Do your jeans need an upgrade? When spring begins, you want to stay stylish without sacrificing comfort — but long, baggier winter denim just doesn’t hit the mark. Instead, slip on a pair of cropped jeans. The elevated denim style has a universally flattering shape and length, and it’s even been worn by stars like Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid.

Cropped jeans include shortened hems that fully show off your shoes, making them ideal for warmer weather and light layering. Plus, elements like natural and high-rise waistlines and flared legs let the style comfortably fit your body and enhance your figure. We did the heavy lifting for you, finding pairs from classic blue denim to styles with fun patterns, embroidery and more, starting as low as $14. We recommend wearing them with suede booties or a bold pair of sandals for effortless springtime style.

Elevated, Cropped Denim Ideal for Warmer Weather

1. High Rise: If you’re bringing cropped jeans into your wardrobe, this straight-leg style (under $20!) is worth adding to your cart. The stretchy, high-waisted pair sits perfectly at your natural waistline, while its subtly distressed hems add an elevated, cool, effortless finish.

2. Cuffing Season: These cute jeans from Sofia Vergara’s Walmart line feature an instantly flattering high-waisted shape. The cropped style’s wide cuffed legs look effortless while staying comfortable and light, too!

3. Major Savings: Cropped jeans look especially stylish in an indigo wash, like this straight-legged pair that’s elevated with utilitarian stitching. Plus, the style’s a major steal at just $14.

4. Buttoned Up: These high-waisted, cropped jeans cut a flattering silhouette while staying versatile with classic blue shades. Round silver buttons bring the pair a contemporary finish.

5. Boho Blooms: A little detail can go a long way, like the white floral embroidery on these cropped jeans! The dark denim and light blossoms make a chic pair that’s perfect for spring.

Related: Walmart’s Denim Section Is Filled With Flattering Jeans — Under $40

While most jeans get a bad rep for rigid fabric and constricting movement, that doesn’t mean you have to write them off. Instead of ditching denim once and for all, check out Walmart’s secret denim section. Filled with styles ranging from timeless Levi’s jeans to Sofia by Sofia Vergara bottoms, these denim pants offer a comfy […]

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6. Grungy Glam: These cropped jeans include distressed patches along their legs for an edgy dash of rock n’ roll style. Style yours with a leather or denim jacket for a punky feel.

7. Sleek Fit: These Good American jeans feature a stretchy, skinny fit that hugs all of your curves. The denim style’s gap-proof waistband is also super flattering and practical.

8. Geometric Edge: We love the vertical front seams on these dark blue jeans. The geometric lines create a leg-lengthening effect while remaining minimalist and chic.

9. Garden-Worthy: This cropped style is covered in a vintage floral print that’s nostalgic and bohemian. The pattern brings extra flair to the jeans’ classic, beloved straight-legged silhouette.

10. Distressed Denim: Pack a punch with these high-rise, wide-leg jeans from Abercrombie & Fitch. They get an instant cool-girl edge from distressed hems.

11. Groovy Stretch: These dark blue jeans from Quince feature a slim fit with added stretch, ensuring a flattering fit. Lightly flared hems finish the versatile pair with a stylish ‘70s touch.

12. Seeing Spots: Take a walk on the wild side with these cheetah-printed cropped jeans. The pair’s high-waisted silhouette, lightly flared legs and all-over stretch instantly accentuate your figure—plus, its spotted pattern makes an eye-catching statement.

13. Classic Jeans: You can’t beat a pair of effortless and simple cropped jeans from Levi’s! The style’s smooth texture and figure-hugging fit are soft and flattering, making them perfect for all-day wear.

14. Flattering Lines: The forward seams on these cropped jeans are angled to create a curve-enhancing effect. We also love the pair’s light blue color, which is perfect for spring!

15. Fun Flares: This cropped J.Crew denim features a stretchy silhouette that enhances your natural figure. Its kickout flared hems are slimming and flattering, while patch pockets add a whimsically bohemian accent.

