Top 20 Agonizing Decisions in Movies

#20: California or Boston?

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Wills arc revolves around confronting his childhood trauma and accepting himself for all his flaws. Along the way, the protagonist genuinely falls for Skylar, even though he wont admit it. Through Seans fatherly wisdom and Chuckies heartfelt encouragement, Will realizes he has to break free from his emotional limbo. He finds himself between two life-altering choices: living up to his genius potential in Boston or following his heart to be with Skylar in California. After denying his genius for so long, Will stands on the brink of greatness. But with Skylar, he could finally have what he truly wants: a shot at happiness. He chooses the latter, leaving us to imagine what that decision ultimately leads to.

#19: Burgesss Life or His Lifes Work?

Minority Report (2002)

Lamar Burgess, the director of the Precrime police program, is the true architect behind the entire conflict that haunts John Anderton. By the films climax, Anderton learns just how far Burgess went to preserve Precrimes flawed system, and the blood he shed to keep the program alive. In the end, Burgess is left with two options: kill Anderton to prove Precrime works at the cost of his freedom, or spare Anderton, effectively destroying all of his lifes work. Although were firmly on Andertons side, its easy to see the dilemma racing through Burgesss mind. The antagonist takes a third way out, sparing himself from public disgrace while exonerating Anderton in the process.

#18: To Free or Not to Free?

127 Hours (2010)

Considering the film is based on a true story, this choice gives off a chilling sense of realism. After days with his arm trapped behind a boulder, Aron Ralston acknowledges that, for him, its quite literally do or die. Having resisted the horror of losing his own arm, he has to make a decision and make one fast. Inspired by a vision of a son he might have one day, Aron chooses to make that future a reality. Excruciating both physically and mentally, the protagonist braves through the agony to reclaim his freedom. By surrendering his arm to save his life, Aron turns a moment of defeat into his greatest triumph.

#17: Light Side or Dark Side?

Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi (1983)

Sometimes people dig themselves in so deep that they reach the point of no return. When Anakin Skywalker sides with Palpatine in order to save Padmé, he surrenders to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader. The misguided Jedi thus loses his humanity, killing younglings, blowing up planets, and chopping off his own sons hand. Regardless, Luke still believes that theres hope for his father. When Luke is at the Emperors mercy, Vader is left with two options: Save his boy or remain loyal to the dark side after years of dedicated service. In the end, Vader sees the light and finds redemption. Hey, its never too late to make amends.

#16: Mortal or Immortal?

Hercules (1997)

A god turned mortal, Hercules aspires to reunite with his parents on Mount Olympus. Before reclaiming his godhood, though, Herc must go the distance. By making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of love, Wonder Boy finally earns his immortality and is welcomed home. However, returning to Mount Olympus would mean leaving his life on earth behind for eternity. Although hes literally been to hell and back to achieve his dream, Herc discovers that his place isnt with the gods, but with the love of his life. Mortal or immortal, theres no denying that Hercules is a true hero.

#15: Leave with Victor or Stay with Rick?

Casablanca (1942)

Although Rick and Ilsas love was true, it was all too brief. Their romance was derailed by Ilsas loyalty to her husband, Victor Laszlo, whom she once thought was dead. After suddenly walking back into Ricks life, old feelings surface, and something has to give. Ilsa is caught between standing by her husbands cause as a resistance leader or staying with Rick, the love of her life. In the end, Rick makes that decision for her, absolving her of any guilt she may have carried. Though this seals their romance as a moment lost to time, Ilsa is spared from an impossible choice she may never have been able to live with.

#14: Reach for the Grail or Let It Go?

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

For both Indy and his father, claiming the Holy Grail wasnt just an achievement; it was a lifelong obsession. So, after watching them struggle and battle their way to reach the relic, its no surprise that Indy finds it hard to walk away. With the Grail fingertips away, our hero puts it all on the line for his ultimate reward. Realizing the heavy toll their obsession has had on him and his son, Henry urges Indy to let it go. Abandoning his shot at immortality is far from easy, but our hero finds the strength to set his deepest desire aside for good. He may have lost the Grail, but reclaiming his fathers love is worth more than any mark of glory. He chose wisely.

