Death Note

Year: 2017

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Budget: $50M

ActionAdventureDramaMysteryThrillerFantasyHorrorCrime

A brilliant high school student discovers a mysterious notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name is written within it. Driven by a desire to create a world free of crime, he begins using the notebook, but as he does, he finds himself increasingly consumed by his actions and pursued by a dedicated detective determined to stop him. The ensuing cat-and-mouse game tests the boundaries of justice and morality.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Death Note (2017) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

Still thinking about how Death Note (2017) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.

The ending of Death Note is both tragic and symbolic, reflecting on Light Yagami’s complex character. Throughout the series, Light’s pride and belief in his godlike mission drive him to commit horrific crimes, convincing himself he is justified in his actions. When he is finally cornered by Near and the Task Force, Light’s attempts to cling to power grow desperate. In the anime, he refuses to surrender, even trying to kill Near with the Death Note one last time, still convinced of his righteousness. Despite his arrogance, he is ultimately shot multiple times by the police, and it is Ryuk—the shinigami—who decides to end Light’s suffering by writing his name in his own Death Note. Light’s death in the anime portrays him lying alone on a staircase, a visual symbol that his soul is caught in limbo, neither able to find peace nor face punishment.

In contrast, the manga’s ending shows a more vulnerable Light. As he is grasped and betrayed, he begs Ryuk to save him—pleading for mercy as his pride crumbles. Ryuk declines, writing Light’s name in the Death Note, which leaves Light broken and hopeless. This final moment reveals a stark contrast to his earlier confidence, exposing his inner weakness and desperation. The manga’s conclusion feels almost pitiful, emphasizing the tragic fall of a young man who believed himself above morality but ultimately faced the consequences of his actions.

Both endings highlight the tragic downfall of Light, but while the anime emphasizes his stubborn ego and prideful defiance in death, the manga underscores his utter despair and loss of dignity. The series’s conclusion is filled with powerful symbolism—the fractured images of Light, the limbo-like stairway, and the moral implications of his fate—making it a somber reflection on justice, pride, and the consequences of playing god. Ultimately, Light’s death signifies that his hubris was his undoing, leaving viewers with a poignant reminder of how unchecked ambition and arrogance can lead to downfall.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00

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Death Note Summary

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