Ladies and gentlemen, film aficionados and those with a taste for cinematic surprises, get ready to embark on a journey through the annals of movie history's most confounding conclusions. We're about to dive headfirst into the depths of the film world, where plot twists have left audiences in disbelief, and cliffhangers have left us clinging to the edge of our seats. This gallery is a handpicked assortment of Hollywood's most puzzling, cringe-inducing, and outright bewildering final scenes. So, grab your favorite movie snack, find your comfiest seat, and prepare to revisit those unforgettable moments that left us pondering, "What on earth were they thinking?"
Interstellar (2014)
A space-traveling science fiction film starring Matthew McConaughey.
It was an intense and in-depth thriller that was loved by fans, but its ending was not. After going through a black hole, he ends up in an alternate reality. It did not go over well with fans.
The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
Neo, sacrifices himself at the end of Revolutions in order to save humanity. This is a heroic act, but it is also a bit of a downer.
The ending also leaves many unanswered questions. What happens to Morpheus and Trinity? Is the Matrix rebooted again? Will the machines ever truly be at peace with humanity?
Signs (2002)
This 2002 M. Night Shyamalan film has one of his worst endings, and that's saying something.
This might seem like a thrilling survival movie, but it's actually about aliens. A great weapon is revealed near the film's climax. Is there a way to end the alien invasion? Water is all you need!
The Forgotten (2004)
A woman believes her son died in a plane crash.
Even though her friends and family say she doesn't have a son, she refuses to let it go. As it turns out, she wasn't crazy, and she did have a son once. She was being used as an experiment by aliens to discover how love works.
War of the Worlds (2005)
This Speilberg film's ending isn't loved by fans because of its unrealism.
Despite Boston crumbling around them, every member of the Ferrier family escapes unharmed. There was no way aliens wouldn't get one of these heroes!
Unfaithful (2002)
The retelling of this true crime is a crime against storytelling.
After discovering his wife's cheating, the husband takes the man out of the picture. To avoid prison, they flee the country. Why is it that the final scene does not reveal whether or not he was caught for the crime?
The Sea of Trees (2015)
Because of the ending, this Cannes film was not well received in theaters.
This harrowing tale of grief and friendship concludes with a surprise reveal about the main character. The man he had met was actually his dead wife's spirit. Quite weird...
Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
In spite of being generally well-liked, fans found the movie's ending to be somewhat disappointing.
In order to avenge his wife's death, the hero turns himself over to the police. Yet he still blows up City Hall with a device he had in his cell.
Knock Knock (2015)
It was supposed to be a quiet weekend for him, but he ended up with a few unexpected guests.
As soon as two women ask for help, everything starts to go downhill. The main character returns home to find death and violence surrounding him.
Harry Potter, Deathly Hallows P.2 (2011)
In spite of Harry Potter being one of the most successful franchises in history, the final scene of the film was not well received.
Specifically, the jump from defeating Voldemort to sending his kids off to school. As well as their names: James Sirius, Albus Severus, and Lily Luna. That's awful!
The Mist (2007)
What could be more heartbreaking than The Mist's ending?
In order to save his family from the mist, the main character mercifully kills them. Within a few minutes, the military arrives to save them all. This kind of cruelty was tough.
The Departed (2006)
This film left no one unscathed.
The entire story ends with almost everyone dying after learning to love them all. There is no closure, and no one leaves the theater happy.
Krampus (2015)
You'll enjoy this if you're a horror-comedy fan. Otherwise, you should skip this.
The ending was too confusing and hard to interpret for most people who saw this film. Then there's that creepy face that appears out of nowhere.
Hereditary (2018)
Despite being hailed as one of the best horror movies ever, not everyone enjoyed the ending.
For some fans, the voiceover explaining the movie's plot and what actually happened felt a bit too direct. The ending of what could have been a perfect film fell flat.
SPF-18 (2017)
Teenagers love Nah Centineo flicks, but even Gen-Z couldn't stand this clunker.
This weird beach drama ends with a couple broken up and still hanging out, but also trying to start their friend's music career? The plot was wrapped up in a rather lazily manner.
Uncut Gems (2019)
Despite his popularity, many audiences found Adam Sandler infuriating in this movie.
He made wrong decisions left and right for hours on end. He never seemed to get a break! A robbery and shoot-out ending was seen as lazy and harrowing.
The Life of David Gale (2003)
Our hero is incarcerated for some pretty tragic criminal activity.
