War Dogs (2016) Ending Explained

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By Max Framewell
July 16, 2025

TL;DR:
The ending of War Dogs (2016) depicts the downfall of arms dealers Efraim Diveroli and David Packouz as their $300 million Pentagon contract unravels due to fraud and greed. David, realizing the moral and legal consequences, cooperates with the FBI, leading to Efraim's arrest. The film concludes with David serving probation and rebuilding his life as a licensed massage therapist, while Efraim faces prison time. The finale underscores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the illusion of the American Dream, leaving viewers questioning the ethics of war profiteering and the systems that enable it.

Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climactic scenes of War Dogs reveal the collapse of AEY, the company run by Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill) and David Packouz (Miles Teller). Their lucrative arms deal with the U.S. government, supplying ammunition to Afghan forces, falls apart when inspectors discover they illegally repackaged Chinese-made munitions (a violation of U.S. contracts). The FBI raids their warehouse, exposing their fraud. David, increasingly disillusioned by Efraim's reckless behavior, agrees to cooperate with authorities, wearing a wire to incriminate Efraim during a meeting. This betrayal leads to Efraim's arrest, while David avoids prison by testifying against his former friend. The film ends with David reflecting on his choices, transitioning to a quieter life, and reconciling with his wife.

Themes and Moral Implications
The ending highlights the film's central themes: greed, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of the arms trade. Efraim's downfall stems from his insatiable ambition and disregard for rules, while David's redemption comes from recognizing the moral cost of their actions. The film critiques the U.S. military-industrial complex, showing how young, inexperienced entrepreneurs could exploit government contracts. The final scenes emphasize the hollowness of their success - David's voiceover admits they were “just kids” playing a dangerous game. The irony is palpable: they believed they were living the American Dream, but their empire was built on lies and would inevitably crumble.

Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
1. Did David truly redeem himself, or was his cooperation self-serving?
- Possible Answer: While he avoided prison, his motives were mixed-fear of consequences played a role alongside genuine remorse.
2. What happened to Efraim after prison?
- Possible Answer: In reality, Efraim served time and later attempted to re-enter the arms industry, suggesting he didn't fully reform.
3. How much of the U.S. government's negligence was real?
- Possible Answer: The film implies systemic issues; the Pentagon's lack of oversight enabled AEY's fraud.
4. What was the fate of Henry Girard (Bradley Cooper's character), the mysterious supplier?
- Possible Answer: The real-life counterpart faced legal troubles, but the film leaves his story unresolved.

Personal Opinion on the Ending and Film
War Dogs excels as a darkly comedic cautionary tale, with Hill and Teller delivering standout performances. The ending is satisfying yet bleak - David's “happy” ending feels earned but bittersweet, as his moral awakening comes too late to undo the damage. Efraim's fate serves as poetic justice, though the film leaves lingering questions about the broader system's accountability. The direction by Todd Phillips balances humor and tension effectively, though some historical liberties were taken for dramatic effect. Overall, it's a gripping story about the perils of ambition, though it could have delved deeper into the geopolitical ramifications of their actions.

Final Thoughts
The conclusion of War Dogs reinforces its message: the pursuit of wealth at any cost leads to ruin. By contrasting David's modest second chance with Efraim's imprisonment, the film suggests that integrity ultimately matters more than fleeting success. Yet, it also leaves viewers pondering whether the real villains are the individuals or the broken system that allowed them to thrive. The final shot - David holding his daughter, having abandoned his get-rich-quick schemes-offers a quiet but powerful resolution: true fulfillment lies beyond material gains.