The 10 Greatest Superhero Movie Endings of the 21st Centu...

The 10 Greatest Superhero Movie Endings of the 21st Century, Ranked

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man snapping to end the battle in Avengers:EndgameImage via Marvel Studios

By Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck Published 46 minutes ago Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts. Sign in to your Collider account follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Superhero movies aren't as popular as they used to be, but they are still alive and kicking, with modern hits such as Thunderbolts*. However, this century overall is the best era for superhero films, mainly because of the MCU and its influence, which helped other franchises' popularity as well. But a movie is only as good as its ending, and many superhero films have stuck that landing, concluding on an appropriately thrilling and satisfying note.

An ending can make or break a film, and that is why this list will rank the ten best superhero endings of the 21st century. Based on aspects such as memorability, writing, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and how well it wraps up the film and speaks to its themes, these ten films prove to end on a high note. There will still be plenty of superhero films this century, and fans hope Avengers: Doomsday or The Batman Part 2 will be on this list in the future.

10 'The Batman' (2022)

Robert Pattinson as Batman and Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle stand close and look at each other in The Batman.Image via Warner Bros.

Fans can expect a handful of Batman movies on this list, as one of the most consistent superhero franchises in terms of endings, including this century. The Batman has the titular hero, played by Robert Pattinson, track down the Riddler (Paul Dano) and expose his plans. However, the movie ends with the dam breaking, and Batman needing to embody his inner hero to rescue the civilians before departing with Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz).

Some weren't the biggest fans of this ending, but to most, it was an origin story where Batman learned how to be a superhero, with the conclusion cementing this. Batman truly understood his purpose when saving people from the flood, not to defeat and instill fear in criminals, but to give hope, comfort, and safety to the residents of Gotham City. The Batman had a poetic ending, with a bittersweet moment between Bruce and Selina.

9 'Superman' (2025)

Superman (David Corenswet) and Krypto sitting on the moon and staring at Earth in Superman.Image via DC Studios

James Gunn has flipped the script with DC, finally delivering a great start to this universe with the release of Superman. While there will be many DCU movies in the coming years, viewers should reflect on the importance of the most recent one. After Superman (David Corenswet) foiled Lex Luthor's (Nicholas Hoult) plans, he delivered an impactful speech about human nature and spent some quality time with his friends.

Maybe it's just recency bias, but the ending of Superman was one of the best in a while. It didn't do anything too special or groundbreaking, but it was a nice, wholesome ending that came full circle, resolving issues and leaving viewers with a warm feeling. That is precisely what a Superman movie should try to do, which is why this was an excellent conclusion, especially with the final "Punk Rocker" nail drop, which, coupled with Corenswet's wide smile, was the cherry on top.

8 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' (2022)

Letitia Wright as Shuri full of emotion looking into the sunset at the end of Black Panther Wakanda Forever.Image via Marvel Studios

After the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, the MCU had a tough choice: whether to replace him with a new actor or include him in their universe. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever made the right choice in honoring his legacy, dedicating a film to him. While Wakanda mourns their king, Namor (Tenoch Huerta) invades, ending with a massive battle and the reveal of T'Challa's child.

While the big fight and Namor's defeat were entertaining, the highlight of this film was its emotionally charged ending, giving time for Shuri (Letitia Wright) to grieve alongside the audience. It was a bittersweet but ultimately cathartic farewell to Boseman and wrapped up loose plotlines, creating a memorable tearjerker of a finale. Plus, the reveal of his son was a great way to show that he is never really gone.

7 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' (2018)

Miles Morales being held and choked against a window by Kingpin in a subway in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-VerseImage via Sony Pictures Animation

Animation has blown up recently, with films such as KPop Demon Hunters dominating the streaming charts all over the world. However, superhero films have been doing it for decades, but one of the greatest is undoubtedly Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. After Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man of his universe, a multidimensional rift brings other Spider-Men to his world, and he must help them go back.

With Kingpin's collider broken and all the Spider-People sent back to their universe, Miles becomes the one and only Spider-Man. Into the Spider-Verse is dazzling from start to finish, but the ending is especially stunning, from all the colors and animated sequences to its stellar narrative, which came full circle. Miles finally embodies his role as Spider-Man, and most importantly, learns that heroism can come from anywhere, which is why this is one of the greatest animated movies of all time.

6 'Batman Begins' (2005)

Batman in the middle of a fight in Batman Begins

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

As mentioned earlier, this list will have a few Batman movies, and the first from Christopher Nolan is Batman Begins, the initial entry in his standout superhero trilogy. After years of training, Bruce (Christian Bale) returns as the titular Caped Crusader, determined to keep Gotham City safe from villains such as Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) and Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson).