His punishment is severe before a tape claiming everything else was a ruse is released. Both leads simply wanted people to reconsider the prison industrial system and its penalties.
Baby Driver (2017)
There is no one better than Baby. He can drive any car at lightning speed, but he gets caught in the end.
When he is sentenced to 25 years in prison for his crimes, his girlfriend waits for him and buys him a new car. That's totally believable.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
The ending of this classic feel-good Christmas story did not go over well with cynics.
The whole thing was wrapped up with donations since Uncle Billy was not held accountable for his foolishness. Shouldn't Potter at least suffer some kind of consequence!
The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
This movie was either loved or hated by Harry Potter fans, and the ending was particularly tough.
The choice Queenie made was pretty opposite of her character arch. Credence as Dumbledore turned out to be one of the lamest twists ever.
Pay It Forward (2000)
There's a lot to be said about the benefits of helping others and paying one's own good fortune forward, so, why is the ending so depressing?
There was a lot of criticism of the way this movie ended with the main character dying. It taught some kids that being good and doing nice things is pointless.
Click (2006)
What if you could pause, rewind, mute, and more?
Click puts one man in the theater seat of his own life, with dire consequences. A truly heartbreaking scene ends with Adam Sandler waking up in a Bed, Bath, and Beyond store. The whole thing was a dream!
Lucy (2014)
This movie isn't just scientifically inaccurate (you already use 100% of your brain), it's just bad.
The anticlimactic conclusion is simply her leaving it all behind. The supermind genius should have something more creative to offer.
Remember Me (2009)
A young adult's relationship with his father, sister, and girlfriend is central to the movie's buckwild ending.
The intricacies aren't that important because the only thing anyone remembered was that the whole thing ended in the towers on 9/11.
Gone Girl (2014)
For some people, this is a perfect movie, but for others, the ending falls flat.
It shocked her husband and the audience that Amy returned back to him as if nothing had happened. His decision to stay with his psycho wife rather than run away with the baby is a bit insane, though.
Grease (1978)
When you love someone, make sure you change everything about yourself to be with them.
Some people got that message from the hit musical movie Grease. Also, the part where they fly in a magical car... how did that happen?
The Circle (2017)
With Emma Watson in the lead role, you might think this movie is a slam dunk.
The movie, including the ending, was a major flop. Watson (as Mae) challenges her notions of privacy, ethics, and freedom. In spite of everything she learned, she rejoins the Circle.
A Space Odyssey (2001)
It's a classic, but it's not perfect.
Many people have complained over the years that the plotline is confusing and difficult. Despite its abstract nature, this movie is both compelling and awful, so proceed with caution.
Return of the King (2003)
It is no easy task to adapt a novel to the big screen, and it attracts some critical reviews.
Content Description
Titanic (1997)
There has been controversy over this film's ending since 1997.
Would Rose and Jack have been able to fit on that door? Most likely. Several memes and internet sleuths have proven it. Why did Jack have to die?
The Number 23 (2007)
Mental illnesses are sometimes used as plot devices in horror and thriller movies.
Although it is possible to do this well, the Number 23 does not live up to its hype. The viewer eventually discovers that the book of secrets was actually written by the main character. Amnesia caused him to forget his own novel.
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
This famous franchise's most poorly received film was Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Most of the negative reviews were due to the ending. CGI in the 2008 film was far less impressive than it is today. Even for those times, it was still horrid.
High Fidelity (2000)
It's an excellent book, an interesting TV show, and a terrible movie (according to most).
In High Fidelity, a pretentious record store owner loses a girlfriend and tries to right his wrongs from past relationships. In the end, they end up together, but most agree she was better off alone...
Tusk (2014)
Who said horror couldn't be funny? Tusk attempted to accomplish that, but ended up being more disturbing than funny.
After escaping his captor, the main character runs away. However, he lives the rest of his days in solitude because he is no longer human. He's a walrus!
Clueless (1995)
Despite being one of the most beloved movies of the 1990s, it has some weird connotations.
The fact that Cher and her older ex-stepbrother are not related by blood or marriage still left a negative impression on viewers. Isn't it smart idea to date someone your own age who isn't part of your family?
Savages (2012)
Who keeps hiring John Travolta for these terrible movies?
After a shootout filled with violence and tragedy, the two main characters are too badly wounded to survive. In order to avoid living without their friends, they decide to end it all for themselves.
Special (2006)
The sudden ending of a movie is usually a commentary on the way people perceive others and the futility of life.
