Movies such as The Shawshank Redemption and The Truman Show will always be remembered for their satisfying endings.
Top Gun: Maverick is the kind of movie that made its mark by offering viewers one of the most satisfying endings in recent memory; a welcoming mix of nostalgia and triumph that celebrates long-lost eras, which probably explains how the movie continues to fill theaters even months after its release.
A satisfying ending doesn't need to necessarily be happy, but it must precisely fulfill what the film proposes. From horror gems to classic action flicks, Reddit users pick the endings that satisfied them the most.
The Indiana Jones franchise is the best option for those looking for an easy-going adventure story, and while the first two movies help turn the character into the legendary action hero he is today, the third movie stands out as the one that better ties the story and its characters' nuance together.
kerik_of_the_north says, "every plot threat is tied up in the last act, and even ties up elements from the entire trilogy." While the other movies in the franchise are much more action-driven, The Last Crusade really takes its time to give characters depth, and it pays off brilliantly in the end.
One of the ultimate '90s classics, The Sixth Sense knows how to handle emotions like few horror movies do, remaining to this day the biggest highlight M. Night Shyamalan's career. Following the complex relationship between an 8-year-boy who can see ghosts and his child psychologist who is unsure what to make of the boy's abilities, the two embark on an intimate and often frightening journey of self-discovery.
Salemosophy states, "as far as endings go, it transcends the limits of the suspense genre to capture a plethora of emotional themes that deal with the end of life." While the ending of the movie isn't satisfying in terms of happiness, it concludes the arc of each character in a deeply moving way.
Jojo Rabbit offers one of the most innovative takes on World War II of recent years, the kind of lighthearted drama that changes in tone completely after a horrific scene. Masterfully balancing darker themes with the inventive mind of a child, the film presents an accurate portrayal of what meant to be a kid in Nazi Germany.
LeonardGhostal states, "I'd say Jojo Rabbit. I mean, a little tear came out when I watched it." The ending celebrates the end of the war with a high-spirited, yet deeply intimate dance between Jojo and Elsa, representing the end of their differences and marking the beginning of a brand new age.
The Truman Show delivers a story that every person might have daydreamed about at some point: what if everything we do was televised to an audience? The young Truman Burbank is the main character of his own show, which he's not aware even exists, and all of his beloved friends and family are actually paid actors.
It's frequently difficult to bear witnessing Truman's innocence in his situation, but the movie approaches a satisfying conclusion as he gradually finds out the truth about his existence. At the end, Truman bids farewell to his audience and opens the door to the scary real world, and the words of FEAR_LORD_DUCK sums it all up: "it's perfectly well-rounded catharsis".
An all-time Western classic, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly is the kind of film that keep viewers guessing who's going to succeed at the end until the final moments, and the result is priceless. Gathering a quiet gunslinger, a ruthless hitman, and a clumsy bandit for a common goal, the forced proximity trope builds up for a thrilling face-off between the men.
Braulio_Nav claims, "that last scene is classic." In the end, the three main characters engage in an intense three-way duel that will dictate who takes a bag of gold home. The conclusion of the duel alone is truly satisfying, but the gesture of trust and respect between the two remaining characters makes it all even better, referencing one of their first scenes together.
The Social Network is a bold, honest, and often comical depiction of Mark Zuckerberg and the rise of Facebook, masterfully exploring different genres as the narrative goes along and delivering a distinctive atmosphere that only David Fincher could pull off to such a fresh story.
ViceGeography captures the satisfaction the final scene evokes, " 'Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in the world' as he pathetically stares at a computer screen, alone, refreshing the page hoping his ex responds to him." The ironic final scene brings the story to a full circle, while also pointing out how the tons of money Zuckerberg made at the time couldn't erase the fact that he remains just an unprepared young man after all.
Regardless of all the beauty and honesty of Before Sunrise, the film ended on an arguably sad note as Jesse and Celine part ways after an unforgettable night of romance. Before Sunset reunites the two nine years later but keeps viewers guessing once again whether or not the couple will end up together this time.
uncultured_swine2099 claims, "I like the endings to all 3 movies, but that one is the best, it's like an atomic bomb blast of romance." It's truly beautiful how Linklater turns simple words such as "I know" into some of the most romantic things ever said in cinema history.
Mentioned by Justmerightnowtoday, the Bill Murray classic Groundhog Day was one of the pioneers among the wave of films that puts characters repeating the same day over and over, but remains to this day one of the most, if not the most original of all. At the peak of his comedic career, Murray plays Phil, a bitterly egocentric weatherman who finds himself trapped in the same day every time he wakes up.
Hilarious and relatable, the movie gives emotional depth to the characters and escalates into a chaotic mess before Phil finally finds his redemption. The ending offers a clear, yet honest and heartfelt message and inspires viewers to appreciate life better.
Jordan Peele's groundbreaking debut is a roller coaster of emotions from beginning to end, taking viewers by the hand down a terrifying rabbit hole. Using Afro-surrealism as a vehicle to deliver horror, the story offers a crescendo feeling that something horrible is about to happen, and when it finally gives in to nightmarish sequences filled with tension, viewers can't help but feel anxious as the main character's life is put at stake.
Get Out is the kind of movie where an unhappy ending would seem totally unfair after all, but the tension is so well-built that viewers remain apprehensive until the credits start rolling. 28smalls says, "so glad they didn't keep the original downer ending," referencing the alternative ending which features the opposite of the satisfying ending that made it to the final cut.
Imaginary_Access3858 was quick to mention The Shawshank Redemption as a perfect example of a satisfying ending, "The last beach scene left me speechless", he says. Currently the highest-rated movie on IMDb, the film offers the kind of ending that makes fighting off the tears an impossible task; charged with a powerful burst of happiness and relief, it really ends up being a matter of redemption after all.
The film follows two imprisoned men who strengthen a powerful bond throughout the years, finding comfort in each other through the hard times and dreaming about the days they will finally be free again.
Arthur is a Business Communication graduate, now studying Film in Brazil, the land of delayed releases. A huge fan of body horror and underground masterpieces, he is also crazy about the awards season and likes to make Oscar predictions throughout the year. He currently lives in Rio de Janeiro and hopes to find his place in the local art scene.
10 Most Satisfying Movie Endings, According To Reddit – Screen Rant
