Wonder Woman

Year: 2017

Runtime: 141 min

Language: English

Director: Patty Jenkins

Budget: $149M

ActionAdventureSci-FiFantasyWar

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Wonder Woman 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!

Wonder Woman (2017) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

Still thinking about how Wonder Woman (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 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.

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.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

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.

epicheroictensetragichopefulempoweringwar-torn

Narrative Summary

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 These Movies?

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.

bittersweetheroictragicresonanthopefulsacrificemature

Narrative Summary

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 These Movies?

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.

Unlock the Full Story of Wonder Woman

Don't stop at just watching — explore Wonder Woman 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 Wonder Woman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Wonder Woman Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Wonder Woman, 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.

Wonder Woman Timeline

Track the full timeline of Wonder Woman with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wonder Woman

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Wonder Woman. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Wonder Woman Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Wonder Woman that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Wonder Woman

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Wonder Woman: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Wonder Woman

Discover movies like Wonder Woman 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.