10 Most Disappointing Endings In Movie History

One of the more famous disappointing endings in all of popular culture, War of the Worlds is nonetheless a powerful sci-fi apocalypse story that has terrified the masses over multiple generations thanks to its multiple remakes. The HMS Thunder Child sequence never fails to send chills down spines, and its caught-in-the-crossfire style of presentation was unique amongst the genre for a long time.

So it was that when Steven Spielberg, one of the modern masters of sci-fi cinema, decided to make the film for a new audience, it was very exciting for fans of the genre. Focusing the themes around family this time, it was more akin to a reimagining of the original books’ narrative, retaining some key moments but changing others for the better.

And that may have gotten some people’s hopes up that the film ends differently… but nope. Once again, the aliens are defeated not by humanity’s strength, teamwork or intelligence, but by bacteria, stating that humans earned the right to the planet by being able to coexist with its inhabitants.

Similarly to 10 Cloverfield Lane, the story is one of perseverance, and it carries with it a harsh commentary on war and invasion in general - prudent considering the then-current Iraq War. But if you’re coming into War of the Worlds expecting an epic sci-fi with a hopeful ending like Independence Day, you might be better off watching something else.