The best movies are the ones with endings that come out of nowhere. It surprises you on a first watch, but you get to see all the clues and buildup on subsequent viewings. A recent online discussion looks for the best movies with twists that completely change what the film is about.
1 – American Psycho (2000)
You would think with a movie titled American Psycho that follows Psycho (1960), you would be expecting all the twists and turns. Never fear! The twist at the end of this film is a game-changer.
2 – A Beautiful Mind (2001)
A Beautiful Mind is one of those films where you feel your heart hurt from sympathy. However, the twisted ending will leave youwithl a lot to think about, and it's honestly beautiful.
3 – The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)
One movie with many votes was 2012's The Place Beyond the Pines. According to one filmgoer, the movie is like “three in one.” Which we can understand why. Starring Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper, The Place Beyond the Pines spans multiple decades, exploring the consequences of our choices and the impact they can have on future generations.
4 – The World's End (2013)
What begins as an Edgar Wright buddy comedy turns into something even more by the time the film ends. In typical Wright fashion, the drama is just as good as the comedy.
5 – From Dusk Til Dawn (1996)
The Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino collaboration is a cult classic that doesn't have the same recognition as their other movies. Don't let that deter you from watching it, though.
6 – Parasite (2019)
The winner of four awards at the 92nd Academy Awards, including Best Picture, took the world by storm when it was released.
7 – Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Ben Affleck's directorial debut is also one of his best, thanks partly to a gripping story that never lets go.
8 – Cabin in The Woods (2011)
While people expected Cabin in the Woods to be a typical horror/slasher film, the cult classic is anything but.
9 – Barbarian (2022)
The 2022 film is regarded as one of the most unpredictable horror films the genre has ever seen.
10 – Gone Girl (2014)
Based on the memorable novel by Gillian Flynn, David Fincher's adaptation of Gone Girl keeps you guessing to the very end. It begins as an enjoyable murder mystery before a mid-movie twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
11 – Psycho (1960)
The Hitchcock classic stands the test of time even today, sixty years after its release.
12 – Sorry To Bother You (2018)
Some viewers will be able to see this twist coming, but that doesn't mean it's still a surprise you'll enjoy.
13 – Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
The entirety of the film features more twists and turns than a roller coaster before its satisfying and heartwarming ending. While the premise is about a little girl entering a beauty pageant, it dives into far deeper messages.
14 – Click (2006)
The Adam Sandler film starts as a goofy comedy before taking a dark turn halfway through.
15 – The Big Lebowski (1998)
The Big Lewboski changes genres several times over. It's a wonderful dark comedy that will keep you entertained throughout and one of the best films from The Coen Brothers.
16 – Stripes (1981)
The Bill Murray comedy begins with a group of dysfunctional basic training recruits before its tense and action-filled third act.
17 – Lost Highway (1997)
One movie buff was upset with the list, saying, “How has nobody written Lost Highway? It's like two completely different movies with arguably one of the best soundtracks ever.”
Source: Reddit.
Maya (she/they) is a queer entertainment and culture journalist. They cover interviews, reviews, roundups, news, and more. She loves horror, history, and creativity. They hope their writing both entertains readers and inspires them to think critically. Her favorite pastimes include needle felting, gaming, and drawing.