The Mist has one of the most mind-blowing endings; David Drayton makes a devastating and unexpected decision (which he does not make in the novel). His decision forces viewers to face the harshness of human nature and the cruel irony of hope. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Requiem for a Dream has a tragic ending. The characters’ dreams turn to nightmarish realities and the final scene leaves us hopeless. But, it's brilliant and fitting for the story. | © Summit Entertainment
The Gran Torino ending is bittersweet. Eastwood's character dies, but in a sacrificial way that leads to the arrest of the gang who have been terrorizing him and his friend. And it's impressively well-performed by Eastwood, who was 78 at the time of filming! | © Warner Bros. Pictures
American Beauty ends with the sudden death of Lester Burnham, right when his life reaches its peak. It's shocking, and it forces viewers to think about the quest for freedom and self-fulfillment. | © DreamWorks Pictures
Blade Runner has a philosophically ambiguous ending, but it does confirm that Deckard is a replicant. The last scenes and atmospheric visuals suit this realization perfectly. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
The Silence of the Lambs ends with a terrifying uneasiness. Hannibal Lecter escapes and teases Clarice one last time about a man he's about to eat, "I'm having an old friend for dinner". Iconic. | © Orion Pictures
La La Land has a beautiful and bittersweet ending, with Mia and Sebastian reflecting on their past romance through a musical dream sequence. They broke up to pursue their dreams, and now they have to live with that. | © Lionsgate
At the end of Gone with the Wind, the epic movie becomes a classic tragedy. Bonnie's death breaks Rhett, and the final scenes underscore the harsh realities of change and loss. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
There Will Be Blood has a beautiful ending, with Daniel Plainview’s monologue showcasing his complete moral decay. I actually dislike the bulk of the film, which felt to slow, but the ending is perfect. | © Miramax Films
American History X ends with a tragic cycle that portrays the dark reality of racism and the consequences of violence. It's a hell of a downer, but it's an important message.
There was actually another ending that would have seen Derek returning to neo-Nazism after Danny's death, which would have been even more depressing, but that was scrapped. | © New Line Productions
Shutter Island doesn't provide complete closure as there are still some important questions left unanswered, but the twist is an absolute hammer-blow. It's incredibly, and forces you to immediately rewatch the movie from the beginning. | © Paramount Pictures
Apocalypse Now ends with a haunting and surreal descent into darkness. Willard kills Kurtz and so he becomes their new God, and the line between sanity and madness blurs. | © United Artists
Into the Wild's ending is excellently described by a quote from the film: "Happiness is only real when shared". Christopher McCandless realizes that despite the abuse he wants nothing more than to hold the people he left behind. | © Paramount Vantage
Raging Bull ends with LaMotta staring into the mirror and seeing himself as a champion fallen on hard times; the once greatest boxer is now a shadow of his former self, alone and filled with regret. It's so simply, but so powerful. | © United Artists
The ending here is slightly illogical (if Guido and his son stayed with the others, the family would survive), but in all other respects it's an excellent, tragic ending. | © Miramax Films
Unlike most of the films on this list, Wonderful Life has a happy ending, with George realizing all the trials he faced were meaningful. His friends and family rally around him, creating a sense that no one is truly poor with friends. It reinforces the message of the film perfectly. | © Miramax Films
The Dark Knight shows the price of Batman's curse. Batman takes the fall for Harvey Dent’s crimes, choosing to be the villain Gotham needs rather than the hero it deserves. It delivers the message of the film while getting us hyped for the sequel, perfect. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
The Usual Suspects' ending is one of the best twists in movie history. When Verbal Kint’s limp vanishes and the pieces click together, you will be left impressed by the deception, and like Shutter Island, you'll probably go for a rewatch. | © Gramercy Pictures
Psycho has one of the best endings. In fact, it's so good, you could fairly say it helped redefine the horror genre. Norman Bates reveals that he is both himself and his mother, which is so much worse than a run of the mill killer. | © Paramount Pictures
The Sixth Sense is a well-crafted and shocking ending: Dr. Malcolm Crowe realizes he has been dead from the beginning. This masterful reveal not only shocks but adds profound depth to the themes of connection and closure. It's the twist in cinema history. | © Disney Entertainment
The Godfather’s ending is an excellent portrayal of the emptiness that comes with life built on fear and power. Instead of finding success and happiness, Michael Corleone ends up surrounded by betrayal, anger, and murder without true friends or family. The life of a Mafiosa. | © Paramount Pictures
Of course, you knew it was going to make the list. Fight Club concludes with the main character finally confronting his alter ego, Tyler Durden. His reunion with Marla symbolizes his realization that his pursuit of enlightenment had gone too far, and he is now ready to become a part of society again, but renewed. | © 20th Century Studios
Casablanca's final scenes are not the traditional "happily ever after" fairy tale ending. But somehow it's sweet despite the absolute sense of finality. Also, "Here’s looking at you, kid" is easily one of the most iconic lines in the movie's history. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
The final scene of Inception is one of Christopher Nolan's great achievements. As Cobb spins his totem and walks away, the camera lingers on the top, never revealing if it falls. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
The Shawshank Redemption has one of the most positive endings out there. Andy Dufresne's escape plan unfolds perfectly, embodying the triumph of human spirit. If even those two can make it out of that hell, there's hope for all of us. | © Columbia Pictures
Nothing can beat a good movie ending, as this is where a film's emotions peak. A great ending can be confusing, happy, sad, or even disturbing, but it always leaves you wondering long after the credits roll. In this article, we will explore the best movie endings of all time. So, let's start!
