Year: 2021
Runtime: 156 min
Language: English
Director: Chloé Zhao
After centuries of hiding, an immortal group of heroes known as the Eternals are called to action. They must reunite to defend humanity from their ancient adversaries, the Deviants, who threaten the survival of Earth. As they confront this formidable foe, the Eternals also grapple with the mysteries of their origins and a devastating loss that compels them to reveal themselves.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Eternals yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Still thinking about how Eternals (2021) 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 “Eternals” reveals a complex and thought-provoking conclusion to the characters’ journey. Throughout the film, the Eternals discover that their true mission was not solely to fight the Deviants but to prepare for the impending Emergence, a catastrophic event when a Celestial named Tiamut would be born from within Earth, destroying the planet in the process. They learn that their entire existence has been manipulated by Arishem, the Celestial who commands them, and that their purpose was part of a larger cosmic cycle involving the creation and destruction of worlds.
As the story reaches its climax, the Eternals are divided over how to handle the threat of Tiamut and the impending Emergence. Ikaris, convinced that they should not interfere with the natural order, chooses to fight against the others after revealing he killed Ajak, their leader, when she opposed Arishem’s plan. His stance is rooted in a belief that stopping the Celestial would end countless lives, but he ultimately cannot bring himself to kill Sersi, the woman he loves, which leads to his emotional breakdown. He decides to leave Earth by flying into the Sun, suggesting that he may still be alive elsewhere, leaving his fate ambiguous.
Meanwhile, Sersi, empowered by the residual energy from Tiamut, manages to persuade the others to unite against the Celestial threat. Using Druig’s ability to put Tiamut to sleep, they fight a brutal and intense battle, during which they turn on one another, showing the deep divisions among them. Despite the chaos, Sersi’s love and determination succeed in bringing them together to defeat Tiamut. After the victory, the remaining Eternals—Sersi, Phastos, and Kingo—stay behind on Earth, while others, including Thena, Druig, and Makkari, leave with the newly arrived Celestial Arishem, who takes them to be evaluated.
In the mid-credits scene, Arishem appears again, collecting the survivors and indicating that he will assess whether their decision to save humanity aligns with their original purpose. The scene then introduces Eros, played by Harry Styles, who is revealed to be Thanos’s brother and an Eternal capable of communicating with Arishem. Eros’s arrival hints at the importance of their continued story in the evolving Marvel universe, especially as the multiverse narrative expands. The film ends with the Eternals scattered across the cosmos, pondering their next move, with the knowledge that their existence is intertwined with larger cosmic forces and future threats. This ending opens the door for new adventures and deeper explorations of their true origins and roles in the universe.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57
Don't stop at just watching — explore Eternals in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Eternals is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Eternals, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Eternals with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Eternals that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Eternals (2021) Plot Summary & Movie Recap
Eternals (2021) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Eternals (2021) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Eternals – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Old Guard (2020) Film Overview & Timeline
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Avengers (2012) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Thor (2011) Movie Recap & Themes
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) Movie Recap & Themes
Thor: The Dark World (2013) Full Movie Breakdown
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) Full Movie Breakdown
Immortals (2011) Detailed Story Recap
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) Full Summary & Key Details
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) Film Overview & Timeline
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Avengers: Endgame (2019) Full Summary & Key Details
The Incredible Hulk (2008) Full Movie Breakdown
The Marvels (2023) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Hulk (2003) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap