10 Movie Endings That Everyone Agrees Are Absolutely Perfect

While they sometimes divert audiences’ expectations, some films can create endings that are agreed on by all audiences as being perfect. A “perfect” ending, however, does not necessarily mean the storyline is concluded in a fairytale manner where each character gets a happy ending, achieving all they set out to accomplish earlier in the film. More so, audiences find it to be perfect due to its lack of confusion or cause for debate about what it could mean.

The endings of films are crucial because they can alter audiences’ opinions of the film as a whole. After spending a decent amount of time with a film’s characters, audiences want to be satisfied with where the characters’ journey ends. Even though there are benefits to films with open-ended conclusions, such as starting larger discussions about the film, creating a universally agreed-upon ending is just as useful.

Related

10 Movie Happy Endings That Definitely Didn’t Last Long

Relative to their respective settings, these movies had happy endings. But what happens after the third act unfolds as an entirely different story.

10 Rocky (1976)

Rocky’s loss was powerful for what it meant

Rocky is the first film in the Rocky franchise and follows Rocky as he’s preparing for his fight against renowned fighter Apollo Creed. It’s an underdog story that’s gained prominence among sports dramas over the decades following its release and its ending is satisfactory for both the titular fighter and the audience. After a vigorous fight, Apollo is the victor, but it’s Rocky’s endurance and ability to withstand the match against Apollo that was a win in and of itself, symbolizing his sense of accomplishment. It’s a more realistic ending from the franchise and one audiences agree is perfect.

9 Thelma & Louise (1991)

They kept going and chose their own ending

Thelma & Louise follows the titular friends on the run after they kill a man who tries to assault Thelma. The women know they won’t be believed and justice won’t get served, so they spend the entirety of the film dodging authorities. However, they are caught at the end and are asked to surrender.

The film ends with the two refusing to do so and instead, driving at a high speed, they fly over the edge of the Grand Canyon. The film ends at that moment and though their death is assumed, the ending is regarded as perfect because of what it symbolizes. As intended by the writer of the film Callie Khouri, the moment illustrates an ending, one of liberation, on their terms.

8 The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013)

A reminder to take risks and be courageous

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is about a man, Walter, who frequently daydreams of a life where he’s bold and adventurous. It’s a contrasting version of his real life in which he has a simplistic routine working at Life magazine and is unable to ask out his crush at work. However, the magazine is having its final print issue and Walter takes on a real-life adventure to find the photo that’ll be used as the cover.

The film ends with Walter looking at the final issue on display and the photo is revealed for the first time – it’s of Walter outside of work, looking at film photos. The issue is dedicated to Life‘s staff and it’s a perfect ending. It showcases Walter’s importance to the company, giving him a new sense of courage that wasn’t present at the beginning of the film, and one audiences can’t help but root for.

7 The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Solidifies the themes of friendship and hope

Known to many as a universally beloved film, The Shawshank Redemption is about two inmates, Andy and Red, as they make their way out of Shawshank State Penitentiary. Andy successfully escapes from prison, but before he can do so, he informs Red of a location to visit once he gets out on parole. Red is hesitant about a life for himself outside of prison, but he’s motivated by Andy’s message and eventually tracks him down in Mexico. Compared to the film’s otherwise heavy tone, The Shawshank Redemption‘s ending is happy and perfectly encapsulates the themes of hope and friendship.

6 The Graduate (1967)

Reality sets in after a grand declaration of love

The Graduate has a perfect bittersweet ending for its characters, Elaine and Benjamin. They want to be together but are forbidden to and Elaine is forced to marry a man she does not love. In the end, Benjamin crashes her wedding, and they dash off to catch a bus. The Graduate ends with a shot of the two with worrisome looks on their faces as the audience can only assume they’re just now coming to terms with their decision. It’s a simple, yet effective way to alter the happy ending set up by their declared love for one another.

Related

The Graduate’s 10 Best Quotes

The 1967 coming-of-age masterpiece The Graduate relies on its unforgettable quotes to describe all sides of its comedic love triangle.

5 Whiplash (2014)

A drummer pushed to his limits

Following the journey of an aspiring drummer, Whiplash is an intense drama with a gratifying ending. Throughout the entirety of the film, audiences witness the drummer, Andrew, endure psychological abuse from his instructor, Fletcher. After drumming to exhaustion, working to perfection, it appears Andrew has given up drumming. However, everything climaxes with an exhilarating ending where Andrew comes back to drum. He challenges Fletcher’s expectations of him and, with an exchanged look between the two, Andrew seems to have finally impressed his instructor – a sense of relief for both Andrew and the audience.

4 It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

The beauty of life shouldn’t be unappreciated

It’s a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey as he struggles to feel accomplished in life. As a beloved Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life contains inspirational quotes and a powerful ending that contributes to its acclaim. After seeing what life in Bedford Falls would be like without him, George realizes the important role he plays in the lives of those around him. The title is fitting for the perfect ending as it reminds audiences that life doesn’t always turn out as planned, but that is not a bad thing.

3 The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)

A happy ending for a struggling father

Although The Pursuit of Happyness is not entirely accurate, the dramatized story is based on real events and leaves audiences with a positive ending that’s perfect, despite the creative liberties taken prior in the film. The Pursuit of Happyness follows Chris Gardner as he struggles to find employment and provide for himself and his son. The film ends with Chris and his son walking down the street after he’s just been informed he has earned a full-time job. It’s a satisfying ending after audiences saw him sleeping in public bathrooms and consistently being rejected when selling medical scanners.

Related

Is The Pursuit Of Happyness Based On A True Story? Where Chris Gardner Is Now

Starring Wil Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness is the emotional journey of a single father, but is The Pursuit of Happyness based on a true story?

2 The Truman Show (1998)

An escape long overdue

The Truman Show is about a man, Truman Burbank, who is unaware that his life is being watched as a reality show. Truman attempts to escape the fabricated town, but Christof, the director, tries to prevent this from happening by starting a search party and creating a storm on the sea. However, Christof is unsuccessful and Truman perseveres. The image of him walking up the stairs and out the door is one most commonly associated with the film. Much like viewers in the film cheer at seeing Truman escape, audiences watching The Truman Show can’t help but do the same.

1 Casablanca (1942)

True love is proclaimed by making a sacrifice

Casablanca‘s ending isn’t perfect due to a fairytale happy conclusion, but rather one that enhances the film’s themes and romance at the center of it. The film is widely considered an acclaimed classic and that’s partly due to its ending. At the last minute, Rick tells Ilsa to board the plane with her husband, choosing him over Rick, because, despite his deep feelings for her, he knows it’s what’s best and she’ll regret leaving him otherwise. The ending is perfect as that sacrifice was likely the greatest way for Rick to express his love.