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Naturally, there’s a whole variety of plot devices and storytelling tools applied to movies. Some develop their stories as slowly as drying paint, others try to find some middle ground, and the third category just throws everything right at you from the very first moment. But there’s one more type of movie when talking about these kinds of traits - a movie that delivers either one or a couple of sequential plot twists so juicy, you find yourself in a stupor with disbelief and anticipation. Oh yes, we’re talking about plot twist movies, and these bad boys in our list mark all the boxes to be called the ‘best’ in this category.

The best part about these thrilling movies is that the plot twist is never expected, calculated, or anticipated. Well, it wouldn’t be a plot twist if it was anything but that, right? And movies that truly deliver such shockers are worth their weight in gold for the adrenaline rush they give us and the memorable stories we all like to replay in our heads long after the movie has ended. Wondering which movies made it into our list? From such instant classics as The Sixth Sense to Saw (yes, Saw), there are plenty of movies that are able to give you both the thrills and the illusion of reality being unreal. But that’s exactly how we like it!

So, scroll on down below to check out our submissions of the best plot twist movies to date. They are just a bit further down and once you are there, give the coolest movie your vote!

#1

The Sixth Sense

The Sixth Sense

1999 | 1 hour 47 minutes | Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
 

Starring Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette

1999's The Sixth Sense is the fourth movie by the director M. Night Shyamalan and the one that truly cemented his title as the maker of the most chilling psychological thrillers known for their unique visual style. Okay, so since you've probably already seen this movie and all the other pages give away this detail in their descriptions of The Sixth Sense, we'll tell you this - Bruce Willis is actually the one who's dead. Although you might not suspect it or believe it unless you see this movie for yourself. Yes, there's Haley Joel Osment being unimaginably cute and innocent, and yes, there's Willis showing his broad acting range, but most importantly, there's an amazing plot twist right at the end that's so brutal it'll leave you shaken.

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BadCat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I first watched this in Junior High I was confused what happened in the beginning. Totally didn't see the ending coming.

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    #2

    Fight Club

    Fight Club

    1999 | 2 hours 19 minutes | David Fincher
     

    Starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter
     

    As the rule states, we should be keeping mum about David Fincher's 1999 Fight Club, but after all, it's been well over a decade since its release, so let's say that the limitation period is over. Based on a 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club stars Hollywood's heartthrob Brad Pitt, the man of many talents Edward Norton, and Tim Burton's muse Helena Bonham Carter. Here Norton is a white-collar office worker and a very discontented one at that. Getting more bored by the minute, he forms a fight club with Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). But is Tyler really here, and was he really the mastermind behind the upcoming revolt? Well, those questions can only be answered by you after watching or reading Fight Club.

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    #3

    Seven

    Seven

    1995 | 2 hours 7 minutes | Directed by David Fincher
     

    Starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey 

    Se7en is a neo-noir psychological crime thriller film that tells the story of rookie detective David Mills, who's paired with the retiring William Somerset to track down a serial killer using the seven deadly sins as his killing motif. It's a shocking, unbearably suspenseful movie that is as gothic as the Notre Dame cathedral. Se7en offers a very dark ride from the beginning right until the end, and we wish we'd never seen this movie so we could watch it again without knowing how it ends!

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    #4

    The Usual Suspects

    The Usual Suspects

    1995 | 1 hour 46 minutes | Directed by Bryan Singer
     

    Starring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
     

    The Usual Suspects is a crime mystery thriller retelling a story of a brutal shoot-out on a boat. The story begins with five criminals meeting for the first time at a police lineup, and the events leading to the gun battle itself are basically a never-ending plot twist. If you think that labeling a movie 'a masterpiece' or an 'instant classic' is just a commercial trick, then give The Usual Suspects a chance to convince you otherwise. It is, indeed, one well-balanced movie with zero shortcomings in any department.

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    Torsten
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."

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    #5

    The Others

    The Others

    2001 | 1 hour 44 minutes | Directed by Alejandro Amenabar
     

    Starring Nicole Kidman, Christopher Eccleston, Fionnula Flanagan

    We’ve had thrilling movies, shocking ones, and now it's time for one with a plain cruel plot twist right at the end. And though Nicole Kidman isn't an actress usually associated with horror, she does such a convincing job in The Others that it keeps our hair raised for days. No jump scares here, but terrifying suspense and a looming, malevolent something always close by.

