I am critical of Peter Jackson's interpretation of LoTR but yes the films had some magic moments and, I agree, that scene was absolutely awesome.
In addition to the films mentioned above I also have to say "Ringu", the Japanese horror film. The ending was truly chilling if you weren't forewarned.
When a gigantic great white begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.
the best ending ever has to be the original dutch version of the vanishing. the remake was a travesty where they actually changed the best ending ever.
also excellent were se7en, because it was just so cleverly done.
and mulholland drive, which almost literally had my jaw on the floor.
Going back a few years, 'No Way Out' with Kevin Costner. Good film which builRAB and builRAB and then you find out that he was who he was
I'm no way a movie fanatic but if all films had unexpected endings then I wold watch more.
Just watched Open Water on ITV ..... it may have been a true story but it went on for so long I googled the film and found out the ending before it finished.
Best ending I've seen to a movie recently was "Black Hawk Down" - when the Rangers and Delta force have to run out of the city, with the Skinnies hot on their tails . . . .
The ending to "World Trade Centre" is cool too, particularly the scene where the emergency workers applaud as Nicholas Cage is stretchered out . . .