The 10 Most Disappointing Final Entries in a Trilogy
The final chapter of a movie trilogy carries the weight of tying up arcs, delivering payoffs, and leaving fans satisfied. But some finales fumble, whether through rushed plots, tonal missteps, or unmet expectations, tarnishing their series’ legacy.
We’re drawn to these films for their potential, despite their letdowns. From action epics to superhero sagas, this list of 10 trilogy closers, ranked from least to most disappointing, highlights those that fell short in their final act.
10. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) uncovers his past in this action-packed Bourne finale. It delivers thrilling chases but leans too heavily on shaky-cam and a predictable resolution, lacking the first two films’ emotional depth.
The stunts and pacing thrill, but the rote ending feels flat. It’s a solid closer that doesn’t match its predecessors’ spark.
9. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy ends with a sprawling war for Erebor. The bloated CGI battles and stretched plot overshadow Bilbo’s (Martin Freeman) quieter arc, unlike the tighter Lord of the Rings finales.
The spectacle impresses, but the padded story disappoints. It’s a visually grand finish that lacks the heart of earlier entries.
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and crew face Davy Jones in this swashbuckling closer. The chaotic plot and overlong runtime dilute the charm of Curse of the Black Pearl, with a convoluted resolution.
Depp’s wit and sea battles entertain, but the messiness frustrates. It’s a fun but overstuffed end to the trilogy.
7. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy ends with Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) facing Bane. It aims for epic stakes but stumbles with plot holes, a rushed Talia twist, and a divisive Robin reveal.
Tom Hardy’s Bane and action shine, but the finale feels forced. It’s ambitious but falls short of The Dark Knight’s brilliance.
6. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The Star Wars sequel trilogy wraps with Rey (Daisy Ridley) battling Palpatine’s return. The rushed pacing, retconned lore, and fan-service overload undermine the emotional weight of The Force Awakens.
The cast’s charm carries it, but the cluttered plot disappoints. It’s a flashy closer that divides fans with its choices.
5. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
The original X-Men trilogy ends with a mutant cure and Dark Phoenix saga. Rushed storytelling, mishandled deaths, and a weak Phoenix arc pale against X2’s tight focus.
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine grounds it, but the chaos flops. It’s a messy finale that squanders the series’ potential.
4. Alien³ (1992)
Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) crashes on a prison planet in this grim Alien closer. The bleak tone, Ripley’s death, and muddled execution alienate fans after Aliens’ high-octane thrills.
Weaver’s grit shines, but the dour ending frustrates. It’s a bold but divisive cap that dims the trilogy’s glow.
3. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
The Matrix trilogy ends with Neo’s (Keanu Reeves) war against the machines. The abstract, overly philosophical finale and Neo’s vague sacrifice feel hollow compared to the first film’s clarity.
Stunning action carries it, but the muddled resolution disappoints. It’s a visionary saga with a confusing, unsatisfying close.
2. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy ends with Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) facing Venom and Sandman. The overstuffed plot, emo Peter, and rushed Venom arc derail the emotional depth of Spider-Man 2.
Maguire’s charm persists, but the chaos overwhelms. It’s a cluttered finale that tarnishes the trilogy’s legacy.
1. Glass (2019)
M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable and Split trilogy ends with a superhero showdown. The rushed, bleak twist killing off key characters (Bruce Willis, James McAvoy) betrays the buildup, feeling pointlessly cruel.
McAvoy’s intensity shines, but the ending sinks the stakes. It’s a bold vision crushed by a devastatingly sour finale.
Which trilogy finale let you down the most, or did we miss a disappointing closer? Share your picks in the comments!
