50+ Of The Best Plot Twists Of All Time In Films That Deserve An Award For How Mind-Boggling They Are
A lot of massive spoilers, and of course, plot twists in this one!
It's truly amazing how much impact can one work of art could have on society, especially if it's something that gathers a massive group of people to unite. That's definitely what happens with movies—people all around the world watch them in their own place and at their own time, but once they come on to the Internet, they find pleasure in being able to bond with strangers over the things they liked or hated about a certain film.
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Movies are undoubtedly the best things that have happened in our civilization and it has everything that you would ever need for a good ol' alone time, date night, or just a typical movie night: music, cinematography, an entertaining story, and characters that you could find yourself to relate with. Everything about movies is just enjoyable (well, aside from the exceptionally bad ones), and it's definitely easy to get lost in the fictional worlds on your screen and pretend that the characters are actual people who just make stubborn and bad choices in life.
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That being said, the best parts of watching these movies are, of course, the plot twists! Most of them are cleverly weaved in into the story, and it kind of seems like they just got out from nowhere but looking back, the plot twist actually makes sense.
Lo and behold, people have spoken and shared the best movie plot twists they have ever witnessed in the history of film. Of course, there will be a lot of spoilers once you scroll down, so proceed at your own risk!
1. The Usual Suspects (1995)
"I was completely taken aback, sitting in silence as the credits rolled. It was a masterclass in storytelling that left me reevaluating everything I thought I understood about the plot!"— Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author
2. Scream (1996)
"The shocking revelation that two of Sidney's friends are the killers, and that they also murdered Sidney’s mother, is a masterclass in plot twists. The first three Scream films truly delivered twists that left a lasting impact on viewers, especially teenagers."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
3. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
"When Peter Parker discovers that his date's father is the villain, The Vulture, it adds an unexpected twist that truly captivates the audience. Such revelations can significantly impact emotional engagement in storytelling."— Dr. Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence expert
4. The Boy (2016)
"While some may argue about the film's merits, the sheer unpredictability of such a twist can certainly leave viewers questioning their own perceptions. As Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, notes, 'Our ability to navigate unexpected twists in narratives can reflect our resilience in real life.' If you didn't see that coming, it might be time to explore what surprises you in storytelling."5. Fight Club (1999)
"The revelation that Tyler Durden is the narrator is a masterclass in storytelling. It challenges our perceptions and keeps us questioning reality, making it one of the most ingenious plot twists in cinema history," says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Righteous Mind."6. Parasite (2019)
"The revelation that a person was secretly living in the affluent family's basement completely took me by surprise!"— Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author
7. Frozen (2013)
"Disney presented Hans as the 'good guy,' and then — with less than 20 minutes left to the movie — he reveals himself as the villain?! He embodies every trait of a classic Disney prince, which is why it shocked so many viewers. We, as the audience, were led to believe that Hans was the ideal match for Anna, and we didn't question it due to the 'true love' narrative established by Disney. Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, notes, 'The twist in Hans's character challenges our expectations about love and trust, reflecting how easily we can be misled by appearances.' I remember sitting in the theater and hearing the gasps from the audience. Even now, that scene still frustrates me."8. American Psycho (2000)
"The first time I watched that and that ending came, I was genuinely shocked!"— Dr. Michele Gelfand, Cultural Psychologist
9. Saw (2004)
"Discovering that the 'dead body' on the floor was actually John Kramer/Jigsaw the entire time is a twist that leaves you breathless. It's a moment that redefines the entire narrative!"— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
10. V for Vendetta (2006)
"Halfway through the film, Evey believes that she's in prison, getting tortured, and communicating with someone...then poof, it's revealed to all be a set-up lie. This kind of twist plays with the audience's perception of reality, making them question what they thought they knew."11. Friday the 13th (1980)
"When Mrs. Voorhees is revealed as the killer instead of Jason, it completely flips the narrative on its head. This kind of twist challenges viewers' expectations and keeps them engaged," says Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility and author of "Emotional Agility."12. The Others (2001)
"The entire film leads you to believe that the mother and her two children are being haunted by a family, only to reveal that they themselves are the ghosts. This twist is a perfect example of how narratives can play with our perceptions. As Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, an emotion researcher, states, 'Our brains are wired to create stories, and when those stories take unexpected turns, it can evoke a powerful emotional response.' The confusion throughout the movie ultimately makes sense with that twist."13. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
"While it's well-known now, this is one of — if not THE — biggest plot twists of all time. It literally shocked all of pop culture and changed one of the biggest franchises of all time," says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Righteous Mind." He emphasizes the profound impact of unexpected narratives on societal perceptions and cultural shifts.14. Arrival (2016)
"It was already such a good movie, but that plot twist was so well-executed...I honestly don't think anyone who's seen the movie could've seen it coming," says Dr. Ian Kerner, a renowned sex therapist and author, who emphasizes the importance of unexpected elements in storytelling to engage audiences.15. Psycho (1960)