Some find the ending of Batman Begins controversial, as they don't like his lenient no-kill policy, which doesn't save villains from a death he doesn't cause. Either way, the actual ending has Gordon (Gary Oldman) thank Batman, before revealing that his actions will only breed more villainy and chaos. The conversation perfectly sets up Joker for the following film and speaks to the themes presented in the movie and Batman lore in general.

5 'Spider-Man 2' (2004)

Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson in 'Spider-Man 2'Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

The majority of movies on this list are MCU films, as that franchise was the most prominent, but the 21st century had other Marvel movies, including the famous and acclaimed Spider-Man 2. A failed experiment creates Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), who blames Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) for the accident. The villain then goes on a criminal rampage to secure the funds to remake his doomed experiment.

The film ends with Doc Oc regaining his humanity and having a heroic sacrifice, stopping the doomsday creation of his own mind that was also his dream. After that, Spider-Man and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) end up together, but not without the former prioritizing his responsibility to the city. Spider-Man 2 has a complex ending that is heroic, tragic, original, poetic, and strangely melancholic.

4 'Avengers: Endgame' (2019)

For many, the MCU died with Avengers: Endgame, with the franchise never reaching the same heights as it did in the late 2010s. Regardless, Endgame was a monumentous triumph for the superhero genre, and ended with a near-perfect conclusion. With the entire world coming together to stop Thanos (Josh Brolin), Earth's Mightiest Heroes pull off the heroic feat, but not without losing some of their precious allies.

Avengers: Endgame doesn't just have a good ending, but it is also a magnificent conclusion for the entire Infinity Saga, wrapping up over a decade of buildup and phenomenal films. The original cast all got their shining moments, whether it was a sacrifice, a heroic performance, or one last instance of happiness. Either way, this ending proves that Avengers: Endgame is one of the most rewatchable MCU movies.

3 'The Dark Knight' (2008)

Batman riding away on his Batpod at the end of The Dark KnightImage via Warner Bros. Pictures

Fans hail The Dark Knight as the greatest superhero movie of all time, so it naturally has one of the greatest endings of the genre as well. Nolan's second movie in the trilogy is perfect from start to finish, following Batman chasing a new evil, the anarchic clown Joker (Heath Ledger), who aims to prove his philosophy is correct.

From the two Ferries and an impossible dilemma to the fateful encounter with Joker on the rooftop, to Batman's failed negotiation with Two-Face (Aaron Eckhart), this ending had so many moving parts that all fit perfectly together. Not only does The Dark Knight's ending promote philosophical debate, but it also challenges Batman's ideals, alongside its generally thrilling and riveting pacing and drama.

2 'Logan' (2017)

Laura (Dafne Keen) lays Logan (Hugh Jackman) to rest in 'Logan'Image via 20th Century Studios

From the MCU to Sony's Spider-Man films, Marvel knows how to end a movie right, but fans shouldn't forget Fox's X-Men movies, especially not Logan. Set in a future where mutants are all but extinct, Logan (Hugh Jackman) takes care of a dying Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart). But the appearance of a girl gives Logan the motivation he needs to help the future of mutants.

With Logan and X-23 (Dafne Keen) almost reaching sanctuary, they encounter his evil clone, resulting in one final battle, which results in the Wolverine's death. However, he's able to save X-23 and create a prosperous future for mutants. This bittersweet conclusion is also a farewell to the entire X-Men universe, ending with a symbolic grave that highlights a decade's worth of excellent films.

1 'Avengers: Infinity War' (2018)

Peter Parker disintegrates as Tony Stark watches in Avengers: Infinity War.Image via Marvel Studios

There are plenty of magnificent superhero endings from the 21st century, but none hit harder or are as memorable as Avengers: Infinity War. With Thanos descending upon Earth, collecting the infinity stones to wipe out half of humanity, the Avengers must team up to stop him. However, they ultimately fail, with most of the heroes disintegrating into thin air.

Avengers: Infinity War didn't have the happy ending that most MCU films do. Instead, it was a tragic loss for the heroes for the first time, with some dying and others suffering the torment of living without half of their loved ones. This approach was new for Marvel movies and a defining moment for the franchise and superhero cinema in general. There may not be a better superhero movie ending than Avengers: Infinity War.

Avengers: Infinity War PG-13 Adventure Action Science Fiction Release Date April 27, 2018

Cast Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Tom Hiddleston, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Idris Elba, Danai Gurira, Peter Dinklage, Benedict Wong, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper Runtime 149 minutes Director Anthony Russo, Joe Russo Writers Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely Genres Adventure, Action, Science Fiction Powered by

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