11 Movies That Absolutely Nailed Their Final Scene, And 11 That Tripped Over The Finish Line

    Truly the highest of highs and lowest of lows.

    Allie Hayes
    by Allie Hayes

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Over the course of the past year, we took a look at a viral Reddit thread — as well as responses from our very own BuzzFeed Community — which highlighted otherwise decent movies that viewers felt were "ruined" by their lackluster endings. But, on the opposing end, we've also taken a look at some movies that truly nailed their ending scenes!

    Warner Bros.

    So, with that in mind and presented in no particular order, here are the most popular responses — 11 movies that really nailed their endings, and 11 that really tripped over the finish line — all in one place for easy access. Ready? I sure hope so! Here we go:

    1. The ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) left some fans feeling bleh.

    LucasFilm

    "Here's how it should've ended:

    Old Lady: What's your name?

    Rey: I'm Rey. Rey Palpatine.

    Old Lady: Palpatine? But that was the name of the guy who committed two galaxy-wide genocides! Are you saying you're related to him?!

    Rey: Yes, but bloodlines...aren't important.

    THE END."

    —u/MasterKlaw

    2. But fans think the ending of Rogue One (2016) kicked all kinds of butt.

    LucasFilm

    "That Darth Vader scene was freaking amazing!"

    —melissas48470ea8d

    3. The ending of Glass (2019) was a twist no one wanted.

    Universal Pictures

    "Someone spoiled the ending for me before I even had a chance to see it, and I was still disappointed. Still, Unbreakable is one of my favorite movies."

    —u/Whodat402

    4. But the twist in Us (2019) left viewers satisfied (and scared).

    Universal Pictures

    "This one has a really interesting ending. It makes you really wonder who the real villain is — Red or Adelaide?"

    —errajatbhatiaakg

    5. DC fans feel the third act of Wonder Woman (2017) was a little lackluster.

    Warner Bros.

    "The first two acts were really good, and then everything fell apart in a terrible final battle sequence."

    —u/IndyDude11

    6. But they truly believe nothing can top the end of The Dark Knight (2008).

    Warner Bros.

    "The swell of the music underneath Jim Gordon's monologue — there's something about that that stays in your head."

    —daynam4b6e28fa3

    7. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) left fans of the franchise confused and let down.

    Warner Bros.

    "The very last moment of this? Like, hey, let's upheave tons of established lore in the last 30 seconds! The fuck was that?!"

    —u/silvermoonchan

    8. Whereas Avengers: Infinity War (2018) left fans of the franchise energized.

    Marvel Studios

    "As frustrating and devastating as it was for the entire fandom, that ending scene was incredible."

    —[deleted]

    9. Disney lovers despise the end of Toy Story 4 (2019).

    Walt Disney Pictures

    "Woody turned his back on literally everything he stood for during the entire series. The whole movie, he was fighting to get back to his friends, and then he just decides to leave in the last five minutes?"

    —abnroche

    10. But they adore the final moments of The Lion King (1994).

    Walt Disney Pictures

    "Simba slowly walking up Pride Rock as the majestic 'King of Pride Rock' score plays, and Mufasa appearing one last time to say 'Remember...' before Simba roars as the new king — then the transition to some time later when the land is healthy again, and Simba and Nala’s cub is being presented as a chorus sings a triumphant reprise of 'Circle of Life'? Pure perfection."

    —eclipsecat14

    11. The finale to La La Land (2016) left romantics feeling down.

    Lionsgate

    "I was so mad when they were together for a bulk of the movie and then split up in the future sequence. It ruined everything that the movie was building up to, and it broke my heart."

    —rosienuttty

    12. The ending of Moonlight (2016), however, is positively sublime.

    A24

    "This one had an amazing ending. It left me in such an emotional state of mind. Chiron saying, 'You were the only man that ever touched me. I haven’t really touched anyone since,' brought tears to my eyes. And then baby Chiron on the beach, under the moonlight, looking at the camera, was perfect. I’m emotional just typing it."

    —felipeschnurrg

    13. The ending to Hereditary (2018) was a bit too much for some horror fans.

    A24

    "It would have been one of the best horror movies ever had the last 20 minutes been shaved off."

    —jeremybell100

    14. But the ending of Scream (1996) was iconic.

    Dimension Films

    "That final shot with Courteney Cox giving her Gale Weathers 'exclusive eyewitness account' newscast, with the police in the background, as the camera cranes upward to face the rising sun and Moby's 'First Cool Hive' plays in the background...biiiiitch, chills. SO ICONIC."

    —whitfield89

    15. The decision at the end of Mamma Mia! (2008) had some viewers displeased.

    Universal Pictures

    "I hate the ending. The entire movie relates to the impending marriage of the young couple. The setting for the wedding is incredibly beautiful. Then, at the altar, they ditch the vows and decide to just live together? COWARDS!"

    —sharonrmay

    16. But mammas (and daughters) everywhere love the ending of Lady Bird (2017).

    A24

    "When she calls her mother and talks about how emotional she felt when driving around Sacramento? It was so perfect. It gives me chills just thinking about it."

    —felipeschnurrg

    17. Sci-fi and romance fans hate the ending of Passengers (2016).

    Sony Pictures Releasing

    "It could have been an amazing sci-fi movie where Jennifer Lawrence was forced to make the same decision Chris Pratt did...but instead, they went the 'happily ever after' route."

    —u/Lpreddit

    18. But they love the last scene of Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012).

    Focus Features

    "This is probably an unpopular opinion, but when I think of great endings — it's this one. Not only was it poetic, romantic, and beautiful, but it also changed how I viewed life and love. It affected me deep down, and I will carry some small piece of that film with me for the rest of my life...so yeah, I think it's an awardworthy ending."

    —adamr4ab2ed254

    19. And speaking of "romance," fans of the genre think the end of The Other Woman (2014) was a bit much.

    20th Century Fox

    "Solid movie until the last five minutes, when they essentially made the man a cartoon villain, crashing through the glass walls, dialogue, etc., instead of leaving it at 'You’re broke and single now!' It’s always ruined the last bit of the movie for my husband and me."

    —emtolle

    20. But they can't deny the sheer perfection that is the final moments of Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019).

    Pyramide Films

    "This had the best ending of any film I’ve ever seen. It was truly a remarkable way to end the film, and Adèle Haenel’s performance in the scene should have gotten her an Oscar all on its own. I was truly disoriented after I left the theater. That ending sat with me for WEEKS after."

    —emilyj4c7fc8177

    21. And finally, nerds everywhere could do without the ending of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).

    Paramount Pictures

    "I was so excited to finally have another Indiana Jones movie, and then...ALIENS? Seriously?"

    —saltyspice75

    22. But they worship the "final scene" in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) — all "45" of them.

    New Line Cinema

    "What about these endings? All 45 of them?! LOL. Seriously, though, it's a perfect film."

    —CoCoGrigio

    Well, you've read their picks, but now it's your turn! What's an ending scene in a movie that you love? How about one you can't stand? Share all of your thoughts in the comments below!

    Note: Some responses were edited for length and/or clarity. H/T Reddit.