#13: Mal or the Real World?

Inception (2010)

It isnt easy keeping up with all the twists and turns in this Christopher Nolan classic. Cobbs wife, Mal, is arguably the most mysterious element of the movie, appearing as a manifestation of his guilt. Unable to overcome the pain of causing her death, Cobbs mind is haunted by Mals constant presence. But in Limbo, he comes face-to-face with his internal conflict: whether to stay with her in the dream world or return to reality for his children. Although tempted to remain in this illusion, Cobb confronts his guilt and finally lays Mal to rest. Whether he actually wakes up is left ambiguous, but at this moment, Cobbs true victory lies in choosing truth over denial.

#12: Mary Jane or the Children?

Spider-Man (2002)

Being a superhero sucks sometimes. In Sam Raimis 2002 blockbuster, the Green Goblin shows Spider-Man the cost of being a hero by confronting him with a dastardly choice. Clutching the woman Peter Parker loves in one hand and a tram car filled with children in another, the villain forces our hero to decide who will live and who will fall to their doom. Through some slick web slinging, though, he manages to catch Mary Jane and grab onto the cable car, too. Gobby attempts to intervene, but the people of New York actually come to Spideys aid for a change. While Spider-Man avoids making an impossible choice, he still must answer to his green nemesis.

#11: Terrible Mother or Loving Abductor?

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

While most of the film focuses on Patrick Kenzies search for the missing Amanda, its the twist ending that delivers the biggest impact. Not only is Amanda alive and well, but shes been taken by a police officer who treats her like his own. Where Amandas mother is toxic and neglectful, her abductor is warm and loving. Letting her stay would all but guarantee a happy, secure life for her, but for Patrick, it comes down to upholding the law or taking justice into his own hands. In this case, making the right decision comes at a heavy cost, leaving everyone, including Patrick himself, in a worse place than before.

#10: East Coast or West Coast?

Superman (1978)

In the original Superman, Lex Luthor launches a nuclear missile to destroy the West Coast of the United States. Just to make sure his arch nemesis doesnt get in the way, the criminal mastermind sends another warhead to the East Coast. Superman chooses to stop the missile headed for New Jersey first. While he makes it to San Andreas to save a few lives, its too late for Lois Lane. Although Superman is forbidden from interfering with human history, he decides to save the woman he loves by reversing time. Huh, who knew he could do that? Granted, this is a total cop-out in terms of storytelling and makes little sense, but our hero is still presented with a genuine ethical dilemma.

#9: The Rebel Cause or Her Homeworld?

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (1977)

Every hero makes sacrifices in the war against the Empire, but Leias loss is arguably the most devastating. Thrust into a no-win situation scenario, she either gives up the rebel base or watches Alderaan annihilated before her eyes. Its a choice with no right answer. On one hand, revealing the rebel alliance dooms the entire galaxy; on the other, everyone Leia has known and loved is wiped out in an instant. Leia knew what was at stake when she joined the rebellion, but choosing between a cause and billions of lives is a burden no one can bear. Despite a desperate lie to save Alderaan, the princess watches in horror as the Death Stars superlaser turns her home world into rubble.

#8: Life or Death?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)

In order for Harry Potter to become the boy who lived, his parents had to lose their own lives to Voldemort. During Harrys first year at Hogwarts, the Dark Lord offers him the chance to resurrect his mom and dad in exchange for the Philosophers Stone. Harry sees right through his deceit, however, and avoids temptation. Harry is faced with an even more challenging dilemma several years later, upon realizing Voldemort can only be killed if he sacrifices himself. Knowing that the Wizarding World will be doomed otherwise, Harry nobly surrenders. Our hearts all sank when Voldemort chanted, Avada Kedavra, but this was all fortunately part of Dumbledores grand plan.

#7: Justice or Revenge?

