15 Alternate Endings That Were Filmed But Never Shown

Movies and TV shows often go through a lot of changes before they hit the screen. Sometimes, filmmakers shoot multiple endings to test what works best or to keep audiences guessing. I’ve always been fascinated by these alternate endings that get filmed but never shown in theaters or on TV, as they offer a glimpse into what could have been.

These unused endings can change the tone of a story, shift character arcs, or even alter a franchise’s future. From horror to sci-fi to comedy, here are 15 alternate endings that were shot but left on the cutting room floor, each with its own unique twist.

Army of Darkness (1992)

In ‘Army of Darkness’, Ash Williams battles Deadites in a wild, campy horror-comedy. The theatrical ending sees him return to his own time, fighting off a Deadite in an S-Mart store.

But a darker alternate ending was filmed where Ash oversleeps in a cave after drinking a potion, waking up in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. This fits his bumbling character perfectly but was swapped for the lighter S-Mart ending to keep the tone fun. I think the apocalyptic version adds a hilarious irony to Ash’s story.

Fatal Attraction (1987)

‘Fatal Attraction’ is a tense thriller about Dan Gallagher’s affair with Alex Forrest, who becomes dangerously obsessive. The theatrical cut ends with a dramatic confrontation where Dan’s wife kills Alex.

An alternate ending had Alex committing suicide, framing Dan for murder with his fingerprints on a knife. This noir-style ending was darker but was changed after test audiences wanted a more action-packed finale. I find the original ending creepier, tying into the film’s psychological themes.

The Descent (2005)

The horror film ‘The Descent’ follows women trapped in a cave with terrifying creatures. The U.S. theatrical ending shows Sarah escaping, suggesting hope after her ordeal.

In the alternate ending, her escape is revealed as a dream, and she’s still trapped with the monsters. This bleak version, used in the UK release, doubles down on the film’s claustrophobic dread. I prefer the darker ending for its gut-punch impact, though it’s tough to watch.

Clue (1985)

The murder-mystery comedy ‘Clue’, based on the board game, famously had three different endings shown in theaters, each with a different killer. A fourth ending was filmed but never used.

In this cut, Wadsworth the butler poisons the entire cast, making him the sole killer. It was deemed too grim for the comedic tone and left out. I think it would’ve been a bold twist, but the multiple-ending gimmick is what makes ‘Clue’ so memorable.

I Am Legend (2007)

‘I Am Legend’ stars Will Smith as Robert Neville, a scientist in a post-apocalyptic world. The theatrical ending has him die heroically to save humanity from infected creatures.

An alternate ending shows Neville realizing the infected are sentient and lets them go, surviving himself. This morally complex ending was cut for being too ambiguous, but I find it more thought-provoking, showing Neville as less of a traditional hero.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ is a sci-fi classic where Sarah Connor fights to prevent a future war. The theatrical ending leaves the future uncertain as Sarah drives off with her son John.

A filmed alternate ending shows Sarah as an elderly woman in a peaceful future, with John as a senator. Test audiences found it too final, so it was cut to keep the stakes open for sequels. I like the optimistic vibe, but it does close off the tension.

The Butterfly Effect (2004)

In ‘The Butterfly Effect’, Evan, played by Ashton Kutcher, manipulates time to fix his past, often with disastrous results. The theatrical ending has him sever ties with his love interest to save her.

The alternate ending is far darker—Evan travels back to his birth and strangles himself in the womb to prevent everyone’s suffering. It was cut for being too grim, but I think it’s a haunting take on sacrifice and fate.

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

The musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ follows Seymour and his bloodthirsty plant, Audrey II. The theatrical ending sees Seymour defeat the plant and live happily with Audrey.

An alternate ending, true to the stage musical, has Audrey II kill both Seymour and Audrey, then take over the world. Test audiences hated the dark tone, so it was reshot. I love the grim original for its bold, apocalyptic flair.

28 Days Later (2002)

The zombie thriller ‘28 Days Later’ ends with Jim, Selena, and Hannah signaling for rescue, leaving their fate hopeful but open.

An alternate ending shows Jim dying in a hospital from a gunshot wound, with the women alone. Another version had Jim sacrifice himself via blood transfusion to save another character. Both were cut for being too bleak, but I think the hospital ending adds a tragic weight to the story.

Blade Runner (1982)

‘Blade Runner’, Ridley Scott’s sci-fi masterpiece, follows Deckard hunting replicants. The theatrical cut ends with Deckard and Rachel driving off to an uncertain but hopeful future.

The alternate ending, part of the Director’s Cut, removes the happy drive-off and adds ambiguity about Deckard’s own humanity. Studio interference forced the original happy ending, but I prefer the darker, more mysterious cut for its depth.

Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’ is a chilling horror-thriller about Chris uncovering a sinister plot. The theatrical ending has him escape, with his friend arriving to save him.

An alternate ending shows Chris arrested for the deaths of the family, landing in prison. It was cut to give audiences a more satisfying resolution. I think the prison ending is hauntingly realistic, amplifying the film’s social commentary.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

The low-budget horror hit ‘Paranormal Activity’ ends with Katie disappearing after killing Micah, leaving an eerie mystery.

Alternate endings included Katie being shot by police or slitting her own throat while possessed. Both were deemed too final, and Steven Spielberg pushed for the ambiguous ending. I prefer the theatrical version for its chilling open-endedness, keeping the fear alive.

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)

‘Die Hard with a Vengeance’ sees John McClane take on the villain Simon. The theatrical ending has McClane foil Simon’s plan with a helicopter crash.

An alternate ending has McClane track Simon to Germany, killing him with a rocket launcher after a riddle game. It was cut for showing McClane as too vengeful, but I think it’s a gritty, personal twist that suits his character.

First Blood (1982)

‘First Blood’ follows John Rambo, a troubled veteran hunted by a small-town sheriff. The theatrical ending sees Rambo surrender after a breakdown, setting up sequels.

An alternate ending has Rambo force his mentor Trautman to kill him, ending his suffering. Test audiences found it too depressing, so it was changed. I find the tragic ending powerful, showing Rambo’s inner torment.

Clerks (1994)

Kevin Smith’s indie comedy ‘Clerks’ follows a day in the life of convenience store worker Dante. The theatrical ending has him close the store, frustrated but alive.

An alternate ending shows Dante shot dead by a robber, a grim twist cut after test audiences disliked it. I think the dark ending fits the film’s raw vibe, but the lighter one allows for the sequels I enjoy.

Which of these alternate endings would you love to see, or did I miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!