10 Movies With The Best Happy Endings & 10 With Sad Ones That Make You Cry
The Power to Make You Smile or Cry
All forms of storytelling are powerful and moving, but movies might just be one of the most effective methods. When you combine music, visuals, and dialogue, moviemakers are able to make you feel whatever they want you to. Often placing emotional emphasis on the endings, we've listed a few strong ones here today that will definitely make you feel a specific way. Depending on your mood, here are 10 movies with the best happy endings and 10 sad ones that might make you cry. Spoilers ahead!
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Although a majority of the film takes place in a grim prison, The Shawshank Redemption ends on a note of profound hope. As viewers witness Dufresne's carefully plotted (and successful) escape, tears of joy fall from their eyes as they watch him reunite with Red on the beaches of Zihuatanejo. There's a reason so many people call this a perfect film.
Mike Sharp - User: (WT-shared) 2old at wts wikivoyage on Wikimedia
2. Finding Nemo (2003)
Pixar always knows how to tug on heartstrings and Finding Nemo is no exception. A wonderfully crafted father-son story about dedication, love, and adventure, the story ends on a heartwarming note where both parties learn to be the best versions of themselves. Marlin becomes less overbearing while appreciating his son's strengths, and Nemo learns to value his father's love and care.
3. Forrest Gump (1994)
A touching story that follows a man's tumultuous journey through personal growth and heartbreak, there's nothing more satisfying than watching Forrest find the peace and love he deserves. Though Jenny does sadly pass, the ending is beautifully sentimental as you watch Forrest pass on his values of kindness to his son.
4. Coco (2017)
Not just wonderfully animated, Coco is an exceptionally heartwarming and emotional family film that resonates with so many people. Centered around memory, legacy, and family, the ending is perfectly written so that wrongs are righted. And to top things off, the touching "Remember Me" scene drives home the message about family.
5. Legally Blonde (2001)
What's more satisfying than proving all the haters wrong? Not much! Legally Blonde is a cult classic that had everyone rooting for Elle Woods. The ending is incredibly satisfying as she cracks the case, becoming the top graduate at Harvard Law as seen in the time jump. You just can't complain about the film's message of hard work, authenticity, and self-confidence.
6. Mulan (1998)
Despite all the odds, Mulan comes out on top when she not only saves China, but reunites with her family in an emotional way. Realizing her father loves her for who she is, this Disney classic's message about strength and honor continue to resonate with the adults of yesterday and the children of today.
7. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Knowing that The Pursuit of Happyness is based on a real story makes it all the more grounded and inspiring. After watching Chris Gardner's difficult journey to support himself and his son, seeing him land a big job thanks to his hard work and perseverance is truly the touching ending we all wanted.
8. The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride ends in a way we wish all fairy tales would. The heroes are victorious, true love prevailed, and justice is satisfyingly served. The film is classic storytelling at its finest, with the closing narration bringing viewers to a full circle close. You always walk away never regretting watching it.
Theresa Arzadon-Labajo on Wikimedia
9. About Time (2013)
About Time is a time-travel romance film that isn't without its sad moments of loss and finding purpose, but the final scene is a truly positive and hopeful one. While the story is mostly filled with fantastical elements, the ending is rooted in realism: find happiness in each day and live with purpose instead of controlling outcomes.
10. Back to the Future (1985)
A cult classic, Back to the Future shows how endings should be done when everything goes right. After fixing the timeline, Marty McFly returns from his adventure to a better version of his life. The final scenes are upbeat and cheerful, giving audiences a satisfying close to this wild adventure beyond its time.
1. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
In one of the most heartbreaking stories seen in animation, Grave of the Fireflies forces you to witness the devastating impacts of war. As you follow two siblings trying to survive, watching them die of hunger while losing all innocence makes this a difficult one to get through. The anti-war messaging, especially shown in the ending, makes this a film that forever leaves an emotional impact.
2. A Star Is Born (2018)
This remake starts out hopeful, but quickly falls into sadness as you watch the decline of Bradley Cooper's character. As viewers try to hold on to the beautiful connection the two protagonists have, personal demons lead to an irreversible decision that is a struggle to watch. It's hard not to feel the messages of grief, guilt, and longing.
3. Titanic (1997)
A familiar classic that everyone knows, the story of Titanic brings to life a story of love, personal loss, and historical tragedy. The ending isn't just heartbreaking because of Jack's sacrifice and a beautiful love lost, but also because watching the Titanic's downfall is awfully difficult knowing it was based on real life.
4. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
A heartwrenching love story about two men forced to hide their feelings from society, Brokeback Mountain is marked by themes of secrecy, missed chances, and societal pressure. With the tragic loss of Jack in the end, it's hard not to cry as you watch Ennis try to pick himself back up. His feelings of regret and loss are felt deeply by everyone who watches.
5. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Though Bridge to Terabithia starts out as a seemingly innocent and whimsical children's story, the tragic turn in the end catches most viewers off guard. The rising messages of loss, growing up, and innocence are done delicately and beautifully, with the final scenes leaving you with a quiet sense of heartbreak.
6. Blue Valentine (2010)
Blue Valentine gives a raw depiction of a couple's crumbling marriage that may be relatable to many. The performances are realistic and filled with so much sorrow, it makes the eventual separation feel all the heavier. While the brutal honesty on relationships is appreciated, it does make the ending feel all the sadder.
7. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a horrifying story about World War II and the Holocaust told through the eyes of an innocent little boy. While it highlights the beauty of friendship, the final sequence is uncomfortable, difficult, and heartbreaking to watch. Its quiet execution is done so masterfully, it leaves viewers reflecting on historical atrocities that must never be repeated.
8. Marley & Me (2008)
For many dog owners, no movie is harder to finish than Marley & Me. As you watch the story of a family and their mischievous dog unfold, it's hard not to put yourself in their shoes. When the film nears its end, witnessing Marley struggle with his declining health hits unbelievably hard. Is it even possible to finish it dry-eyed?
9. The Green Mile (1999)
It's hard to believe a story about a death row inmate with supernatural powers could be so haunting and emotional, but The Green Mile executes it to perfection. With the ending reflecting on guilt, injustice, and compassion, the themes combine to create a tear-jerking experience that's hard to get through.
10. La La Land (2016)
La La Land might be filled with wonderful jazz tunes, colorful visuals, and attractive leads, but the ending is so bittersweet, it makes your chest feel heavy. We all know not all loves are meant to last, but getting a glimpse into what could've been for our two protagonists is an emotional hit no one was prepared for. The pain of diverging paths is expertly shown in the final scenes.