Se7en (1995)

Even if you havent seen the movie, youve probably heard of the famous Whats in the box!? line. Although known for its meme-able material, the scene itself is anything but funny. Just as the heroes think theyve won, John Doe turns the tables on them. As Mills pieces the horrifying truth together, Doe goads him into claiming his life. Even though it plays right into the villains hands, Millss rage is entirely justified. Just like him, we want Doe to suffer for his crimes, but pulling the trigger allows the villain to escape from justice. Overcome by wrath, Mills gives in to his need for vengeance, completing Does twisted plan and allowing the bad guy to win.

#6: Clint or Natasha?

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

While the other Avengers zip through time travel shenanigans to collect the Infinity Stones, Clint and Natasha find themselves with a far simpler, and crueler, choice. Far away from home in an alien world, they realize that only one of them is coming back. But while others like Thanos chose to sacrifice their loved ones, Clint and Natasha fight to save the other. Its a gut-wrenching scene that proves the depth of their love and loyalty, each willing to fall so their friend can live. When it comes down to it, though, its Natasha who makes the final call. By giving her life, she not only saves the universe but also brings her long, hard-earned journey to a powerful close.

#5: Monster or Bullet?

The Mist (2007)

Despite making it out of the supermarket alive, David and his group find themselves stranded in the mist. With growing desperation and no help in sight, their choice is clear: either wait to be torn apart by the monsters, or take matters into their own hands. They choose the latter. Its far from a victory, but at least its their choice to make. But just when David is the last one standing, he realizes it was all in vain. Just a few more seconds would have saved them all. Instead, David is left to live with the crushing weight of a choice he can never take back. Turns out, all good things do come to those who wait.

#4: Rachel Dawes or Harvey Dent?

The Dark Knight (2008)

Where Superman can just rewind time, Batman must live with the consequences of his actions. The Joker pushes Batman to his limits when he kidnaps two of Gothams finest and plans to blow them up in separate locations. The Dark Knight chooses to rescue Rachel and the police race to save Harvey. Since the Joker isnt exactly known for his honesty, it shouldnt come as a surprise that he reversed the addresses. Batman ends up saving Harvey, while the cops cant reach Rachel in time. The Jokers chaos continues to spread like wildfire when he rigs two ferries with explosives, and makes the passengers decide which one goes boom. He certainly knows how to split people down the middle.

#3: Red Pill or Blue Pill?

The Matrix (1999)

Neo must make numerous difficult choices throughout The Matrix trilogy, including when the Architect gives him the option of saving Trinity or Zion. Yet, the most crucial decision Neo makes is whether or not to learn about the Matrix in the first place. Through clever symbolism, Morpheus gives Neo two selections. He can either take the blue pill and keep living in a false reality or take the red pill and venture further down the rabbit hole. Although he doesnt regret facing the truth, others would argue that ignorance is bliss. If we found out the real world was overrun with machines, the blue pill honestly wouldve been tempting.

#2: All of the Choices

Saw franchise (2004-)

Although the Saw movies rely heavily on graphic imagery, each film also possesses a certain degree of psychological horror. The Jigsaw Killer constructs appalling games that have no true winners. In the first film, two men find themselves chained up in an unknown location. Pitted against each other, just one of them can leave this bathroom alive. Even then, the only means of escape is foot amputation. The games only get more sadistic as the series goes on, especially in the sixth film, where a man must decide which of his colleagues will die, and who will get to live to play another game. No matter what game Jigsaw is playing, we wouldnt want to be in any of his victims shoes: that we know for sure.

#1: Jan or Eva?

Sophies Choice (1982)

This scene is simply every parents worst nightmare. In a flashback, its revealed that Sophie was sent to Auschwitz with her son, Jan, and daughter, Eva. A Nazi informs her that one of her children can go work in a labor camp, and that the other will be murdered. As if thats not cruel enough, Sophie must decide which one will live and which will die. Devastated beyond belief, the mother decides to save Jan, believing hell have a better shot at survival than Eva. What makes this even more tragic is that we never learn the fate of Sophies son. As any loving mother or father can imagine, this decision haunts our titular character until her dying day.

Did any of these decisions break your heart? Let us know in the comments.