15 Great Movies That Fell Apart in the Last 10 Minutes

Some movies grab you with compelling stories, vivid characters, or breathtaking visuals, only to trip up in their closing minutes. A shaky ending can turn a great experience into a frustrating one, leaving you wishing for a stronger finish.

I’ve put together a list of 15 films that were cruising toward greatness but stumbled in their last 10 minutes. From twists that didn’t work to resolutions that felt rushed or out of place, these movies lost their spark right at the end.

The Village (2004)

M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Village’ crafts a chilling, isolated world where villagers fear mysterious creatures. The mystery and strong performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Bryce Dallas Howard keep you glued to the screen.

The final twist, however, feels like a gimmick. It flips the story in a way that’s more confusing than satisfying, undermining the tension built earlier. It’s a letdown that leaves you questioning the whole setup.

Remember Me (2010)

‘Remember Me’ is a touching drama with Robert Pattinson as a young man grappling with grief and love. His chemistry with Emilie de Ravin and the emotional depth carry the film through its heartfelt moments.

The ending, though, leans on a real-world tragedy for shock value. It feels forced and tasteless, overshadowing the personal story and leaving a sour note where sincerity should have shone.

The Number 23 (2007)

Jim Carrey delivers a gripping performance in ‘The Number 23’, a thriller about a man obsessed with a book tied to the number 23. The dark, paranoid vibe keeps you hooked through its twists.

The resolution is a letdown, with a reveal about the book’s origin that’s too ordinary. It deflates the mystery, turning a promising mind-bender into a forgettable close.

The Descent (2005)

‘The Descent’ is a tense horror film about women trapped in a cave with monstrous creatures. Shauna Macdonald’s raw performance and the claustrophobic setting make it a standout in the genre.

The U.S. theatrical ending adds a cheap jump scare that weakens the haunting original cut. It feels tacked on, robbing the story of its emotional weight and leaving you annoyed.

The Butterfly Effect (2004)

Ashton Kutcher surprises in ‘The Butterfly Effect’, a sci-fi thriller about time travel’s ripple effects. The film’s dark exploration of choices and consequences keeps you invested through its emotional turns.

The endings—both theatrical and director’s cut—fall short. The theatrical is safe but bland, while the director’s cut goes too grim, leaving you unsatisfied with a story that deserved better.

Nymphomaniac: Vol. I (2013)

Lars von Trier’s ‘Nymphomaniac’ is a bold drama with Charlotte Gainsbourg exploring heavy themes through raw storytelling. It builds to a rare moment of warmth that feels earned and powerful.

The final twist, however, throws in a jarring betrayal for shock value. It undermines the character arcs and leaves you questioning the film’s intent, tarnishing its earlier depth.

Funny People (2009)

‘Funny People’ mixes comedy and drama with Adam Sandler as a comedian facing mortality. Seth Rogen’s dynamic and Judd Apatow’s sharp direction make the first half a fresh take on fame and life.

The final act drags with an unfocused, overlong resolution. It loses the balance of humor and heart, feeling like a film that didn’t know when to wrap up, leaving you restless.

The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

‘The Matrix Resurrections’ reunites Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss for a nostalgic sci-fi ride. Its meta commentary and action keep you engaged through most of its runtime.

The final motorcycle chase and rushed resolution feel chaotic and unclear. The ending sacrifices coherence for spectacle, leaving you wanting more of the earlier spark.

The Batman (2022)

Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ offers a gritty, detective-driven take on the Dark Knight, with Robert Pattinson shining. The mystery and Gotham’s corrupt world captivate for most of the film.

The climax shifts to a less engaging resolution that feels tacked on. It loses the detective story’s momentum, ending on a note that doesn’t match the earlier intensity.

Hancock (2008)

Will Smith’s ‘Hancock’ is a unique superhero tale, blending humor and grit as a flawed hero seeks redemption. The action and character work keep you hooked through the first half.

The ending introduces a sudden, confusing mythology that feels out of place. It shifts gears too fast, leaving you puzzled instead of fulfilled by the resolution.

Prometheus (2012)

Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’ is a visually stunning sci-fi epic about humanity’s origins. Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender drive a thought-provoking mystery that grips you early on.

The final act rushes into chaotic action, abandoning the deeper questions. It leans on generic sci-fi tropes, leaving you with a hollow finish to a promising story.

Glass (2019)

M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Glass’ brings together ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘Split’, with James McAvoy and Samuel L. Jackson shining. The grounded superhero thriller builds an intriguing world.

The final twist, meant to expand the story, feels flat and forced. It undercuts the emotional stakes, leaving you disappointed in a climax that doesn’t deliver.

I Am Legend (2007)

Will Smith carries ‘I Am Legend’ as a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. The tense atmosphere and his emotional performance make it a gripping sci-fi horror experience.

The theatrical ending rushes to a simplistic, heroic sacrifice that feels unearned. It betrays the story’s darker tone, leaving you wishing for the alternate ending’s nuance.

Signs (2002)

M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Signs’ is a tense sci-fi drama about faith and family, led by Mel Gibson. The slow-burn alien invasion and emotional core keep you invested throughout.

The final reveal about the aliens’ weakness feels silly and convenient. It undermines the story’s weight, turning a thoughtful film into a head-scratcher at the end.

War of the Worlds (2005)

Steven Spielberg’s ‘War of the Worlds’ delivers intense alien invasion thrills, with Tom Cruise as a desperate father. The chaotic survival story and visuals are gripping for most of the runtime.

The ending resolves too neatly, with a convenient deus ex machina. It feels rushed and diminishes the stakes, leaving you unsatisfied with the abrupt close.

Which film’s ending disappointed you most, or is there another movie that tripped at the finish line? Share your pick in the comments!