Search Movie Plot Summaries & Endings Explained

Romance · Dark tone · Sad ending

Maharshi (1987)

After a college student becomes obsessed with a co-ed, she and her husband attempt to heal him, with dangerous consequences.

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Documentary · Dark tone · Bleak ending

The Vanishing World (1987)

Being the thirteenth piglet means rejection: a sow with twelve teats cannot nurse the extra newborn, called Gile Baksuz, and most such piglets die. The film portrays this harsh natural reality as a tender love story, when the abandoned piglet finds refuge with a roe deer and her fawn, who care for him.

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Romance · Bittersweet tone · Bittersweet ending

Vedham Pudhithu (1987)

Vaidehi, raised in an orthodox Brahmin household, falls in love with Sankarapandi, a man from a different caste. Her father rejects the relationship, seeing it as a breach of tradition, yet Sankarapandi’s family accepts the couple, underscoring the clash between rigid social norms and personal affection.

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Drama · Tense tone · Happy ending

A Hazard of Hearts (1987)

Compulsive gambler Sir Giles Staverley loses his estate at dice. He stakes Serena’s hand on a final gamble, but loses to the cruel Lord Wrotham. Overcome with shame, Giles kills himself. Lord Vulcan, who witnessed the tragedy, vows to protect Serena and challenges Wrotham to a dice duel, with Staverley Court and Serena at stake.

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Music · Light tone · Happy ending

A Garfield Christmas (1987)

Garfield, Jon and Odie go to Jon’s family farm for Christmas, where Garfield finds a present for Grandma.

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Drama · Hopeful tone · Happy ending

Christmas Comes to Willow Creek (1987)

Brothers Ray and Pete, rivals, answer their ailing father’s request to haul a truck of gifts from California to the Alaskan village of Willow Creek. Reluctantly joined by Jessie—Ray’s estranged wife and Pete’s ex—their trek is halted by a blizzard that strands them. With help miles away, they must rely on a Christmas miracle to survive.

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Comedy · Melancholic tone · Bittersweet ending

Le vie del Signore sono finite (1987)

Set in Italy during the 1920s, a barber is in a wheelchair because of a psychosomatic illness after he lost the woman he loves.

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Thriller · Dark tone · Bittersweet ending

Opera (1987)

Obsession. Murder. Madness. A young opera singer is stalked by a deranged fan bent on killing the people associated with her to claim her for himself.

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Action · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

Leonard Part 6 (1987)

After a bitter divorce, former spy Leonard Parker (Bill Cosby) has left the intelligence world to run a restaurant, but his estranged wife refuses to speak to him and his daughter—constantly changing careers—has started dating a man old enough to be Leonard’s father. Now the government summons him back to thwart a new global threat.

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Drama · Melancholic tone · Bittersweet ending

September (1987)

A moving drama directed by Woody Allen follows Lane, who retreats to her country house after a suicide attempt. Her friend Stephanie joins her for the summer, while Lane’s mother Diane arrives with her husband Lloyd, Lane’s stepfather. The nearby neighbors, Peter and Howard, become entangled in a love triangle: Howard loves Lane, Lane loves Peter, and Peter is drawn to Stephanie.

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Comedy · Light tone · Happy ending

Eddie Murphy: Raw (1987)

This comedy special presents a provocative and unfiltered stand-up performance from Eddie Murphy. He delivers a sharp routine exploring family relationships, societal issues, and cultural stereotypes. Samuel L. Jackson appears as Murphy’s uncle in a memorable sketch, and the comedian fearlessly satirizes marriage and everyday absurdities with unrestrained humor and candid observations.

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Sci-Fi · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

*batteries not included (1987)

Frank and Faye Riley, a devoted elderly couple, face a daunting challenge when a determined developer plots to demolish their cherished apartment building and diner. Unexpectedly, a group of unusual flying saucers arrives, sparking a whimsical battle against gentrification. Along with their eccentric tenants, the couple fights to preserve their community’s heart and spirit in this heartwarming science fiction comedy.

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Biography · Melancholic tone · Bittersweet ending

The Last Emperor (1987)

This epic biographical drama chronicles the life of China's last emperor, Pu Yi, portrayed by John Lone. The film explores his privileged upbringing within the Forbidden City, showcasing the opulence and grandeur of imperial life. It follows his journey through the dramatic changes in China, from the fall of the Qing Dynasty to his imprisonment and subsequent rehabilitation as a war criminal in 1950. Through Pu Yi’s experiences, the film offers a poignant look at the collapse of an empire and the shifting dynamics of power.

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Drama · Light tone · Happy ending

Moonstruck (1987)

A Brooklyn cafe worker finds her life delightfully complicated when she falls for the charming, newly arrived brother of her dependable fiancé. As their unexpected connection deepens, Loretta grapples with conflicting emotions and family obligations, questioning her path to happiness and discovering the unpredictable nature of love.

