Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Wonder Woman (2017) movie poster

Plot Summary

Wonder Woman (2017) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 141 min · English
Echo score 82
JustWatch #2,023 44
Directed by
Patty Jenkins
Starring
Saïd Taghmaoui, Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston
Budget
$149M

During World War I, Diana, an Amazonian princess, leaves her isolated island home after encountering a fallen American pilot. Believing he holds clues to stopping a global conflict, she ventures into the war-torn world, determined to end it. Discovering her remarkable abilities and unwavering resolve, Diana embraces her role as Wonder Woman, challenging the forces of evil and proving herself a powerful symbol of hope and heroism.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 How it ends
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Wonder Woman
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Wonder Woman (2017)

Where can you watch Wonder Woman? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on HBO Max, TBS and TNT: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Wonder Woman: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Wonder Woman (2017) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Diana Prince, portrayed by Gal Gadot, steps into the Louvre in Paris, where a van from Wayne Enterprises delivers a briefcase from Bruce Wayne. Inside, she discovers an old photograph featuring herself alongside four men during World War I, accompanied by a note from Bruce expressing his desire to learn the story behind this image.

The narrative unfolds back in Diana's childhood on the mystical island of Themyscira, a sanctuary for the Amazons, a fierce all-female warrior race. As young Diana, played by Lilly Aspell, observes the intense training routines led by General Antiope, portrayed by Robin Wright, she yearns to join the ranks of the Amazons. However, her mother, Queen Hippolyta (played by Connie Nielsen), disapproves of her training. Hippolyta recounts the myth of Zeus, who crafted humans with noble intentions, only to be thwarted by Ares, the god of war, whose corrupt influence ignited endless conflict among mankind.

The Amazons, aware of Ares's lingering threat, ultimately agree to permit Diana's training under Antiope, who subjects her to rigorous preparation. As she excels and matures, an accident occurs during a training session where Diana accidentally injures Antiope, leaving her feeling guilty. Things take a dramatic turn when Diana spots a plane crashing through the barrier surrounding Themyscira, plunging into the ocean. She bravely rescues its pilot, Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine, marking her first encounter with a man. Unfortunately, the crash has inadvertently allowed German soldiers to invade their hidden home.

A fierce battle ensues between the Amazons and the German forces, resulting in heart-wrenching losses for the Amazons, including the heroic Antiope, who sacrifices herself to protect Diana. In the aftermath, Steve reveals his identity as a spy for the Allied forces and shares alarming news of World War I's ferocity, detailing a treacherous plot by General Erich Ludendorff, portrayed by Danny Huston, and his dangerous chemist, Dr. Isabel Maru, also known as Dr. Poison.

As the Amazons learn about the impending threat of a new bio-weapon, Diana decides to join Steve on his mission, believing it connects to Ares's influence. With her shield, lasso, and the formidable God Killer sword, she sets off with Steve, ready to confront the evils of war. The two arrive in London, where they meet Steve’s secretary, Etta Candy (Lucy Davis). Diana quickly adapts to the new world, even learning the nuances of clothing and dance, while also proving her incredible strength during a confrontation in an alley.

As the stakes escalate, the duo infiltrates a gala where Ludendorff is set to finalize his plans. Upon realizing that Ludendorff intends to unleash devastation upon innocent townsfolk, Diana's fury ignites. She faces off against Ludendorff, only to discover that defeating one enemy does not end the war, revealing deeper, humanity-rooted darkness at play.

The combat escalates into a cinematic battle, leading to personal sacrifices with Steve ultimately commandeering a plane laden with explosives. His courageous act to thwart destruction leads to heart-wrenching consequences for Diana, pushing her to confront Ares himself. The climactic showdown becomes a test of her resolve, showcasing her true power when she ultimately embraces love over rage.

In a triumphant yet somber conclusion, Diana acknowledges the loss of her beloved Steve and the moral complexities of humanity, vowing to continue her fight for justice. As she embraces her destiny as Wonder Woman, she embodies hope, resilience, and the enduring belief in a brighter future.

Last updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:44

Was this helpful?

Plot questions answered

Wonder Woman Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Wonder Woman (2017): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Diana leave Themyscira?

Diana leaves Themyscira after learning about World War I from Steve Trevor. She believes the war is caused by Ares, the god of war, and wants to stop it. Additionally, her mentor Antiope dies during the German invasion, which motivates her to join Steve's mission and fight the evil influencing humanity.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Queen Hippolyta warns Diana about Ares's corrupting influence on mankind, setting up Diana's motivation to confront this threat.

  • themyscira
  • steve trevor
  • world war 1
  • ares
  • antiope death
Q2

What is Ares in Wonder Woman?

Ares is the Greek god of war, described in mythology as the force that corrupts humanity and drives them to conflict. In the film, Diana believes Ares is responsible for World War I and seeks to defeat him. The twist reveals that Ares is actually Dr. Isabel Maru (Dr. Poison), while General Ludendorff was merely her pawn.

