Search Movie Plot Summaries & Endings Explained

Mystery · Tense tone · Happy ending

Foul Play (1978)

Set in Halifax, this series follows a team of investigators as they confront the city's most challenging and notorious crimes. Through dramatic recreations, the dark side of the region is explored, revealing a compelling mix of suspense, humor, and the complexities of life in the North. The series offers a captivating look at the people and events shaping the city.

Read the plot summary

Thriller · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

The Swarm (1978)

A catastrophic event unleashes a deadly swarm of killer bees upon America, posing an unprecedented threat to the nation. As the bees spread chaos and destruction, a group of scientists and military personnel must unite to find a way to stop them. Facing an overwhelming and relentless force, they struggle to contain the swarm and prevent total devastation before it’s too late.

Read the plot summary

Adventure · Dark tone · Mixed ending

Slave of the Cannibal God (1978)

A woman and her brother journey to the dense jungles of New Guinea in search of a missing expedition led by her husband. As they trek deeper, they discover a terrifying cult devoted to a cannibal deity, whose rituals are driven by death and a thirst for blood, threatening the siblings at every turn.

Read the plot summary

War · Bleak tone · Bleak ending

Go Tell the Spartans (1978)

Caught in relentless strafing, shelling and bombing, a small team of American military advisors in Vietnam—still before the United States’ full‑scale commitment—find themselves fighting a hopeless battle against the Viet Cong. Their experience mirrors the tragic fate of a French unit that fought at the same outpost a decade earlier, highlighting the repeating cycle of foreign intervention.

Read the plot summary

Comedy · Bittersweet tone · Bittersweet ending

Pati Patni Aur Woh (1978)

Adam and Eve are expelled from heaven and reborn as the married couple Ranjeet and Sharda. Their peaceful life together is shattered when Ranjeet begins an affair with his attractive secretary, forcing him to confront the consequences and seek forgiveness after Sharda discovers the betrayal.

Read the plot summary

Crime · Tense tone

The Playbirds (1978)

Mary Millington joins the elite Blue Squad, only to have her cover blown. To catch a deranged killer targeting the striking centrefolds of Playbirds magazine, the alluring officer Lucy Sheridan risks her reputation by becoming involved with wealthy publisher Harry Dougan. Both the Chief Superintendent and the Police Commissioner monitor her closely as the deadline draws near.

Read the plot summary

Horror · Dark tone · Bleak ending

The Grapes of Death (1978)

When the wine flows, the terror begins… A young woman discovers that the pesticide being sprayed on vineyards is turning people into murderous lunatics.

Read the plot summary

Western · Light tone · Happy ending

Hot Lead & Cold Feet (1978)

Twin brothers – one rough and tough, the other a city-bred milquetoast – compete for their father’s fortune.

Read the plot summary

Comedy · Light tone · Happy ending

Half a Loaf of Kung Fu (1978)

A restless dreamer adopts the mantle of a deceased martial‑arts hero, plunging him into a tangled plot as rival clans conspire to steal renowned kung‑fu artifacts being escorted across the country. He soon finds himself in over his head.

Read the plot summary

Sport · Light tone · Happy ending

The Bad News Bears Go to Japan (1978)

A charismatic promoter takes the lovable misfits of the Bad News Bears to Japan for a baseball tournament against the nation's best young team. The mismatched squad encounters cultural differences and hilarious adventures as they prepare for the competition. Tony Curtis stars in this third installment, delivering plenty of laughter and memorable moments for the whole family.

Read the plot summary

Action · Dark tone · Bittersweet ending

The Wild Geese (1978)

A British multinational hires a band of older mercenaries in London to infiltrate central Africa and rescue a virtuous opposition leader, gravely ill and awaiting execution by a ruthless dictator. After the flawless extraction, the corporation betrays them, striking a deal with the tyrant, forcing the mercenaries to flee and seek revenge.

Read the plot summary

Sport · Hopeful tone · Bittersweet ending

Heaven Can Wait (1978)

A charismatic con artist engineers an elaborate scheme, leading people to believe a naive actor is a deity. As the deception takes hold, wealth and confusion spread, and a humorous conflict arises between the trickster and the man unwittingly cast as a god. The story explores themes of love, fortune, and the ridiculousness of celebrity.

Read the plot summary

Action · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

Convoy (1978)

A brutal murder triggers an investigation that exposes a complex network of secrets and lies spanning years. A determined detective delves into the case, uncovering a disturbing conspiracy connected to the death of a former prisoner. As he pursues the truth, he finds himself immersed in a perilous world of retribution and concealed motives, facing considerable danger along the way.

Read the plot summary

Music · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

The Water Babies (1978)

Grimes, a dishonest chimney sweep, steals from his clients. To avoid capture, he frames his apprentice Tom, who runs and leaps into a river. Instead of drowning, Tom becomes a magical aquatic being, able to swim and breathe underwater. He discovers a vivid, colorful realm filled with both friendly and hostile creatures.