16. Stylish Studs: For a subtle edge, slip on cropped jeans with metal stud accents. This double-layered style features small, rounded studs on its hems, complete with fraying for a fashion-forward finish.

17. Chic Shades: These two-tone cropped jeans are instantly elevated with two-toned paneling in charcoal and black shades. The pair’s dark colors are utterly versatile, while its contrasting sides are effortlessly cool and fashion-forward.

Related: 13 Colorful Jeans to Revamp Your Closet — Without Looking Cheesy

If you’re tired of staring into a sea of basic blue jeans, it’s time to give your closet a well-deserved refresh! Lately, we’ve been gravitating toward bolder denim styles — brighter washes, fun patterns, and statement‑making cuts that bring creativity and character back into everyday dressing. . . without veering into cheesy territory, of course. […]

If there’s one thing that Saturday Night Live knows how to do, it’s make an iconic moment. For over 50 years, the NBC comedy institution has welcomed hundreds of actors, comedians, and musicians to take the Studio 8H stage as hosts, musical guests, or fun cameos. Just this season, we’ve already seen Heated Rivalry breakout Connor Storrie make his hosting debut, Cher perform as a musical guest, and Oscar nominee Teyana Taylor take the stage. But the most recent episode, hosted by Ryan Gosling, was historic because the musical guest, Gorillaz, wasn’t a new act using the platform to catapult itself into viewers’ playlists. They’re actually an iconic band that finally made their debut. The twist? They are the first virtual band to ever headline SNL.

Gorillaz Surprised Everyone With Their Song Choices on ‘SNL’

Leading up to Gosling’s fourth time hosting the sketch comedy series, the virtual band had been featured in the typical promos, plus one featuring Gosling and their hit, “Clint Eastwood.” The promo saw Gosling hilariously believe he was joining the Five-Timers Club, only to be proven incorrect by Mikey Day. Long-time fans of the band might have believed that it would be the sole appearance of their massive hit, but Gorillaz surprised all by using their opening slot to play “Clint Eastwood,” a song they released in 2001. The inclusion of the 25-year-old song was meant to thank the supporters who had been by their side since day one.

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Will this bold move pay off, or will it be met with the cold shoulder?

The high-concept band, which has been around since 1998, was originally created by Jamie Hewlett and Blur frontman Damon Albarn. But for the longest time, we only knew them by their virtual counterparts, 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle. Every album cover, every music video, everything we knew about Gorillaz was through those characters, and that’s what made them unique. Now that the virtual and non-virtual members are united as one, it was the perfect time for Gorillaz to remind the world why they are one of the most musically unique bands in history. Promoting their new album, The Mountain, the band performed “The Moon Cave” in the second song slot. With the hype largely surrounding the virtual band’s presence, history was also made for Albarn, as it was his SNL debut. Shockingly, Blur, the second biggest ’90s Britpop band behind Oasis, never appeared as musical guests on the series.

‘Saturday Night Live’ Has Featured Many Monumental Musical Moments

During the 50 years SNL has been on the air, it’s played host to many monumental musical moments. Perhaps you watched when Sinéad O’Connor tore up a photo of the Pope in 1992. Maybe it was back in 1977, when Elvis Costello abruptly switched songs into their forbidden track, leading to a long-term ban. Then there was the scandal in 2004 when Ashlee Simpson was caught lip-syncing.

Gorillaz’s appearance doesn’t come with controversy, but it joins the lineup of historic moments that will always be remembered. Just as Nirvana brought grunge to a mainstream audience and Funk 4 + 1 provided the first-ever hip-hop performance, the cultural significance of music on SNL continues to shape what we listen to.

Saturday Night Live airs Saturdays at 11:30pm EST on NBC. All episodes are available to stream on Peacock.

