We’ve all seen them: those movies that start off great, but end with a whimper instead of a bang. Whether it’s a misguided attempt at a twist or an abrupt resolution, a bad ending can ruin an otherwise great movie. But there’s still hope! Here are 10 great movies with bad endings that still make for an enjoyable watch.
10- The Sixth Sense
Photo Credit: MUBI
M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense is a classic example of a great movie with a bad ending. The suspenseful buildup throughout the film leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. The story and characters are masterfully woven together, leading the audience to an inevitable climax. Unfortunately, for many viewers, the ending of The Sixth Sense was a huge letdown. Many fans didn’t appreciate the sudden reveal, and felt cheated after investing so much emotion in the movie. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving viewers feeling confused and disappointed. The Sixth Sense is still a great movie overall, but its ending leaves much to be desired.
9- Lucy
Photo Credit: Rotten Tomatoes
This feel-good movie is an utter disappointment. Lucy is a spirited young woman who finds her life quickly spiraling out of control. In a misguided attempt to protect herself, she agrees to a deal that could lead to a dark and dangerous future. The story is emotionally charged, but quickly falls apart in the third act. The resolution is poorly executed and lacks any real resolution. The characters are underdeveloped and the ending feels rushed and forced. In the end, Lucy’s journey is left unresolved and unsatisfying. All in all, Lucy is a movie with a bad ending that fails to live up to its potential.
8- The Happening
This was another controversial M. Night Shyamalan movie that received criticism for its ending. At its core, the movie was about a virus that causes its victims to commit suicide. However, the ending of the movie reveals that the virus is actually caused by plants trying to protect themselves from humans. While this twist was creative, it felt too sudden and did not provide any real resolution. The atmosphere is consistently tense, but the resolution is ultimately disappointing. A truly innovative ending may have saved this film; instead, viewers are left feeling empty and confused.
7- The Mist
Photo Credit: Giant Freaking Robot
The Mist is a horror film that follows a group of people trapped in a supermarket by a mysterious, deadly mist. The ending is a devastating one, with the protagonist having to make a heartbreaking decision. The cinematography is effective in creating a claustrophobic atmosphere, while the soundtrack further intensifies the tension. The dialogue is sharp and well written, featuring some of the best exchanges between characters seen in a horror movie. Despite its gripping suspense, the ending leaves one feeling empty and unsatisfied. It’s a bleak and nihilistic finale, illustrating the harsh realities of life in a way that is both thought provoking and haunting. The Mist is a must-watch for fans of the genre, but one should be warned of its bleak and dispiriting conclusion.
6- Signs
Photo Credit: Jo Blo
Movies with bad endings can be a huge letdown for viewers. Take for example the movie “Signs”. It starts with a compelling story about crop circles and a family dealing with grief. However, the movie never really gets to the bottom of the mystery. In the end, the aliens are defeated in a rather unsatisfying, anticlimactic way. The mystery is never solved and the audience is left with a feeling of disappointment. The pacing was slow and the resolution unfulfilling. This movie is a prime example of when a good story is let down by an unsatisfactory ending.
5- Lone Ranger
Photo Credit: Cinema Blend
The Lone Ranger movie has a disappointing ending. The story lacks the depth and emotion needed to truly capture the audience. The plot is predictable and the characters lack development. The action scenes are repetitive and lack any real excitement. The pacing is too slow and the jokes are cheesy. The special effects are unimpressive and lack realism. The cinematography is dull and uninspired. The music is unmemorable and does not add to the atmosphere. The dialogue is stilted and does not feel natural. The production values are low and not up to contemporary standards. The costumes and make-up are unconvincing and dated. The sets are unoriginal and lack creativity. Ultimately, the movie fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion and leaves viewers feeling unfulfilled.
4- The Village
“The Village” is an intriguing yet ultimately unsatisfying movie. It follows an isolated village that is terrorized by mysterious monsters. The movie is visually stunning and the performances are strong, but the ending is a letdown. It fails to answer any of the questions it raises and leaves viewers feeling empty. The characters are left in limbo, with no resolution or hope for the future. Its symbolism is too heavy-handed and its pacing is too slow. The Village is a visually beautiful but ultimately unsatisfying experience that fails to deliver on its promise.
3- Vanilla Sky
While this Tom Cruise thriller was praised for its visuals and performances, the ending left many viewers feeling confused. After the main character awakens from a long dream, the movie reveals that he is actually in a cryogenic chamber, which felt too abrupt and confusing for some viewers. The ending is unsatisfactory and leaves the audience feeling confused and unfulfilled. It is a film that rewards multiple viewings to fully appreciate its beauty but leaves viewers with an overall sense of dissatisfaction.
2- Hancock
Hancock is a movie that starts off strong but ends up fizzling out. It follows a vigilante superhero who has to learn to become a better hero. The performances are strong and the action is exciting, but the story is ultimately unsatisfying. The plot points are predictable and the ending is rushed. The resolution feels too neat and tidy, as if the filmmakers were just trying to wrap things up quickly. The characters lack depth and the themes are underdeveloped. Hancock is an enjoyable action flick, but it fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion.
1- Planet of The Apes
Photo Credit: MUBI
Planet of the Apes is a classic sci-fi movie that has captivated audiences for decades. The story follows a group of astronauts who travel to a distant planet ruled by intelligent apes. While the film starts off strong, it ultimately ends on a downbeat note. The astronauts are unable to return home, and the apes are left in control of their world. It is a powerful and bittersweet ending that has left viewers pondering the meaning of the film’s conclusion. Despite its lack of a happy ending, the film’s unique visuals and compelling themes make it a classic worth revisiting.
