When adult material is present in a film, it's rated "R," meaning "Restricted." These are films that dive into mature elements, whether they involve nudity, drug use, violence, or harsh language. The concepts of these films, especially when considered thrillers, can be dark and twisty, challenging even an adult's ability to fathom the intricacies of the characters.
To create a thriller with unpredictable endings, writers, directors, and actors must come together to create haunting masterpieces. No matter how much of a movie buff you are, there are films with endings that haunt you, leaving you wanting, in a state of reflection, and quiet. These are the types of films we highlight.
To put this list together, 247 Tempo reviewed several sources, including Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and Reddit, where users don't mince words when reviewing popular films like these.
1. Nocturnal Animals (2016)
In this thriller, a woman comes to recognize that her ex-husband's ultimate work of art is too eerily similar to real-life events. Although you're left with a knot in your throat and your stomach in shambles, there is no real clarity. The characters are complex, and the ending is ambiguous enough to leave you in a state of shock and awe.
2. The Invitation (2015)
This is the type of movie that never sits right in your spirit. As the events unfold, you realize this isn't any ordinary dinner party. It targets the characters' old wounds and turns into a set of entirely unforgettable scenes. It's a slow burn, and Rotten Tomatoes critics note that "…there's enough atmosphere within the film's initial mystery."
3. Gone Girl (2014)
When his wife goes missing, everything comes into question. Just as you think you've picked up on where this film is headed, the rug is swept from under you. As you land on your bottom, you wonder how you could have missed it. Although it would take a trained eye, the truth of the matter was right there all along.
4. Enemy (2013)
Calling this movie surreal is an understatement. You're introduced to two versions of the same man, and there's a cryptic quality throughout the film that's meant to haunt you, long after the credits have rolled.
5. Side Effects (2013)
This film takes a close look at the side effects of antidepressant medications. It follows a woman who ends up in a horrific situation, yet it's unclear exactly how it all came about. The twists are turbulent like a rollercoaster, and you're left in the dark much of the time.
6. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
This film is tightly twisted from the jump. It unravels slowly, and as it does, you're left with eyebrows raised, a mouth slightly open, and a speedy heartbeat. Ultimately, it's a film that weaves family secrets into cold cases, further elucidating how a bit of investigation can take anyone down a dark path. Critics call it "bleak and cold," noting how graphic some of the scenes are.
7. The Prestige (2006)
When two competitive magicians come together, their respective energies create the kind of dynamic that can only lead to destruction. This is a twisty film, certainly, but it's masterfully layered. This isn't a feel-good movie by any means. The illusory moments captivate and ultimately devastate you.
8. A History of Violence (2005)
A local hero is placed into the spotlight when he stops a robbery, however, that spotlight reveals information about him he never wanted known. His swiftness when killing the would-be robbers reveals a history that changes opinions about this generally mild-mannered individual. He is left with no choice but to confront what he left behind.
9. The Machinist (2004)
This is the type of thriller you have to watch more than once to grasp its mastery. The twists are quick, violent even, as you follow a man whose paranoia following insomnia unravels. He becomes emaciated before your eyes as he grapples with ever-unfolding guilt.
10. Secret Window (2004)
In this film, writer Mort Rainey (played by Johnny Depp) tries to escape the difficult divorce he's in by seeking seclusion in his remote cabin. The problem? John Shooter (played by John Turturro) begins to antagonize him, accusing him of plagiarizing his work. Rainey can find no peace as his mental health only worsens. Shooter has no mercy.
11. Oldboy (2003)
15 years of imprisonment following a kidnapping leave Oh Dae-su with nothing but a taste for revenge. Throughout his journey to take out vengeance, he comes across stark truths that reveal the reason for his kidnapping and imprisonment. The twist will shock you and make you unable to forget the travesty of it all.
12. Mulholland Drive (2001)
You know those dreams you wake from, when you couldn't move as you wanted, the images were far too cryptic and disorienting, and you wake up unsettled? This movie is just like that. A fever dream. If you try to catch up, you can't because nothing is ever what it seems.
13. Arlington Road (1999)
When you can't trust your neighbors, your sanctuary is unsafe. In this film, a professor has noticed something off about his neighbor. He might be paranoid. Or he may be spot on. The last 30 minutes of this film are sure to creep you out.
14. Se7en (1995)
Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, and Morgan Freeman deliver fantastic performances, with Spacey as the villain. He's a serial killer with an obsession that detectives struggle to piece together. Once they do, it's on. And the ending? You'll never forget it.
15. Body Heat (1981)
Just as you think you're following the plot, this film reminds you that you know nothing. The writing is incredibly sharp, and the twists are dark, filled with betrayal.
