10 Harsh Realities That Completely Ruin Classic Film Happy Endings

1. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory €“- Charlie Is Horribly Under-Qualified

Willy Wonka Charlie
Paramount

The Happy Ending

Charlie comes through Willy Wonka's ordeals, having proven himself worthy and manages to score himself the keys to the Chocolate Factory, which he will take over while still a child when Wonka retires, after being imparted with the crazy man's wisdom.

The Harsh Reality

Since when was a strong moral compass the key to a successful business? Yes, Charlie will be equipped with Wonka's most precious candy making secrets, but he will still be a child when he takes over the factory (Wonka expressly says he wants a child to take over and can't trust any adult not to want to run it their own way) and will be horribly ill-equipped to running a global business.

Without Wonka's strong will and imagination, the factory will be lead by a child whose pallette has only experienced gruel and stew for most of his life. Hello, bankruptcy.

Have you noticed any other happy endings that will probably be utterly spoiled after the credits roll? Share your own picks below.

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