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Horror · Tense tone · Happy ending

Mr. Vampire III (1987)

The Vampire Master teams up with another priest, bringing along his two ghostly companions, to battle an evil witch and her henchman who plot to annihilate humanity. As they fight, the priests must also bridge the divide between the living and the spirit world, confronting supernatural obstacles to protect the human race.

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Crime · Dark tone · Bittersweet ending

A Better Tomorrow II (1987)

A restauranteur teams up with a police officer and his ex-con brother to avenge the death of a friend’s daughter.

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Comedy · Light tone · Happy ending

Overboard (1987)

A single mother devises a clever plan that takes a surprising turn when a wealthy, self-centered man loses his memory and believes they are married. He then attempts to bond with his supposed family, leading to humorous situations. As the deception continues, the woman finds her own feelings challenged and must decide whether to maintain the elaborate scheme and the complications that arise from it.

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Drama · Bittersweet tone · Bittersweet ending

Broadcast News (1987)

A driven anchorwoman finds her professional and romantic stability challenged when a handsome new co-host is brought in to boost ratings. The seasoned reporter, known for her dedication and integrity, clashes with the charming but somewhat superficial newcomer. Meanwhile, a writer for the news program finds himself unexpectedly caught in the middle of their complicated relationships, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments as they all grapple with ambition, love, and the pressures of the television news industry.

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Drama · Melancholic tone · Ambiguous ending

Mirror for a Hero (1987)

Sergei and Andrei stroll through a city park and notice a film crew recreating the immediate post‑World War II era. Climbing the fence for a better view, they trip over a cable and are suddenly transported to May 8, 1949, where they become trapped in a temporal loop, forced to relive the same day repeatedly as history repeats itself.

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Drama · Bleak tone · Bittersweet ending

Pelle the Conqueror (1987)

In the late 19th century, Swedish emigrants Lasse Karlsson and his son Pelle arrive on the Danish island of Bornholm, confident the world is theirs. They look for farm work, hoping to earn enough to finance their journey to the United States and begin a new life there.

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Fantasy · Dark tone · Bittersweet ending

Gandahar (1987)

In a distant future, the peaceful planet Gandahar—where poverty does not exist—faces a terrifying mystery: people on its remote frontiers are being turned to stone. A prophecy foretells a cycle of destruction and salvation a thousand years apart. Sylvain, an explorer, is sent to uncover the petrification source and avert disaster.

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Drama · Dark tone · Bittersweet ending

The Wild Pair (1987)

A by-the-book FBI agent pairs with a burly, good‑natured narcotics detective, forming an unlikely partnership to pursue a drug kingpin tied to a militant hate organization. Their contrasting methods clash and then blend as they chase leads through gritty streets, battling the cartel’s enforcers and confronting the extremist threat.

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Thriller · Dark tone · Happy ending

Throw Momma from the Train (1987)

A struggling writer, Larry, finds himself in a difficult situation with his estranged wife, Margaret. His student, Owen, shares his own desire to be free from his domineering mother, leading to a darkly comedic and twisted proposition. Inspired by the style of Alfred Hitchcock, Owen suggests a dangerous agreement: he will take care of Margaret if Larry agrees to eliminate Owen’s mother. As their plans unfold, the two men find themselves caught in a chaotic and increasingly perilous situation.

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Drama · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

Wall Street (1987)

Driven by ambition, a young stockbroker becomes involved with a ruthless and experienced corporate raider, leading him down a dangerous path in the competitive world of high finance. He risks his career, relationships, and ultimately, his morals, as he strives for success and climbs the ranks on Wall Street.

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Action · Melancholic tone · Bittersweet ending

Empire of the Sun (1987)

In December 1941, as Shanghai falls to the Japanese invasion, young James Graham’s comfortable life is irrevocably changed. Separated from his parents, he is sent to the Soo Chow confinement camp, a brutal environment of scarcity and hardship. To cope with the trauma and uncertainty, Jim clings to memories of his former privileged existence. His resilience and ability to find moments of joy become a source of hope for those around him, demonstrating the enduring power of the human spirit amidst the devastation of war.

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Drama · Melancholic tone · Bittersweet ending

Rouge (1987)

They love across two generations and two worlds. In the opulent teahouses of 1930s Hong Kong, a modest courtesan and a rebellious heir of a wealthy family fall in love and seal their fate with a suicide pact. Fifty years later her spirit returns, seeking the man and drawing a modern couple into her quest to revive a passion that may be as fleeting as time itself.

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Drama · Dark tone · Bleak ending

Walker (1987)

Set before the era of Rambo or Oliver North, the story follows 19th‑century adventurer William Walker and his mercenary corps as they cross into Nicaragua, intent on staging a coup d’état to install a new government amid the turbulent politics of mid‑19th‑century Central America.