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    James016
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was a really good film. The plot twist was a real WOAH moment

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    #6

    Psycho

    Psycho

    1960 | 1 hour 49 minutes Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
     

    Starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
     

    Psycho is a psychological horror-thriller produced and directed by the one and only Alfred Hitchcock. The story here goes like this - on-the-run embezzler Marion Crane stays at a motel run by the shy Norman Bates. Lo and behold, Marion disappears. Now, those close to her hire a private investigator to get to the root of her disappearance, and boy, oh boy, are they in for a surprise! Now, hear me out - some of you shy away from these older movies led by faulty thinking they might be subpar in quality or story, but think of them as the living history of cinema. And if you do finally decide to watch Psycho, don't be surprised if you love it from the first minute.

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    #7

    Primal Fear

    Primal Fear

    1996 | 2 hours 9 minutes | Directed by Gregory Hoblit
     

    Starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton
     

    Primal Fear is a crime drama and a mystery thriller all at once - a lovely combo! It goes like this - a young man who's an altar boy is accused of the brutal murder of an Archbishop. A hot-shot Chicago lawyer takes his case pro bono, convinced that the boy is innocent. However, the truth is hidden under layers and layers of lies and conspiracies, and the ending of it might be as far away from the initial guesses as the moon itself. A chilling story with probably one of the most unexpected plot twists ever.

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Edward Norton's breakout role was perfect. He truly held his own and surpassed seasoned actors alongside him.

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    #8

    The Prestige

    The Prestige

    2006 | 2 hours 10 minutes | Directed by Christopher Nolan
     

    Starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson
     

    The Prestige is a 2006 mystery thriller film by Christopher Nolan based on the book of the same name by Christopher Priest. It follows two rival stage magicians at the end of the 19th century in London. You know, the time when magicians were truly the height of entertainment. As showmanship requires, they both try to one-up each other with their illusions, and you all know how that ends - very fatally. The whole movie is an illusion within an illusion, set to confuse you and to make you question reality. Did Christopher Nolan succeed once again to eff with your mind? Watch the movie, and you'll know. Or you won't know anything at all. You'll see.

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    Kat Hague
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I will remember really liking this movie but I’m gonna have to watch it again I don’t really remember what happens but it’s been a while since I’ve seen it

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    #10

    12 Monkeys

    12 Monkeys

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    Amanda Trent
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now that was a good ending! Too bad they didn't make a part 2. But I guess that's how some movies are. Left with an ending that u have to decide where it ends, instead of being told where it ends.

    #12

    Saw

    Saw

    2004 | 1 hour 43 minutes | Directed by James Wan
     

    Starring Cary Elwes, Leigh Wannell, Danny Glover
     

    Saw is, as you well know it, a truly terrifying and gory horror mystery thriller that goes like this - two strangers awaken in a room without any recollection of getting there, and sure enough, they're now pawns in a very cruel game set by a serial killer. And if that just isn't enough to raise the hair on your arms, Saw also delivers some very high-quality plot twists that seem so real and unreal at the same time; it is just too spooky. So, if you're up for something really spicy, give Saw a try.

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    #13

    Planet Of The Apes (1968)

    Planet Of The Apes (1968)

    2001 | 1 hour 59 minutes | Directed by Tim Burton
     

    Starring Mark Wahlberg, Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Roth

    Planet Of The Apes is an action sci-fi thriller, but bear in mind that it is the vision of the director Tim Burton, so do expect it to be dark, gloomy, and dark once again. Set in the very near future, in 2029, to be exact, the events here go like this - an Air Force astronaut crash lands on an unknown planet where evolved, talking apes are the overlords of primal humans. Spooky, right? Well, just wait for THE plot twist! While it is mostly nothing like the original 1968 movie, that doesn't mean that this version of Planet of The Apes isn't spectacular, breathtaking, and deliciously intense.

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    #15

    Unbreakable

    Unbreakable

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    Scagsy
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It wasn't bad but doesn't really compare to the likes of The Sixth Sense, Se7en et al. Largely overrated in my opinion and a bit slow.

    #16

    The Village

    The Village

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A classic MKS movie twist ending. My only advice....if you watch the trailer you'll expect a horror movie...it isn't.