Read the plot summary

Drama · Melancholic tone · Bittersweet ending

Hungarians (1978)

Landless Hungarian peasants go to a farm in northern Germany as migrant workers during World II, bringing their families along. Initially comfortable, they soon see the brutal treatment of POWs and feel the war’s harsh reality. After the harvest they return home, only to be swept into the conflict. The film is part of Fabri’s series on fight against fascism.

Read the plot summary

History · Dark tone · Bleak ending

The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978)

Based on a true story, it follows a mixed‑heritage Aboriginal man who endures relentless pressure to abandon his culture and conform to white society. As the weight of racism and forced assimilation becomes unbearable, he ultimately erupts in a violent, horrific act of rebellion.

Read the plot summary

Romance · Light tone · Happy ending

Grease (1978)

Set in the carefree 1950s, a rebellious leather-jacketed greaser and a wholesome new girl find themselves drawn to each other, challenging the social norms of their high school. Their summer romance unfolds amidst a backdrop of rock and roll music, energetic dance sequences, and the pressures of fitting in with their respective groups. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and finding your place.

Read the plot summary

Horror · Dark tone · Mixed ending

The Comeback (1978)

Beloved by millions, the singer retreats to a gloomy estate to compose new material, but his peace is shattered when his ex‑wife is brutally murdered. As the body count rises, it becomes clear that a vengeful stalker is hunting him, determined to kill again.

Read the plot summary

Adventure · Tense tone · Bittersweet ending

Jaws 2 (1978)

Years after the original attack, Amity Island faces renewed panic when more divers disappear. Sheriff Martin Brody, still haunted by the previous tragedy, must confront his fears and investigate the escalating threat lurking in the waters. As warnings go unheeded and a menacing shark fin appears, Brody races to prevent another devastating loss for the community and protect his family.

Read the plot summary

Drama · Bittersweet tone · Bittersweet ending

Ilamai Oonjaladukirathu (1978)

Murli (Rajinikanth) runs an advertising agency in Madras with his trusted manager Prabhu (Kamal Haasan). Prabhu, raised by Murli’s family, feels a deep sense of indebtedness. He loves Padma (Sripriya), but a misunderstanding separates them. Meanwhile, Murli meets Padma and falls for her, sparking a complex love triangle.

Read the plot summary

Sci-Fi · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

The Cat from Outer Space (1978)

A curious, cat-like alien named Jake crash-lands on Earth and seeks the assistance of a scientist to repair his spacecraft. He needs a rare substance, and together they embark on a humorous adventure to find it. Along the way, they encounter the challenges of human behavior while pursuing the mysterious "Org 12." Their quest leads to an unexpected bond and a heartwarming reunion with Jake's mothership.

Read the plot summary

Horror · Dark tone · Bleak ending

Damien: Omen II (1978)

Richard and Ann Thorn take in their 13-year-old nephew Damien, seven years after the mysterious death of his father. As Damien settles into their Chicago home, an unsettling atmosphere develops, and a series of tragic events begin to unfold. The Thorns struggle to understand the source of these disasters and their connection to Damien, while desperately trying to protect him and those around him from the escalating dark forces at play.

Read the plot summary

Drama · Tense tone · Sad ending

Summer Trip to the Sea (1978)

A story about a group of Arkhangelsk kids during 1942.

Read the plot summary

Mystery · Dark tone · Bleak ending

Absolution (1978)

A strict Catholic boarding school is ruled by the iron‑fisted Father Goddard. When a student confesses to murder, the dogmatic, deeply repressed priest’s faith is suddenly challenged, pulling him into a deadly psychological game that threatens to unravel his authoritarian control and his very sense of purpose.

Read the plot summary

Adventure · Hopeful tone · Happy ending

Corvette Summer (1978)

During a sweltering summer, a carefree hitchhiker and a young man obsessed with his Corvette find themselves on a journey together. Their initial competition turns into an unexpected friendship as they face a series of comical mishaps and challenges while trying to recover the valuable car. Along the way, they learn about trust, perseverance, and the value of camaraderie.

Read the plot summary

Action · Tense tone · Ambiguous ending

Capricorn One (1978)

During the Capricorn One mission to Mars, a critical malfunction forces NASA to consider an unprecedented solution. To prevent widespread panic, the agency stages a false report of the crew's deaths, but one of the astronauts survives and attempts to reveal the deception. A determined journalist investigates the unusual circumstances surrounding the mission, uncovering a complex plot and putting himself and the astronaut in grave danger as they fight to expose the truth.

Read the plot summary

Action · Tense tone · Happy ending

Good Guys Wear Black (1978)

John T. Booker, played by Chuck Norris, is a former commando leader who once led a daring rescue mission in Vietnam. After the war ends, he discovers that his former squad members are being killed one by one. Determined to find out who is behind the murders, Booker returns to the battlefield of his past to uncover the truth.

