What is the Epilogue in Film? Meaning, Definition & Examples.

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Published: February 1, 2024 | Last Updated: December 17, 2024

Epilogue Definition & Meaning

An epilogue is the last little bit after the story ends. It ties up loose ends, gives a glimpse into what happens next, or shows where the characters land. It’s a way of saying, “Here’s the aftermath—now we’re done for real.” A solid epilogue wraps things up with a resolution or a final look at the characters’ lives. It’s like a last reflection, showing where everyone ends after the main story ends.

This is the End: The difference between Epilogue, Resolution, and Denouement.

movie ending structure. Resolution - Denouement - Epilogue order explained.

An epilogue, resolution, and denouement are all part of the story that occurs after the climax and help close the narrative. While they serve similar purposes, there are slight differences between these terms.

  • The resolution is the final part, where conflicts are resolved and loose ends are tied up. The resolution follows after the climax.
  • The denouement is the aftermath and the unraveling of the remaining plot elements. The denouement follows after the resolution but before the epilogue.
  • The epilogue is a conclusion that provides closure to the story, often set in the future. The epilogue follows after the denouement.

Example

In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), the resolution is the destruction of the One Ring and Sauron’s downfall.

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In the resolution of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), Frodo and Sam destroy the Ring in Mount Doom, leading to the collapse of Barad-dûr and the end of Sauron’s power. Middle-earth is freed from darkness, and the immediate conflicts are resolved. New Line Cinema.

The denouement is the series of emotional and reflective moments that follow the climax. Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor, The Fellowship briefly reunites, and the Hobbits return to the Shire.

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In the denouement of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), Aragorn is crowned King of Gondor, symbolizing the restoration of peace and order. The Fellowship reunites briefly, and the hobbits return to the Shire. Life goes on, but they carry the weight of their experiences. These quieter scenes emphasize the cost of victory and the characters’ transformation. New Line Cinema.

The epilogue occurs when Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, and the elves leave Middle-earth for the Undying Lands.

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In the epilogue of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), Frodo, forever changed and unable to fully heal from his trauma, chooses to leave for the Undying Lands due to his need for peace beyond the mortal world. Sam, Merry, and Pippin return to the Shire, and Sam’s final words, “Well, I’m back,” mark the true ending—life continues for those left behind. New Line Cinema.

Epilogue Examples from Movies

Here are a few examples of great epilogues from famous movies:

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) ends with an epilogue that reveals Andy Dufresne and Red’s fate. It shows them reuniting in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, where they fulfill their dream of starting a new life. This final moment provides closure and leaves us with a sense of hope and redemption.

La La Land (2016)

The epilogue in La La Land (2016) is a dream sequence that shows an alternate reality where Mia and Sebastian are together. It reflects the choices they made and the paths they didn’t take. The moment leaves us with a bittersweet mix of emotions about love, sacrifice, and what could have been.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

The Dark Knight Rises ends with an epilogue set several years after the main events. It reveals Bruce Wayne’s fate—presumed dead but shown living peacefully away from Gotham City. The epilogue wraps up the superhero trilogy and hints at Batman’s legacy.

If you’re into The Caped Crusader, see an analysis of famous Batman movie quotes.

Summing Up

An epilogue is the final chapter that wraps up loose ends and provides closure. It allows us to reflect on the characters’ journeys and offers a glimpse into their lives beyond the main story.

Up Next: Catharsis in Film. Definition and Examples.

By Jan Sørup

Jan Sørup is a indie filmmaker, videographer and photographer from Denmark. He owns filmdaft.com and the Danish company Apertura, which produces video content for big companies in Denmark and Scandinavia. Jan has a background in music, has drawn webcomics, and is a former lecturer at the University of Copenhagen.

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