Posted on Jul 12, 2024

21 Movie Plot Twists That Had People Rewinding Immediately

Well... we did not see that coming.

by Casey Rackham

BuzzFeed Contributor

WARNING: Due to the nature of the question being answered in this post, there are serious SPOILERS AHEAD. We've listed the titles first so you can decide if you'd like to read on or skip. Please proceed with caution!

"It's still one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. You realize Louise's daughter hasn't died yet because she hasn't been born yet. What we thought were glimpses of Louise's past are actually glimpses of her future, meaning the aliens revealed to her she would have a daughter who dies in her teenage years, and her relationship with her daughter's father wouldn't last, but she pursues this fate anyway."
—n4b13d3b03 — Paramount Pictures

"It's still one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. You realize Louise's daughter hasn't died yet because she hasn't been born yet. What we thought were glimpses of Louise's past are actually glimpses of her future, meaning the aliens revealed to her she would have a daughter who dies in her teenage years, and her relationship with her daughter's father wouldn't last, but she pursues this fate anyway."
—n4b13d3b03

Paramount Pictures

"It's still one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. You realize Louise's daughter hasn't died yet because she hasn't been born yet. What we thought were glimpses of Louise's past are actually glimpses of her future, meaning the aliens revealed to her she would have a daughter who dies in her teenage years, and her relationship with her daughter's father wouldn't last, but she pursues this fate anyway."
—n4b13d3b03

"Hands down one of the best plot twists in cinematic history. They tell you throughout the movie that Borden is using a double — Borden himself even hints at it after they watch the Chinese magician — but it seems too easy. But like most magic tricks, Christopher Nolan does an incredible job of creating this cinematic sleight of hand to produce an eerie tension with the characters so you know that something isn’t quite right. When you finally get to the end and realize that Borden has a twin — two men sharing the exact same life this whole time — it is mind-blowing! This will always remain one of my absolute favorite movies."
—38, Tennessee — Touchstone Pictures

"Hands down one of the best plot twists in cinematic history. They tell you throughout the movie that Borden is using a double — Borden himself even hints at it after they watch the Chinese magician — but it seems too easy. But like most magic tricks, Christopher Nolan does an incredible job of creating this cinematic sleight of hand to produce an eerie tension with the characters so you know that something isn’t quite right. When you finally get to the end and realize that Borden has a twin — two men sharing the exact same life this whole time — it is mind-blowing! This will always remain one of my absolute favorite movies."
—38, Tennessee

Touchstone Pictures

"Hands down one of the best plot twists in cinematic history. They tell you throughout the movie that Borden is using a double — Borden himself even hints at it after they watch the Chinese magician — but it seems too easy. But like most magic tricks, Christopher Nolan does an incredible job of creating this cinematic sleight of hand to produce an eerie tension with the characters so you know that something isn’t quite right. When you finally get to the end and realize that Borden has a twin — two men sharing the exact same life this whole time — it is mind-blowing! This will always remain one of my absolute favorite movies."
—38, Tennessee

"Listen, not to toot my own horn, but I am insanely good at figuring out the twists of movies way before it's revealed, so when one actually surprises me I'm always impressed. When she climbed over that wall and there was a modern-day police car/sound I was shooketh. I would never have guessed in a million years that this movie was set in modern times. I remember people saying it was such a stupid twist, but not a single one of them saw it coming."
—33, Tennessee — Touchstone Pictures

"Listen, not to toot my own horn, but I am insanely good at figuring out the twists of movies way before it's revealed, so when one actually surprises me I'm always impressed. When she climbed over that wall and there was a modern-day police car/sound I was shooketh. I would never have guessed in a million years that this movie was set in modern times. I remember people saying it was such a stupid twist, but not a single one of them saw it coming."
—33, Tennessee

Touchstone Pictures

"Listen, not to toot my own horn, but I am insanely good at figuring out the twists of movies way before it's revealed, so when one actually surprises me I'm always impressed. When she climbed over that wall and there was a modern-day police car/sound I was shooketh. I would never have guessed in a million years that this movie was set in modern times. I remember people saying it was such a stupid twist, but not a single one of them saw it coming."
—33, Tennessee

"The movie has a twist that works really well, partly because it's set up subtly earlier in the movie and partly because no one expects a rom-com to have a twist. My fiancée and I squealed when it was revealed."
—wes7887 — Warner Bros.

"The movie has a twist that works really well, partly because it's set up subtly earlier in the movie and partly because no one expects a rom-com to have a twist. My fiancée and I squealed when it was revealed."
—wes7887

Warner Bros.