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Drama · Dark tone · Bleak ending

Cobra Verde (1987)

Fearsome 19th‑century bandit Cobra Verde raids Brazil and reaches Don Octávio Countinho’s sugar plantation, where he is hired to oversee the slaves. He impregnates the owner’s three daughters and is exiled to Africa to revive the slave trade. There he exploits tribal wars, captures a fortress and commands naked warriors in a desperate fight for survival.

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Fantasy · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

Princess Jasnenka and the Flying Shoemaker (1987)

A fairy‑tale follows Jíra, a young cobbler’s apprentice who fashions delicate leather wings. With them he flies to the royal castle’s tower, rescuing Princess Jasněnka, whom her father locked away in a futile attempt to thwart a witch’s prophecy. Jíra later frees her from the witch herself and the witch’s daughter, Černava.

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Family · Hopeful tone · Happy ending

The Secret Garden (1987)

A spoiled English girl, orphaned by a cholera epidemic in 19th‑century India, is sent to her uncle’s gloomy country mansion in England. The frail, deformed lord of the house is kind yet melancholy, haunted by nightly screams. Determined to lift his sorrow, she discovers the secret garden where magic, hope and love bloom, bringing joy back to the household.

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Action · Tense tone · Happy ending

Rent-a-Cop (1987)

Detective Tony Church, once a hard‑nosed cop nicknamed “Deadlier than Dirty Harry, faster than Cobra,” is forced into early retirement after a drug sting ends in murder by a masked assailant. He takes a job as a rent‑a‑cop at a store and teams up with a prostitute who alone can identify the killer, determined to bring the murderer to justice.

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Action · Tense tone · Happy ending

Rent-a-Cop (1987)

Deadlier than Dirty Harry and faster than Cobra, Detective Tony Church is forced into early retirement after a drug sting ends in murder by a masked killer. He takes a low‑pay job as a store’s rent‑a‑cop, then partners with a prostitute—the only witness who can identify the assassin—to track down the killer and bring him to justice.

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Romance · Light tone · Happy ending

Teresa (1987)

Teresa is a young widow who is concentrated on her little business until she hires Gino.

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Drama · Light tone · Happy ending

3 Men and a Baby (1987)

Three lifelong bachelor friends, Peter, Michael, and Jack, find their lives upended when a baby is mysteriously left on their doorstep. Suddenly, they must learn how to care for an infant while also trying to uncover the baby's mother's identity. The experience forces them to confront their individual shortcomings and redefine their understanding of family and responsibility, leading to hilarious and heartwarming moments as they navigate the joys and struggles of unexpected parenthood.

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Comedy · Melancholic tone · Ambiguous ending

Housekeeping (1987)

In the 1950s Pacific Northwest, two young sisters are abandoned by their mother and placed under the care of their Aunt Sylvie, whose unconventional outlook challenges everyday expectations. The film follows the girls as they adjust to this off‑beat household, exploring abandonment, longing, and the subtle possibilities that shape their future.

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Comedy · Light tone · Happy ending

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Neal Page’s Thanksgiving plans are thrown into disarray by a severe snowstorm, forcing him to embark on a chaotic cross-country journey. He finds himself reluctantly paired with Del Griffith, an overly friendly shower ring salesman, as they encounter a series of travel mishaps and increasingly absurd situations. Neal struggles to maintain his composure while dealing with Del’s relentless chatter and the frustrations of delayed flights, missed trains, and rental car troubles, ultimately learning valuable lessons about patience and human connection.

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Animation · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

Yogi Bear and the Magical Flight of the Spruce Goose (1987)

Yogi Bear and his friends accidentally board Howard Hughes’s legendary Spruce Goose, the massive wooden aircraft. After unintentionally starting its engines, they decide to pilot the plane on a sky‑high adventure, using its size and speed to rescue stranded animals and lend a hand to people they encounter, turning a mishap into a series of helpful deeds before safely returning home.

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Romance · Bittersweet tone · Bittersweet ending

Twilight of the Cockroaches (1987)

In Saito’s apartment, the resident cockroaches live peacefully, supported by a human host who provides ample space and leftover food. Naomi and Ichiro plan to marry and start a family. Their plans are upended when outsider Hans arrives with news of war against the humans across the lawn, threatening the couple and the entire colony as a whole.

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Comedy · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

Date with an Angel (1987)

Aspiring composer Jim Sanders is engaged to spoiled rich girl Patty, but after his bachelor party he finds a beautiful, broken‑winged angel in his pool. As the heavenly visitor becomes known, Jim must juggle a dangerously jealous fiancée, an exploitative future father‑in‑law, and his pals’ outrageous business scheme.

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Drama · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

Nuts (1987)

Mad As In Angry. Or Just Plain… NUTS A high-class call girl accused of murder fights for the right to stand trial rather than be declared mentally incompetent.

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