10 Movie Heroes You Didn't Realise Probably Died Horrible Deaths

Stand By Me's end sees Gordie LaChance realise his destiny to cast off the shadow of his more successful brother - as well as of best friend Chris, who is cooler by some distance - and become a bit of a badass in his own right. He does so by standing up to Ace and his gang.

This is a big deal, given that Gordie has basically been dragged through the mud by bullies - including his emotionally abusive parents - since the death of his brother. It's not just Ace he calls a cheap dime-store hood, it's everyone who's ever made him fell less. Roll credits, hero status earned.

But Wait...

You need to remember who Ace is. He's got no problem carrying knives around, he threatens to kill Chris earlier in the film and when Gordie pulls the gun he tells him that "We're not gonna forget this, if that's what you're thinking. This is big time baby."

So, are we supposed to just accept that he forgot instead? Sure, we get to see an ending where Richard Dreyfuss is supposed to Gordie grown-up safely, but that's not necessarily the end of the story.

Ace presumably grew up as a no-hoper, trapped in his hometown. Imagine his reaction when he saw that the loser weakling kid who showed him up in front of his gang had grown-up successful and written about that very moment. Way to invite bloody vengeance on yourself, Gordo!