The Art of a Memorable Ending: The Best Examples of Movie and TV Show Finale High Notes

Do you remember the feeling of uttering disbelief when a movie's credits begin to roll, only to witness a finale that surpasses all expectations? The world of entertainment is vast, with countless instances of endings that resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact. In this article, we will explore the best examples of movie and TV show finales that conclude on a truly unforgettable high note and discuss why these endings stand out in the annals of cinematic and television history.

What Makes an Ending Stand Out?

Hollywood and television production have seen several memorable endings that have left viewers either stunned or deeply moved. These endings often highlight the culmination of a long journey, providing a sense of resolution that can leave a lasting impact. What makes a great ending? Here are some key aspects:

Climax and Resolution: A great ending often concludes with a significant climax. The story's twists and turns should culminate in a satisfying resolution to the central conflict. Emotional Impact: A powerful and emotional ending can resonate with viewers, creating a strong emotional connection that lingers even after the credits roll. Clarity and Closure: While a high note doesn't necessarily mean a happy ending, it should provide a clear and coherent resolution, leaving viewers feeling fulfilled. Cultural Impact: Endings that resonate culturally, becoming a part of pop culture, often achieve lasting fame and recognition.

Now, let's delve into the best examples of movies and TV shows that end on a high note, as recognized by both audiences and industry awards.

Movie Series Finale: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated and acclaimed endings in cinematic history. Directed by Peter Jackson, this final installment of the epic trilogy brought closure to a multi-year journey filled with adventure, drama, and unparalleled global success.

Context and Achievements: The Return of the King not only served as the third and final film in the trilogy but also as a grand conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth universe. This film provided a sense of closure to the characters and the storyline, while the world-building and emotional depth brought the characters' journeys to a satisfying end.

Technological and Critical Acclaim: Technologically, The Return of the King pushed the boundaries of visual effects and storytelling, with groundbreaking technology used to bring the fantastical elements to life. Critics and audiences alike were astounded by the quality and scope of the film, which culminated in a record-tying 11 Academy Award wins, including Best Picture. The accolades not only recognized the film's technical prowess but also its emotional resonance and cultural significance.

TV Series Finale: Schitt's Creek Season 6

Season 6 of Schitt's Creek represents another pinnacle of television excellence, offering a high-quality and unforgettable conclusion to this critically acclaimed series. Created by Eugene Levy and Catherine Hardwicke, Schitt's Creek premiered to mixed reception, but it quickly gained a passionate following, culminating in a spectacular ending that cemented its place in television history.

Context and Achievements: Schitt's Creek Season 6 brought the Rospars (a family who unexpectedly found themselves impoverished after their fledgling amusement park went bankrupt) from the haves to having virtually nothing. The series explored themes of transformation, personal growth, and the importance of community in a manner that resonated deeply with audiences. By the conclusion of the sixth season, the characters had undergone significant development, forging meaningful connections and achieving a sense of belonging.

Award Recognition: The finale of Schitt's Creek was not just memorable but also critically acclaimed, achieving a remarkable nine Emmy Awards. Season 6 won every major award category in the comedy category, including best series, best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, and best writing. This unprecedented achievement underscores the show's quality and the profound impact it had on its audience.

Comparing Iconic Endings

While The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Schitt's Creek represent two distinct categories (film vs. television), they both achieved recognition for their outstanding storytelling, emotional depth, and cultural significance. Despite different mediums, both franchises provided their audience with storylines that resonated on a profound level, leaving viewers with a sense of fulfillment and a lasting impact.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, with its grand scale and epic scope, provided a conclusive narrative that captured the essence of an ancient world. In contrast, Schitt's Creek showcased the power of character-driven storytelling, leaving viewers with a sense of community and personal achievement. Both endings succeeded in their unique contexts, providing their respective audiences with a sense of fulfillment and a memorable high note.

Why These Endings Stand Out

Both The Return of the King and Schitt's Creek endings stand out for several reasons:

Received Global Acclaim: Both received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, indicating their universal appeal. Emotional Resonance: They successfully connected with a wide audience on an emotional level, providing a sense of closure and resolution. Critical Achievements: The culmination of accolades such as Oscars and Emmys underscore the high standard of these productions. Cultural Impact: Both series have left a lasting legacy, becoming part of the canon of excellent storytelling.

In conclusion, a great ending in a movie or TV show is one that not only satisfies the narrative but also resonates on an emotional level. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Schitt's Creek serve as prime examples of what it means to conclude a story on a high note, leaving a lasting impact and cultural significance.