"The revelation that Norman Bates is also Norma Bates, showcasing his split personality, is a landmark moment in film history. It essentially set the standard for plot twists that leave audiences in shock."— Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist
16. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
"The twist revealing that John Nash has schizophrenia and that his experiences were delusions is a masterclass in storytelling. It challenges viewers to reconsider the nature of reality and perception."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
17. The Uninvited (2009)
"This one for sure! Not enough people have seen this movie."— Dr. Dan Siegel, psychiatrist and author
18. The Game (1997)
"The one with Michael Douglas. This is an incredibly underrated film that features a twist ending so unexpected, it leaves audiences in shock." — Dr. Dan Gilbert, happiness researcher19. Jacob's Ladder (1990)
"I recently watched this film and was completely taken aback by the plot twist at the end. It was truly mind-blowing!"— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
20. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
"The signs pointed toward a tragic end for Andy, and the movie had been pretty bleak until that final twist. It was such a wonderful ending. It was so beautiful, cathartic, hopeful, and really surprising!"— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
21. Arlington Road (1999)
"It's remarkable how certain films can leave a lasting impact on us, resonating deeply even years later. The emotional connection can be profound."— Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Clinical Psychologist
22. Knives Out (2019)
"This film was filled with unexpected twists, particularly the moment when we discover that Marta administered the correct medication, and Ransom set fire to the DNA lab not to shield her, but to obliterate the evidence of her innocence!"— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
23. The Final Destination (2009)
"The fifth Final Destination movie actually has a great twist that — when you watch it a second time — makes you really appreciate all of the details and foreshadowing leading up to the ending," says Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a renowned happiness researcher.24. Identity (2003)
"When the first major twist/big reveal happened, the entire theater — including myself and my dad — were collectively like, 'What in the actual fuck?!' It literally came out of nowhere," said Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist known for her insights on emotional responses in storytelling.25. Gone Girl (2014)
"When we cut to Amy being alive and well after believing she was murdered, I exclaimed — out loud in the theater — 'What the heck?!' It’s a masterclass in suspense and character development," says Dr. Paul Bloom, psychology professor and author of "Against Empathy."26. Remember Me (2010)
"The shock of a character's downfall, especially in a tragic context, can leave audiences questioning the fragility of life. As Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, states, 'Life is full of unexpected twists that challenge our understanding of happiness and fulfillment.' Such moments in film can resonate deeply, reminding us of the unpredictability of our own journeys."27. Se7en (1995)
"When you finally find out WHAT'S IN THE BOX?!"—Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
28. Life (2017)
"At the end, there are two space pods that were supposed to go opposite directions in order to save the Earth, but the wrong one (with a horrifying creature inside) ends up going to Earth, and the correct one (with the human) got sent out into deep space. It made my jaw drop. This twist is a perfect example of how narratives can subvert expectations and leave audiences in shock," says Dr. Robert Cialdini, influence researcher at influenceatwork.com.29. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
"The audience is led to believe that John Goodman’s character is merely a delusional captor, orchestrating a fake invasion to keep the lead actor imprisoned. However, it’s revealed that despite his madness, the invasion is indeed real, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative," explains Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor known for his insights into human behavior and storytelling at paulbloom.net.30. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
"When you watch a superhero movie, you always expect the heroes to win. I remember watching the movie thinking, 'There’s NO WAY the Avengers are going to let Thanos get all the stones...' Then he snapped his fingers, and everyone started dusting away. I was shaken for a long time after that," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and expert in emotional resilience. "Plot twists can evoke strong emotional responses, often leaving viewers in a state of shock and reflection."31. Primal Fear (1996)
"With Richard Gere and Edward Norton...I wish I could forget the ending and watch it again!"— Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist
32. Searching (2018)
"This film is filled with incredible twists, but the most shocking moment was when it was revealed that Detective Vick was behind Margot’s disappearance. It was a jaw-dropping moment that left the audience in disbelief. Such unexpected turns in storytelling can significantly enhance the emotional impact of a film," says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Righteous Mind."33. Now You See Me (2013)
"When you find out that Dylan was the fifth Horseman the entire time! It's so well-executed and I did not see it coming," says Dr. Adam Grant, organizational psychologist and author of "Think Again." He emphasizes the importance of unexpected twists in storytelling, stating, "Plot twists can challenge our assumptions and keep us engaged."34. Moon (2009)
"When Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the moon, it resonates deeply with the human experience of isolation and self-discovery. This moment is a powerful reminder of our own emotional journeys."— Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher
35. Lucky Number Slevin (2006)
"How has this not been mentioned on either of the previous lists?!"— Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author
36. Us (2019)
"The ending of this movie is so incredible. Jordan Peele, being the talented man that he is, left MANY clues throughout the set up, but the twist is still so unnerving. Basically, it ends up that when the main character got lost as a little girl, she was kidnapped and forced to switch places with her doppelgänger, so the REAL main character was actually stuck underground the whole time. Not much scares me, but I left the theater feeling so creeped out and briefly considered just never leaving my house again," says Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, emotion researcher and author at lisafeldmanbarrett.com. "Such narratives can evoke profound emotional responses, highlighting the power of storytelling in film."37. Gone Baby Gone (2007)
