10 Best Movies With Predictable Endings We Still Love

‘Titanic’ (1997)

'Titanic' comes on the heels of one of the most well-known tragedies in history, hence it is no surprise that the ship is going to sink even before an iceberg shows up. Nevertheless, through breathtaking imagery, iconic romance, and the heart-wrenching acting skills of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, Cameron turns an unavoidable event into a highly emotional tale. Titanic does not succeed due to suspense, but rather because it is extremely easy for viewers to become immersed in Jack and Rose’s romance.

‘Pretty Woman’ (1990)

'Pretty Woman' makes you aware right away that it is setting itself up for a happy ending, and yet the movie makes every moment along the way enjoyable. The undeniable connection between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere raises the “unconventional couple” premise to a whole new level. The director, Garry Marshall, takes all of the aspects of a fairytale and puts them into one delightful movie where the audience can predict happily ever after, yet still wants to see the journey to get there.

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

There is no attempt by 'Top Gun: Maverick' to mask its archetypal underdog tale. Viewers know that in the end, Maverick will accomplish the seemingly impossible mission, become an instructor to the young pilots, and make up for his past emotional mistakes. It is what makes this film unique: the execution. From its stunning practical flying scenes to its emotional callbacks to the original film and Tom Cruise’s commanding performance, the movie transforms an expected story into something special.

‘Rocky’ (1976)

In its approach to the genre of movies about sports, the film Rocky adheres to the classic formula of such films, which has now become legendary: an underdog gets just one impossible opportunity to prove himself. Before the crucial bout even starts, the viewer is aware that Rocky Balboa is destined for respect and self-respect. However, thanks to Sylvester Stallone’s sincere screenplay and convincing acting, each training scene is believable. The film works because it knows that it is the emotion that triumphs, not the triumph itself.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

The conclusion of 'The Devil Wears Prada' is known to us from the very start - ultimately, Andy is going to turn her back on the glamorous and corrupt world of the fashion industry and embrace her true values. Nevertheless, this movie proves to be a delight to watch again and again because of impeccable dialogue, superb direction, and a stunning performance by Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly. Rather than surprising viewers, the film engages them through believable development and workplace interactions that everyone can relate to.

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)

'Crazy Rich Asians' makes use of virtually every trope associated with the genre of the romantic comedy. Nevertheless, the movie’s elaborate production design, cultural authenticity, and impressive star-studded cast give it a unique feeling of freshness and emotional engagement. The audience knows for sure that Rachel and Nick are bound to reunite at the end of the film, but the emotional drama unfolds through the character of Rachel’s struggle to retain her dignity amidst the overwhelming social pressures.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)

The process by which 'The Shawshank Redemption' takes its audience towards Andy Dufresne’s eventual escape is predictable but the emotional satisfaction that comes from it leaves viewers breathless. Frank Darabont weaves his plot carefully with an emphasis on humanity and an absence of cheap thrills. When the time finally arrives for Andy to find the freedom he has been striving for all along and reconnect with Red, there is no question that the emotional impact will be deeply satisfying and well-deserved.

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)

'Spider-Man: No Way Home' delivers many of its most emotional payoffs well ahead of time. However, people loved the movie for delivering not just action but catharsis as well. The Peter Parker portrayed by Tom Holland becomes a much more mature hero throughout the story, and it achieves that balance by knowing what to deliver emotionally to the audience. Instead of using surprise elements, the movie succeeds by knowing what it takes emotionally to move comic book movie fans.

‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)

In ‘When Harry Met Sally’, the director, Rob Reiner, and screenwriter, Nora Ephron, make sure throughout the film that the audience believes that Harry and Sally belong together. There was never any real question about how the story would end; however, the magic that Reiner and Ephron put into it turns a standard love story into an honest and unique one. What draws people to this film isn’t the fact that the couple gets together, but the journey leading there.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' faces the challenge of providing closure to one of the most well-loved fantasy film trilogies of all time, and people generally have the idea that goodness prevails in the end. Despite this certainty, however, Peter Jackson manages to create an incredibly moving end that is full of sacrifice, bravery, and sad goodbyes. While destroying the Ring might be predictable enough, the emotional impact of this movie lies in seeing how much these people must go through to ensure peace for everyone.