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Release Date

October 11, 1975

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Showrunner

Lorne Michaels

Directors

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Dave Wilson, Don Roy King, Liz Patrick, Andy Warhol, Linda Lee Cadwell, Matthew Meshekoff, Paul Miller, Robert Altman, Robert Smigel

Writers

Will Forte, Bill Hader, Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Chris Parnell, Asa Taccone, John Lutz, Tom Schiller, Simon Rich, Michael Patrick O’Brien, Nicki Minaj, Herbert Sargent, Matt Piedmont, John Solomon, Chris Kelly, Alan Zweibel, Kent Sublette, Ari Katcher, Marika Sawyer, Sarah Schnedier, Scott Jung, Justin Franks, Jerrod Bettis, Rhiannon Bryan

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Thanks to free, ad-supported streamer Pluto TV, you can now watch every episode of The X-Files on demand without digging into your paltry FBI agent salary. But instead of watching it from your house, apartment, or basement office, Pluto is giving you the chance to watch the show like never before. Collider has an exclusive first look at the streamer’s The Fan Is Out There contest, which will send one lucky winner and their plus-one to stream every episode of the show in a top-secret undisclosed location.

Here’s your assignment: go to this top-secret URL and enter the contest; it will be open from March 10th at 11:00 a.m. ET until March 20 at 11:59 p.m ET. If you win, you and a handpicked investigative partner will be whisked away to a classified location in the Joshua Tree desert, a hotbed of paranormal activity. Once there, you will have nine days to binge all 218 episodes of The X-Files in an off-grid location even the Lone Gunmen would approve of. You’ll be provided with a living case board to track the show’s conspiracies; daily on-camera debriefing confessionals for social documentation; X-Files-themed snacks, including plenty of Mulder-approved black coffee and sunflower seeds; and much, much more. See the website for full terms and conditions.

What Is ‘The X-Files’ About?

Created by Chris Carter, The X-Files centered around FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). Scully, a skeptical medical doctor, was assigned to work with Mulder, whose belief in paranormal phenomena (inspired by the apparent alien abduction of his sister, Samantha, when they were children) had made him a laughingstock at the agency. Together, they travel across the country, seeking out the unexplained cases of murder, monsters, and mutants that Mulder dubbed the “X-Files,” even as Mulder starts to piece together a massive alien conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of the government. Debuting on Fox in 1993, the show became an immediate smash hit; it ran for nine seasons, spawned two theatrical films, and then two abbreviated revival seasons…and it’s about to come back, courtesy of Sinners director Ryan Coogler.

Earlier this year, Pluto TV launched a dedicated channel for The X-Files, marking the first time the show had become available on a FAST streaming service. Says Pluto TV executive Will Gurman, “This cult classic pioneered binge-worthy, supernatural storytelling and built one of TV’s most passionate fan communities. With the entire series always available and totally free, it’s a show you can disappear into for days. This is exactly the kind of deep library comfort viewing Pluto TV was built for.”

You can enter Pluto TV’s The Fan Is Out There X-Files contest from March 10th at 11:00 a.m. ET until March 20 at 11:59 p.m ET. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates…and trust no one.

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Release Date

1993 – 2018-00-00

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Network

FOX

Directors

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Rob Bowman, David Nutter, R. W. Goodwin, Michael W. Watkins, Tony Wharmby, Daniel Sackheim, Michael Lange, Cliff Bole, David Duchovny, Jim Charleston, James Wong, Peter Markle, Rod Hardy, Thomas J. Wright, William A. Graham, Jerrold Freedman, Joe Napolitano, Kevin Hooks, Larry Shaw, Richard Compton, Tucker Gates, Allen Coulter, Barry K. Thomas, Brett Dowler

Writers

jeffrey bell, Frank Spotnitz, Howard Gordon, David Amann, Darin Morgan, Steven Maeda, Greg Walker, Chris Ruppenthal, Kim Newton, Paul Brown, Sara B. Cooper, Thomas Schnauz, Tim Minear, William Gibson, Jeff Vlaming, Charles Grant Craig, Chip Johannessen, Chris Brancato, Daniel Arkin, Gillian Anderson, Jessica Scott, Jim Guttridge, Kenneth Biller, Larry Barber

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Jennifer Lopez is opening up about how she picked herself back up after going through her third divorce.

