10 Cringe-Worthy ’70s Movie Endings That Ruined Great Plots

The 1970s produced some of cinema’s finest stories, but not every film stuck the landing. These movies started with strong plots but left audiences disappointed by their endings. Whether rushed, confusing, or outright bizarre, these finales became infamous for undermining what could have been classics.

1. “The Omega Man” (1971)

“The Omega Man” was a compelling adaptation of a post-apocalyptic novel, featuring Charlton Heston as the last human fighting mutated creatures. The film built tension effectively, keeping viewers engaged with its eerie world and moral dilemmas.

However, the ending—where Heston’s character sacrifices himself in an overly dramatic fashion—felt rushed and overdone. It failed to live up to the thought-provoking premise, leaving fans underwhelmed.

2. “Soylent Green” (1973)

“Soylent Green” offered a gripping look at a dystopian future, exploring themes of overpopulation and resource scarcity. The mystery kept viewers hooked as the protagonist uncovered a shocking corporate conspiracy.

The famous twist ending—revealing that “Soylent Green is people”—was delivered in such a ham-fisted manner that it bordered on parody. The abruptness diminished the film’s overall impact.

3. “Logan’s Run” (1976)

“Logan’s Run” began as a thrilling sci-fi adventure, exploring a society where people were killed at 30 to maintain population control. The escape and discovery of a new world were compelling elements of the story.

Unfortunately, the ending—with the characters bringing the system down in an overly simplistic way—felt too convenient. It lacked the depth needed to wrap up such a complex narrative.

4. “Superman” (1978)

“Superman” redefined superhero films with its stunning visuals and strong performances. The story of Clark Kent embracing his destiny was engaging and heartfelt, building up to an epic showdown.

But the ending—where Superman reverses time by flying around the Earth—stretched credibility too far. Even for a superhero film, it felt implausible and undermined the stakes.

5. “The Exorcist II: The Heretic” (1977)

As a sequel to one of the most terrifying horror films ever made, “The Exorcist II” had a lot to live up to. The plot explored intriguing ideas about demonic possession and human consciousness.

However, the convoluted and melodramatic ending left viewers confused. It failed to recapture the haunting simplicity of the original film’s climax.

6. “Star Wars: A New Hope” (1977)

While “Star Wars” is a beloved classic, some critics argue that its ending was too predictable. The Death Star’s destruction, while thrilling, relied heavily on convenient circumstances and a lack of real tension in the final moments.

The simplicity of the climax—where Luke Skywalker’s success feels inevitable—drew some criticism for being overly neat. It lacked the complexity that later sequels would bring to the series.

7. “The Black Hole” (1979)

“The Black Hole” offered stunning visuals and a dark, intriguing storyline about a crew exploring a mysterious space anomaly. Its philosophical themes were ambitious, keeping viewers intrigued.

The ending, however, veered into bizarre territory, with surreal imagery and unexplained events. It left audiences more confused than satisfied, tarnishing the film’s earlier strengths.

8. “Grease” (1978)

“Grease” was a fun musical that captured the spirit of the 1950s. Its catchy songs and vibrant characters made it a cultural phenomenon. The story of Sandy and Danny’s romance resonated with audiences.

But the ending, where a car literally flies into the sky, left viewers scratching their heads. It felt out of place in an otherwise grounded love story.

9. “Death Wish” (1974)

“Death Wish” explored the dark side of vigilante justice, with Charles Bronson delivering a powerful performance. The film’s gritty tone and moral ambiguity made it a compelling watch.

The final scene, where Bronson’s character smiles menacingly, felt jarring and unearned. It came off as overly theatrical, undermining the film’s serious themes.

10. “The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976)

Starring David Bowie, “The Man Who Fell to Earth” was a visually stunning film with a deeply emotional story about an alien stranded on Earth. Its themes of loneliness and exploitation resonated throughout.

However, the anticlimactic ending—where the alien’s plans to save his home planet fail without much explanation—left viewers frustrated. It felt like an unfinished story rather than a proper conclusion.