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    #17

    The Shawshank Redemption

    The Shawshank Redemption

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    Scagsy
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If this isn't the best movie ever made I'll eat my shorts. Every character is fleshed out and made real and what a twist. If you haven't seen this, then you really have missed out. Go watch it now. I won't tell anyone. Quick!

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    #23

    Knives Out

    Knives Out

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My first encounter with RJ was Star Wars and thank my lucky stars I didn't write him off and decided to watch this because it was spectular!

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    #24

    Friday The 13th

    Friday The 13th

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    #25

    Identity

    Identity

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    Scagsy
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Excellent closed door thriller-chiller. You won't believe the twist! Awesome.

    #26

    V For Vendetta

    V For Vendetta

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    YooperLite
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition.

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    #28

    Now You See Me

    Now You See Me

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    YooperLite
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did you know that Isla Fischer almost drowned during the water tank scene? 🌈🌠 The more you know

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    #31

    Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

    Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

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    the Kat who says ni
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I absolutely adore this movie! Great story, wonderful actors and beautiful music!

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    #33

    L.A. Confidential

    L.A. Confidential

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    Ann M Clinkscales
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again, you know...creepy odd duck pedophile that needs to stay gone from Hollywood!

    #34

    Gone Girl

    Gone Girl

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    Honey Bee
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Book was better. Movie just doesn't reach that climax they way it could've. Also, I too, threw my book across the room. And had some fun trying to diagnose the antagonist/protagonist.

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    #38

    Arlington Road

    Arlington Road

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    #39

    The Final Destination (2009)

    The Final Destination (2009)

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    #44

    Mulholland Drive

    Mulholland Drive

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    #47

    The Orphanage

    The Orphanage

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    #51

    Crazy, Stupid, Love

    Crazy, Stupid, Love

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What I liked is that they didn't overdo anything...if you know what I mean, it's hard to describe but just think of any cliche movie...they didn't do all that.

    #53

    Lucky Number Slevin

    Lucky Number Slevin

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    #54

    Sleepy Hollow

    Sleepy Hollow

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    Terry Tobias
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good movie... and I loved to see the burgeoning field of criminal forensics that Icabod utilizes.

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    #55

    Reservoir Dogs

    Reservoir Dogs

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    #56

    Prisoners

    Prisoners

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was the most shocking, thrilling, terrifying movie. You'd be on the edge straight until it ends.

    #57

    The Life Of David Gale

    The Life Of David Gale

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    #61

    10 Cloverfield Lane

    10 Cloverfield Lane

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, from the start you'll be like "huh, no, I doubt it...nooo, oh no"

    #67

    The Uninvited

    The Uninvited

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    #69

    Predestination

    Predestination

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember seeing this and was like....why isn't this more popular, this is great!

    #71

    The Power Of The Dog

    The Power Of The Dog

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    #72

    The Gentlemen

    The Gentlemen

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    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wouldn't exactly say twist as with the others but definitely a very fun watch.

    #73

    April Fool's Day (1986)

    April Fool's Day (1986)

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    #77

    Certified Copy

    Certified Copy

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    #78

    The Invitation

    The Invitation

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    #79

    Goodnight Mommy

    Goodnight Mommy

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    Agfox
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Excellent but disturbing film: twin boys who do everything together welcome their mother home after her reconstructive surgery. With her face wrapped in bandages & her aloof behaviour they grow suspicious of her identity

    #80

    Donnie Darko

    Donnie Darko

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    #83

    Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance)

    Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance)

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    #84

    Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood

    Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood

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    Scagsy
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the slowest, least engaging movies our time in my opinion. I don't know what all the fuss is about. Maybe you have to work in the film industry to get it? I don't and I didn't.

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    #86

    The Imposter

    The Imposter

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    #88

    Matchstick Men

    Matchstick Men

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    #90

    I Saw The Devil

    I Saw The Devil

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    #92

    Ordet (1955)

    Ordet (1955)

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    #93

    Before The Devil Knows You're Dead

    Before The Devil Knows You're Dead

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    #94

    Spider-Man: Homecoming

    Spider-Man: Homecoming

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    #95

    Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

    Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

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    YooperLite
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maury Povich: The test shows he is your father. Luke: Nooooooo!

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    #97

    Last Christmas

    Last Christmas

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    #100

    Avengers: Infinity War

    Avengers: Infinity War

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