Speaking onstage recently at her Up All Night residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Lopez, 56, who ended her 10-year marriage to singer Marc Anthony in 2014, shared the advice that helped her get through the difficult period.

After quipping that getting divorced for a third time was “when I started getting really good at it,” the multi-hyphenate turned more serious for a moment.

“It was actually a really tough time. I was really about to give up on it all. I was a single mom with two 3-year-old twins,” she said recently, per footage posted on social media. “I called up one of my mentors. Her name was [motivational speaker and author] Louise Hay, [and] she passed away. She said to me, ‘Jennifer, you’re a dancer, right?’ I said, ‘Yes, I am.’ She said, ‘When you’re learning a dance and you get the steps wrong, what do you do?’ I said, ‘I just keep going till I get the steps right.’ She said, ‘That’s right, Jennifer. Always keep dancing.’”

“I wish the same for each and every one of you, that no matter what life throws at you, you dance and you dance and you dance, again and again and again,” Lopez said, segueing into her hit song “Dance Again” as the audience cheered.

Lopez and Anthony, 57, share twins Max and Emme, who turned 18 in February.

The singer marked the occasion with a sweet Instagram tribute to her children last month, sharing photos and home videos of Max and Emme.

“You were born in the middle of the night, in the midst of the biggest, most beautiful snowstorm NY had seen in years!!” Lopez wrote. “I remember riding in the car and looking out the window, where everything was twinkling and covered in white that night, as I held you both in my belly for the last few moments before I gave birth to you.”

Related: Inside Max and Emme’s ‘Atypical Childhood’ With J. Lo and Marc Anthony

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Jennifer Lopez recently shared a touching tribute to her “wonder twins” on their 18th birthday, emphasizing their unbreakable bond: “It has always been the three of us,” the singer continued. “We have been on this journey together.” And in light of the milestone, Max and Emme’s journey to adulthood with their famous parents (dad is […]

“It was as if God was making sure you would enter a world full of pure magic!! In my heart, I knew that’s how your life would always be!!” she continued.

“When I would hold you as infants, I honestly felt as if I were holding two angels sent straight from heaven above,” Lopez added. “My life was changed forever. I cannot believe you are now adults … 18 years old! You are both so kind-hearted, generous, and loving.”

“How lucky the world was on this day 18 years ago when God decided to send you here with all of your talents and spirit and heart to make this world a better place, because that is what you do for me and anyone who is lucky enough to know you both every day,” Lopez wrote. “‘I love you’ could never encapsulate the depth of feeling, affection, and care that I have for you, my coconuts. It has always been the three of us!”

Spring is one of the most awkward seasons to dress for — especially when you live in New York City like me. Days start frigid and jump about 20 degrees by mid-afternoon. Not to mention some days are met with a surprise rain shower that you didn’t plan for, and before you know it, you’re drenched in a cute spring dress. How do you dress for such wishy-washy weather? Well, after living in New York City for over a decade, I’ve built the ultimate capsule wardrobe for every type of spring day.

And here’s the thing: You don’t have to spend hundreds to build your spring capsule wardrobe, either. All it takes is one floral blouse to instantly elevate jeans, a tailored-looking jacket for those sunny but chilly afternoons, and solid sneakers to support the extra time you’ll spend walking around your neighborhood. You’ll look like an effortless springtime city slicker with my recommendations below!

Spring Wardrobe Must-Haves, According to a NYC Shopping Writer

1. My Favorite: A timeless trench coat is my most-worn article of clothing each spring, all thanks to its versatility and sleek, elevated aura.

2. Crisp and Clean: A perfectly tailored white button-down can be worn any time, anywhere. Plus, it’s easily layerable during those random springtime cold spells.

3. Chill Buster: For those in between weather days, a thin sweater keeps me comfortable during the chillier mornings and warm afternoons. I adore the off-center buttons on this one for some added dimension.

4. Cute and Casual: When the temperature hits 65 degrees, every NYC girl breaks out a pretty midi dress, like this gingham-printed one with dainty puff sleeves. It’s a compliment magnet!

