Sometimes, the journey of a film is not about the happy ending but about the impact it leaves on the viewer. This collection of films with bad endings offers a unique cinematic experience, where the resolution is often bleak, unexpected, or leaves viewers with a sense of unease. These films challenge our expectations and often provoke deep thought or discussion, making them valuable for those who appreciate a departure from the conventional narrative arc.

Se7en (1995)
Description: This psychological thriller ends with a shocking twist that leaves viewers reeling. The film's conclusion is both bleak and unforgettable, making it a prime example of a bad ending.
Fact: The ending was kept secret from most of the cast and crew to preserve its impact. Brad Pitt's reaction in the final scene was genuine.


Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Description: A harrowing descent into addiction, the film's ending is a montage of despair, showcasing the devastating effects of drug abuse on its characters.
Fact: The film uses a non-linear narrative to heighten the sense of disorientation and despair.


The Descent (2005)
Description: The UK version of this horror film ends with a particularly bleak and claustrophobic conclusion, leaving the protagonist in a nightmarish situation.
Fact: The film has two different endings, with the UK version being much darker.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Description: The Coen Brothers' adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel ends abruptly, leaving many plot threads unresolved and viewers with a sense of futility.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


The Mist (2007)
Description: Based on Stephen King's novella, the film's ending is one of the most controversial in cinema, leaving audiences in despair and questioning the characters' decisions.
Fact: Stephen King himself praised the film's ending, stating it was better than his original story.


The Wrestler (2008)
Description: The film's ending, where the protagonist makes a choice that leads to his downfall, is both tragic and poignant, reflecting the harsh realities of his life.
Fact: Mickey Rourke's performance was critically acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award nomination.


The Grey (2011)
Description: The film's ambiguous ending, where the protagonist's fate is left uncertain, leaves viewers pondering the harsh realities of survival.
Fact: The film was inspired by the poem "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" by Robert W. Service.


The Vanishing (1988)
Description: This Dutch thriller's ending is both chilling and psychologically disturbing, leaving viewers with a sense of dread and hopelessness.
Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood, but the original's ending was considered far more impactful.


The Road (2009)
Description: This post-apocalyptic tale ends on a note of profound sadness, with the protagonist's ultimate sacrifice leaving viewers with a heavy heart.
Fact: The film was shot in a way to mimic the bleakness of the book, with much of the color drained from the scenes.


The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
Description: This film's ending is a culmination of choices that lead to a tragic and unexpected conclusion, leaving viewers with a sense of loss and inevitability.
Fact: The film was shot in Schenectady, New York, where much of the story takes place.
