Top 10 Most Satisfying Movie Endings EVER
#10: Sincerely Yours… “The Breakfast Club” (1985)
The five teens in this defining high school movie go into detention as archetypes, but come out as fully fleshed-out individuals. Andrew and Allison embrace before parting ways while Claire and Bender do the same. If the film’s tagline is any indication, these characters will never interact again, but the impact they’ve had on each other will last beyond that fateful Saturday. John Hughes understood that teenagers, as different as they may appear on the surface, are cut from the same cloth. Hughes poetically sums up this theme in Brian’s closing monologue, which is beautifully accompanied by Simple Minds’ “Don't You (Forget About Me).” While the Breakfast Club’s future is left ambiguous, seeing John raise his fist into the air victoriously is all we need.
#9: I’m Back “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003)
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“The Return of the King” has admittedly gotten some flack for its extended epilogue. Given this trilogy’s epic scope and the hours we’ve invested, however, this ending had every right to take its time. Following the One Ring’s destruction, everybody is given a proper sendoff. The newly-crowned Aragorn is reunited with Arwen, ruling over Gondor together. The Hobbits make it back to the Shire and, upon handing over the Red Book of Westmarch to Sam, Frodo sets out on a new adventure. As massive as this trilogy was, “The Lord of the Rings” concludes on a simple yet sweet note as Sam returns to his family. After such an exciting and emotional journey, Howard Shore’s musical score and the comforting final image say everything as we close the door on Middle-earth.
#8: Save the Last Dance “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)
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Wrapping up a trilogy is one thing, but “Endgame” was the culmination of over twenty movies and nearly 3,000 minutes. The final act delivered in spades with almost every major character getting a chance to shine in the climactic battle. While it wasn’t easy seeing Tony Stark go, a story of this magnitude needed a significant sacrifice and Tony’s heroic exit truly feels earned, as does his tear-jerking funeral. Although the MCU began with Iron Man, Captain America is the First Avenger. So, it only makes sense for the final scene to bring Steve Rogers’ story full circle. Passing the shield to Sam, the aged Rogers doesn’t recount his adventures in time, but we know that he finally reunited with Peggy for that dance.
#7: That’ll Do “Babe” (1995)
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We never expected to get invested in a sheepherding competition, but “Babe” keeps us hooked in underdog fashion, or perhaps we should say under-pig fashion. Babe and Farmer Hoggett are laughed at as they step onto the field. Those laughs soon evolve into astonished silence, however, and finally uproarious cheering. Babe attains top scores across the board and the audience shares the judges’ enthusiasm. It’s a fairy tale ending with the best final line since happily ever after. Hoggett isn’t the most talkative or expressive character, but his faith in Babe is never doubted. When the farmer gives the gallant pig a smile and a few words of approval, it’s more rewarding than all the applause in the world.
#6: Good Night “The Truman Show” (1998)
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Truman Burbank has spent almost thirty years unknowingly trapped in the artificial world of reality television, which was still a relatively new concept when this 1998 film came out. In the end, Truman confronts the truth and the door to his salvation. Before leaving, the “creator” of Truman’s supposed safe haven pleads with him not to leave. Although apprehensive at first, Truman responds to Christof and the countless viewers watching with his iconic catchphrase, as well as a final bow. What awaits beyond the door may be different and intimidating, but it’ll be every bit as real as Truman. The music, performances, and direction flawlessly capture the gravitas of this moment, signaling the end of a show and the first day of Truman’s life.
#5: ADRIAN! “Rocky” (1976)
Rocky Balboa doesn’t win the big match against Apollo Creed, which you’d think would make for a downer ending. Rocky’s journey was never about winning, though. It was about going the distance and Rocky went further than anybody anticipated. By the time Creed is declared the champ by a narrow margin, it’s an afterthought to Rocky and the audience. All that matters to the Italian Stallion is that he gets to share this night with the woman he loves. Calling out to Adrian in a cheering crowd of reporters and adoring fans, Rocky receives something far more gratifying than a championship belt. Rocky is on top of the world, making this the ideal place to close out the first chapter in his story.
#4: No Place Like Home “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
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At first glance, the wonderful world of Oz certainly looks like an upgrade from our drab reality. Dorothy Gale discovers throughout her adventure, though, that there really is no place like home. This lesson and her ruby slippers provide Dorothy with the key back to Kansas where she awakens safely in her bed. Although Dorothy must say goodbye to Oz, the friends she made along the way remain closer than expected. At the beginning of the film, Kansas’ sepia-tone imagery seemed so dreary, especially after visiting a Technicolor wonderland. Upon returning, however, Kansas suddenly seems much more comforting. This homecoming fills the audience with a warm sentiment, reminding us that we don’t necessarily need to travel over the rainbow to find what we’re searching for.
#3: Zihuatanejo “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)
Redemption doesn’t always come easy and this classic drama can be appropriately trialing at times. Of course, this makes it all the more encouraging when the film builds to its life-affirming conclusion. Andy escapes from Shawshank and Red, who had given up on the prospect of life outside of prison, makes parole after four decades. Red isn’t truly free, however, until he fulfills a promise he made to Andy, which puts him on the path to a fresh start. Red reunites with his old friend on the beach where Andy’s pipe dream has become a reality. This ending serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of friendship, showing us that Zihuatanejo is never beyond reach.
#2: It Is Written “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008)
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Whenever tragedy strikes, many like to believe that the world works in mysterious ways and eventually something good will come from bad. In Jamal Malik’s case, his lifetime of struggles amounts to a 21st century Cinderella story. Everything Jamal endures prepares him for a game show and upon taking a leap of faith on the million-dollar question, he emerges victorious. After being separated time after time, Jamal and Latika find their way back to each other at the train station. As they share an overdue kiss, it’s clear that they’ll never be driven apart again. Throw in a Bollywood number and we couldn’t ask for a more joyous finale. Much like life, “Slumdog Millionaire” is full of hardships, but the payoff is so worth it. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Sailing Off Into the Sunset Has Never Been More Satisfying - “The Goonies” (1985) Thanks, Willy The Longer the Separation, the Happier the Reunion - “The Color Purple” (1985) Celie & Nettie Together Again A Simple Yet Profound Image That Encapsulates Our Titular Character - “Forrest Gump” (1994) Feather Christmas Doesn’t Get Much Merrier Than This - “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) An Angel Gets His Wings Admit It: the Old Man Gets to You Every Time - “Home Alone” (1990) Home for the Holidays
#1: I’ll Be Right Here “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
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Where many of these endings revolve around reunions, our top pick focuses on a fond farewell. While the ending to “E.T.” is bittersweet, it’s also the right ending for a story about coping with change and letting go. This may be the last time that they see each other, but as E.T. reminds Elliott before boarding his spacecraft, they’ll always be together. The word “perfection” gets tossed around a lot, although it’s the best way to describe this goodbye. It’s heartbreaking, yet inspiring. It brings out the child in us, yet leaves us feeling more grown-up. You don’t want it to end, yet deep down you know that it has to. Much like John Williams’ immortal score, it never strikes a false note.
