Top 20 Best Final Scenes in Movies
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most successful scenes that end a film. This list doesn’t include animated movies, but it does feature lots of spoilers. Did we forget another amazing final scene? Let us know in the comments below.
#20: Chief’s Escape
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
After attacking Nurse Ratched, Randle McMurphy receives a lobotomy. The hero’s fellow patient Chief Bromden then makes a dramatic choice. McMurphy doesn’t survive the film, but he does empower his friend to escape. The scene goes from heartbreaking to triumphant in just a few short minutes. In a key moment, Bromden uses his incredible strength to throw a piece of heavy equipment out a window. The reactions from the others and the impressive score might just move you to tears. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” ends by creating a glimmer of hope in a dark world, showing that there’s always a way to break free.
#19: Norma’s Close Up
“Sunset Boulevard” (1950)
Silent film star Norma Desmond’s world starts to crumble around her, causing her to lash out in a violent way. In the final scene, the police arrive to arrest the deluded actress in a devastating conclusion. With her mind still stuck in the past, Desmond believes she has an opportunity to pose for the camera. Her butler Max turns the moment into one last chance for her to relieve her glory days. It’s unsettling, heartbreaking, and compelling in one breath. Using some classic dialogue, Gloria Swanson’s performance blends complex emotions into a career-defining moment, bringing. Billy Wilder’s twisted vision of Hollywood to a close in spectacular fashion.
#18: Waiting for Something to Happen
“The Thing” (1982)
John Carpenter’s terrifying remake of a 1950s horror classic comes to a close with a stunning cliffhanger. R.J. MacReady and Childs are the last men standing, having barely survived a creature which can infect a person’s blood and assume new forms. But how can MacReady and Childs - or the audience - know if either of these men are human or an alien copy? Both characters stick to their stories before hunkering down, deciding to await their fates over some Scotch. Kurt Russell and Keith David play it cool here, never letting on as to which might be infected. The paranoia of the entire movie bubbles up here in a frightening end, thanks to Carpenter’s expert and skillful storytelling.
#17: Revisiting the Diner Robbery
“Pulp Fiction” (1994)
Through the unorthodox sequencing of this movie, Quentin Tarantino returns us to the beginning with a completely different perspective. Jules and Vincent think that they’re home free until they find themselves in the middle of a robbery. The tense confrontation features some of Tarantino’s finest dialogue and one of Samuel L. Jackson’s definitive performances. Making the writer’s dialogue sing, Jackson becomes a hitman with a heart of gold in this killer monologue. The scene includes dark humor, philosophy, and eventually a little bit of heart. You couldn’t ask for a better way to end this crime classic.
#16: “Forget It, Jake”
“Chinatown” (1974)
As befits one of the best film noirs ever, “Chinatown” has an incredible ending. Private investigator Jake Gittes tries to save Evelyn Mulwray from her evil father. Not only does the hero fail, he watches as the police shoot and kill Evelyn. Robert Towne’s script weaves a convoluted narrative into a serious gut punch, and the chaos of this moment encapsulates the moral drama at the center of the movie. Jack Nicholson’s stunned face brings it all home, but the last line still stings to this day and sums the whole film up beautifully.
#15: “Okay”
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)
By the end of this sci-fi romance, Joel and Clementine both realize that they’ve erased each other from their memories. Their last confrontation is unlike anything we’ve seen in a romantic film before. The main characters try to work through their feelings, and start to go their separate ways,but they eventually decide to try again. This could easily have veered into sappy sentimentality, but the writing carefully avoids this and both Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet play the scene with just the right amount of feeling. They then spend time at the beach in a soulful final shot. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” gracefully makes you believe in love while reconsidering the classic rom-com format.
#14: “Nobody’s Perfect”
“Some Like It Hot” (1959)
On the lam from gangsters, musicians Joe and Jerry spend most of this film pretending to be women, but they eventually have to come clean. The former reveals his ruse to Marilyn Monroe’s Sugar in a memorable reveal. Things don’t end up going as smoothly for Jerry, with the bass player trying to avoid marrying Osgood Fielding III without revealing his true identity. Jack Lemmon’s beautifully modulated performance finally results in the wig coming off, but Fielding’s response is simple yet hilarious. Billy Wilder’s crazy comedy delivers a surprising yet inevitable ending that cements its status as a classic.
