REMEMBER THIS! Do NOT give away the actual endings! No Spoilers! If you have to say something besides the film title, make sure that it doesn't reveal the ending, no matter what the film is.

If you're like me, there are movies which blindsind you with their endings. Or maybe they blow you away or make you feel really good because the ending seems "perfect". What are those movies with your favorite endings?

As usual, I'm going to mention some older films since not only do I believe that they don't make 'em like they used to, they don't make great endings like they used to.

The original Charlton Heston "Planet of the Apes"(1968). The ending upset "Moses" so much that even he had to swear.

"Easy Rider"(1969). A film which defines a large part of a generation, the actual ending ranks, along with the earlier Mardi-Gras-on-acid scene, as the apex of director Dennis Hopper's career.

The 1970 Peter Boyle "Joe". The story of a rich guy who has to befriend a working-class bigot may at first seem a bit amateurish, but the script takes you on a rollercoaster ride to a shocking finale.

French Connection II (1975). I may be in the minority in believing this is superior to the Oscar-winning original, but Gene Hackman is tremendous throughout and only one word comes to mind to describe the ending: perfection.

Anybody have something to share without forgetting THE RULES ABOVE.

I'm gonna have to go with The Usual Suspects. That is always the first film that comes to mind when I think of great endings.

Seven is one of my favorite endings. Gets me everytime. It was one of those endings that, when I first saw it in the theater, I hated it. I was so pissed. My friend and I drove around in silence (which never happened) for the next five minutes or so. Finally, the enormity of the whole thing hit me like a ton of bricks and I said, You know, that was actually a pretty good movie...really good in fact. I've loved it since.
I do have to mention one film that always comes to mind when I think about ending I hated (although that is not the topic here, but I couldn't resist). The Pledge with Jack Nicholson. Maybe I need to watch the movie again, because I know of people that loved it, but I was just pissed. I guess I almost felt cheated in a way. Like, what had been a somewhat decent movie so far, was just ruined by the ending. Did anyone else feel this way?

I have to say at the end of The Lord of the Rings, the Return of the King I really loved the endings, all 10 of them! It just hit me in such a way that one of the greatest epics i have witnessed on film has come to an end and I almost cried. That would have to be my favorite movie ending.

I also love almost any ending with a really good and unexpected plot "twist" that leaves you struck with wonder for a while. I'd rather not give examples for fear of spoiling any endings for anyone.

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Originally posted by JackietheBlade:
The Pledge with Jack Nicholson. Maybe I need to watch the movie again, because I know of people that loved it, but I was just pissed. I guess I almost felt cheated in a way. Like, what had been a somewhat decent movie so far, was just ruined by the ending. Did anyone else feel this way?

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Oh dude, I LOVED "The Pledge". Though, I do see why one could feel the way you did. Possibly because you grow so sympathetic towards Jack Nicholson's character and then when HE is so blatantly cheated the viewers feel his pain. But, an ending that I adore is that of "In the Bedroom". If you've seen the film then youd know how good it is, but for those who have not seen the wonderful film I shall not reveal any information that might hint at what happens in the second half, for it is best to watch that movie completely uninformed.

I love the ending of The Seven Samurai. The whole sentiment of the film is captured in the final lines of dialogue. I don't want to ruin it for anyone so I won't print the quote. Kurosawa just had that uncanny ability to end his films perfectly.

I Dunno If It Can Be Classed As The Best Ending Ever Because I Dont Watch To Many Films But My Fave Has To Be The End To Terminator 3 When You Eventully Come Round And Realise Whats Happened You Litrilly Go Omg! Then Are Like Wow That Was A Great Ending

<<The original Charlton Heston "Planet of the Apes"(1968). The ending upset "Moses" so much that even he had to swear.>>

Just watched it on TV last night. Haven't seen it for decades.

You're absolutely right. GREAT ending !

Still, I couldn't help thinking about Homer Simpson's rendition of the famous scene.

