Sometimes a movie's legacy can spiral out of control, leading to straightforward and clear endings becoming debatably ambiguous. While alternate readings and fan theories are valid ways to engage with the art form, these movies' endings were not meant to leave audiences wondering what really happened. The films may leave the audiences with complex emotions, but their narratives are neatly resolved.

Just because a film does not show every explicit detail, does not mean it leaves it up to the audience's interpretation. It is also the case where sometimes the wrong element of a film's ending will be debated when that is not necessary to the movie's story or themes. While films like A Serious Man or The Lobster end their stories on notes of ambiguity as to what really happened, these films actually wrap up their stories in a deceptively simple and straightforward way.

10 Life Of Pi (2012)

Many debate the ending of this philosophical epic, but the real issue with Life of Pi - both the Yann Martel novel and Ang Li film adaption - is that rules out any room for ambiguity. After telling a harrowing story of his time on a lifeboat filled with animals, Pi retells the story, explaining that he was actually on the boat with his mother, a sailor, and a cook. The story with the animals was just a coping mechanism for Pi and a less depressing way to tell the story. The film clearly states that the animal story is a lie, but a beautiful one at that.

9 The Thing (1982)

One of the most debated endings of all time, John Carpenter's The Thing ends with the two survivors sitting out in the cold with little chance of survival, unsure if the other one is the thing. There have been endless theories and arguments for why one of them may or may not be the thing, in reality, there is no way to find out, and it doesn't necessarily matter. Neither of them will ever find out if the other is the thing, nor will they ever be able to fully trust another person again. It is a bleak ending, but not one that demands fan theories or explanations.

8 Knock At The Cabin (2023)

M. Night Shyamalan became a household name through his use of twist endings, but his latest film, Knock at the Cabin stood out by not having a twist. Everything the intrudes said was true, and by sacrificing a member of their own family the main couple was able to save the world. As Andrew and his daughter Wen drive off together, there is a looming dread about if humanity was indeed worth saving. It is a nuanced and thought-provoking ending, but when it comes to the narrative of the movie, Shyamalan is clear that the apocalypse was prevented by their sacrifice.

7 The Graduate (1967)

The final moments of Mike Nichols' The Graduate is accompanied by one of the best needle drops in cinema history, and while the emotions it ends on are complex and up for debate, the final message is very clear. After crashing her wedding, Ben and Elaine run off together hopping on a bus. Their laughter and smiles slowly fade as they have to sit with the aftermath of what they have just done. Their act of rebellion and declaration of love did nothing to fill the generational angst and emptiness they feel inside, and now they must sit with that.

6 Inception (2010)

Much like The Thing, Inception's end has been endlessly debated, while missing the real point of the film's ending. After Cobb is reunited with his children, the audience is left with his spinning top as it wobbles, questioning if Cobb is awake. Countless theories can and have been made about what Nolan meant by this ending, but no matter what the audience chooses to believe, it’s a happy ending for Cobb, and his arc is resolved. Cobb never allowed himself to see his children's faces in his dreams, so whether he is awake or not at the end, he has forgiven himself and reached some form of redemption.

5 Prisoners (2013)

Throughout its entire runtime, Denis Villeneuve's Prisoners is a brutal watch, and often uncountable to get through. However, the film does end on a hopeful note. After solving the case and rescuing the missing children, Jake Gyllenhaal's Detective Loki stays behind at the crime scene hearing the faint sound of a whistle blowing. The audience is meant to assume he will follow this sound and find Hugh Jackman's Keller in time to rescue him, but the film doesn't explicitly show that, as that would be an unfitting and overly sentimental note to end a film like Prisoners on.

4 The Wrestler (2008)

Before Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler ends, it tells the audience exactly what will happen after it cuts to black. Randy's heart is going to give out in the wring, and he is going to die doing what he loves. This point is explained repeatedly in the final act of the movie, so it is baffling why anyone would find the ending ambiguous. Aronofsky doesn't show Randy dying, but much like his more recent film The While, the director uses heightened filmmaking to express the end of his protagonist's life.

3 Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

One of the few happy endings that has been touted as ambiguous over the years, Michel Gondry's exploration of love and relationships ends with its two main characters deciding to get back together after previously erasing each other from their memories. Joel and Clementine know that they have dated and broken up before, but want to try again even if they know it will end in disaster. The film is less interested in whether they will make it as a couple this time, it's pretty confident that they won't, but the film takes a firm stance that relationships are worth it all, the good and the bad.

2 Blade Runner (1982)

Part of the reason Blade Runner's ending has been so debated is that various versions of the movie have been released over the years. However, most versions, including the preferred "Final Cut," end with Deckard picking up an origami unicorn left by Detective Gaff and running away with Rachel. While various edits, and comments from Ridley Scott, have led people to debate this ending and whether Deckard is a replicant, none of that matters. The end of the movie clearly states that there is no real difference between humans and replicates and Deckard has realized this, so he decides to run away with Rachel.

1 Titanic (1997)

For a long period, James Cameron's Titanic was the highest-grossing movie of all time. This naturally led the movie to become over-discussed and needlessly nitpicked. While some still question what happens in the film's final moments, it is much simpler and sweeter than many make it out to be. After finally sharing her story and releasing the priceless heart of the ocean back to the sea, Rose can let go and away. She is then reunited with all those on the Titanic she knew and loved, including Jack. It is a straightforward, romantic, and iconic ending.