The 15 Best Twists In Movies
by: James A. Barnes
In the world of cinema, few things enrapture audiences more than a well-executed twist ending. It's that jaw-dropping moment when the veil of the narrative is pulled back to reveal a reality far removed from what was initially perceived.
This list celebrates the craft involved in delivering unforgettable twist endings through a blend of clever writing, meticulous direction, and compelling performances.
Here are my top 15 favorite twists in movies!
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
Gone Girl (2014)
Amy fakes her own death to frame her husband Nick for murder, but later returns, manipulating Nick into staying with her by claiming to be pregnant with his child.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
John Nash realizes that many of the characters and secret government assignments were hallucinations due to his schizophrenia.
Saw (2004)
The "corpse" in the room is revealed to be the Jigsaw Killer, who rises from the floor, locks Dr. Lawrence Gordon in the bathroom, and leaves him to die.
Identity (2003)
The characters discover they are alternate personalities of a serial killer, Malcolm Rivers, and are being killed off as part of a psychological treatment to integrate his dissociative identity disorder.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
The character of Verbal Kint is revealed to be the infamous Keyser Söze, a mastermind criminal who fabricated the entire narrative to escape custody.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
The iconic twist ending reveals that the desolate planet ruled by apes, where astronaut George Taylor finds himself stranded, is actually a post-apocalyptic Earth. The shocking truth is unveiled in the unforgettable image of a destroyed Statue of Liberty on the shore, symbolizing the fall of humanity due to its own destructive tendencies. This revelation brings a chilling new perspective to Taylor's journey and delivers a profound commentary on the potential self-destructive nature of mankind.
The Prestige (2006)
Alfred Borden reveals that he has a twin brother, explaining his seemingly impossible magic trick, while Robert Angier's use of a cloning machine for his version of the trick is disclosed.
Oldboy (2003)
Dae-Su discovers that he was manipulated into having a romantic relationship with his own daughter as part of a revenge scheme orchestrated by his old classmate, Lee Woo-jin.
The Others (2001)
The Stewart family learns that they are the ghosts haunting their own home, with the so-called "intruders" being the new living occupants.
Primal Fear (1996)
Aaron Stampler reveals that he feigned having a dissociative identity disorder to manipulate his defense, confessing to the gruesome murder he was on trial for.
Se7en (1995)
The film culminates with the revelation that the killer, John Doe, has orchestrated his own death as the final sin, 'Envy,' leading Detective Mills to commit the sin of 'Wrath' by killing him upon learning of his wife's murder.
Fight Club (1999)
It's revealed that Tyler Durden is a figment of the Narrator's imagination, a dissociated personality embodying his desires for chaos and freedom.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
The twist reveals that Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) has been dead throughout the movie, with only the young boy, Cole, able to see and interact with him.
Shutter Island (2010)
Teddy Daniels discovers that he is actually Andrew Laeddis, a patient at the institution, and the entire investigation was a therapeutic exercise to help him confront his guilt over his wife's death.
Psycho (1960)
Norman Bates has been impersonating his deceased mother, committing murders under this alternate personality.