With the recent release of "The More Fun Stuff" version of Spider-Man: No Way Home and the MCU leading up to the end of Phase 4, it's a great time to rewind a little and look back into superhero movies that nailed their very final scene.
Even though most of these films are packed with action sequences and face-offs that aim at leaving fans on the edge of their seats, they often opt to end the movies with a powerful charge of emotions. This definitely leaves fans with a stronger impact of the films overall, which makes them, for better or worse, incredibly memorable.
The Incredibles (2004)
One of the most creative superhero animations out there, The Incredibles also delivers arguably one of the most iconic "mask up" scenes of all time. After presenting a seemingly ordinary day in the lives of the Parrs, the family of superheroes come across the threat of a new supervillain, and the movie goes through each character's face as they quickly put on their masks, ready for the battle.
The scene gets even better when taking Incredibles 2 into account, the long-awaited sequel that picks up directly after the characters sprung into action. While the first film ends before the family engages in combat, viewers know by the confident look on their faces that no one can beat them when they are united.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is far from being the most well-received Spider-Man movie among fans, but the heartbreaking final moments are truly powerful. After Gwen's death, the film was expected to end in the saddest of tones, but the writers managed to insert a "fight must go on" message and tie it with the context of Peter Parker's mourning.
After listening to Gwen's graduation speech, Peter is inspired by her words and resumes fighting crime, saving a little boy dressed up as Spider-Man and facing the "Rhino". Tragedy is something that differentiates Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man from Tobey Maguire's, for example, and it's a vital factor in the effectiveness of the ending of The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
Blade II (2002)
The ending of Blade II might arguably be one of the most 00's things ever put onscreen. Audaciously funny and using fast cuts, the hilarious final scene takes place right after the highly emotional death of Nyssa in the arms of Blade.
Sometime later in London, a clumsy vampire goes out for a night of fun just to stumble upon Blade, who delivers the iconic line "You didn't think I forgot about you, did you?" before crossing his sword in the vampire's head. It not only shows Blade is back on duty with style but is also quite funny because lots of people did forget about that vampire who escaped earlier in the film.
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
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One of the most evident things about the ending of Spider-Man 3 is how well it aged, proving itself to be much more impactful now than it was back when the film first came out and divided fans so much. The fact that it represents the end of the arc of Sam Raimi's Peter Parker and Mary Jane evokes a heartfelt nostalgia, especially when looking at it as a powerful happy ending where one of the most famous pop culture couples reconcile.
The dance shared by Peter and Mary Jane represents a fresh start, and even though none of them says anything both the fans and Mary Jane can see in Peter's hand gesture how he's saying "I'm here for you now." A romantic, honest conclusion to the Tobey Maguire saga at last.
The Batman (2022)
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The Batman is already considered one of the best superhero movies of all time, offering a new take on the legendary DC hero. Matt Reeves' bold choice of exploring the detective side of Bruce Wayne pays off brilliantly at the end and sets up the exciting possibility of a sequel; after contemplating the aftermath of the flood in Gotham and reflecting on the hope that inspires him to continue wearing the mask, the Batman says goodbye to the Catwoman and the two reluctantly part ways.
It's an atmospheric and subtle ending following the bittersweet tragedy that struck Gotham and threatens to come back anytime soon. Catwoman's departure is melancholic but necessary because although she evokes the best from Bruce Wayne, he knows he must carry on alone.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Infinity War might be the most devastating MCU movie to this day, but the morbid final scene is quite ironic if one thinks about it. After wiping half of all life in the universe with a simple snap of his fingers, a thoughtful Thanos runs off to a remote planet and contemplates the horizon in peace.
It's a bold tonal shift that happens right after turning most of Marvel fans' favorite heroes into dust. The faces of Tony Stark, Captain America, Thor, and the remaining avengers pass on an agonizing feeling of defeat, in contrast with Thanos' solemn expression at the end. It's a final scene that leaves room for plenty of interpretation but is charged with a strong feeling of loss after the most powerful twist of MCU's phase 3.
Watchmen (2009)
While the tension-filled scenes set in Antarctica make up the Watchmen's final clímax, gathering all the main characters in one place and forcing them to deal with their differences, viewers only witness the irony of the movie in the sarcastic final scene. After the tragedy of Rorschach's death, an innocent employee of the New Frontiersman is assigned to choose an interesting news piece from a pile of submissions, among which is Rorschach's journal.
Earlier in the film The Comedian said in the end "it was all a joke", and Watchmen's final scene truly represents the perfect punchline. It's darkly comical how no one wins or loses at the end; it ends up being a painful draw that will potentially lead to horrifying consequences.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
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Spider-Man 2 is regarded as the best and most rewatchable movie of the popular hero by many fans, but something that people usually overlook is how well the movie deals with the superhero formula. Easily one of the most traditional Spider-Man movies, the second film of Sam Raimi's trilogy uses a conventional melodrama to effectively display the journey of the hero.
After Mary Jane abandons her fiancé at the altar and runs to Peter Parker, they embrace and contemplate their future before being interrupted by police sirens, as Mary Jane encourages Peter to mask up. There's nothing more Hollywood-like than that, yet it's done with such a strong emotional appeal and nostalgia to the hero's roots that fans can't help but love it.
Iron Man (2008)
One of MCU's pioneers, Iron Man managed to resume the whole Tony Stark persona in a single ending scene. Stark had all the reasons to hide his identity; he ran a massive company and had people close to him he needed to protect. Still, he decides to go all in and reveal to the press he's the man behind the Iron Man suit.
Stark's half-smile says it all; he's just way too proud of himself to keep the secret from the public. The scene also manages to subvert one of the most popular tropes in superhero stories; the secret identity. Most heroes spend several comic issues and movies trying to balance their personal life with their duty, and Tony Stark dismisses the trouble right in his first film.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
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The final scene of The Dark Knight Rises evokes an immediate feeling of satisfaction and comfort, the kind of scene that easily put a smile on the viewers' faces. While this might not be exactly what the audience is looking for in action-filled superhero movies, it's undeniably a welcoming feel-good way to end the odyssey of Bruce Wayne, who suffered a lot throughout his movies.
The subtle nod shared by Alfred and Bruce is an example of how simple gestures can speak louder than words, and the score that leads to that moment has a great emotional pull. To conclude, the film shows Robin finding the Batcave, hinting that the legacy of the Batman isn't yet finished.