The 40 Most Iconic Movie Endings Of All Time, Ranked

They say the journey is worth more than the destination, but these movie endings could prove them wrong. We’ve gathered 40 contenders for the best film climaxes in Hollywood history to rock your world. Fair warning, though, if you’re not intimately familiar with cinema, tread carefully. Here there be spoilers.

40. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Ever feel like you didn’t exist? Well, George ‒ the protagonist in It's a Wonderful Life ‒ wished he’d never been born and it came true. He literally missed his own birthday. Luckily, in the end George’s guardian angel reverses time, renewing his man’s verve for life and even earns his wings into the bargain. Everyone’s a winner! 

39. The Matrix (1999)

Machines have technically taken over our world already. But Neo in The Matrix had it much worse as a human unknowingly living within the constraints of a computer program. Things get better for him though. By the end of the film he’s embraced life as a master of his new virtual reality and flies into the sky to liberate mankind in the film’s finale.

38. Inception (2010)

Inception is basically a reverse heist movie set on multiple levels of the dreamscape. Confusing, yes, but thankfully the dream team has a spinning top that never loses momentum on the subconscious plane. Before the screen cuts to credits, it’s shown initially slowing then picking up speed once more. Is Leonardo Di Caprio’s protagonist in a dream or reality? We scream, for we do not know. 

37. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

Terminators are robot assassins from the future trying to change their present through murders in the past. Yep, you heard us. But Arnie Schwarzenegger’s Terminator is working for the human resistance and saves mankind. In the climax a sobbing Sarah Conner has to lower her son’s savior into a pool of liquid steel. Then, as Arnie sinks, he offers a final thumbs-up. Who’s cutting onions? 

36. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Adventurer Indy spends the whole movie chasing after the titular legendary Lost Ark, and after risking life and limb, finally reclaims it. The movie’s end scene shows the government simply sealing it in a crate and wheeling it into a warehouse. Full of identical boxes. What the hell have they got in there? We may never know. 

35. The Dark Knight (2008)

At the end of The Dark Knight Batman takes the blame for multiple murders so Gotham’s people can keep their faith in justice. And as the police give chase after the city’s protector-turned-scapegoat, commissioner Gordon utters the movie’s last line: “He’s a silent Guardian. A watchful protector. A Dark Knight.” Nope, he’s much better. He’s Batman.

34. Roman Holiday (1953)

Joe’s a reporter who experiences a classic case of “boy falls for girl who turns out to be a princess in disguise.” In the film’s climax he doesn’t give up her identity, though. Instead Joe hands her the secret photos he took and receives a coded love message in her speech in return. It’s a bittersweet ending, but all the more memorable for it. 

33. Titanic (1997)

It’s unforgettable how Jack gave his life for lover Rose by sacrificing his spot on the floating debris they shared. The scene’s as tear-jerking now as it was back in 1997. Yet we can’t help wondering if there wasn’t enough room for both of them. It was a pretty big chunk of wood, after all. 

32. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Standing apart from alien invader movies with its friendly creature, E.T. still has the power to punch you right in the feels. Protagonist Elliot almost loses his otherworldly friend, but by the film’s finale all is right in the universe. E.T. goes home, but before leaving he motions at Elliot’s head and says he’ll “be right here.” Aww. 

31. Star Wars: Episode V ‒ The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Everyone who was anyone was watching Star Wars in the 1980s, and Episode V was as exciting as it got. The movie ended on a thrilling cliffhanger. Luke lost his hand and found out his nemesis was his father. Han was missing in action, possibly dead. Movie goers were on the edge of their seats and wouldn’t get answers for another three years.

30. Love Actually (2003)

After showing how several families survive a stressful London Christmas, this star-studded romcom ties up all its loose ends. Sure, their relationships didn’t all go the way the characters ‒ and the viewers ‒ may have wanted. But even in the worst outcomes the movie shows that there is love, actually. And that’s a satisfying conclusion.

29. Chinatown (1974)

P.I. Jake finds himself embroiled in a plot of conspiracies and framings ending in the death of the woman who hired him. And Jake can do nothing but watch helplessly as events unravel around him. The harsh conclusion’s summed up by the classic line, “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.” It’s not a happy ending, but it is a memorable one. 

28. Lost in Translation (2003)

When two people of very different ages meet in a foreign land, they strike up a close friendship despite both being married. Throughout the movie, it seems like they’re going to get together, but it’s not to be and they both know it. The film ends with a tender kiss goodbye, and a mysterious whisper in the ear, hinting at what might have been had they chosen different paths. Food for thought, no? 

