15 Movie Endings That Will Make You Cry (Or Scream)

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A movie’s quality can often be judged by its conclusion. It’s the final scenes, their meanings and underlying messages, that stay with us as we leave the cinema or switch off our TV sets. The ending serves as our lasting impression of the film. Sometimes, even poor movies can find redemption through a powerful finale.

Among various types of conclusions, you might encounter a heartwarming resolution, a satisfying payoff that ties up loose ends, leaving us hopeful for our beloved characters as they navigate their lives beyond the closing credits. Alternatively, it could surprise us with an unexpected plot twist, a shocking disclosure that leaves us stunned and breathless in front of our screens. Sometimes, the ending is left ambiguous, inviting interpretation. Lastly, there’s the somber finale, one that resonates despite its gloomy and sorrowful undertones. These diverse endings are present in the 15 films showcased below.

Over the past quarter century, these finales have left a lasting impression on us, turning these films into cherished memories and sometimes timeless classics. It wasn’t an easy task creating this list, but here are 15 movies from the last 25 years with the most impactful endings, arranged in order of their release dates.

15
‘Anora’ (2024)

In simpler terms, Anora (played by Mikey Madison) is like a modern-day reinterpretation of movies such as Risky Business or The Girl Next Door, but with a twist. Instead of the usual male protagonist, we have a female sex worker as our main character. Her ordinary life as a hustler takes an unexpected turn when she meets a wealthy young socialite, and they get married. This setup mirrors the classic storyline from Pretty Woman, where every stripper yearns for such a fairy-tale ending. However, the tale takes an unforeseen turn when her husband is revealed to be a privileged, immature snob who’s heavily influenced by his parents.

Anora finds herself back at square one, having lost all her wealth, aspirations for a brighter tomorrow, and in desperation, she turns to the one thing that once made her feel powerful: intimacy. This poignant conclusion reveals a resilient young woman grappling with adversity, and serves as a stark reminder that life doesn’t always offer a cheerful resolution.

14
‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)

The 1967 novel “The Power of the Dog,” penned by Thomas Savage, serves as the basis for this movie, and it’s unlike traditional Westerns. Instead, it delves into a psychological drama that centers around two contrasting characters: rancher Phil (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) and young man Peter (portrayed by Kodi Smit-McPhee). While Phil exudes charm and intimidation, Peter appears feeble and pitiful in the eyes of Phil.

In “The Power of the Dog,” the concept of power is subverted through an unexpected twist ending. Initially, it appears that the character Phil is the sociopathic figure in this story. However, a shocking revelation unfolds; it’s Peter, the seemingly weak and inept character, who turns out to be the killer. This haunting conclusion has left a lasting impression on many critics, placing “The Power of the Dog” among the top films of the last 25 years for some.

13
‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)

The movie titled “Promising Young Woman” carries significant weight in the post-#MeToo period. In this story, we follow Cassie (Carey Mulligan), initially a promising medical student, who transforms into an avenger after her close friend Nina is raped and takes her own life when no justice is served for the perpetrators. Cassie, in a sense, morphs into a crusader, advocating for Nina and any woman who has experienced sexual abuse. The film appears to lead towards Cassie’s long-awaited moment of vengeance, but in an unexpected turn of events, she is tragically killed by the very man who had raped Nina.

In a surprising twist, it seemed as though Cassie’s attackers would once more escape retribution. However, it was revealed that Cassie had a contingency plan if she met her end. As the melody of Juice Newton’s “Angel of the Morning” filled the air, we witness Nina’s assailants being brought to account at last. Although Cassie wasn’t present to witness it herself, she ultimately managed to avenge herself from beyond the grave. This unexpected ending still offers a sense of resolution that leaves us contented.

12
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

Over the past 25 years of cinema, it’s hard to ignore the prevalence of superhero movies. Among them all, Avengers: Infinity War has truly left its mark. This Marvel blockbuster was the highly anticipated culmination of every film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a climax that many had eagerly awaited. The movie brings together some of Marvel’s most renowned superheroes, many who have never interacted before, for a fight to save the universe from destruction at the hands of the villainous Thanos.