Foreshadowing: Queen Hippolyta tells Diana the myth of Zeus creating humans and Ares corrupting them with evil intentions, establishing the central villain concept.

  • ares
  • god of war
  • zeus
  • dr. poison
  • ludendorff
Q3

Why does Antiope die?

Antiope dies protecting Diana during the battle with German soldiers who invade Themyscira after Steve's plane crashes through the island's barrier. Antiope sacrifices herself by taking an arrow meant for Diana, making the ultimate choice to save the woman she trained to become the greatest warrior.

Foreshadowing: Diana accidentally injures Antiope during training, showing that Antiope already cares deeply for Diana's safety despite her tough training methods.

  • antiope
  • amazon
  • german soldiers
  • themyscira
  • sacrifice
Q4

What is the God Killer sword?

The God Killer is a legendary sword wielded by Diana, believed to be capable of killing Ares, the god of war. It is one of the weapons she takes from Themyscira when joining Steve's mission. However, the film reveals that no weapon can truly kill a god, Diana's power ultimately comes from her own resolve and love.

Foreshadowing: The Amazons keep this powerful weapon hidden, suggesting its importance in the fight against Ares's influence.

  • god killer sword
  • amazon weapons
  • ares
  • themyscira
Q5

Why does Steve Trevor sacrifice himself?

Steve sacrifices himself by piloting a plane filled with explosives into the sky to destroy Ludendorff's weapons depot and prevent the bio-weapon from killing innocent civilians. He makes this choice knowing the plane will explode, giving his life to stop the massacre and protect thousands of people.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Steve repeatedly demonstrates his willingness to put others before himself, setting up his ultimate act of heroism.

  • steve trevor
  • sacrifice
  • explosives
  • ludendorff
  • bio-weapon
Q6

Who is the real Ares in Wonder Woman?

The real Ares is Dr. Isabel Maru (Dr. Poison), the German chemist creating the deadly bio-weapon. She was recruited by the British but harbored resentment, becoming corrupted by her desire for revenge. Ares takes human form through her, though he claims to have been influencing humanity toward peace by having them destroy each other.

Foreshadowing: Dr. Poison's presence is established early as the creator of the weapon, and Ludendorff takes orders from her throughout the film.

  • dr. poison
  • isabel maru
  • ares
  • ludendorff
  • real villain
Q7

Why does Hippolyta forbid Diana's training?

Queen Hippolyta forbids Diana's training because she fears the outside world and wants to protect her daughter from the dangers beyond Themyscira. Hippolyta knows Ares still exists and worries Diana will seek him out. She also fears Diana's potential power, knowing Zeus created her as a potential weapon against Ares.

Foreshadowing: Hippolyta tells Diana the story of the Amazons' creation by Zeus and their purpose to fight Ares if he returns, hinting at Diana's destined role.

  • hippolyta
  • queen amazon
  • themyscira
  • training ban
  • zeus
Q8

What is the photo Bruce Wayne sends Diana?

Bruce Wayne sends Diana an old photograph taken during World War I showing her with four men, including Steve Trevor. This triggers Diana's memories and serves as the framing device for the film's narrative. The note expresses Bruce's desire to learn the story behind the image, prompting Diana to recall her past.

Foreshadowing: The opening scene in the Louvre establishes this photo as the catalyst for Diana to share her full story.

  • bruce wayne
  • photograph
  • louvre
  • steve trevor
  • world war 1
Q9

What does Diana learn about humanity?

Diana learns that humanity is capable of both great evil and great good, not simply corrupted by Ares. After Steve's sacrifice, she realizes humans choose war and hatred on their own, but they also choose love, compassion, and heroism. This understanding transforms her from naive idealism to a more mature perspective while maintaining her hope.

Foreshadowing: Steve tells Diana that people can be good or bad, setting up her eventual realization that humanity chooses its own path.

  • humanity
  • humanity nature
  • steve sacrifice
  • good and evil
  • hope
Q10

Why can't Diana kill Ares with the sword?

Diana cannot kill Ares with the God Killer sword because no mortal weapon can actually kill a god. When she defeats Ludendorff, she expects the war to end, but Ares (in Dr. Poison's form) reveals that killing one person won't stop humanity's capacity for war. Diana ultimately defeats Ares not through the sword, but by embracing love and rejecting hatred.

Foreshadowing: Antiope tells Diana that the sword is just a tool and her strength comes from within, foreshadowing that her true power is emotional.

  • god killer
  • sword
  • ares
  • defeat
  • love power
Q11

What happens to Dr. Poison after being revealed as Ares?

After being revealed as the true Ares, Dr. Poison is killed by Diana during their climactic battle. Diana destroys Dr. Poison/Ares using her bracelets to deflect lightning, a power granted by Zeus. This act signifies the defeat of the god of war and marks Diana's emergence as Wonder Woman.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Diana deflecting bullets with her bracelets, hinting at her ability to channel and reflect divine power.