27. Casablanca (1942)

Perhaps one of the most famous movie love triangles of all time, Casablanca is a story about true love. In fact, ex-pat Rick sacrifices his own happiness to preserve the relationship of his love Ilsa and her current husband. If you don’t watch this film, you’ll regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.

26. The Graduate (1967)

Recent graduate Benjamin likes to keep it in the family. He has an affair with older married woman Mrs. Robinson only to fall for her daughter Elaine. Ultimately Benjamin and Elaine run away together. But as they drive away, their expressions turn from love to apprehension at their future. Does it hold happiness or heartbreak? That’s for you to interpret.

25. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Of course, we know how Marvel’s epic ends now. But in 2018 cinema goers were devastated at watching their favorite characters and heroes turn to dust. Evil triumphed with a literal snap of Thanos’ fingers and he then gets to retire in his new world. Can anyone stop the Mad Titan? Now, that’s a cliffhanger! 

24. Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Poor old Andy Dufresne is arrested for a murder he didn’t commit until he carries out a years-long plan and escapes. No one knows what became of him until his best friend Red breaks parole and follows the instructions Andy left him. The movie ends with the two ex-jailbirds meeting on a beach like they dreamed of when they were behind bars. Get busy living or get busy dying, indeed. 

23. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Convict McMurphy, played by Jack Nicholson, avoids prison only to end up in a psychiatric institution where it turns out life’s much worse. In fact, it leads to his lobotomy, rendering him functionally braindead. Fellow patient Chief takes pity on his friend and ends McMurphy’s life, then escapes the institute to freedom. That’s an ending that’ll stay with you long after the credits roll. 

22. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz’s finale went down in movie history as one of the most memorable. Back then, it was a stroke of genius leaving it up to viewers whether Oz was fact or fiction. And having the characters resemble Dorothy’s friends and family was the icing on the cake. Yet her nasty neighbor, AKA the Wicked Witch, was oddly absent. It makes you think.

21. La La Land (2016)

In classical musicals, everything works out and the guy gets the girl in the end. Or vice versa. La La Land’s creators deliberately made the choice to end it on a bittersweet note instead. Director Damien Chazelle told The Hollywood Reporter in 2016, “The idea was to take the old musical but ground it in real life where things don’t always exactly work out.”

20. Fargo (1996)

Fargo turns into a dark farce when a violence-free attempt to make money ends with a wood chipper and loads of bloodshed. The film finishes with a vision of domestic content in a world surrounded by sinister violence and corruption. It’s an unexpected note of hope that’s more surprising considering the rest of the movie. Remember the foot? Yikes. 

19. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Considering the wibbly wobbly chronology of Pulp Fiction, you could argue that the beginning is actually the true ending. But the movie’s actual ending is much more interesting. Did hitman Jules become a better person? He certainly didn’t kill the diner robbers as he would have done before his revelation. If his revelation existed at all. It’s all up to personal interpretation. 

18. Thelma and Louise (1991)

Thelma and Louise doesn’t have the happiest ending, but it is memorable. In rebellion at their humdrum and restricted lives, the women decide to drive off a cliff. Sure, they’ll die, but they’ll be momentarily freer than they’ve ever been. And while their life flashes before their ‒ and our ‒ eyes, it raises the question of how much freedom means. That’s deep. 

17. Mulholland Drive (2001)

Twin Peaks’ spiritual successor, Mulholland Drive, is a surrealist masterpiece that ends as mysteriously as it began. And its interpretation of the movie industry just raises more questions as time goes on. As for the ending, even the film’s fans can’t describe exactly what happens. It defines explanation, but that’s what makes it unforgettable. 

16. Easy Rider (1969)

On the surface, Easy Rider is a classic American biker film which ends in tragedy. Dig deeper, however, and you’ll find its social commentary at its finest. You see, the main characters represent the entire hippie movement. And during the movie we get to see its progression and decline play out. Yet it could only ever end in one way; the riders were doomed from the start.  

15. Jaws (1975)

Despite the high bodycount in Spielberg’s iconic shark attack flick, it ends on a high note. The good guys ‒ who definitely needed a bigger boat ‒ kill the man eating great white with an explosive canister. While the beast’s chunks shower down on them, the survivors share a relieved laugh before swimming back to shore. It’ll make you smile like a son of a… Well, you know the rest. 

14. Some Like it Hot (1959)

In a desperate attempt to flee a gangster, Jerry and Joe disguise themselves as women to escape among an all-girl band. It works too, except another man falls for and doggedly pursues Jerry. In the end, Jerry reveals his true nature, but much to his surprise his suitor doesn’t care. Instead, he simply replies, “Well, nobody’s perfect.” 