5. Chic Stompers: Once I put my winter boots away, the first footwear I break out are my trusty penny loafers. A durable upper and thick block heel make them supportive for long walks around the city, yet they don’t skimp on style.

Related: I’m Over Winter — I’m Shopping These Spring-Ready Fashion Staples Now

It’s only a matter of time until the cold temperatures and snow is gone for good, which means you better have spring-ready pieces on standby for that first warm day. Luckily, Amazon is filled with tops, dresses, bottoms, shoes and bags that are ideal for the transitional weather and new season. The must-shop pieces we […]

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6. Bright Blouse: I tend to wear more color once spring rolls around, so I always keep a vibrant floral blouse in my closet. The tie-neck design adds visual interest without feeling fussy.

7. The Sporty Look: A relatively new addition to my capsule spring wardrobe, I now can’t live without a cool and casual rugby shirt for relaxed days out and about.

8. Forever Denim: My light wash jeans get their shining moment each spring. I find that relaxed denim flatters every body type, too, so go ahead, grab a few different washes!

9. Layering Must-Have: A plain T-shirt might seem basic, but it’s a closet cornerstone — especially when it’s made from 100% organic cotton, like this Quince pick. Wear it on its own with jeans or layer it under a light sweater or jacket.

10. Total Classic: Every outfit I own can be completed with a classic denim jacket. It’s the true underdog of spring wardrobes!

11. Everyday Kicks: Spring means more time walking around the city, which requires some fashionable walking shoes, like these colorblock white sneakers.

12. Slip Right In: As soon as the snow melts, I look forward to wearing my dainty ballet flats. These studded ones are still pretty casual, and I often wear them with jeans.

13. Feminine and Fresh: Spring is the ideal time to wear a skirt in NYC. You’ll see dozens of girls wearing full bubble skirts while brunching outside.

Related: Abercrombie’s Early Spring Styles — Shop 17 of Our Favorites

Spring is only just beginning to warm up, but that’s not stopping Abercrombie & Fitch from setting the tone for the season ahead. The retailer just dropped its early spring preview, which leans into light materials, breezy silhouettes and soft, versatile staples that are as fresh as they are effortless. The pieces are also super […]

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Who doesn’t love a happy ending? The kind that leaves you feeling lighter than air after a movie ends, and the credits begin to roll. They may not always be appropriate for every movie, but it’s par for the course when it comes to lighthearted entertainment. When a movie gives an audience everything they want and finishes with a crowd-pleasing ending, it’s about as pure an example of cinematic magic in effect.

Crowd-pleasing endings come in all shapes and sizes: they can encompass small moral victories or gigantic triumphs in the face of evil. They come in superhero blockbusters, animated classics, and romantic comedies — all that they really have in common is how they’ll leave you smiling and satisfied. These are the greatest crowd-pleasing movie endings of all time, standing the test of time because of the joy they bring.

‘Jaws’ (1975)

Image via Universal Pictures

Peter Benchley’s novel Jaws ends with the shark succumbing to its wounds and dying alongside the obsessive shark hunter Quint in a manner similar to Moby Dick. Thematic similarities might work in a novel, but there’s simply no way that a slow death to the apex predator would have been even remotely satisfying for a film. Director Steven Spielberg decided on something far more explosive for his iconic adaptation. It’s completely implausible and illogical, as was once proven by Mythbusters, but it is incredibly crowd-pleasing.

With police chief Brody (Roy Scheider) left alone to face off against the great white shark that’s been terrorizing his sleepy New England resort town, he arms himself with a rifle and climbs atop the quickly sinking wreckage of Quint’s boat. He aims at the oxygen tank wedged in the shark’s mouth and, with a well-placed shot, turns it into a bloody chum. After a pause for applause as the remains of the shark sink to the bottom of the ocean, Brody swims off into the sunset with marine biologist Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), who also gets to survive in the film, whereas his novel counterpart perished. Jaws is the original blockbuster with an ending that’s befitting that title.

