We explore the alternate endings that completely changed your favorite movies.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like for your favorite movies to have completely different endings? Below, we explore ten alternative endings that, had they come true, could have rewritten the history of cinema as we know it.
If so, what happens…? Untold endings of cinema
1. Titanic (1997): Rose and the last salute to the heart of the ocean
The Titanic in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean punched our hearts. But instead of throwing Rose’s precious ocean heart into the sea, what if she gave it to Brooke Lovett? This alternative ending, framed but discarded, includes a discourse on values and a much less poetic ending.
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019): Tony Stark is the hero who survived
Imagine a universe where Tony Stark survives his confrontation with Thanos. The film’s official art book features concept art of Tony saying goodbye to Steve Rogers. Would it take away the sense of the ultimate heroic sacrifice?
3. Alien (1979): A telling ending for Ripley
Ridley Scott’s first cliché for Alien was horrible: decapitating the Xenomorph Ripley and then speaking in English. Would this turn a horror classic into a parody?
4. Shining (1980): Nightmare ends at the Overlook
In a dark and confusing version, Kubrick envisions an ending in which Danny dies, Wendy kills Jack, and Halloran is trapped in the hotel. Would this be too much for the viewer?
5. Pretty Woman (1990): They Lived in Disneyland Without Edward.
The fairy tale romance between Edward and Vivian could have had a more realistic closure, with Vivian spending money at Disneyland instead of having a happy ending together. Was this the most appropriate message for the film?
6. Forrest Gump (1994): Ending without death but in heartbreak
Forrest Gump’s alternate ending is when Jenny marries another man and Forrest is estranged from his son. Is it too disappointing for the bitter past?
7. Thelma and Louise (1991): Half a Sacrifice
Ridley Scott offers an ending where only one of the main characters dies. But isn’t it the collective decision to face their fate that cements the true end?
8. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): See a sky full of secrets
An alternate ending showed Peter Quill’s grandfather looking up at the stars knowing otherwise. Does this add an unnecessary layer of secrecy?
9. Independence Day (1996): a biplane as the last weapon
Imagine saving the day in a missile-loaded biplane instead of piloting a Russell Jet. Too funny for such a critical moment?
10. Let Me Out (2017): An Unfair Result for Chris
In one of the alternate endings, Chris ends up in jail, unpunished by Rose’s family. Would this be too annoying for the audience?
The fine line between genius and derailment in cinema
In the delicate balance of cinematic storytelling, each ending represents a critical decision that can make or break a film. For example, in Titanic, Rose’s decision to release the heart of the ocean represents emotional closure and acceptance of the past. This choice of Cameron reflects how the ending affects the film’s emotional legacy.
Similarly, in Avengers: Endgame, Tony Stark’s sacrifice becomes the highlight of his character development, an arc that spans multiple films. His existence, while emotionally comforting, also undermined his transformation from player to hero. While these proposed changes to the endings were wonderful in theory, they could have weakened the central messages and emotional impact of these popular films.
Each of these endings provides a fascinating glimpse into what could have been and reminds us that sometimes last-minute changes can be for the best. These examples serve not only to close the story, but also to remind the audience of the importance of a well-executed ending that resonates with the audience, creates a lasting impression.