Top 20 Happiest Movie Endings That Will Make You Smile

“Babe” (1995)
Through all of the whimsy and humor of this film, it all comes down to a tense competition. Babe needs help from his fellow farm animals in order to win the sheepherding competition. With some tremendous teamwork, Rex saves the day and provides the pig with the password. This all culminates in a successful herding scene that’ll have you smiling. Not only does the hero come away feeling great, he also gets approval from farmer Arthur Hoggett. James Cromwell gives the last line an understated delivery that works perfectly for the end.

“The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
Based on a best-selling memoir, this film charts the journey of Chris Gardner, a man struggling with homelessness. His relentless pursuit of a job culminates in an inspirational ending. The final scene sees Gardner get what he’s been searching for, complete with a tear-filled meeting with his superiors. Conveying the character’s gratitude, Will Smith helps to bring this joyful moment to life. Nobody deserves the position as much as the hero does considering all he’s been through. “The Pursuit of Happyness” features one of Smith’s best performances, while also showing what skill and determination can get you.

“Legally Blonde” (2001)
Elle Woods might start her journey by chasing her boyfriend to law school, but she ends “Legally Blonde” as a successful student. The film ends by flashing forward two years to her graduation speech. She might’ve joined Harvard Law School as an underdog, but she leaves it as an outspoken woman. Her sparkly personality only raises the happiness meter, giving viewers yet another reason to be proud of her. With wedding bells in the air, the future looks extremely bright for our heroine. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Warner has no honors, no job offers, and no girlfriend.

“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989)
The heroic archaeologist isn’t able to keep the Holy Grail, but he does leave with his life. The ending of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” teaches a lesson about what’s really important. It also showcases all of the surviving characters celebrating their journey. They all ride off together into the sunset, producing an uplifting ending we can all get behind. Father and son have successfully reconnected and now have the memory of an exhilarating adventure. What could be cooler than that? This sequence definitely represents one of the franchise’s most celebratory moments.

“Mary Poppins” (1964)
The central family in “Mary Poppins” are brought together again by this cheerful ending. George Banks takes them all out to fly a kite during a joyful musical number. Celebrating the childlike wonder of the activity, the group are able to have fun together. There’s also the revelation that Mr. Banks will become a partner at the bank. It’s all a cause for more celebration, with Poppins’ work seemingly done. The magical nanny flies away as all appears to be right with the world. Inspiring us all to appreciate the simple things, this final scene solidifies this Disney movie as a family classic.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” (2011)
After the defeat of Voldemort, the final chapter of this series jumps into the future. We get to watch older versions of the characters prepare their own children for Hogwarts. It’s a full circle moment, with Harry and his friends returning to the famous Platform 9¾. As the train takes off, we can’t help but think about how far the story has come from the first film, all those years ago. It’s a lovely moment of reminiscing that shows life always goes on. The last shot puts into perspective all the years of storytelling, giving this franchise a meaningful sendoff.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
Among the most famous grouches in history, the Grinch prepares to destroy the Christmas cheer of Whoville. But when he finds the citizens rejoicing without their presents, the villain has a change of heart. He realizes there’s much more to Christmas than material possessions. It’s an emotional transformation for a character that’s been troubled for so long. With Jim Carrey’s electric take on the character, we delight when the Grinch joins his new friends in a compelling conclusion. It’s an ending that makes our heart grow three sizes whenever we watch it.

“Sleepless in Seattle” (1993)
For the entire film, it’s unclear if Sam Baldwin and Annie Reed will ever properly meet. The finale tips its hat to “An Affair to Remember” with a romantic meetup at the top of the Empire State Building. Meg Ryan’s character arrives too late, but then a forgotten backpack puts her face-to-face with her crush. It’s especially satisfying to see these people finally get together after their long-distance communication. Whether or not the couple lasts, this movie sends the audience away with the happiness of a potential romance. What will they do now? It’s all up to your imagination.

“Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993)
When three pets try to find their family, they embark on a dangerous trek through the wilderness. But by the end, they reunite with their owners in a touching scene. As the animals emerge from the horizon, their human companions each get a stirring moment with them. Any dog or cat lover will find something to appreciate about this heartfelt sequence. Even though it looks like the older Shadow might not show up, the golden retriever makes his way back in another emotional highlight. “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” tugs at the heartstrings through this cathartic ending.

“Groundhog Day” (1993)
Weatherman Phil Connors tries to hustle his way out of a time loop, but later he comes to embrace the absurd premise. He chooses to be a more well-rounded, kind, and loving person by the end. With his newfound emotional maturity and relationship with Rita Hanson, he is able to wake up the next day and realize the loop has ended. Connors discovers that he’s broken the curse because of his change of character. Finishing on a high note, the new couple greet the Pennsylvania air with a pep in their step.

