7 70s Movie Endings That Left Audiences Furious

The 1970s gave us plenty of memorable films, but not every ending left audiences satisfied. Some movies wrapped up in ways that frustrated viewers, leaving them confused or angry. Whether it was due to an unexpected twist or a lack of resolution, these films are still remembered for their controversial conclusions.

1. The Deer Hunter (1978)

The Deer Hunter is a war drama that explores the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of friends. While the film is critically acclaimed, its ending left many viewers upset. The final scene, featuring a somber rendition of “God Bless America,” struck some as overly bleak and ambiguous, leaving the audience unsure of the characters’ futures.

Despite its emotional power, the film’s unresolved ending disappointed those hoping for a more conclusive resolution. The abrupt shift from intense war scenes to a quiet, uncertain finale left audiences pondering long after the credits rolled.

2. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange is infamous for its violent and dystopian story. However, the ending is what truly divided audiences. After undergoing a form of mind control that strips him of his free will, the main character, Alex, seems to revert to his old, violent ways in the final moments.

Viewers found the lack of redemption disturbing, as the film ended without offering any real resolution. The moral ambiguity left many wondering what message the film was trying to convey, fueling frustration among its audience.

3. The Last House on the Left (1972)

Wes Craven’s The Last House on the Left was a shocking horror film that pushed boundaries. However, the ending left some viewers more angry than scared. After a brutal tale of revenge, the film abruptly shifts to a strange mix of slapstick comedy and grim resolution, leaving audiences puzzled.

The jarring tonal shift left many feeling the film’s conclusion was out of place and diminished the impact of the horrifying events. This disjointed ending made The Last House on the Left one of the most talked-about films of its time.

4. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

While Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a beloved comedy, its ending left many fans scratching their heads. The film builds up to the climactic moment when King Arthur and his knights are about to storm a castle. However, the movie abruptly ends with the police arriving and arresting everyone, completely breaking the narrative.

The absurdity of the ending frustrated those expecting a proper resolution to the adventure. The abrupt conclusion became infamous, sparking debate among viewers about whether it was genius or a letdown.

5. Rocky (1976)

Rocky is widely considered an inspirational sports film, but its ending left many fans wanting more. After an intense boxing match between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed, the fight ends in a split decision in Creed’s favor. Rocky doesn’t win, and the film ends with him calling out for his girlfriend, Adrian, rather than focusing on the result of the fight.

For some viewers, the lack of a clear victory felt unsatisfying, even though the emotional impact of the moment was undeniable. The ending defied typical sports film expectations, leaving audiences divided.

6. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

The 1978 remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers delivered a shocking final scene that left audiences in disbelief. After narrowly escaping being taken over by alien duplicates, the protagonist, Matthew, is revealed to have been turned into one of the invaders. The film ends with him pointing and shrieking, signaling the main character’s doom.

The dark and unexpected twist caught viewers off guard, leaving many feeling unsettled and disturbed. This iconic ending frustrated those who had hoped for a more optimistic resolution.

7. The Lady Vanishes (1979)

The Vanishing delivers one of the most unsettling endings of the decade. The film follows a man’s obsessive search for his missing girlfriend, only for the story to end with the horrifying revelation that he suffers the same fate she did—being buried alive.

This bleak and hopeless conclusion shocked viewers, many of whom found the ending too dark to bear. The lack of any justice or closure made it one of the most infuriating film finales of the 70s.