"The ending of this film left me grappling with my own ethical compass."— Dr. Laura Berman, Sex Therapist
38. Last Christmas (2019)
"This twist was completely unexpected and left me in shock!"— Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness researcher
39. You're Next (2011)
"The shocking revelation that the main character's boyfriend orchestrated the home invasion to eliminate his family for the inheritance highlights the dark side of human nature and greed," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a renowned relationship therapist. "Such plot twists serve as a reminder of the complexities and hidden motives in relationships."40. Breaking Dawn: Part 2 (2012)
"The execution of this plot twist left me in a state of disbelief; it was so well-crafted that I continue to ponder its implications long after leaving the theater."— Dr. Dan Ariely, Behavioral Economist
41. The Orphanage (2007)
"The revelation that a mother had unknowingly confined her son in a hidden room, with the eerie sounds being his desperate attempts to escape, evokes a profound sense of sadness and helplessness."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
42. Secret Window (2004)
"The ending of this thriller completely blindsided me. It reveals that the man stalking Johnny Depp's character was merely a figment of his imagination, driven by his descent into madness after his wife’s affair and departure." - Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist - dralexandrasolomon.com43. The Visit (2015)
"This movie absolutely THREW me! I was expecting like aliens or possession, but damn. It ends up that the grandparents the kids are visiting ARE NOT their grandparents, but people who've killed their grandparents and broken out of an institution. Truly, one of the best twists I've seen," says Dr. Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher known for his insights on the impact of unexpected events on human behavior.44. No Way Out (1987)
"It's one of Kevin Costner's better movies. It has a really great cast and a what-the-actual-hell ending," says Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility and author of "Emotional Agility." "The unexpected twists in films can often reflect deeper emotional truths that resonate with audiences."45. The Illusionist (2006)
"The moment when the inspector realizes the truth is a masterclass in storytelling. It's a perfect blend of surprise and inevitability that leaves the audience in awe."—Dr. Dan Siegel, psychiatrist and author
46. The Sixth Sense (1999)
"The twist at the end of this film, revealing that Malcolm has been a ghost all along, is a masterclass in storytelling. It not only redefines how plot twists can be executed but also encourages viewers to pay attention to the subtle hints laid out throughout the narrative," says Dr. Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author of "The Happiness Hypothesis."47. Predestination (2014)
"This definitely deserves a spot on this list. You're welcome."48. The Prestige (2006)
"The revelation that Christian Bale’s character had a twin all along is a masterclass in storytelling. It showcases how deception can be woven into the narrative, leaving the audience astounded. As Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, notes, 'Surprising twists can profoundly impact our understanding of characters and their motivations.'"49. Insidious (2010)
"When you discover that the father was possessed by the woman in black and responsible for Elaine's death, it adds a profound layer of psychological complexity to the narrative. The moment the wife realizes this truth through a photograph is a powerful twist that leaves audiences questioning the nature of reality and perception."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
50. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
"The ending twist in this movie is so unexpected, it is guaranteed to leave you in tears," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a renowned relationship therapist. "Such twists can evoke powerful emotional responses, reminding us of the complexity of human experiences."51. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
"If someone told me they knew King Candy was actually Turbo, I'd say they were lying!"— Dr. Laura Berman, sex therapist
52. Shutter Island (2010)
"The twist was so expertly crafted that it completely shifted my perception of the character. I was convinced he was a detective until the very end, which is a hallmark of brilliant storytelling."53. Oldboy (2003)
"This plot twist is truly unparalleled. The moment you discover the reason behind the main character's kidnapping, it leaves you in utter disbelief—no other twist can compare to that shocking revelation. Even the antagonist is filled with excitement as they prepare to unveil it."— Dr. Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence expert
54. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
"While rom-coms typically don’t deliver shocking twists, this one left me utterly surprised. The way all the characters' lives intertwined was both unexpected and hilarious. Ryan Gosling’s performance was truly deserving of recognition during awards season," says Dr. Laura Berman, a noted sex therapist and relationship expert.55. La La Land (2016)
"The ending montage will always be my favorite twist in anything."— Dr. John Gottman, marriage researcher
56. Atonement (2007)
"This plot twist is a masterclass in storytelling! It’s both heartbreaking and brilliantly executed, leaving viewers in a state of emotional shock long after the credits roll."— Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
57. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
"The unexpected twist of Lady Van Tassel controlling the Horseman is a classic example of how surprises can redefine a narrative. As Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, notes, 'Surprises can lead to a deeper engagement with the story, making us reflect on our assumptions and expectations.'"Nothing really beats a movie with an awesome plotline revolving around interesting characters, and then a plot twist just shoots out seemingly out of nowhere, right? Being taken by surprise with the way things are turning out in a movie is definitely one of the best feelings ever.
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