Despite this, Special ended in quite a unique way. Both the ending and the reasoning behind why they chose to do it that way left much to be desired...
2012 (2009)
People believed the world would end in 2012. The movie revolved around that hypothetical day.
As the little girl is about to tell her dad that she is no longer scared after fighting the world and beating fate, the film just ends. Strange.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (2009)
Despite being beloved by many, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo's third installment was disappointing.
Look for a different movie if you were expecting a happy ending for these deeply flawed and tragic characters!
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona can't have everything, including a decent ending. The film never resolves any of its initial issues.
As a matter of fact, they might end up bigger than they started out. What's the point of sitting through that when you could do anything else? I'm passing!
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Christian Bale is one of the best actors to ever play Batman, but the film isn't perfect.
The ending was a little too predictable and didn't leave much room for a sequel. Gotham mourns the loss of its hero, and his Butler Alfred takes a much-needed vacation.
The Abyss (1989)
Every movie from the 1980s is subject to a little criticism, and this one is no exception.
It was generally a decent film, but the ending felt a bit manufactured for sci-fi fans. The underwater station is saved by aliens, life returns to normal, and everything is wrapped up nicely.
Now You See Me (2013)
While this movie was good enough to warrant a few sequels, the first version left much to be desired.
Using trickery and clever movement, a group of magicians and illusionists robs a bank. Guess what, another trick ended the story! It's the perfect setting for another.
Splice (2009)
Be prepared to be lost in this movie's insane plot and unsettling mutant.
This gene-splicing film has a lot to criticize, but the ending is perhaps the worst. She accidentally becomes pregnant by the mutant she made herself.
Source Code (2011)
A thrilling science fiction flick starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
Through new technology, he can temporarily inhabit another person's body. The premise is interesting, but the ending is too confusing for many people. Alternate realities are a surefire way to lose audiences.
Next (2007)
The cast list includes Nicolas Cage, so you know this could be a great or terrible film.
This is one of the worst. Cage plays a magician who can see the future only 2 minutes in advance. With his girlfriend staying with him, he somehow prevents nuclear explosions?
Man of Steel (2013)
Fans of Superman take him very seriously. He's a timeless hero with a devoted following.
It might sound good when Superman kills the enemy, but superfans know that's really out of character. There is no way Superman would kill someone who could reconcile with him!
The Devil Inside (2012)
The Devil Inside is about possession, but it lacks a decent conclusion.
As the movie ends, there is a note saying the story continues at a certain web address. This link may have been innovative at the time, but it no longer works. What happened? It may never be known.
Knowing (2009)
It's another day, another terrible Nicholas Cage film.
In a time capsule, a man finds tons of encrypted notes. Aliens are preparing to invade. Cage's son survives, but he does not. They become friends with the aliens and live peacefully in the stars.
I Am Legend (2007)
Will Smith stars in this legendary film about the last man (and dog) on earth.
Even though there is nothing but isolation, the ending is quite epic, but the worst part is the dog. Unfortunately, Smith ends up wandering the world alone once again after the pup perishes.
Secret Window (2004)
Depp loves to lose his marbles for a movie, and Secret Window is no exception.
A writer accuses Depp's character of plagiarism and stealing his idea, which causes him to lose his mind. It turns out they were both the same person! Just a case of "multiple personality disorder."
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Although there are a lot of Spider-Man movies, Spider-Man 3 is inarguably the worst.
Peter Parker is more unsettling than scary in this dark and spooky version. The performance was described as very uncomfortable by viewers. I think they should have ended this sooner.
Return of the Jedi (1983)
Among the many Star Wars films, Return of the Jedi wasn't loved by fans.
Despite its many faults, the final scene really didn't work for people. The final group pose for the polaroid was a bit disappointing.
Skyline (2010)
There is nothing like an alien invasion to throw everything out of whack.
A young couple, expecting their first child, is abducted and hypnotized by aliens. His brain is somehow uploaded into an alien body, which makes the aliens respect him. That's really convenient.
500 Days of Summer (2009)
(500) Days of Summer is supposed to be about not romanticizing relationships and putting people on an unrealistic pedestal.
There are still some people who find the final scene involving Joseph Gordon Levitt meeting Autumn a little cheesy and on the nose.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
You probably forgot about Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Talk about beating a dead horse, it was pretty forgettable. How long will it take these people to learn that they should probably stay far away from the spooky dinosaur island?