"The movie has a twist that works really well, partly because it's set up subtly earlier in the movie and partly because no one expects a rom-com to have a twist. My fiancée and I squealed when it was revealed."
—wes7887

"The plot twist isn't simply who Keyser Soze really is...it is that PLUS the fact that the story Kevin Spacey's character 'Verbal' Klint has just told the cop is made up off the top of his head (Verbal Klint is supposed to be an established con artist).
We see the shock on the cop's face as he realizes he's been taken for a ride...and we realize that we have been, too. In a way, it draws US into the story, because we share the cop's emotion. It amazes me that some people DISMISS Usual Suspects and say the ending is a disappointment, sort of like AND-THEY-WOKE-UP-AND-IT-WAS-ALL-A-DREAM. I guess some people just get it and others don't."
—frankreynolds — Gramercy Pictures

"The plot twist isn't simply who Keyser Soze really is...it is that PLUS the fact that the story Kevin Spacey's character 'Verbal' Klint has just told the cop is made up off the top of his head (Verbal Klint is supposed to be an established con artist).
We see the shock on the cop's face as he realizes he's been taken for a ride...and we realize that we have been, too. In a way, it draws US into the story, because we share the cop's emotion. It amazes me that some people DISMISS Usual Suspects and say the ending is a disappointment, sort of like AND-THEY-WOKE-UP-AND-IT-WAS-ALL-A-DREAM. I guess some people just get it and others don't."
—frankreynolds

Gramercy Pictures

"The plot twist isn't simply who Keyser Soze really is...it is that PLUS the fact that the story Kevin Spacey's character 'Verbal' Klint has just told the cop is made up off the top of his head (Verbal Klint is supposed to be an established con artist).
We see the shock on the cop's face as he realizes he's been taken for a ride...and we realize that we have been, too. In a way, it draws US into the story, because we share the cop's emotion. It amazes me that some people DISMISS Usual Suspects and say the ending is a disappointment, sort of like AND-THEY-WOKE-UP-AND-IT-WAS-ALL-A-DREAM. I guess some people just get it and others don't."
—frankreynolds

"I'm so glad that I hardly read much about this movie before watching it in the cinema. As a result, I literally didn't know what to expect from it and I'll never forget how my jaw dropped several times. I could practically hear my jaw hitting the floor at the climax. Also, even in my native tongue, I cannot describe the emotions in the last minutes, at the moment of the epilogue, that I experienced."
—antoinette_yoo
"The original maid that was taking care of the rich estate was hiding her husband in the home and also leaching off the rich family in the same way the 'protagonist family' was."
—toot-toot-mcgee — CJ Entertainment

"I'm so glad that I hardly read much about this movie before watching it in the cinema. As a result, I literally didn't know what to expect from it and I'll never forget how my jaw dropped several times. I could practically hear my jaw hitting the floor at the climax. Also, even in my native tongue, I cannot describe the emotions in the last minutes, at the moment of the epilogue, that I experienced."
—antoinette_yoo
"The original maid that was taking care of the rich estate was hiding her husband in the home and also leaching off the rich family in the same way the 'protagonist family' was."
—toot-toot-mcgee

CJ Entertainment

"I'm so glad that I hardly read much about this movie before watching it in the cinema. As a result, I literally didn't know what to expect from it and I'll never forget how my jaw dropped several times. I could practically hear my jaw hitting the floor at the climax. Also, even in my native tongue, I cannot describe the emotions in the last minutes, at the moment of the epilogue, that I experienced."
—antoinette_yoo
"The original maid that was taking care of the rich estate was hiding her husband in the home and also leaching off the rich family in the same way the 'protagonist family' was."
—toot-toot-mcgee

"When it's revealed that Norman Bates is also Norma Bates and he has a split personality...it's just one of the biggest plot twists in cinematic history. It basically invented the plot twist."
—regans4ed8c0404 — Paramount Pictures

"When it's revealed that Norman Bates is also Norma Bates and he has a split personality...it's just one of the biggest plot twists in cinematic history. It basically invented the plot twist."
—regans4ed8c0404

Paramount Pictures

"When it's revealed that Norman Bates is also Norma Bates and he has a split personality...it's just one of the biggest plot twists in cinematic history. It basically invented the plot twist."
—regans4ed8c0404

"The first time I watched that movie I literally had to pause it when I found out he was a patient, not a detective. I was so invested in the storyline, now it’s one of my favorite movies ever and I love recommending it to people who have never seen it!"
—superskeleton15 — Paramount Pictures

