First Blood (1982) – Original Book Ending

Long before Rambo devolved into a mindless action hero, there was a time when the character was a more pensive and reflective example of the horrors of war. As a war veteran going through PTSD upon his return home, the film largely stayed close to its source material, including its rather dour, but fitting ending. After having survived his ordeal against the local sheriff and his deputies, Rambo is confronted by his former commander, Colonel Samuel R. Trautman. Rather than the theatrical ending that had him surrender to Trautman, the original ending had Rambo committing suicide. This was ultimately scrapped in favor of its theatrical ending, which opened up the character for appearances in future sequels, and a franchise was born.