‘Star Wars’ (1977)

Image via Lucasfilm

Jaws walked (or swam) so Star Wars could run. If Spielberg’s horror classic started the blockbuster trend, George Lucas’ space opera codified it. With a narrative that pulls from adventure serials with a classic hero’s journey structure, it’s appropriate that the film ends triumphantly. It’s an emotionally satisfying ending that gives closure to the film while leaving the door open just a crack for future installments to follow. It’s a classic cliffhanger that doesn’t overtly telegraph itself, and more franchises should take notes on how to leave a dangling plot thread that can be satisfyingly followed through on.

After the climactic destruction of the Death Star, which leaves the Rebel Alliance victorious, the evil Empire wounded, and Darth Vader spinning out into the vast expanse of space, the film quickly wraps up with an award ceremony. The principal characters, minus one seriously overlooked Wookiee, get their due reward, and the future looks bright as the film ends and John Williams‘ soaring score takes over. Even if there had never been any sequels, and Vader’s fate was left forever unanswered, this ending would still be just as pleasing.

‘Iron Man’ (2008)

Image via Marvel Studios

In its early days, the MCU included a remarkably consistent series of blockbusters that provided a solid decade of entertainment. That all started with the relatively small Iron Man, which ends with a defiant declaration that flew in the face of superhero cinema conventions. Secret identities were a staple of the genre, and moments of unmasking were always treated as major plot points with massive consequences. With Iron Man, Marvel decided to change all that in a very satisfying way.

Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic portrayal of Tony Stark is defined by his charisma, wit, and narcissism. He’s far from the tortured protagonists bearing the weight of their responsibilities like the contemporary portrayals of Spider-Man and Batman. Tony wants the glory and the admiration, and he won’t hide in the shadows. So when he takes the podium at a press conference to deliver what is expected to be a clever cover story, he defies expectations and proudly declares, “I am Iron Man,” sending chills down the spine of every comic book fan.

‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

Image via Universal Pictures

What seemed like a setup for a sequel then, and most definitely would be now, was never intended as such in the final moments of Back to the Future. The film was written as a stand-alone story, and its denouement was never meant as anything more than a fun suggestion that the characters’ adventures would continue beyond the frame. Of course, sequels were eventually produced, and thankfully, that fun suggestion became the basis for a very fun follow-up, but even if it hadn’t, the ending would still be incredibly crowd-pleasing.

After returning home to 1985 after successfully rekindling his parents’ teenage romance, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) finds his home has exponentially improved. He’s all set to take his brand-new truck on a trip to the lake with his girlfriend when Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) returns with an impassioned plea to come with him to help save their future children. They all pile into the Delorean, and the iconic time-traveling car takes flight. It’s a wonderful coda for the sci-fi comedy that perfectly epitomizes its status as a feel-good classic.

‘Coco’ (2017)

Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar knows its way around a great ending. Whether it’s The Incredibles masking up to do battle, Remy prepping for the dinner rush in Ratatouille, or Marlin finally letting go and sending Nemo off on his own, the studio can simultaneously tug at our heartstrings and give us goosebumps. Any number of their endings would be fitting to include here, but there’s something so perfect and emotionally satisfying about the ending to Coco.

After jerking the tears from our eyes as Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) helps Mamá Coco (Ana Ofelia MurguÍa) remember through the power of their family’s music, the film cuts to one year later to warm our hearts. Music has been brought back into Miguel’s family, and they celebrate and remember their dearly departed family members, now including Mamá Coco, who is reunited with her long-lost father in the afterlife. It’s a beautiful ending that fills the frame with color, music and love.

‘The Lion King’ (1994)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Before Pixar became part of the House of Mouse, Disney had already perfected the crowd-pleasing happy ending in their long list of animated classics. Pick any one of their princess films, and you’re guaranteed to feel better by the end of it. However, if there’s one Disney classic that stands out, it’s the 1994 classic The Lion King, with its full-circle ending.

