20 films that featured crazy, unexpected twists

The final fight scene of the Twilight film series begins with the death of Carlisle, the leader of the Cullen clan, and it sets off a bloody fight between the Vultouri and the vampires and werewolves. Viewers were shocked because this didn’t happen in the book. Thankfully, it was all just a vision of what would happen if the groups didn’t keep the peace. 

At the end of the film, Adam Sandler’s character is shot dead. He was just about to get his finances in order, and it seemed like everything was in the clear. But at the very last minute, things end for Howard in a cruel, unexpected fate. 

By now, everyone on Earth knows the twist that came about in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, but when it first hit theaters, Darth Vader being Luke’s father was a huge shock. As has since been pointed out, it probably shouldn’t have been a shock considering the direct translation, but nevertheless, it was a crazy cinematic plot twist. 

It might seem trite now to have a film twist where someone has been dead the entire time, but when The Sixth Sense came out, it was quite surprising. Keen re-watchers have picked up on hints about the reveal, but even the savviest of film viewers were surprised by this plot twist. 

Try to imagine a world where Brad Pitt doesn’t exist. That’s what life is like inside Fight Club. The ‘90s classic is known for its iconic tagline, but plenty of viewers are also familiar with the film for its crazy twist that they didn’t see coming. 

There were several twists in the Psycho plot that viewers didn’t see coming. Norman Bates was actually the killer? His mom was dead all along? There’s a reason Alfred Hitchcock is still considered the king of horror. 

Sometimes, movies are so twisty that the viewers don’t even know what’s actually happening. Gone Girl is famously confusing, and the ending is such a twist that a horde of viewers have requested help from online peers to explain the wild plot. 

Horror movies are made infinitely better when they include some sort of plot twist, and that’s why Orphan is still a favorite among enthusiasts of the genre. Learning the true identity of Esther is nothing short of surprising, especially when you’re engrossed in all the terror. 

Does American Psycho have a plot twist, or is it just confusing? The ending was meant to leave viewers with questions, which is brilliant and frustrating. The film’s director and writer have since confirmed Bateman’s status as a serial killer, but if you’d like to live in the idea that he’s not, we won’t argue with you. 

There's a reason that Jordan Peele didn’t win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Get Out. The plot is crazy and full of twists. You can tell yourself you saw the twists coming, but you were likely just as surprised as the rest of the people in the theater. 

A false identity is almost always a plot twist that screenwriters can get away with. Viewers rarely see it coming, and that’s part of the reason Shutter Island was such a success with crowds. That, and the fact that it stars Leonardo DiCaprio. 

Unmasking someone is always satisfying. Just ask the members of Mystery Inc. When the elders were unmasked at the end of The Village, viewers were surprised and satisfied by discovering their true identities. 

Though not nearly as intense as some other films on this list, Crazy, Stupid, Love still had a totally unexpected plot twist. Most plot twists result in incredibly emotional scenes, but it was some high comedy when viewers discovered Hannah was Cal’s daughter. 

If you don’t pay close attention, a movie jumping back and forth in time can get quite confusing. Heck, even if you do pay close attention, it can get confusing. But those who gave full consideration to the screen while watching Arrival were greatly rewarded when they realized the plot’s twist in the timelines. 

The original Planet of the Apes featured a wild plot twist. The planet was actually Earth all along. The Tim Burton remake changed course a little bit, but OG Planet of the Apes fans know how wild the twist was. 

Children’s films can have plot twists, too — just ask Coco. The beloved Pixar movie featured a wild familial plot twist that surprised both kids and adults, showing that you’re never too old to enjoy an animated movie. 

Film buffs will never stop their campaign to get everyone and their dog to watch Citizen Kane, but there are casual movie viewers who would agree. The movie is revered for many reasons, chief among them its plot twist at the end that still shocks first-time audiences. 

Memento might have you asking several questions throughout the film, but it’ll all make sense eventually. You might guess the plot twist of Leonardo already having gotten revenge, but if not, it’ll make for one heck of a viewing experience. Who doesn’t like to be surprised?

It can seem like we aren’t getting the same great plot twists in movies that we once did, but Once Upon a Time In Hollywood is here to argue otherwise. This modern classic subverted viewers’ expectations thanks to its twist on actual history, leaving some frustrated but everyone surprised. 

Twists typically come as moments in the plot, but Split proved that they can come in the form of a sequel we didn’t know was happening. There was a lot to absorb in this film, and Bruce Willis reprising his role as David Dunn took some time to fully comprehend.