#13: Inception
“Inception” (2010)
For this trippy sci-fi adventure, Christopher Nolan sets up hundreds of dominoes before letting them fall. The cerebral heist that forms the backbone of the film comes to a close as a multi-level dream collapses and the final montage follows Dom Cobb as he makes a triumphant return to the United States. He’s also reunited with his family in an emotional scene. This doesn’t stop Nolan from having a little fun at our expense, with the director leaving us on a high note. Cobb’s spinning top, which is intended to indicate whether he is in a dream state or not, never falls, but it seems to wobble just before a cut to black. It’s one more striking visual in an incredible end sequence.
#12: Solo
“Whiplash” (2014)
Andrew Neiman spends the whole movie trying to be the best drummer he can be. The final scene showcases everything that he’s gained and lost in that pursuit. Playing for his abusive teacher Terence Fletcher, the musician defies the rules in order to show off. This compelling sequence features stunning editing and direction as the action plays out. Fletcher can’t control his student, but he then tries to work with him. The performance turns into an endless solo that needs to be seen to be believed. In the end, Neiman seems to have fallen under the influence of his master. The strong conclusion operates in a gray area that allows for multiple interpretations.
#11: Catch with Dad
“Field of Dreams” (1989)
After everything he’s been through, Ray Kinsella is angry that he doesn’t get to follow Shoeless Joe into the cornfield. His consolation prize makes for one of the most heartwarming moments in film history. Kinsella spots his father on the field, and so has the chance to play catch with him. The scene brings together the power of baseball and father/son relationships in a powerfully moving way. Kevin Costner’s natural performance brings out the beauty in this emotional climax.. The last shot revealing the row of cars harkens back to the film’s “If you build it, he will come” message in an uplifting way.
#10: “The Greatest Trick the Devil Ever Pulled”
“The Usual Suspects” (1995)
Throughout the film, agent Dave Kujan interviews con man Verbal Kint in an effort to solve the mystery surrounding Keyser Söze, an elusive crime lord. It isn’t until the last scene that Kujan finally realizes the truth. After Kint’s tearful goodbye, his interviewer turns to examine all of the evidence on his bulletin board. The reveal slowly builds with dramatic intensity until the case breaks wide open. Pulling the rug out from under the audience as well as Kujan, this movie breaks conventions by making viewers question the entire plot. Kujan tries to find his suspect, but he’s much too late. We feel almost as stunned as he is, making this one of the most effective cinematic conclusions of the 1990s.
#9: Truman Escapes
“The Truman Show” (1998)
When Truman Burbank sails into the unknown, he reaches the end of the fake world he has always called home. The striking images show the hero reaching the barrier between him and reality. At the key moment, Truman finally hears from the show’s creator and engages in an amazing existential conversation. It’s a moving scene, featuring some of Jim Carrey’s best serious acting, complemented by Ed Harris’s excellent work as the obsessive Christof. It all leads to Burbank’s final sign off, which feels like a brilliant mic drop moment. With evocative music adding to the intensity, this unique movie builds to an impressive finish.
#8: “The Sound of Silence”
“The Graduate” (1967)
After leaving college behind, Benjamin Braddock finds himself at sea and eventually falls into an affair with his neighbor, Mrs. Robinson. However, he later comes to realize that it’s really her daughter, Elaine, that he wants to be with. Of course, the fact that she is getting married complicates things. Braddock takes great pains to reach the church, interrupt the wedding, and steal the bride. Elaine decides to run away with Benjamin, giving this sequence a romantic exit like no other. This could’ve been a great ending on its own, but director Mike Nichols goes one step further. He shows the pair sitting awkwardly as they contemplate their life together, sending viewers away with some food for thought about “happily ever after” endings.
#7: Goodbye
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982)
In the conclusion to this sci-fi tale, Elliott Taylor and his friends bid farewell to their otherworldly buddy. They first get some help from the title character to fly into the sky and eventually reach his ship. All journeys must come to an end, with this one being particularly sad. Taylor struggles to say “goodbye” before E.T. gives him one last line to remember. The music of John Williams makes this ending soar, and the skillful direction of Steven Spielberg exerts just the right amount of tugging at the heartstrings. We’re sad to see the creature leave, but we’re just as grateful as Elliott that we got to spend time with him.
