Are you a horror movie fan who loves the element of surprise? Do you crave shocking twists that leave you gasping for breath? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the most jaw-dropping twist endings in classic horror movies. From the spine-chilling to the downright bizarre, these endings will leave you reeling.
What Makes a Twist Ending Great?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about what makes a twist ending great. A twist ending should be unexpected, but not completely implausible. It should shed new light on the story, making the viewer re-evaluate everything they thought they knew. A good twist ending will also stick with the viewer long after the movie ends.
Twist Endings in Horror Movies: The Top Ten List
Without further ado, here are the top ten twist endings in classic horror movies, ranked from least to most shocking.
10. The Others (2001)
This psychological thriller starring Nicole Kidman follows a family who believe they are haunted by ghosts. The twist? They are actually the ghosts, trapped in a purgatory-like state.
9. Sleepaway Camp (1983)
This slasher classic follows a group of teens at summer camp who are murdered one-by-one. The twist? The killer is actually Angela, the sweet and shy protagonist, who was actually born a boy and underwent surgery to become a girl.
8. Carrie (1976)
The titular character, a social outcast with telekinetic powers, unleashes a vengeful wrath at her high school prom. The twist? She doesn’t die in the fire she started, but instead uses her powers to escape and continue her rampage.
7. The Wicker Man (1973)
A police officer investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island. The twist? The islanders are actually pagans who sacrifice him in a ritual to ensure a bountiful harvest.
6. The Sixth Sense (1999)
A child psychologist helps a boy who claims to see dead people. The twist? The psychologist himself is actually dead, and has been the whole time.
5. Psycho (1960)
A woman on the run after stealing from her employer checks into a seemingly quiet motel run by a shy young man. The twist? The young man is actually a split personality of his mother, who has been dead for years.
4. Audition (1999)
A widower holds a fake audition for a new girlfriend, and falls in love with one candidate. The twist? The woman is actually a psychopathic torturer who has been luring and killing multiple men.
3. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
A young couple moves into a new apartment building and soon become entangled with their eccentric neighbors. The twist? The wife is carrying Satan’s baby.
2. Get Out (2017)
A young black man visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend, only to discover sinister intentions. The twist? The family is actually inhabited by the minds of wealthy white people, who are using black bodies for their own purposes.
1. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
A group of college students visit a remote cabin in the woods and encounter a series of bizarre and deadly obstacles. The twist? The whole scenario is a government-sanctioned sacrifice to appease ancient gods, who must be satisfied to prevent the end of the world.
The Bottom Line
These twist endings in classic horror movies prove that sometimes, what you see isn’t always what you get. From supernatural hauntings to psychological terrors, the twists keep us on the edge of our seats and leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you watch a horror movie, keep an eye out for the unexpected. You never know what kind of twist might be lurking just around the corner.