"The first time I watched that movie I literally had to pause it when I found out he was a patient, not a detective. I was so invested in the storyline, now it’s one of my favorite movies ever and I love recommending it to people who have never seen it!"
—superskeleton15

Paramount Pictures

"The first time I watched that movie I literally had to pause it when I found out he was a patient, not a detective. I was so invested in the storyline, now it’s one of my favorite movies ever and I love recommending it to people who have never seen it!"
—superskeleton15

"It's about a mother living in a huge house with her two sick children who can't stand the light. But there are ghosts in the house. And a nanny arrives to help look after the children. The plot twist is they were all dead and the ghosts are trying to help them, and some of the weird stuff happening is due to the people who live in the house currently. It's an excellent film and I did not see the twist coming."
—crizzy444 — Cruise/Wagner Productions

"It's about a mother living in a huge house with her two sick children who can't stand the light. But there are ghosts in the house. And a nanny arrives to help look after the children. The plot twist is they were all dead and the ghosts are trying to help them, and some of the weird stuff happening is due to the people who live in the house currently. It's an excellent film and I did not see the twist coming."
—crizzy444

Cruise/Wagner Productions

"It's about a mother living in a huge house with her two sick children who can't stand the light. But there are ghosts in the house. And a nanny arrives to help look after the children. The plot twist is they were all dead and the ghosts are trying to help them, and some of the weird stuff happening is due to the people who live in the house currently. It's an excellent film and I did not see the twist coming."
—crizzy444

"The best part about that twist was that when you first see it, it's such a surprise, but then you can watch the movie again knowing the truth and it's like a totally different movie. So great."
—aubreyw3 — Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

"The best part about that twist was that when you first see it, it's such a surprise, but then you can watch the movie again knowing the truth and it's like a totally different movie. So great."
—aubreyw3

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

"The best part about that twist was that when you first see it, it's such a surprise, but then you can watch the movie again knowing the truth and it's like a totally different movie. So great."
—aubreyw3

"Predestination has twists upon twists, each one connecting to the last to build an incredible sci-fi story. The final reveal of 'I love her too' blew my mind."
—matthewwilson1 — Screen Australia

"Predestination has twists upon twists, each one connecting to the last to build an incredible sci-fi story. The final reveal of 'I love her too' blew my mind."
—matthewwilson1

Screen Australia

"Predestination has twists upon twists, each one connecting to the last to build an incredible sci-fi story. The final reveal of 'I love her too' blew my mind."
—matthewwilson1

"I personally think it’s one of his most underrated films with a terrifying twist."
—strawberrylumps22 — Universal Pictures

"I personally think it’s one of his most underrated films with a terrifying twist."
—strawberrylumps22

Universal Pictures

"I personally think it’s one of his most underrated films with a terrifying twist."
—strawberrylumps22

"It’s been said before and I’ll say it again: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. ‘No, I am your father’ is the very definition of a franchise-altering plot twist in the best possible way, and in a way nothing will ever reach its level. This is a classic answer for a reason!"
—empresspenguin — LucasFilm Ltd.

"It’s been said before and I’ll say it again: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. ‘No, I am your father’ is the very definition of a franchise-altering plot twist in the best possible way, and in a way nothing will ever reach its level. This is a classic answer for a reason!"
—empresspenguin

LucasFilm Ltd.

"It’s been said before and I’ll say it again: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. ‘No, I am your father’ is the very definition of a franchise-altering plot twist in the best possible way, and in a way nothing will ever reach its level. This is a classic answer for a reason!"
—empresspenguin

"A neighborhood child is abducted and Helen’s character’s husband is the police officer looking for him. There are a few small stories within the movie and when it all comes to head, it’ll blow your mind. Two massive plot twists. TWO!!"
—Allison, 43, Arkansas — Head Gear Films

"A neighborhood child is abducted and Helen’s character’s husband is the police officer looking for him. There are a few small stories within the movie and when it all comes to head, it’ll blow your mind. Two massive plot twists. TWO!!"
—Allison, 43, Arkansas

Head Gear Films

"A neighborhood child is abducted and Helen’s character’s husband is the police officer looking for him. There are a few small stories within the movie and when it all comes to head, it’ll blow your mind. Two massive plot twists. TWO!!"
—Allison, 43, Arkansas

"We all think that Carlisle and everyone else dies, but it is really Alice's vision of the future if the Cullens and the Vultori start fighting! Had me on the edge of my seat!!"
—24, Michigan — Summit Entertainment

