Fuck me, there are some rough endings when it comes to horror movies. We always hope and pray that our protagonists are going to make it but that’s not always the case. There’s something disheartening and shocking about seeing these people that we have come to know and love over 90-ish minutes not getting what they, and we, hoped for.
Horror is a genre that loves to end on a shocking note. After all, how else are they going to create a sequel, right? But there are some horror endings that stick with you more than any other. The ending of Paranormal Activity ends on a dour note but, honestly, who didn’t see something like that coming?
But there are horror films that have endings that we hope and pray never materialize, some even hitting a final note that we never would have or could have anticipated.
Today, let’s talk about some of those endings! I’ve got several of my favorites listed below and then I want to know your horror endings that refuse to leave your mind!
WARNING: There are TONS of spoilers ahead, so read at your own risk!
Drag Me to Hell
As much as Christine isn’t exactly the most likable character in the world, I don’t think any of us can say that she deserved her fate. It’s an absolutely horrifying thought and what makes it worse is that her boyfriend Clay witnessed the entire moment of her awful descent, which I’m sure utterly wrecked him for…oh, I don’t know…the rest of his life?
Psycho
What a masterpiece of an ending, am I right? Hitchcock built an incredible film up to an ending that is still as powerful and haunting as the day it came out. That moment where the skull fades into Norman Bates’ eerie smile is absolutely magnificent.
A Serbian Film
I know that this movie leaves people conflicted as to whether or not it falls under the “horror” genre. You know what? Fuck that. I’m telling you right now that this movie is more horrific than 99.9% of anything Hollywood puts out. And that ending? As if the family hasn’t suffered enough only to have their dignity taken once again when they have no voice whatsoever. Even death can’t stop their nightmare.
The Mist
I saw this movie in theaters and left completely and utterly wrecked. It’s one of the most painful and emotional endings I’ve seen and it shows that nothing beats the horror and agony of loss. The monsters may be dead but guilt and anguish lingers forever.
Buried
I openly wept at this ending and I have no shame admitting that. This brilliant single-location film had to make viewers care about Paul in order for them to be okay with staying solely with him for 90 minutes and when the climax hit, it was the ultimate betrayal and crushing defeat. You can say whatever you want about Ryan Reynolds but his performance here was nothing short of Oscar worthy.
