Comic book adaptations often conclude with perplexing endings that, while they may fade from public memory, leave an unforgettable impression for those who witness them. These odd conclusions can sometimes compete with the most infamous movie endings in cinematic history, especially when the narrative takes unexpected turns.
Many unconventional finales in superhero films arise from attempts to pave the way for future sequels, inspired by the extended storytelling success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This ambition often leads to awkward cliffhangers and amusingly awkward scenarios that create a puzzling legacy for these films. In other cases, such endings are simply bizarre, leaving fans scratching their heads long after the credits roll.
10 Daredevil’s Ambiguous Finale
It’s fortunate that the series found new life in “Born Again”
The Netflix series “Daredevil”ended on a note of ambiguity, tying up most storylines while leaving a critical plot thread dangling. The story wrapped up the relationships between Matt, Foggy, and Karen, who began a new venture together, and Kingpin was finally back behind bars. However, the cliffhanger involving Benjamin Poindexter, soon to be known as Bullseye, hinted at future possibilities that went unexplored for years.
Poindexter, a formidable assassin who temporarily assumed Daredevil’s identity, was subtly transformed in the series finale. The transformation left viewers bewildered, primarily due to its surreal departure from the show’s more grounded narrative. It wasn’t until the revival in “Daredevil: Born Again”that audiences finally revisited this cliffhanger.
9 Joker 2’s Unpredictable Conclusion
A prime example of burning goodwill from fans
In a shocking finale, Arthur meets an untimely demise at the hands of a fellow inmate, hinting that this less-known character might assume the Joker’s mantle. The stark twist, while bold, seemed jarring and left many fans puzzled regarding its implications for the franchise.
8 Doctor Strange 2’s Chaotic Ending
Sam Raimi’s style clashes with traditional storytelling
In “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,”director Sam Raimi injected his unique horror flair into the MCU. However, the film’s conclusion underscored a critical mismatch with its narrative while also attempting to set the stage for future installments. The film appeared to conclude twice, first with a shocking visual of Doctor Strange developing a third eye, followed by a convoluted second sequence featuring Clea that tugged at the film’s established tones.
This unexpected and intensely layered ending felt chaotic and confusing, raising more questions than it answered and ultimately leaving audiences baffled.
7 The 2015 Fantastic Four’s Awkward Conclusion
A comical finale to a troubled film
The 2015 reboot of “Fantastic Four,”often dubbed “Fanf4stic,”aimed to revitalize the franchise but stumbled heavily, culminating in a finale that has humorously endured in meme culture. The film conspicuously avoids mentioning the heroic team’s name, culminated in an absurd scene where the characters ponder their identity. As “The Thing”comments on something being “fantastic,”Reed Richards’ asking, “Say that again?”epitomizes the film’s awkward charm, cementing its place as an enduring internet joke.
6 The Eternals’ Spacey Departure
Ignoring future potential
“Eternals,”released in 2021, stands as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most significant misfires. While many characters are typically integrated into future storylines, the Eternals seem destined for obscurity following their bizarre conclusion. The film wraps with the Eternals venturing into space, guided by Arishem the Judge, to assess humanity’s worthiness.
This peculiar ending, compounded by additional content featuring new characters like Pip the Troll, left viewers questioning the movie’s purpose and direction. The hope of Mahershala Ali’s “Blade”making an entrance further complicates the narrative, especially considering the subsequent trajectory of the MCU.
5 Teen Titans Conclude in Odd Fashion
A symbolic, yet sudden end
The acclaimed animated series “Teen Titans”wrapped up its narrative with a finale that felt oddly disconnected from its overarching storyline. “Things Change”features a battle against a nondescript monster while exploring Beast Boy’s quest to reconnect with Terra.
Though the finale serves a metaphorical purpose, representing the natural evolution of characters and relationships, many fans found it a strange capstone to a dynamically told story filled with intense emotional arcs.
4 The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s Unfinished Business
A promising third film that never materialized
The ending of “The Amazing Spider-Man 2″illustrates a misguided and overly ambitious attempt to set up future sequels within a crowded narrative. Between multiple villains, significant character developments, and the dramatic death of Gwen Stacy, the film tried to balance too much at once. Yet it left viewers with an audacious cliffhanger introducing the prospect of the Sinister Six while also hinting at Peter Parker’s parental backstory.
The chaotic culmination that included Peter’s parents being depicted as spies would lead to confusion rather than intrigue, solidifying the film’s reputation for failed execution on all fronts.
3 Black Adam’s Missed Opportunities
The DCEU’s narrative falters
“Black Adam”was met with skepticism, particularly regarding the role of Dwayne “The Rock”Johnson as a less-popular anti-hero. The film’s conclusion, featuring a face-off between Black Adam and Superman, was poised for intrigue but tragically turned into a bittersweet farewell for Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman within the DCEU.
The film’s ending introduced a momentary sense of excitement as Amanda Waller sent Superman to negotiate with Black Adam, yet this interaction was ultimately overshadowed by the realization that it would be Cavill’s last on-screen moment in the role, adding a sense of melancholic finality.
2 The Flash’s Return to the Past
An unexpected turn in a disjointed narrative
This seemingly random cameo left fans perplexed regarding its significance, evoking a sense of capriciousness that mirrored the film’s overall chaotic storytelling.
1 The DCEU Concludes with an Absurd Note
A playful ending to a faltering franchise
The DCEU has had its share of bizarre endings, particularly with films like “Black Adam”and “The Flash.”However, the franchise’s conclusion in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom”stands out as outrageously surreal. Rather than leaving fans with a sense of resolution, the film ends with a humorous scene featuring Orm, who is shown dining at a restaurant and casually eating a bug sandwich.
This lighthearted moment undermines any dramatic weight, presenting a hilariously anticlimactic finish to a sprawling superhero franchise that was rife with potential yet ultimately faltered in execution.