  • dr. poison
  • ares defeat
  • lightning
  • bracelets
  • zeus power
Q12

Why do German soldiers attack Themyscira?

German soldiers attack Themyscira because Steve Trevor's plane crashed through the island's protective barrier while being pursued by German forces. The crash knocked Steve unconscious, and the pursuing Germans followed him through the hidden entrance, leading them directly to the Amazon island.

Foreshadowing: Steve mentions being chased by Germans before crashing, explaining how the enemy tracked him to Themyscira.

  • german soldiers
  • themyscira invasion
  • plane crash
  • steve trevor
  • barrier

Ending explained

What Happens at the End of Wonder Woman?

How Wonder Woman (2017) ends, in short: the final scene, the last twist and what it means for the characters. The full ending explained, with every spoiler, lives on its own page.

Read the full ending explained

The ending of the original Wonder Woman movie was often seen as somewhat anticlimactic, particularly concerning the death of Ares, the God of War. After the final battle, Diana defeats Ares, and he is ultimately killed, which some felt closed off the story too quickly and diminished the rich mythical lore behind the gods. This resolution left the role of the gods somewhat uncertain, as they appeared to be defeated or irrelevant by the end, which didn’t quite sit well with fans who wanted more exploration of Wonder Woman’s mythological origins.

In the upcoming reboot of the DC Universe, there is potential to revisit and expand upon this ending. By bringing Ares back from the dead, the filmmakers can create a more compelling and mythologically consistent narrative. The idea is that death might not be permanent for the gods, especially Ares, given the fluidity of mythological resurrection. This approach allows the franchise to stay true to Wonder Woman's lore, where gods often return, and it opens up possibilities for future stories that delve deeper into the divine world.

Continue reading the ending (2 more paragraphs)

Furthermore, the reboot can also reset the roster of Greek gods, moving away from the idea that they are all dead and irrelevant after the first film. This would enable the filmmakers to explore more intricate aspects of Wonder Woman’s mythos, especially with projects like the Paradise Lost prequel, which could delve into the history and origins of the gods and Themyscira. Such world-building would make future Wonder Woman films richer and more connected to her divine roots, rather than having to reintroduce the mythos from scratch.

Ultimately, by reintroducing Ares and reshaping the divine pantheon, the new DC Universe can address the criticisms of the original ending, making the gods feel more vital and meaningful within the story. This change would also facilitate a more natural and expansive exploration of Wonder Woman’s mythological world in later films, ensuring her story remains epic, mythic, and true to the comic book roots. The decision to bring Ares back or keep the reboot consistent with the old mythos depends on the direction the new DC Universe intends to take, but it’s clear that this reboot offers a fresh opportunity to give Wonder Woman’s divine story the weight and depth it deserves.

Wonder Woman ending explained in full

Movie threads

More Movies Like Wonder Woman, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Wonder Woman tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Epic War Hero Journeys like Wonder Woman

A hero rises from myth to confront the brutal reality of human conflict. Discover movies like Wonder Woman that feature powerful heroes entering a world at war. These similar action and fantasy stories combine epic myth with the harsh reality of battle, following a determined protagonist on a mission to bring hope and end the conflict, often at a great personal cost.

  • epic
  • heroic
  • tense
  • tragic
  • hopeful
  • empowering
  • Tone: hopeful, epic, tragic
  • Pacing: variable, building to climactic battles
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a classic hero's journey, but set against the backdrop of a large-scale war. The protagonist, often possessing unique abilities or a pure heart, leaves a sheltered life to confront the chaos of battle. Their quest is to stop the war, but they must grapple with the complex morals of humanity and the true nature of evil, leading to a climactic confrontation that tests their core beliefs.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared structure of placing a mythic or super-powered hero into a historical or fictional war. They balance large-scale action set pieces with a character-driven exploration of idealism versus disillusionment, resulting in stories that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

Bittersweet Superhero Stories like Wonder Woman

Stories where saving the world comes with a profound personal price. If you liked the ending of Wonder Woman, explore other movies with bittersweet superhero victories. These similar films feature heroes who save the day but are left changed by the cost of their triumph, blending action and adventure with a poignant, emotionally mature conclusion.

  • bittersweet
  • heroic
  • tragic
  • resonant
  • hopeful
  • sacrifice
  • Tone: bittersweet, hopeful, resonant
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative arc follows a hero who succeeds in their primary mission, but the path to victory forces them to confront harsh truths and make significant sacrifices. The ending acknowledges the win but emphasizes the scars it left, focusing on the hero's growth from naive idealism to a more complex, wiser understanding of their role and the world they protect.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their emotionally complex endings that balance triumph with tragedy. They resonate with viewers seeking stories where heroism has tangible consequences, moving beyond simple good-versus-evil narratives to explore the nuanced, often painful, realities of being a savior.

If you liked this

Movies Like Wonder Woman

Similar movies to Wonder Woman: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Wonder Woman (2017) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Wonder Woman in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app