Top 20 Cheesiest Movie Endings

Some movie endings are overly sentimental or neatly resolved, leaving a lingering, saccharine impression. This list details finales that rely on dramatic gestures, perfect resolutions, or fairytale elements, simply describing the events as they happen without offering opinions. These conclusions – featuring things like flying cars or eleventh-hour reunions – have become well-known symbols of happy endings in popular culture. Here’s a breakdown of what each ending visually presents and how it concludes the story.

‘Grease’ (1978)

The movie ends at a school carnival where Sandy and Danny finally make up, having both embraced each other’s interests. They sing “We Go Together” as the graduating class cheers. As the song reaches its peak, they drive off in a beautifully restored red convertible, which magically takes flight and soars into the clouds as the credits roll.

‘Armageddon’ (1998)

Harry sacrifices himself by staying on the asteroid and taking A.J.’s place, guaranteeing the bomb will destroy the threat. He shares a final goodbye with his daughter over video as the shuttle departs. The bomb detonates, saving Earth. Afterwards, the returning drillers are celebrated with a military ceremony, followed by a joyous wedding.

‘Love Actually’ (2003)

As a total film buff, I was really moved by how this movie wove together several different storylines. It all came to a head at a school holiday show and then at Heathrow Airport – such a bustling, emotional location! There was this sweet, understated moment where Mark confessed his feelings to Juliet using cue cards, and you could tell he felt a huge weight lifted. Then there was Jamie, who bravely proposed to Aurélia, even stumbling over his Portuguese! The film wrapped up with a really lovely montage of everyone happily reconnecting, with all the overlapping voices in the arrivals hall perfectly capturing that feeling of joyful chaos. It was just a really heartwarming ending.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

The story shows Allie and Noah as an older couple in a care home, with Noah reading their life story to Allie. For a moment, Allie remembers him, and they enjoy a peaceful evening together. The scene ends with a touching image of them falling asleep holding hands. The next morning, nurses find them still together, symbolizing their enduring love story.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)

Batman bravely flew a dangerous nuclear weapon out over the bay, where it safely exploded far from Gotham City. Everyone believed Bruce Wayne died in the act, and a public memorial was held to celebrate Batman’s heroism. However, Lucius Fox discovered that the device’s autopilot had been repaired before the flight. Later, Alfred spotted Bruce alive and well, enjoying a quiet life in Florence with Selina Kyle.

‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ (2008)

Following the collapse of the Akator chamber, Indy and his friends manage to escape just as a flying saucer vanishes into a strange portal. Later, back at the university, Indy and Marion get married in a church full of friends and family. During the ceremony, a strong gust of wind blows Indy’s hat down the aisle. Mutt retrieves it, but Indy playfully takes it back as the church doors open.

‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ (2001)

For centuries, David was trapped beneath the sea, watching the Blue Fairy. Eventually, people from the future rescued him, rebuilding his home. They gave him one perfect day with a recreation of his mother, complete with a birthday celebration and a sweet treat. As evening arrived, she peacefully faded away, leaving David content and at peace beside her as the mechanical beings around them powered down.

‘Click’ (2006)

Michael found himself in a hospital, convinced his family was gone. He desperately ran outside into the rain, hoping to find them, but collapsed from exhaustion. When he woke up, he was in a Bed Bath & Beyond, realizing the whole experience was a strange, important lesson. He rushed home, grateful for the simple joy of dinner and the warmth of his family’s hugs.

‘I Am Legend’ (2007)

As infected people surrounded his home, Neville quickly guided Anna and Ethan into a secure lab. He gave them the cure and then set off an explosion to hold back the attackers. Anna and Ethan drove north and reached a settlement of survivors. When they arrived, the gate opened and a church bell rang as Anna showed the community the vial containing the cure.