“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
Charlie Bucket is the last kid standing in this fantasy adventure, but he isn’t home free just yet. Willy Wonka appears cruel until the child returns the Everlasting Gobstopper. After revealing his selflessness, the hero finds himself whisked off into a glass elevator. The joyful ride includes a proposal to take over the factory. With Gene Wilder’s heartwarming presence, this scene really puts you into the young character’s shoes. The wish-fulfilling moment gives the kind-hearted Charlie a chance to change his life for the better. Wonka’s final line and the music sell this sendoff, with the feeling that dreams do come true.

“Rudy” (1993)
There’s only one thing that Rudy Ruettiger wants in life: to play football for Notre Dame. This final sequence lets the hero realize his dream. Waiting anxiously for his shot, Rudy joins the game at the end of the fourth quarter. It’s awesome to watch the character take the field and even get a tackle. This all leads to him being carried off the field. You might be applauding him yourself by the end of this film. With all of his hard work paying off, the athlete gets the recognition he deserves in this exciting conclusion.

“When Harry Met Sally...” (1989)
It’s New Year’s Eve, but the two leads aren’t celebrating with each other. Harry and Sally have had a falling out, despite the audience knowing that they’re meant to be. When Harry realizes he has to tell Sally how he feels, he rushes to be by her side. The heartwarming speech he delivers reunites them in classic rom-com fashion. From the romantic gesture to the couple’s chemistry in their interview, you couldn’t ask for a better way to end this movie. The happy ending is just one reason people return to this 80s classic.

“Paddington 2” (2017)
This movie is already full of heartfelt moments, but it saves its biggest one for the very end. Paddington wakes up from a coma to discover that he’s a free bear. Along with wrapping up the plot, this last sequence gives the hero a chance to reunite with his Aunt Lucy. The wonderful surprise comes with a loving embrace between long-separated family members. It’s yet another way that “Paddington 2” asks us to open our hearts and wish for the best. With all of his friends there supporting him, Aunt Lucy gets a present money can’t buy in this lovely finale.

“Field of Dreams” (1989)
You don’t have to be a sports fan to love this movie. Ray Kinsella might not be allowed to follow the ghosts into the cornfield, but he does get a shot to reunite with his late father. The resulting scene has them playing catch in a moving finale. With the rows of cars heading for the field to enjoy some baseball, all seems right with the world. The family members find a way to reconnect over a sentimental pastime. You’ll likely find yourself with happy tears at the end of this film.

“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952)
At the end of this classic, Don Lockwood reveals Kathy Selden’s true talents and wins her back with a song. The exposure of Lina Lamont makes us smile, followed up by a heartfelt reprise of the tune “You Are My Lucky Star.” Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds muster up all of their star power for this iconic film. Kelly’s glowing smile and Reynolds’ tears elevate the moment, giving audiences another reason to celebrate the happy ending. Finally, the camera pans out to reveal that Don and Kathy are starring in a film together called — what else — “Singin’ in the Rain.”

“The Princess Bride” (1987)
As this fairytale comes to a close, Westley and Buttercup are reunited and ride off together. Their passionate kiss gives the couple a proper ending. It’s exactly the kind of conclusion you want from a classic plot like this. You feel even better watching the main characters win because they’ve been suffering for so long. In the real world, the child and his grandpa also bond over the beauty of the plot and the grandson’s investment in the story. No matter how many times you watch it, “The Princess Bride” gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling as if you’re inside a storybook.

“The Truman Show” (1998)
After the falseness of his world is uncovered, Truman Burbank sets off on his own to discover the truth. He sails to the end of his own world and hits a literal wall, but then he takes his life into his own hands. It’s inspirational to watch Truman escape the studio and defy the voice of God — that is, Christof — with his signature catchphrase. With the future looking bright, the audience watching at home cheers him as he effectively stops the program. The music adds to the emotional and positive ending. In one of Jim Carrey’s best films, he gives his character an exhilarating exit.

“The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)
With Andy Dufresne out of prison, Red waits for his own chance at freedom. Morgan Freeman’s character finally earns his parole and follows in his friend’s footsteps. The two men reunite in Mexico as free men, giving people hope that their friendship will last. After most of the movie is set in the darkness of prison, the final sequence puts audiences out in the fresh air. The costuming, swelling score, and wide shot instill a sense of tranquility. You couldn’t ask for a better way to end a story where the characters endure so much.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
After finding out what happens if he isn’t born, George Bailey comes to realize his importance in the lives of the people he cares most about. His triumphant return to Bedford Falls comes with heartfelt gestures, tearful reunions, and a rousing finale. The entire town rallies around him and gifts him the much-needed money for his business. With good wishes from everyone, the whole cast brings happiness to this last sequence. Bailey’s own brother Harry even shows up to make the moment stick with a fantastic toast. It’s hard to think of anything more you could add to this scene to make it more cheerful.

Did we forget another happy movie ending? Let us know in the comments below.