The best ending of all time is the last scene in Casablanca. Nothing will ever compare to that one.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rigel Seven,

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Originally posted by Rigel Seven:
The best ending of all time is the last scene in Casablanca. Nothing will ever compare to that one.

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I'll agree that it ranks as one of the greatest last lines in history, along with Bogey's last line in "The Maltese Falcon" and Joe E. Brown's response to Jack Lemmon in "Some Like It Hot." I'm sure I'm forgetting some, but I can't ever forget those.

"The Ususal Suspects," of course...
But I'm shocked that no one has mentioned "The Empire Strikes Back."
Other unmentioned movies I'd include :
"Bob Roberts"
"All that Jazz"
"Lock, Stock..."
"Memento" (Best beginning?)
"Lost in Translation"
"Sweet and Lowdown"
"Cold Mountian"
"Swimming With Sharks"
"Dogville," although it was a little too telegraphed
Final musical scene of "Victor Victoria"
Funniest last line: "A Mighty Wind"

Worst ending ever: "AI Artificial Intelligence" (Shame on you, Spielberg; Shame on you.)

But the absolute best ending ever is a tie between:
"Independence Day" and "Blair Witch Project"
...Because they're FINALLY over.

"Beau Travail"

Nuff said.

"Being There"

Not the best, but one I just saw recently that I really liked was the end of Layer Cake.

The Passion of the Christ

Man, I didn't see that one coming!

"Somebody tell him."

I like the ending to "Inside Man" quite a bit.

movie endings are cool most of the time if they don't cop out,now maybe the best one i've seen is an oldie but goodie for you true horror fans[the mummy's curse]with lon chaney jr.

Well the first thing i thought of when i read the title of this thread was Seven... who wouldnt put it high in their list of best endings?

But i also think for the "bummer" factor the original version of The Italian Job has to feature quite highly.

Happy endings are great but nobody really remembers them. Cliffhangers or shock surprise endiings always have the most impact... Look at Saw, Saw II & Saw III - those films are all about the ending.

The Director's Cut of "The Butterfly Effect"-The theatrical ending sucked but, this one is great!
"Gladiator" (2000)-I didn't like at first but, after seeing it again & again, I figured, in a way, it was the perfect ending.
"Leon the Professional"-"This is from Matilda" OH YEAH!
"Out of Sight"-The cameo in the last few minutes is great!
"Way of the Gun"-"Until that day" Wonderfully bleak!
"Imposter"-A fantastic kick in the pants!
"The One"-The final shot before the credits is splendid!
"Cabin Fever"-Hi-lair-e-us!
"Dawn of the Dead" (2004)-Not before the credits, but during them!
"Final Destination" the first one & the third!
"Cry Wolf"-Fiendish!
"Derailed"-Revenge is beautiful!
"Fallen"-This is an ending up there with "The Usual Suspects"
"Identity"-Very Good!
"Lord of War"-This is one smart guy!
"The Others"-What a twist!
"Secret Window"-Perfect! Ladies, don't cheat on your husband!
"The Sixth Sense"-The SECOND twist ending to make me HAVE to see the movie again! The first was "The Usual Suspects"!
"The Skeleton Key"-Loved it! Don't play with the devil!
"Suicide Kings"-Very good!
"Unbreakable"-It took a couple viewings until I could finally decide I liked this one.
"Menace II Society"-Tragic.
"The Shawshank Redemption"-Overwhelming.
"Glory"-Tragic, Overwhelming, & Uplifting!

The only reason "The Usual Suspects" & "Se7en" wern't on the list was because a couple of others have already mentioned them.

I don't feel like making an entire list of great endings but I recently saw The Departed again and I love that ending. I know some people don't really like the film and especially the ending. However, I felt it was perfect justice and extremely touching. Maybe I love the Mark Wahlberg character (which I did)--and as much as I love Jack Nicholson--Walhberg definitely deserved his nomination. I thought it was a great ending to a great film.