WARNING: **CONTAINS SPOILERS**
To classify an ending as satisfying, in my opinion, is very personal and subjective. The art to create a story that resonates with audiences and provide an ending that we can label as satisfying demands a lot from storytelling perspective. This shortlist is inspired by specifically, the connection with the story and how I interpreted it as satisfying. By no means, the endings of these movies are “happy endings” only. It’s a bit more. Let’s get this thing started.
La La Land (2016, dir. Damien Chazelle): The beautiful montage sequence that allowed the audience to see the “what if” of that sweeping romance, is one for the ages. To be able to see Sebastian and Mia fulfill their respective dreams was beautifully presented and allowed us to dream...even if it was for just a few minutes.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012, dir. Christopher Nolan): Of all the great superhero movies we have seen in the last 25 years, I think that this one resonated with me the most. Maybe on another list, I will explain why this movie is so special that it makes me forget all of its flaws. Seeing Alfred in that cafe while staring at his beloved “surrogate son” (you know who I am talking about ), the way that he always dreamed of seeing him, and with the spectacular and exciting drums of Hans Zimmer’s score, provided one of the biggest pops from the audience that I have ever witnessed in a theatre.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994, dir. Frank Darabont): If you have never, ever seen this all-time classic, please STOP reading now. Spoiler warning. After going through the journey of both Andy Dufresne and “Red” Redding and what destiny awaited them, is what makes this a must-see and one of the most crowd-pleasing experiences in the last 30-40 years. That beach sequence and to see that hug before credits roll still holds as one of the most beautiful “tears of joy” moments in cinema.
Get Out (2017, dir. Jordan Peele): Jordan Peele’s film debut will always be remembered as one of the most roaring and praised debuts from any film director. But I do believe this is thanks to the incredible script. But to able to see how the story ends, makes it a true modern classic. Chris was all of us, who have been fooled, hypnotized, manipulated blindfolded by people seeking their own plan to by the “tyrants” of our society. The culmination of decimating every single member of the Armitage family was a moment of freedom. Not from a perspective of the violence portrayed in that third act, but for what it represents.
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003, dir. Peter Jackson): Arguably one of the best trilogies of ALL time by critics and audiences. The conclusion of Peter Jackson’s trifecta is what I consider a perfect ending. A perfect ending to all these characters that throughout 3 years we fell in love with, cheered, mourned, cried, and cherished with them. Some criticized the running time of this one, and the over-explanation of the destiny for all of these iconic characters, but I stand as a lover of that explanation. Part of me wanted more because I truly loved their own respective journeys, but the magic of the culmination of their journey that Jackson captured through 3 incredible movies, will be truly remembered as a once in a lifetime cinematic experience.
Honorable mentions: Furious 7, Good Will Hunting, Rocky, Avengers: Endgame, Argo, The Intouchables, Up, and Warrior.
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