Experiencing the long-awaited confrontation between our heroic characters and the cunning antagonist, who’s been manipulating events behind the scenes, is nothing less than electrifying. The ensuing battles are nothing short of spectacular, reaching their peak at the climax. Our seemingly unbeatable heroes engage in fierce combat with Thanos, determined to foil his nefarious schemes. However, this villain dismisses them effortlessly, treating them as if they were mere trifles. This pulse-pounding scene culminates in a shocking demise, marking the victory of Thanos and the collection of all Infinity Stones. With a single snap of his fingers, he erases half of existence, including several of our beloved heroes. This rare instance where the villain emerges triumphant leaves us with a haunting, unforgettable conclusion.

11
‘La La Land’ (2016)

For much of the movie titled “La La Land“, we follow the tale of Mia (played by Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), who are dreamers in a musical setting. Their journey encompasses their relentless pursuit of passion, including their most cherished dreams and their enchanting, fast-paced romance. However, things take an unexpected turn in the finale. Eventually, Mia and Sebastian choose to part ways, each chasing their dreams with the hope that they might cross paths again someday.

Learning they won’t be together in the future feels like a heavy blow. However, the movie’s final scenes, where Mia and Sebastian unexpectedly meet again, are particularly poignant. Sebastian plays a tune symbolizing their love story, conveying his feelings through music. As he performs, a glimpse of an alternate reality is shown, depicting them as a happily married couple with kids – a life that could have been but never will be.

After he completes his task, Mia and Sebastian exchange a wistful smile from a distance and part ways, signifying the melancholic conclusion of their tale. Despite its sadness, this poignant farewell is what makes La La Land an exceptional romantic story.

10
‘Arrival’ (2016)

Over the years, there have been numerous movies about aliens, but none quite like the unique and authentic portrayal found in “Arrival”. If extraterrestrials were to actually arrive on Earth without any intention of destroying us, their visit would likely resemble the scenario depicted in this film. Here’s hoping that’s how it might play out! In the story, linguistic experts Dr. Louise Banks (portrayed by Amy Adams) and Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) are tasked with communicating with and understanding the intentions of an alien species known as the Heptapods, due to their seven limbed squid-like bodies.

The Heptapods experience time in a non-sequential manner; they perceive past, present, and future as interconnected instead of distinct entities. As Louise learns their language, it subtly changes her understanding of time too. The movie features scenes that initially seemed like flashbacks involving Louise and her ailing child, but upon closer observation, these moments might not be flashbacks after all.

In an unexpected turn of events, these scenes are unveiled as premonitions, glimpses into a future that hasn’t occurred yet. Moreover, it is revealed that the father of this child is none other than Ian, which comes as a startling but impactful revelation. This moment is emphasized by Max Richter’s moving and melancholic composition, “On the Nature of Daylight”.

9
‘Whiplash’ (2014)

Throughout its entirety, the film “Whiplash” offers a thrilling, pulse-pounding journey that might leave you feeling as though you‘ve experienced real whiplash. It chronicles the tumultuous bond between Andrew, a gifted drummer portrayed by Miles Teller, and his demanding mentor, Terence Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons. Is Fletcher a tough taskmaster who brings out greatness in his musical protégés or a manipulative abuser? The film suggests the latter, with Andrew ultimately choosing to anonymously testify against Fletcher, leading to his dismissal.

Following a serendipitous encounter in reality, Fletcher proposes Andrew join his band, however, it’s a trap he’s fallen into. Fletcher is aware that it was Andrew who betrayed him, and as retaliation, Fletcher leads the band into a tune that Andrew is unfamiliar with, leaving him unable to perform. Initially, Andrew storms off the stage in shame, but he swiftly returns, driven by the desire to clear his name and outwit Fletcher. This intense climax earned Whiplash an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and propelled Damien Chazelle into the limelight.

8
‘Toy Story 3’ (2010)

In the movie “Toy Story 3”, the character Andy, who was once the toy owner, has now grown up and plans to give away his childhood toys before starting college. However, Woody is the one exception. This storyline makes sense given that many of the original audience for “Toy Story” have also grown up with Andy.