13. The Birds (1963)

In this Hitchcock classic, a group comes under threat when an army of birds relentlessly attack them. It ends as it begins, with the birds allowing their victims to escape for seemingly no good reason. It’s a sinister ending, but what does it all mean? Several theories suggest there’s a political meaning, but the birds’ motivations remaining unknown makes the movie much more chilling. 

12. The Godfather (1972)

In The Godfather’s conclusion Michael, who initially wanted no part of the mob life, becomes the new Don. Except in a classic case of “be careful what you wish for” he’s shaping up to be much deadlier than his previous self. The climax sees all of his enemies, and his own brother-in-law, bumped off in a masterly conquest of power. You think that could fool a Corleone?

11. Parasite (2019)

The award-winning Parasite is a class division film that director Bong Joon-Ho deliberately intended to be bleak. It ends with a hopeful son wanting to free his father from poverty. In 2019 Joon-Ho told Vulture, “We all know that this kid isn’t going to be able to buy that house. I just felt that frankness was right for the film, even though it’s sad.”

10. Us (2019)

Us follows a family’s battle against a group of doppelgangers who want to take their place on the surface world. It ends on a sinister note, though. Apparently the protagonist we were routing for was the real clone all along! She changed places with the original when they were just children. Is it nature or nurture who makes us what we are? 

9. Suspicion (1941)

Hitchcock knows his endings. In Suspicion a wife suspects her gambling, poison-obsessed husband is trying to kill her for the insurance money. In the finale, though, she finds out he apparently intended to commit suicide. The abrupt nature of the ending, meanwhile, hints at a concealed truth. It’s up to the watcher to decide if that truth is much more sinister. 

8. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

The real Bonnie and Clyde infamously died in a lawman ambush and that’s exactly how the movie ends. The sudden conclusion is what makes this movie memorable; that, and the fact it’s based on a true story. Of course, Bonnie and Clyde’s lives tend to get romanticized for the sake of Hollywood. It almost seems like Hollywood is performing a self-commentary. 

7. There Will Be Blood (2007)

Oil tycoon Daniel brutally competes against preacher Eli for control of the local economy to achieve their own ends. As the title suggests, however, it ends in blood when Daniel murders Eli. The act doesn’t fulfill him as he expects, but makes him more hollow inside. The moral of this story? Don’t kill people. Just in case you needed that confirmed. 

6. The Thing (1982)

Mankind’s in trouble when an alien escapee from a military base starts taking over human bodies. And in true horror movie style, the finale leaves more questions than it answers. The human survivors are left to face each other, believing the other one is host to the alien creature. And we never find out if it’s true or whether the monster was truly killed. It could even be you…

5. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

It’s a case of uncanny valley when the protagonist’s friends and family start to act odd. There’s a good reason for it too; they’ve all been replaced by screaming alien pod people. The situation escalates until the last known human in San Francisco is captured, soon to be replaced. And it’s implied the world is now a pod person paradise. Anyone else hungry for peas? 

4. Carrie (1976)

Coming from the mind of Stephen King, Carrie’s a young girl’s coming-of-age tale. If that girl is abused, bullied and potently psychic.Thus the titular character’s prom night mistreatment is the final straw and she goes on a vengeful, telekinetic rampage. It ends with her apparent death by rubble, until one girl dreams of Carrie breaking free of her grave. If it was a dream, that is.

3. Se7en (1995)

Brad Pitt plays a detective who hunts down a psychopathic killer whose victims correspond to the seven deadly sins. In the movie’s horrifying conclusion, Brad gets a boxed “gift” from the murderer. “What’s in the booooox?” The kicker is that the act transforms Brad into the final sin, wrath. So in a way, both he and his girlfriend lost their heads. 

2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling takes advice from cannibal Hannibal Lecter to catch another murderer in The Silence of the Lambs. She’s ultimately successful but the darkly charismatic Hannibal escapes in the process. The movie ends with his final phone call to Clarice. He has no interest in killing her, but he hasn’t given up his ways. Yep, he’s “having an old friend for dinner.”

1. Gone With the Wind (1939)

Scarlett falls for the spoken-for Rhett, but by the time she makes her move he famously “doesn’t give a damn.” Regardless, Scarlett doesn’t give up. She returns to her family home with a fresh determination: she will get him back, because “After all, tomorrow is another day.” It’s a classic ending. The future’s uncertain, but it promises so much ‒ just as it should.