‘Safe Haven’ (2013)

I was completely captivated by this story! It follows Katie as she starts over in a charming seaside town and really connects with Alex, a widower, and his kids. Things get intense when her controlling, abusive husband shows up, and she ends up seeking refuge at Alex’s place. Then, she discovers this incredible letter! It turns out her friend Jo wasn’t just a friend at all – she was actually the spirit of Alex’s late wife, subtly guiding Katie the whole time. A family photo and a hidden message made the reveal so much more powerful. It was a beautiful and unexpected twist!

‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Cooper enters a tesseract, a strange space where he can communicate with his daughter Murph back on Earth by manipulating gravity. Murph uses these messages to crack a complex equation, allowing humanity to escape a dying planet. Cooper eventually wakes up on a space station and is encouraged by an older Murph to go find Amelia Brand, who is working to start a new human settlement.

‘Passengers’ (2016)

Jim and Aurora quickly adjusted to life aboard the ship, even after waking up sooner than expected. Jim figured out how to use the ship’s medical pod to help Aurora sleep, but she decided she preferred to stay awake. Over the years, they turned a large common area into a beautiful garden. When the ship finally reached its destination, the crew was amazed to find a flourishing garden had grown throughout the vessel.

‘Signs’ (2002)

During a fight in the living room, the family realizes the creatures are vulnerable to water. Merrill swings a baseball bat, and the creature stumbles as glasses are knocked over. We see flashbacks revealing how past experiences have equipped them for this very moment. The story ends with Graham putting on his special collar as snow falls outside the window.

‘Pretty Woman’ (1990)

Edward arrived at Vivian’s building in a white limousine, holding a bouquet of flowers. Bravely overcoming his fear of heights, he climbed the fire escape and declared he was there to save her. Vivian playfully responded that she was the one rescuing him, and they shared a warm embrace. The story ends with a hopeful view of their future, set against the glittering city lights.

‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2’ (2012)

A huge battle between the Cullens and the Volturi appears to be happening, with devastating losses for both sides. However, it’s revealed to be a vision Alice creates to prevent the actual fight. Seeing the potential outcome, Aro calls off the confrontation and the assembled vampires leave. Edward and Bella return home, where Bella lowers her mental shield and they peacefully share their memories in a meadow.

‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019)

After a final battle with Palpatine on Exegol, Rey draws upon the power of Jedi from the past to achieve victory. She then travels to the Lars homestead on Tatooine, where she buries two lightsabers in the sand. When a local resident asks who she is, she pauses, looking at the twin suns setting on the horizon, before finally answering. She then activates a new lightsaber with a golden blade and walks off into the desert.

‘Serendipity’ (2001)

Jonathan and Sara keep crossing paths throughout New York City, but it isn’t until a serendipitous encounter at an ice skating rink that they finally connect. A lost cashmere glove confirms it’s really her. They meet on the rink one snowy night, and the final scene shows their book, with a five-dollar bill tucked inside, hinting at their story’s beginning.

‘Ghost’ (1990)

In the apartment, Sam protects Molly and Oda Mae from a final danger. A brilliant light appears, and for the last time, Molly can see Sam. He expresses his gratitude to Oda Mae and walks into the light, accompanied by rising choral music. Molly reaches out to where he was standing, saying goodbye as the light disappears.

‘The Princess Diaries’ (2001)

Mia delivers a speech at the Genovian consulate, officially accepting her position as the future princess. She makes up with her friends and then attends a grand ball at the palace. We see a series of scenes showing her learning to navigate royal life with growing confidence. The film ends with a beautiful nighttime shot of the palace, symbolizing the start of her new life.

‘The Matrix Revolutions’ (2003)

In a rain-swept plaza, Neo faces off against Smith and allows the system to eliminate the virus within him. Once the connection is re-established, the machines stop their attack on Zion. Meanwhile, the Oracle and the Architect meet in a peaceful park to talk about the newly established truce. As the city settles into a delicate peace, Sati creates a beautiful, dawn-like sky.

Share your picks for the cheesiest finales in the comments and tell us which endings you would add.

2025-10-30 18:50