiated.

2
‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)

Under the guidance of director Robert Zemeckis, the movie “Forrest Gump” became a beloved tale in the 1990s. This film skillfully combines significant events from 20th-century American history with the heartwarming life story of Forrest Gump, portrayed by Tom Hanks in an exceptional performance. What many may not know is that “Forrest Gump” originated as a novel by Winston Groom. However, the book’s plot takes a very different turn. After rekindling his relationship with Jenny (played by Robin Wright), Forrest discovers they have a son together. He then dedicates himself to being an involved father and husband to Jenny until her untimely demise. The movie’s ending is touching and moving, but the book’s conclusion… not nearly as heartfelt.

Towards the conclusion of the story, Forrest encounters Jenny, who is now married with a child. Upon discovering that the boy is his own, Forrest chooses not to interfere in their lives. Instead, he journeys to New Orleans alongside Lieutenant Dan and their shared orangutan, Sue. We have our doubts that Forrest Gump would’ve been honored with an Academy Award for Best Picture if it had finished on such a note.

1
‘Planet of the Apes’ (1968)

Few people know that the movie “Planet of the Apes” is actually based on a 1963 science fiction novel by French author Pierre Boulle named “Monkey Planet.” The story opens with a wealthy couple, Jinn and Phyllis, traveling in space where they discover a manuscript floating in a bottle. Upon translating its contents, they learn it’s an account of a space traveler who crash-lands on a foreign planet where humans have regressed to a primitive state ruled by more intelligent apes. The book’s shocking revelation is that Jinn and Phyllis are chimpanzees who dismiss the story as fiction. However, the movie’s ending is significantly more impactful.

In a startling and spine-tingling revelation, George Taylor (Charlton Heston) uncovers fragments of the renowned Statue of Liberty from New York City on the extraterrestrial world he accidentally landed on. As George cries out to the universe in disbelief and laments humankind, it becomes clear that he has journeyed into the future, a time when humanity has annihilated itself. What was previously unclear is that he’s been on Earth all along – something contrary to the events in the novel. This climactic scene is both memorable and a significant enhancement from the book.

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2025-02-01 05:03