There’s nothing more cliche than a happy ending . Art is supposed to reflect life, not romanticize it. Sometimes, you just want a film to tell it like it is.
Thankfully, these films do just that. Have a look at these 10+ movies that were anti happy endings, that fans and audiences still loved!
*Pay It Forward*.
Pay It Forward had such a brilliant and heartwarming premise. A little boy vows to help three different people, who in turn pay that kindness forward to three more people.
Fair warning, this one seriously pulls at the heartstrings.
*Schindler’s List*.
There’s nothing happy about Schindler’s List . On the contrary, this film is one of the most shocking historical period pieces that has ever graced the silver screen.
It’s a film everyone should see at least once in their life.
*The Life Of David Gale*.
This is one of the best political commentary films I’ve ever seen. Regardless of your stance on capital punishment, The Life of David Gale is a film worth watching.
It will make you question your beliefs and even your moral foundations.
*Edward Scissorhands*.
I have to be careful when it comes to watching Edward Scissorhands . I can only stomach a viewing once a year (at most) — my heart just can’t take anymore.
If you’re looking for a film that will have you reaching for the Kleenex box, look no further.
*The Silence Of The Lambs*.
Anthony Hopkins was so brilliant as Hannibal Lecter, that most of us in the audience were literally cheering him on during his violent escape scene!
It isn’t often you hope that the bad guy wins, but that’s exactly what makes The Silence of the Lambs such a superb film!
*Insidious*.
Can you think of one good horror movie with a happy ending? Ambiguity and the fear of the unknown are what make the bus go!
Terror abounds in James Wan’s horror masterpiece . Whatever you do, do not watch this alone!
*Stepmom*.
Cancer is one of the most tragic aspects of life. The reality is that 1/3 of us will be directly affected by the disease.
My father is a cancer survivor and this film is a chilling reminder of how close I came to losing him.
*American History X*.
At its core, American History X is a commentary on the futility of hate, racism, and violence. The only way to truly and properly convey this message is through acts of tragedy.
This is one of those movies that will change you.
*One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest*.
I feel like every true student of cinema should watch One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at least once every couple of years. It’s the kind of film that sparks debate and conversation.
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Above all else, it’s a staggering portrayal of the effects of institutionalism on the human spirit and the dangers of unchecked authority.
*Black Swan*.
Director Darren Aronovsky isn’t in the business of making touchy-feel-good films. It’s just not in his nature.
Black Swan is also his most ambitious, and therefore disturbing film to date. This is one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits role.
*Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back*.
What did you expect? The movie is literally called The Empire Strikes Back — clearly, things were destined to go as wrong as they possibly could.
But it was still an extremely unconventional move at the time, one which George Lucas should be applauded for.
*The Planet Of The Apes (1968)* .
First and foremost, erase that Mark Wahlberg remake from your mind! The original (and true) version of The Planet of the Apes helped create the concept of the twist-ending.
This is one of the few classic films that still stands the test of time.
*Good Will Hunting*.
Not everything ends the way you think it should. There are no happy endings in life, other than the ones we create for ourselves.
This is what’s known as perspective. We gain perspective from experience, and we get experience through our choices.
*Fight Club*.
If you thought you knew all of the practical applications for soap, then you clearly haven’t watched Fight Club .
The film is all about what happens when you introduce a little anarchy into the equation.
*Joker*.
Todd Phillips Joker is the start of a new era: the dawn of the Super Villain! This film is practically Shakespearean it’s so tragic.
It does not end well. Not for Murray Franklin, not for Arthur Fleck, and most certainly not for young Bruce Wayne.
