8 Most Iconic Final Scenes in Superhero TV Shows

Many of the most unforgettable moments in superhero history, from both DC and Marvel, have happened in the final scenes of TV shows. These shows often create complex stories and develop characters over many episodes, but it’s the last scene – when it’s truly impactful – that viewers remember most.

Superhero shows have the potential to be truly amazing, but a series is often remembered for how it ends. The final scene is crucial – it’s where the show’s central ideas come together, character journeys reach their conclusion, and the most impactful emotional moments happen. Some endings are joyful celebrations of a hero’s growth, while others leave viewers feeling saddened, intrigued, or excited about what might come next.

Over the years of bringing comic books to television, a few final scenes have truly stood out. They’re memorable not just because they looked amazing, but because they greatly influenced what happened next in the story. Even now, these endings continue to be discussed and debated, proving that truly great finales leave a lasting impact on fans.

Daredevil Is Found Alive In The Defenders

The Netflix series The Defenders culminates in what appears to be the death of Matt Murdock, trapped in a building that collapses. This shocking moment felt like a definitive ending, suggesting Daredevil heroically sacrificed himself to save New York City from The Hand. Those who knew him are left grieving a hero who had already faced so much hardship, highlighting his ultimate selflessness.

Okay, so The Defenders doesn’t wallow in sadness for too long. The very last scene shows Matt recovering in a convent, and the nuns are talking about “getting Maggie.” As a comic book fan, that instantly hit me – Maggie Murdock is Matt’s mom! It was a total game-changer, and honestly, the hype went through the roof overnight. Everyone was buzzing about it!

The ending beautifully highlights Daredevil’s strength and hints at a larger story on the horizon. It’s a satisfying cliffhanger that truly thrilled longtime Marvel fans, providing a perfect conclusion to The Defenders while also expertly setting the stage for the next season of Daredevil.

Agatha Harkness Returns As A Ghost In Agatha All Along

Throughout the series Agatha All Along, Agatha Harkness struggles to regain her lost identity and abilities. However, once she does, she surprisingly sacrifices herself to protect Billy Maximoff. This act completely changed how viewers saw her, turning a seemingly deceitful and ambitious villain into a genuinely noble character. And just when it seemed her story was over, Agatha unexpectedly returned as a ghost, adding another layer of surprise.

Agatha appears as a ghost and reconnects with Billy, vowing to help him locate his brother. This surprising turn transforms the formerly villainous witch into an unlikely guardian, revealing a hidden complexity that viewers didn’t anticipate. Though she’s no longer living, Agatha’s story isn’t over yet.

Thankfully, the character’s signature wit and intimidating side are still perfectly captured. Katherine Hahn is captivating in the role, and Marvel was smart to ensure her character’s survival in some way. The ending feels fitting for a world of magic and leaves plenty of possibilities for future storylines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Clark Kent Suits Up As Superman In Smallville

After ten years of development, Clark Kent finally transforms into the Superman fans of Smallville had been hoping to see. The series finale shows him accepting his fate, donning the famous Superman suit, and taking to the skies. It’s a satisfying conclusion that pays off years of character growth and built-up excitement.

Most notably, the scene intentionally echoes a famous moment from Christopher Reeve’s Superman movie. Just like in the original, Clark Kent rushes to the Daily Planet rooftop and tears open his shirt, revealing the Superman suit underneath. This was a deliberate choice to connect the prequel to the classic blockbuster and create a sense of continuity.

One of the most impactful moments was featuring John Williams’ iconic Superman theme when young Clark experienced a victory. It perfectly embodies the spirit of Smallville – hopeful, heartwarming, and delivering on years of fan anticipation.

Spider-Man Embarks On A Multiverse Mission To Save MJ In Spider-Man: The Animated Series

Peter Parker’s story in Spider-Man: The Animated Series doesn’t conclude with a simple win. Instead, it ends with a new purpose. Having saved the entire multiverse, Madame Web decides Peter has earned a chance at happiness and offers to help him find Mary Jane, who had been lost within it.

The finale of Spider-Man: TAS shows Spider-Man following Web through a portal, determined to rescue his longtime friend and bring her back. This scene is powerful because it really emphasizes Peter’s unwavering optimism and resolve. He’s faced a lot of loss – friends, teachers, and his normal life – but MJ’s disappearance is the one thing he can’t let go of.