#6: “An Angel Gets His Wings”
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
After being shown that his life has made a huge difference to others, the desperate and depressed George Bailey has a huge change of heart. After so much goes wrong for him, the hero reunites with his family in a classic ending that is a true celebration. Not only does Bailey settle his debts, he finds the entire town rallying around him. His brother also comes by for a toast that feels like the best way to bring this hopeful movie home. This feel-good sequence that never ceases to inspire or warm the hearts of viewers, no matter how many times they see it. Among the essential holiday films, “It’s a Wonderful Life’s” ending inspires us all to appreciate what we have.
#5: Reunion
“The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)
After Andy Dufresne escapes the titular prison, there’s still the question of Red’s fate. He becomes paroled and struggles to fit into society. A moving montage and Morgan Freeman’s expert narration take us through his dramatic journey. Finding the gift Dufresne left for him, the former inmate finally decides to travel to meet his friend in Mexico. Their heartwarming reunion caps off an incredible ending sequence. Seeing them together again, you can’t help but feel better knowing that two characters have each other. “The Shawshank Redemption” brings viewers to tears while also reminding them about the power of friendship.
#4: “Wouldn’t Hurt a Fly”
“Psycho” (1960)
At the end of the movie, Norman Bates is caught red-handed assuming the identity of his mother. A psychiatrist explains that the villain is a case of multiple personality disorder. It all explains the surprising turn of events in the film and how the disturbed young man has lost grip with reality. Alfred Hitchcock then gives viewers another look at Bates by himself. His thoughts are narrated by his mother, adding yet another terrifying layer to this horror film. The talented Anthony Perkins even conveys the character’s disturbed psyche without dialogue. His last look at the camera says it all, scaring audiences with an iconic smile.
#3: “I’m Finished”
“There Will Be Blood” (2007)
Daniel Plainview might have everything at the end of this movie, but there’s still one person left to face. His rival Eli Sunday tries to do business and ends up getting swindled one last time. When the anti-hero mentions milkshakes, he starts an iconic rant, which Daniel Day-Lewis plays impeccably. The script lets the actor explore the darkest corners of humanity, but never stops being entertaining. It’s the final destructive act of a character that we love to hate. After a vicious verbal assault, the oil man throws Sunday into a deadly game of bowling. Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterful epic concludes with equal parts intense violence and dark comedy.
#2: “You Maniacs!”
“Planet of the Apes” (1968)
At the end of this film, astronaut George Taylor and fellow human Nova leave behind the ruling apes for greener pastures. Their journey starts out as an escape, but the script has other plans for them. The pair reach a beach where the main character finds a reason to freak out. When Taylor sees the Statue of Liberty, the man realizes that he’s not on a distant planet but still on Earth. It’s a shocking scene that’s still devastating all these years later. With Charlton Heston’s acting, the crazy twist remains a highlight of 1960s sci-fi. Few moves are bold enough to build up high hopes and then take them all away.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Becoming Don, “The Godfather” (1972)
Michael Continues His Compelling Descent into Evil as the New Head of the Corleone Family
Waking Up from a Dream, “No Country for Old Men” (2007)
Sheriff Bell Describes a Thought-Provoking Vision of His Father Before a Sudden End
“Where Is My Mind?”, “Fight Club” (1999)
The Hero Finally Confronts His Alter-Ego in a Trippy & Destructive Conclusion
“Say Hello to My Little Friend,” “Scarface” (1983)
Tony Montana Yells & Shoots His Way to the End of an Entertaining Death Scene
Off the Cliff, “Thelma & Louise” (1991)
The Titular Partners Take One Last Heartbreaking Drive to Avoid the Authorities
#1: “The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship”
“Casablanca” (1942)
Do movies get any more romantic than this? At the end of “Casablanca,” Rick Blaine knows that he has to let Ilsa Lund go. The two then share one final and heartfelt moment together. Before the plane flies away, the hero takes down Major Strasser in order to save Lund and her husband. This selfless act makes us fall for the main character even more. While walking off into the night, the remaining allies celebrate with a hopeful message and an iconic quote. We wish that every film could pack the same thrills, romance, and drama into one end scene.