Following a harrowing sequence of events, it appears as though Woody (Tom Hanks) takes his leave from Buzz (Tim Allen) and their friends. However, when Andy passes on his toys to a young girl named Bonnie, Woody is found at the bottom of the box. In an unexpected turn, the cowboy chooses to stay with his comrades and depart from Andy at the last moment. Andy sheds tears as he bids farewell to Woody and his cherished childhood playthings in a poignant scene that might make you grab some tissues. This heartrending finale serves as the fitting conclusion to the Toy Story series. Frankly, it would have been best if they’d left it at that.

7
‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

In Martin Scorsese’s movie “Shutter Island,” the character Teddy Daniels, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, thinks he is investigating a missing patient at a mental institution for the criminally insane. However, a surprising revelation in the film shows that Teddy, known as Andrew in reality, is not just an investigator but also a patient. This patient is undergoing an intense therapy to recall and confront the traumatic events of his past, which involve him killing his wife after she accidentally drowns their three children in a gruesome incident.

to live as a monster or to die as a good man?” suggests that Andrew is grappling with the choice between continuing his life, possibly filled with trauma (living as a monster), or ending it while maintaining his identity as a good person. Whether he truly remembers his past or not remains uncertain, but the line implies a deep self-reflection and contemplation about his current state and future. The ending is thought-provoking, mirroring the complexity and psychological intensity of the movie itself.

6
‘Inception’ (2010)

Christopher Nolan’s movie, titled “Inception“, masterfully intertwines the dreamlike qualities of dreams with an exhilarating tale of a heist. The story revolves around a group of criminals who employ advanced technology and expertise to break into people’s dreams and extract their deepest secrets for personal advantage. In this film, dreams serve as both a backdrop and a narrative tool, enabling Nolan to play with our understanding and obscure the divide between fantasy and reality, even leading up to the movie’s enigmatic conclusion.

To discern dreams from reality, the robbers employ a special symbol called a totem, an ordinary item with a unique significance known only by the dreamer. In the film Inception, Cobb’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) personal totem is a simple spinning top. If it continues to spin without stopping, Cobb understands that he’s still in a dream. As the movie concludes, after long-awaited reunion with his children, Cobb checks the authenticity of his experience by spinning the top. The top spins, and spins, and spins — then the film fades out.

In my opinion, as a movie enthusiast, Inception left me pondering whether the top was about to land or if it had already tumbled back into the dream world, a question that Christopher Nolan cleverly leaves unanswered. The film’s enigmatic finale aligns beautifully with its disorienting storyline, making for an ending that continues to spark heated discussions among viewers even today.

5
‘(500) Days of Summer’ (2009)

500 Days of Summer might initially appear as a typical boy-meets-girl narrative, but the narrator cautions us, “This isn’t a love story.” From the start, we encounter Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel) and Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and an in-screen clock ticks away the days of their relationship. In spite of the foreboding tone set by the narrator and the relentless countdown to day 500, we can’t help but hope for a happy ending for Summer and Tom. Regrettably, they don’t manage to make it work, but there is a glimmer of optimism.

Following the shattering experience with Summer, Tom undergoes a transformation. He leaves his monotonous job and ventures into architecture, a profession that truly ignites his enthusiasm. Along the way, he matures and lets go of his idealized notions about love, romance, and fate, to some extent. However, towards the end of the movie, Tom finds himself drawn to a girl who appears quite unlike Summer. Her name is Autumn. The film then rewinds the on-screen clock, resetting it to “1”, hinting at the commencement of Tom’s new relationship with Autumn.

(500) Days of Summer” challenges the conventions of romantic comedies by deviating from typical storylines and surprising us about love not always resulting in a fairy-tale conclusion. Yet, it manages to deliver an uplifting and hopeful message in the end.

4
‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008)

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve found myself drawn to tales with a touch of melancholy or a dash of ambiguity in their endings. But every now and then, a movie comes along that defies this trend, and for me, one such film is none other than the extraordinary Slumdog Millionaire, hailed as one of the finest pictures of the 2000s.