The iconic animated film is predicated on the circle of life. It makes that literal as it ends its story where it began, with the young cub Simba growing to become the king after reclaiming his throne. As any ’90s parent who got dragged to theaters for multiple viewings of the film can attest, it’s hard not to get a little choked up as the music swells and the chorus sings. The Lion King is a crowning achievement for Disney, and it more than earns its crowd-pleasing ending.

‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Romantic movies are basically designed to have crowd-pleasing endings, since they almost all inevitably lead to their protagonists getting together. While there’s a certain satisfaction in those bittersweet endings in movies like Casablanca, nothing beats the joy of true love winning; case in point, Rob Reiner’s ultimate crowd pleaser, When Harry Met Sally… Loud declarations of love may be a cliché of the genre, but there’s no doubting their effectiveness, and few films do it better than this one.

After years of chance encounters, missed opportunities and genuine connections, the two titular characters spend New Year’s Eve separated, any potential relationship seemingly dead in the water. That’s when Harry (Billy Crystal) decides to show up at a party and tell Sally (Meg Ryan) exactly how he feels. Romantic comedy endings are the ultimate source of optimism, conveniently ending at an emotional apex before reality can intrude, but there’s something so comforting and satisfying about them regardless. When Harry Met Sally… is a classic of the genre and does that ending better than any other.

‘Rocky’ (1976)

Image via United Artists

Edging out the feel-good vibes of romantic endings is the energizing triumph that comes from a gritty sports drama. Everyone loves to watch a scrappy underdog snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, which makes it all the more surprising that the most crowd-pleasing sports ending is one where the underdog technically loses. Rocky ends with the titular boxer being defeated by Apollo Creed in a split decision. It’s a moral victory for the character, made all the more potent by how it mirrored the hard-fought battle that it took for Sylvester Stallone to get the movie made.

Rocky Balboa (Stallone) is a small-time boxer in Philadelphia who gets a shot at glory when heavyweight champion Creed (Carl Weathers) selects him as his next opponent. The journey to the ring is filled with all the tropes that would become staples of the franchise, and the fight itself is a brutalizing effort between two men refusing to go down. The result itself is immaterial as Rocky proves he can go the distance with the champ and reconciles with his love, Adrian (Talia Shire), in an ending that had crowds cheering on and off the screen.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)

Image via Paramount Pictures

It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing ending. Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life has become such a totemic film in pop culture that most people will know its final moments without ever having watched another frame of it. Forget that the plot never shows the villain facing justice or receiving any comeuppance; it’s enough to know that his bitter, lonely existence will never match that of the protagonist. Capra’s career is filled with common man heroes and the strength of communities, and It’s a Wonderful Life is the purest example of both.

George Bailey (James Stewart) is a small-town guy with big dreams. He’s made plans to get out and see the world, but those plans are consistently put on hold as George selflessly puts the needs of others over his own. When he reaches his breaking point over a stolen sum of money that will destroy his savings and loan, he considers ending his life before an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) intervenes. George is shown the effect he’s had on his town and the people in it, and then the generosity of those in his life as they come together to raise the money for George. He’s saved, and Clarence gets his wings in this wonderful ending.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Frank Darabont’s directorial debut, The Shawshank Redemption, which he adapted from a Stephen King novella, is predicated on hope and redemption. Its story of incarcerated men is certainly not without some of the ugliness inherent to prison films, but its journey ultimately arrives at one of the most satisfying and euphoric endings of any film ever made. It’s what helped the film earn multiple Oscar nominations as well as ensure its enduring cinematic legacy.

After serving almost two decades in Shawshank, wrongly convicted prisoner Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) enacts his methodical escape plan, crawling his way to freedom with a bank account filled with the warden’s illicit money. The next year, when his best friend Red (Morgan Freeman) is paroled and finds himself struggling after years of institutionalization, he finds a letter from Andy telling him to visit him in Zihuatenejo. The two reunite in one of the most jubilant displays of salvation ever committed to film. The most hardened of hearts will find it difficult not to soften during The Shawshank Redemption’s all-time greatest crowd-pleasing ending.