There are horror movie plot twists that are so painfully obvious that even people who don't watch a lot of scary films can guess them pretty much after the first scene. Then there are the plot twists that fans of the genre live for, as these are truly stunning, unforgettable, and unpredictable moments that take the viewers' breath away and make them question everything that has just happened. The wisest plot twists often require rewatching the film so audiences can look for the clues and puzzle pieces.
Horror fans each have their own personal favorite plot twist, as these can definitely be subjective, but there are a few films that stick out as having huge reveals that are really, really hard to guess.
The Infant Is Satan's Child In Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow) knows that something is horribly wrong as her pregnancy continues in the classic horror movie Rosemary's Baby. While she can tell that the couple in her apartment building is a bit creepy and off, she has no idea that they're part of a demonic cult. The final scene is shocking as Mia gives birth to her baby who she learns is the son of Satan.
Rosemary's Baby has a sense of dread throughout the whole film and the movie's twist ending is one of the best ever. It's even more exciting since this movie was released in 1968 and was an early horror film. Since audiences weren't yet used to wild endings or big plot twists, it mattered even more, and it's still an incredibly well-crafted film.
John Shooter And Mort Are The Same Person In Secret Window (2004)
Secret Window might not be considered an underrated Stephen King movie, as it hasn't been as popular as some other adaptations, but the film is based on King's novella called Secret Window, Secret Garden. It also has a twist that no one can anticipate.
Johnny Depp's character is Mort Rainey, a novelist who writes mysteries and who starts living in the country because his wife Amy (Maria Bello) has had an affair. Mort is shocked when John Shooter (John Turturro) comes to his house and says that Mort copied his short story called "Sowing Season." Fans learn that Mort and Shooter are the same person as Mort has dissociative identity disorder and has created Shooter. This movie plot twist is timeless and will shock anyone who watches the film as it really does seem like Shooter is another writer.
Jill Is The Killer In Scream 4 (2011)
If fans think that Scream 4 is the best movie in the horror franchise, it's all because of the plot twist: Sidney Prescott's (Neve Campbell) cousin Jill Roberts (Emma Roberts) is Ghostface.
It's true that in the Scream movies, anyone could be the killer and everyone is a suspect, a horror trope that always works since it creeps audiences out and makes them think about who could be the murderer. Jill acts suitably freaked out and worried through the entire movie, making her reveal a stunning one that still sticks with audiences.
The Grandparents Aren't Really Grandparents in The Visit (2015)
While M. Night Shyamalan's The Village has a wild twist, his 2015 movie The Visit has a twist that fans could never have guessed as well.
Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) and Becca (Olivia DeJonge) are spending time with their grandparents, Pop Pop and Nana, and start seeing some gross and weird things around the house. They soon realize that their grandparents are evil, terrifying, and out to kill people. Becca realizes that these people aren't her family at all and that her grandparents are dead and these two people are killers who ran away. While this twist is a big one, it's also shocking to see Tyler and Becca going after "Pop Pop" and "Nana" and making sure that they don't hurt anyone ever again.
Grace's New Family Wants Her Dead In Ready Or Not (2019)
Ready Or Not is an underappreciated horror comedy with a funny and silly tone that is also dark and exciting. Grace Le Domas (Samara Weaving) has just married Alex Le Domas (Mark O'Brien), which should be the happiest day of her life, or at least one of them. Instead, the family tells Grace that it's time to play a game of hide and seek. She learns quickly that they want her dead.
When fans learn what the family is up to, it's definitely a huge surprise, making this a stunning horror movie plot twist that is unpredictable. It's impossible to imagine people trying to sacrifice a new bride as part of a long-held family ritual. Ready Or Not is a fantastic film in general with a hilarious ending and lots of great chase scenes and heart-pounding moments.