Under the guidance of renowned director Danny Boyle, this film follows Jamal (played by Dev Patel), a character who transitions from living in the Indian slums to participating in the popular Hindi game show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?“. Each question posed in the game corresponds to a significant memory in Jamal’s life, providing a glimpse into his past and illustrating his journey through the competition. However, it isn’t the million dollars that Jamal yearns for at the end of his quest; rather, he seeks the affection of his childhood sweetheart Latika (portrayed by Freida Pinto), who originally inspired him to join the game show.

Throughout the movie, these two characters undergo much hardship and distress. What captures our attention more than Jamal triumphing in the game show is their eventual reunion. Following his win and acquisition of a million dollars, Jamal appears dejected at the train station – an emotion unexpected for someone who’s just become a millionaire.

Ultimately, they meet again. Jamal and Latika reconnect at the train station. They exchange a deep, heartfelt kiss, their affection triumphing over years of struggle and hurdles. It’s an enchanting cinematic resolution, a fairytale-like, joyful ending that can only be found in movies – and it’s stunningly romantic.

3
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

In simpler terms, “Pan’s Labyrinth” is widely regarded as Guillermo del Toro’s magnum opus. This film, set in 1940s Spain under fascist rule, tells the story of a young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), who embarks on a magical quest to become immortal and reclaim her royal status as a princess amidst a violent guerrilla struggle. It’s a tale reminiscent of fairy stories for adults, where it skillfully blends the gritty harshness of adulthood with the enchanting innocence of childhood.

In “Pan’s Labyrinth,” the evil antagonist receives his well-deserved punishment, while the heroic characters mostly succeed. However, the character Ofelia tragically passes away, but she ends up returning to her realm as a princess and meeting her late mother again. Whether this ending is genuine or just part of Ofelia’s imagination remains uncertain. Yet, it offers a captivating and magical conclusion that may transform your tears of sorrow into tears of joy – perhaps.

2
‘The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King’ (2003)

In simple terms, “The Return of the King” is a renowned fantasy work that serves as the final installment of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This story presents an epic confrontation between good and evil, filled with battles involving swords and arrows.

In the heat of the conflict, Frodo and Sam eventually ascend Mount Doom, a crucial step towards destroying the malevolent ring that controls Sauron. Our pulses quicken as we witness Frodo standing at the brink, torn between his actions. We implore him to hurl the wretched ring into the inferno, ending Sauron’s reign forever. However, our dear Hobbit seems intent on adding complexity to the situation. The ensuing minutes are filled with nail-biting tension as Frodo, Sam, and Gollum engage in a fierce struggle over the ring, with Mount Doom’s flames burning ominously behind them.

As I sat there in the dimly lit cinema, it seemed as if the movie’s grand finale unfolded no less than ten times following that pivotal scene. Each of these conclusions would have been a triumph on its own. Our cherished protagonists found fitting resolutions, though some were tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia. Yet, at the very end, the series brought us full circle – back to The Shire, standing before a classic Hobbit doorway. In every sense, The Return of the King served as an immensely satisfying conclusion to a three-year cinematic odyssey, amassing an impressive haul of 11 Oscars en route, including the coveted Best Picture award.

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1
‘Requiem for a Dream’ (2000)

Darren Aronofsky’s movie titled “Requiem for a Dream” is one of those rare films you might watch just once in your life, but its powerful impact lingers. This is largely due to its climax. The film skillfully intertwines the heart-wrenching tales of four characters who are all grappling with destructive drug dependencies. As we progress through the movie, we witness their desperate actions to sustain their addiction, and observe the devastating effects it has on their lives.

In the conclusion, every main character experiences a grim destiny: one ends up incarcerated, battling addiction withdrawal; another loses his girlfriend, mother, and arm to drug abuse; one is left in a comatose state; and another suffers sexual assault, with drugs being her only solace. The ending of Requiem for a Dream is an abyss of despair that consumes both the characters and viewers completely. It’s a bleak, disturbing finale, but one that remains indelible in memory due to its raw power.

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2025-01-26 05:39