In the horror genre, there are many iconic movies with great endings, but there are also a few that are terrible and spoil the horror element of the movie.
Horror movies are characterized by twists, but not all twists work in the same way. While the greatest films like Rosemary’s Baby and The Blair Witch Project prove that twists aren’t always required and some conclusions just reduce the experience of a great horror movie. We’ve come up with a list of 10 such movies that spoil the great horror setup altogether with a terrible ending.
10. The Village (2004)
M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village is known for its neutral ending. The film takes place in a deserted village with mysterious spirits and two twists: villagers in costumes and a contemporary setting. Critics consider this to be one of Shyamalan’s weakest endings as it is unsatisfying and leaves behind various unanswered questions.
9. Unfriended (2014)
Unfriended is a virtual horror movie that takes place on a computer screen. It revolves around the deceased spirit of Laura Barns showing up on the screen. However, the film ends with an unsatisfying twist in which Laura attacks one of her friends, Blaire, which takes away the horror and doesn’t sit well with the viewers.
8. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
The Cult of Thorn timeline in the Halloween franchise, beginning with Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, has received criticism for its unsettling ending. The plot revolves around a curse on Michael Myers but lacks a clear view even in the other producer’s cut. The attempt to explain Michael’s immorality and inhumanity makes it a less enjoyable watch.
7. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
I Know What You Did Last Summer is different from the original novel with a twist ending. Julie and Ray are seen to murder the fisherman, Ben Willis. However, a year later, Julie is in school, finding the message “I Still Know” on her shower door. Ben Willis emerges from the steam, delivering an unsatisfying twist.
This ending was considered unnecessary and unsatisfying as it was unexplained and created a lot of confusion.
6. Truth or Dare (2018)
Truth or Dare, directed by Jeff Wadlow, revolves around college students who are trapped in a lethal version of the game. In the end, Olivia and Markie choose to transfer the curse to others in a video. They prioritize their life more than finding a universal solution to the threat which makes the viewers question their choices.
5. Scream 3 (2000)
Scream 3 is the weakest movie in its franchise due to the unsatisfying revelation of a villain. Roman Bridger’s difficult background and the addition of Sidney’s half-brother unnecessarily ruin the Screamtone, making it a less favored watch for the viewers.
4. Pet Sematary (2019)
Pet Semetary (2019) is a horror film inspired by Stephen King’s novel and a rendition of the 1989 version. It revolves around a family who discovered an unnatural pet cemetery. Despite receiving both appreciation and criticism, it sits well with the viewers and resonates with themes of darkness and horror.
3. Seed of Chucky (2004)
Seed of Chucky concludes with an unsatisfying ending, with soul shifts and Chucky’s deformed arm coming to life. This odd twist does not fit the viewers’ expectations and ruins the horror element created in the rest of the movie. It has a convoluted plot and a crampy ending.
2. Signs (2002)
M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs is often criticized for its underwhelming ending. After creating tension about mysterious crop circles and extraterrestrial existence, it proves that water is the aliens’ weakness and it takes a baseball bat to defeat them. Many viewers consider this resolution to be unsatisfying.
1. High Tension (2003)
High Tension, directed by Alexandre Aja, is a French action film known for its suspenseful sequences. It revolves around two friends, Marie and Alexia, who are attacked by a serial killer at a deserted farmhouse. However, the film has received criticism for the twist ending that the killer Is actually Marie who was in love with Alex. The reason for Marie’s crime lacks depth, and the twist is poorly executed and feels disconnected from the movie.