Read the plot summary

Mystery · Melancholic tone · Bittersweet ending

Fedora (1978)

She has clung to the feeling of youth for so long that letting it go seems impossible. When an eager Hollywood schemer crosses paths with a reclusive former star, he sets out to coax her out of retirement, sparking a clash between ambition and the lingering allure of past glamour.

Read the plot summary

Documentary

Ocaña: An Intermittent Portrait (1978)

A sincere portrait, and in first person, of the multifaceted Andalusian artist José Pérez Ocaña.

Read the plot summary

Drama · Tense tone · Happy ending

High-Ballin’ (1978)

Targeted hijackings threaten independent trucking, prompting rig driver “Iron” Duke and his friend Rane to take matters into their own hands. Their vigilante scheme puts them against powerful trucker boss King Carroll and his henchmen, who are driving competitors out of the business.

Read the plot summary

Drama · Melancholic tone · Bittersweet ending

Big Wednesday (1978)

Three young surfers growing up in sun-drenched California embrace a carefree existence centered around riding the waves. As they mature, their individual ambitions lead them down different paths, testing their friendship and forcing them to confront adulthood. Years later, they reunite for one last chance to experience the thrill of surfing together and recapture a piece of their lost youth, facing the power of the Pacific Ocean one final time.

Read the plot summary

Action · Tense tone · Happy ending

Snake In The Eagles Shadow 2 (1978)

Ah Fu (Wong Tao) and Chen Ting Kuan (Carter Wong) are elite kung‑fu escorts. Tired of the trade, Ah Fu quits to lead a normal life, befriends thief Li Chi (Li Kun), marries Yu Lan (Ha Ling Ling) and enjoys wealth and comforts. Their peace shatters when mantis‑fist master Nan Kung Ping (Lung Fei) arrives to avenge his brother’s death, forcing Ah Fu to confront his past.

Read the plot summary

Drama · Bittersweet tone · Happy ending

If Ever I See You Again (1978)

Bob Morrison, a successful composer of television commercial jingles, grows frustrated by the creative constraints of writing the perfect dog‑food jingle. Seeking artistic freedom, he travels to Hollywood to land a film‑scoring job. While in California he reconnects with an old girlfriend, sparking a romantic renewal.

Read the plot summary

Drama · Melancholic tone · Bittersweet ending

A Dream of Passion (1978)

Melina Mercouri plays Maya, a jet‑setting Greek actress who returns home to prepare for the role of Medea. Seeking the basis of a mother who would kill her children, she meets Brenda (Ellen Burstyn), a Bible‑quoting American inmate serving a prison term in Athens for that crime. The encounter forces Maya to confront the grim reality behind the myth.

Read the plot summary

Comedy · Whimsical tone · Ambiguous ending

The Adventures of Picasso (1978)

Written by Hans Alfredson and Tage Danielsson, this farcical biopic portrays Pablo Picasso’s life with affectionate exaggeration, sketching his childhood, his artistic prime, and the final years before his death, while also weaving in assorted episodes from the intervening periods.

Read the plot summary

Thriller · Dark tone · Bleak ending

Despair (1978)

A hysterical comedy set in Berlin in 1930 as Nazism rises. Russian émigré Hermann Hermann, a chocolate maker married to capricious Lydia, sees his temper fray while dealing with workers and businessmen. When he meets Felix, a vagrant who is his uncanny physical double, Hermann plots a way out of the pretended world he loathes.

Read the plot summary

Romance · Light tone · Happy ending

Thank God It’s Friday (1978)

After five millennia of civilization, everyone is craving a break, and Friday night finds the town flocking to the hottest new disco. The Commodores are set to perform—if Floyd arrives with his instruments—while Nicole hopes to launch a disco‑star career. Friends compete in a dance contest and aim to add excitement to a fifth‑anniversary celebration.

Read the plot summary

Biography · Bittersweet tone · Sad ending

The Buddy Holly Story (1978)

This biography follows Buddy Holly (Gary Busey) as he challenges musical norms to develop his distinctive rock and roll style. His burgeoning fame is challenged by creative differences in Nashville and a misunderstanding at the Apollo Theater. Despite his struggles, Holly perseveres, but his promising career is tragically cut short, leaving an enduring musical legacy that continues to inspire.

Read the plot summary

Drama · Whimsical tone · Happy ending

Child of Glass (1978)

Alexander Armsworth and his family relocate to an authentic antebellum mansion once owned by a river pirate. There, Alexander keeps seeing the ghost of a young Creole girl who implores him to solve a riddle and locate the mysterious “child of glass.” He has only a day or two; failure means a lifelong haunting.

Read the plot summary

Horror · Dark tone · Bittersweet ending

Jennifer (1978)

Rejected by her elite boarding school peers because of her rural, impoverished background, a scholarship student endures relentless bullying that drives her to desperate vengeance. Using her unique psychic ability to command snakes, she turns the terror she endures into a deadly retaliation.

Read the plot summary