Year: 2021
Runtime: 56 min
Language: English
Director: Swinton O. Scott III
Greg Heffley is a typical middle schooler with big dreams and an unfortunate lack of popularity. He keeps a diary to document his attempts to navigate the social minefield of middle school, hoping to achieve notoriety and rise to the top of the school’s popularity ladder. Facing embarrassing situations and outlandish schemes, Greg learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and what it truly means to grow up.
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Still thinking about how Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2021) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.
At the end of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Greg finds himself in a surprisingly advantageous position after taking responsibility for his friend Rowley. When Greg breaks Rowley’s arm during a reckless game, he fears losing their friendship and tries to hide the truth from their parents. Their fight worsens when Rowley’s popularity rises after a comic he submitted; Greg, feeling jealous and left out, lashes out at him. This culminates in a confrontation where they drift apart, hanging out with different groups and arguing over small things like a game.
However, a pivotal moment occurs when Rowley gets his revenge by forcing Greg to eat the infamous cheese—an old school legend that signifies social rejection—matching Greg’s earlier acts of selfishness and betrayal. In a selfless gesture and to protect his friend, Greg decides to take the blame and inherits the “cheese touch” himself. This move ironically turns Greg into the school pariah, but it also grants him the freedom to sit where he wants and avoid bullies, effectively allowing him to “fly under the radar” and live more comfortably for the rest of middle school.
In the final scenes, Greg learns that true friendship and being true to oneself matter more than popularity. He recognizes that while making mistakes is part of growing up, genuine friendship requires sacrifice and honesty. By taking responsibility for his actions and showing kindness, Greg mends his bond with Rowley, who, despite everything, accepts him back. The ending underscores a central message: that real friends are more valuable than superficial social status, and sometimes, doing the right thing means putting others before oneself. Ultimately, Greg’s journey highlights the importance of honesty, sacrifice, and staying true to who you are.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00
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