High School Musical (2006)
It's nice that Troy Bolton was able to go to college near his girlfriend on a full scholarship while also pursuing his acting and basketball passions.
Unfortunately, that is very unrealistic for anyone pursuing higher education full-time. I wish you the best of luck with that, Troy.
Spectre (2015)
The Joker to Bond's Batman returned in Spectre, but he was so easily defeated by Bond.
To make matters worse, the self-proclaimed author of all Bond's nightmares returned in No Time to Die only to be quickly killed off.
Sunshine (2007)
As Danny Boyle's first attempt in the science fiction genre, Sunshine received high critical acclaim when it was released.
As a group of astronauts attempts to reignite a dying sun, the movie had great acting and an interesting premise. Many people were disappointed with the movie's ending because it quickly changed into a completely different kind of film with a human villain trying to sabotage the mission.
The Happening (2008)
It's a coin toss whether M. Night Shyamalan's twist endings will work or fall flat.
Earth's plants are causing everyone on Earth to die in The Happening. WaterStoryMark explained that the idea was based on a real-life incident, though it wasn't filmed in a way that could be understood or accepted by fans.
Planet Of The Apes (2001)
Tim Burton made great Batman adaptations, but his 2001 Planet Of The Apes movie is remembered for all the wrong reasons.
It's not explained whether this is the same Earth, and if it is, how exactly the apes managed to take over all systems. This made for one of the famously worst movie endings ever.
Indecent Proposal (1993)
Indecent Proposal tells the story of a wife who is traded for $1 million to a wealthy billionaire, but she then returns to her husband and the couple lives happily ever after.
A scenario where both parties move on would undoubtedly be the best ending. Clearly, the husband was wrong to trade his wife, and he could not accept her back since she was happy to leave. The ending is even more bizarre since he used the $1 million to buy a hippo at the zoo.
Sliver (1993)
There has never been a film where sex and murder end so boringly as Sliver.
A sexual relationship begins between Carly and her neighbor and gym buddy, Zeke, which incenses Jack. Meanwhile, residents of her building keep dying, having been murdered by Jack and videotaped by Zeke. In spite of this, Carly doesn't make a big deal about all the murders and creeping. Zeke's pervy surveillance system is destroyed, and she tells him to "get a life." Really, that's it!
Identity (2003)
Unidentified killer picks off one by one a group of strangers stranded in a motel during a storm.
On death row, another man awaits execution. It turns out that everyone at the motel is part of the killer's split personality, and he ends up in a mental institution instead of being executed.
The Village (2004)
The insular village plagued by monsters isn't what it seems.
Whbile the characters in this film seem to live hundreds of years ago, they actually live in present-day America. There are monsters in the woods, but the village elders are keeping the lie about them so nobody can drive cars or survive preventable diseases.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – P.2 (2012)
Many people would argue that the beginning and middle of the "Twilight" saga were pretty bad as well.
Its ending, however, didn't appeal to even the most ardent fans! The final battle scene has some moments, but the conclusion reveals that the whole thing was just a vision.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
The "Transformers" team flirted with killing off a main character, but couldn't quite pull it off.
After Sam dies and is revived, Optimus Prime appears to be on his way out when the unthinkable happens. It's okay, though, because robots can get spare parts! A service and an upgrade were all that was needed to save the day!
Saw 3D (2010)
The original "Saw's" twist ending shocked us, but this series really jumped the shark.
Do you remember Dr. Lawrence Gordon, who had his foot amputated in the first movie? Let me explain. "Saw 3D" reveals that he's been Jigsaw's partner in crime ever since he survived. After killing Jill, Gordon kidnaps Detective Hoffman, takes him to a familiar room, and declares the game over.
Serenity (2019)
McConaughey has starred in some amazing films. Serenity isn't one of them.
It begins as a mystery thriller with an impressive cast, but soon becomes a computer game. It's all a computer game. With the exception of Matthew McConaughey's son Patrick, who is real and created the game.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Instead of paying homage to "Wrath of Khan," "Into Darkness" recreates the iconic climax of its spiritual successor.
Only Kirk and Spock reverse roles, with Kirk dying and Spock making William Shatner's infamously silly cursing even sillier.
Cats (2019)
"The ending", you ask? “What about the whole movie!” Certainly, but the ending is particularly absurd.
"Cats" ends with outcast Grizabella singing a song at the Jellicle Ball, which wins her a ride on a chandelier to the Heaviside Layer, a metaphor for rebirth that's also a literal location. Go ahead, try and make sense of that.