Spider-Man’s dedication to those he loves will fuel his next story. Although the show ended before he could finish his rescue mission, his final act – swinging into action – perfectly captures who Spider-Man is: he always perseveres, even when things seem hopeless. It’s a fitting end for such an iconic character.

Bruce Wayne Becomes Batman In Gotham

Across Gotham, viewers followed young Bruce Wayne as he struggled to come to terms with his past and find his place in the world. The season ends a decade later, showing a much grimmer and more developed Gotham City – a city that truly needs a hero. Criminals are now terrified of a shadowy figure operating in secret.

Bruce Wayne’s return to Gotham marks the beginning of Batman’s legend. The city’s descent into corruption has created its ultimate guardian. While witnessing early signs of this new hero, Jim Gordon is conflicted, unsure whether to welcome or dread what’s to come. This uncertainty perfectly captures the dramatic emergence of Batman.

The final scene of Gotham finally gave fans what they’d been hoping for: Batman standing on a rooftop, his cape billowing in the wind. Even though the show was cancelled prematurely, the finale did a good job of tying up loose ends and creating a satisfying conclusion. More than just an ending to the series, this final moment felt like the start of the Batman mythos.

The Angela Egg Cliffhanger In Watchmen

The ending of Watchmen is strikingly abrupt. Just as the audience is about to find out if Angela Abar has gained godlike powers, the screen cuts to black. She’s eaten one of Dr. Manhattan’s eggs—said to grant those powers—and is now cautiously stepping toward her pool, seemingly to test if she can walk on water.

We never find out if she survives or fails. The scene ends the moment her feet touch the water, and that’s intentional. Watchmen deliberately leaves it unclear whether she achieves something extraordinary or simply returns to being an ordinary person, blurring the lines between being a hero and being human.

The ending of Watchmen is so effective because it doesn’t give us a definitive answer – it lets the audience decide what happens next. Will Angela succeed in changing the world, or will her efforts fail? This uncertainty is what makes the ending memorable and keeps people talking about it even now.

Xavier Bids Farewell To The X-Men In X-Men: The Animated Series

The animated series X-Men ends with a deeply moving and epic conclusion. Professor Charles Xavier is critically injured as prejudice against mutants reaches its highest point. With his life hanging in the balance, the Shi’ar offer the only chance for his recovery: advanced medical treatment in space. As Xavier prepares to leave, the X-Men and Magneto share a heartbreaking farewell with their beloved teacher.

Xavier is incredibly proud of his students and wants their fight for a better world to continue even after he’s gone. This feels like a well-deserved passing of the torch, earned through years of struggle for equality. His heartfelt goodbye to his old friend Magneto – who put aside his conflict with humanity to be there – is particularly moving, and its emotional weight is comparable to the serious themes explored in shows like Batman: The Animated Series.

The last scene of the team standing together, having grown stronger through their challenges, truly solidifies the lasting impact of X-Men: The Animated Series. It’s a moving and hopeful ending, showing that the pursuit of peace continues thanks to the X-Men, not just Professor X. This ending also brilliantly set the stage for the unexpected continuation, X-Men ’97.

Loki Saves The MCU Multiverse In Loki

The finale of Loki completely changes the character, turning him into one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most heroic figures. To save everything from being destroyed, he gives up his friends, romantic relationships, and even his own freedom, becoming the thing that keeps the entire multiverse from falling apart. The last shot shows Loki completely alone, sitting on a throne within a massive, branching structure of timelines – essentially, he’s become a living force that holds reality itself together.

Loki’s story transforms from one of selfish goals to one of redemption and selflessness. In a bittersweet but ultimately uplifting conclusion, he discovers purpose not in power, but in protecting others, completing a journey that began with him as a villain.

The final shot completely changes how we see Loki – he’s no longer a villain or a troublemaker, but a guardian of all realities. It’s a truly powerful and beautiful ending, arguably one of the best superhero finales ever filmed. The lasting image of Loki seated on a throne built from timelines cements his status as one of Marvel’s most compelling characters and delivers a deeply moving conclusion to his story.

2025-11-28 01:22