"We all think that Carlisle and everyone else dies, but it is really Alice's vision of the future if the Cullens and the Vultori start fighting! Had me on the edge of my seat!!"
—24, Michigan

Summit Entertainment

"We all think that Carlisle and everyone else dies, but it is really Alice's vision of the future if the Cullens and the Vultori start fighting! Had me on the edge of my seat!!"
—24, Michigan

"Watching Adam and Harry’s relationship develop over time while Adam reconciled with the deaths of his parents was incredible, and then the big reveal that Harry was also dead after his first meeting with Adam was absolutely devastating. It really showed what the movie was about — missed opportunities for reconciliation and connection."
—26, Ireland — Blueprint Pictures

"Watching Adam and Harry’s relationship develop over time while Adam reconciled with the deaths of his parents was incredible, and then the big reveal that Harry was also dead after his first meeting with Adam was absolutely devastating. It really showed what the movie was about — missed opportunities for reconciliation and connection."
—26, Ireland

Blueprint Pictures

"Watching Adam and Harry’s relationship develop over time while Adam reconciled with the deaths of his parents was incredible, and then the big reveal that Harry was also dead after his first meeting with Adam was absolutely devastating. It really showed what the movie was about — missed opportunities for reconciliation and connection."
—26, Ireland

"The accused killer has dual personalities but you find out that he's lying and is really the killer."
—58, Wisconsin — Paramount Pictures

"The accused killer has dual personalities but you find out that he's lying and is really the killer."
—58, Wisconsin

Paramount Pictures

"The accused killer has dual personalities but you find out that he's lying and is really the killer."
—58, Wisconsin

"When Ben Stiller's character finally sees the front cover with the picture that he spent the whole movie looking for... it's perfect. I didn't see it coming at all, but it made complete sense in hindsight. Plus, the moment really brought all of the film's themes into focus and added a deep emotional subtext that gets me everytime. It's a pitch-perfect ending and the reason it's one of my favorite movies."
—christineirissweet — Twentieth Century Fox

"When Ben Stiller's character finally sees the front cover with the picture that he spent the whole movie looking for... it's perfect. I didn't see it coming at all, but it made complete sense in hindsight. Plus, the moment really brought all of the film's themes into focus and added a deep emotional subtext that gets me everytime. It's a pitch-perfect ending and the reason it's one of my favorite movies."
—christineirissweet

Twentieth Century Fox

"When Ben Stiller's character finally sees the front cover with the picture that he spent the whole movie looking for... it's perfect. I didn't see it coming at all, but it made complete sense in hindsight. Plus, the moment really brought all of the film's themes into focus and added a deep emotional subtext that gets me everytime. It's a pitch-perfect ending and the reason it's one of my favorite movies."
—christineirissweet

"You watch the whole movie with his life being turned upside down. At the end, you think he is going to kill himself but you find out the whole thing is an elaborate game that his brother gave home for his birthday."
—48, California — PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

"You watch the whole movie with his life being turned upside down. At the end, you think he is going to kill himself but you find out the whole thing is an elaborate game that his brother gave home for his birthday."
—48, California

PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

"You watch the whole movie with his life being turned upside down. At the end, you think he is going to kill himself but you find out the whole thing is an elaborate game that his brother gave home for his birthday."
—48, California

"Never saw the pieces come together."
—44, US — MGM

"Never saw the pieces come together."
—44, US

MGM

"Never saw the pieces come together."
—44, US

"You never question if the body in the room is actually dead (anyone who says otherwise is lying). We thought Zepp was Jigsaw, so when Adam finds the tape, we know Jigsaw is still around. But then the DEAD BODY starts to stand up behind Adam as the tape plays. Game over. Excellent timing of multiple plot twists."
—Misha, 31, Massachusetts — Lions Gate Films

"You never question if the body in the room is actually dead (anyone who says otherwise is lying). We thought Zepp was Jigsaw, so when Adam finds the tape, we know Jigsaw is still around. But then the DEAD BODY starts to stand up behind Adam as the tape plays. Game over. Excellent timing of multiple plot twists."
—Misha, 31, Massachusetts

Lions Gate Films

"You never question if the body in the room is actually dead (anyone who says otherwise is lying). We thought Zepp was Jigsaw, so when Adam finds the tape, we know Jigsaw is still around. But then the DEAD BODY starts to stand up behind Adam as the tape plays. Game over. Excellent timing of multiple plot twists."
—Misha, 31, Massachusetts

Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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