Warning! Major spoilers for popular fantasy films and franchises are included!
Creating an impactful plot twist in the realm of fantasy cinema is a formidable challenge. The extensive world-building and exposition often result in twists being predictable, as viewers become invested in the established lore. Achieving the right balance of foreshadowing is essential to delivering a twist that not only surprises but also reshapes the audience’s understanding of the narrative. When done well, these unexpected turns can astound viewers, forever altering their perspective on the story and characters involved.
Revisiting these cinematic masterpieces allows audiences to relish the excitement of uncovering hidden secrets. An effective twist transcends mere shock value; it should resonate with substantial narrative weight. Whether aimed at provoking laughter or eliciting gasps, these films masterfully utilize plot twists to craft unforgettable experiences for viewers. Below are ten remarkable plot twists that masterfully astonished audiences.
10 Snape’s Unexpected Heroism
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
While avid readers of J.K. Rowling’s series anticipated it, Snape’s true nature emerges as a heart-wrenching revelation in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. For years, Harry Potter views Severus Snape as a primary antagonist, a teacher waging psychological warfare against him. The narrative takes a dark turn when Snape kills Dumbledore, further branding him as a villain. However, it’s only in Snape’s dying moments that the truth surfaces, profoundly impacting Harry’s understanding of his experiences.
This transformation dramatically reshapes how audiences perceive both Snape and Harry. The upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation faces the significant challenge of recasting Snape. While Alan Rickman delivered a legendary performance, the new series will need to navigate the complex emotional ties from Snape’s history with Lily and James Potter, ensuring both narrative novelty and fidelity as returning viewers reconvene with a familiar tale.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) |
96% |
89% |
9 Hector’s True Identity
Coco (2017)
Coco presents an enchanting tale that follows young Miguel as he searches for his long-lost great-great-grandfather during Día de los Muertos in the Land of the Dead. Music plays a pivotal role, juxtaposed against Miguel’s family, who forbids it. During his quest, he encounters Héctor, a forgotten figure struggling to maintain his existence in the afterlife.
One of the film’s most poignant moments unfolds when Miguel learns that Héctor is, in fact, his grandfather and that the famed musician Ernesto de la Cruz was responsible for his murder. This heart-wrenching revelation not only deepens the emotional connection between Miguel and Héctor but also underscores the importance of familial bonds in the narrative.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
Coco (2017) |
97% |
94% |
8 Gandalf’s Betrayer Revealed
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
In The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo Baggins looks to Gandalf as his protector on the perilous journey to Mount Doom. However, Gandalf’s capture by Saruman, a former ally, presents a shocking turn of events that underscores the narrative’s tension. Saruman, once a white wizard, has succumbed to Sauron’s influence, turning against the very forces he once fought for.
This betrayal lays the groundwork for the series’ overarching themes of trust and manipulation, foreshadowing the moral dilemmas Frodo will face as he navigates the treacherous path to destroy the Ring. Saruman’s treachery marks a pivotal moment, emphasizing the pervasive danger posed by Sauron’s corrupting power.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) |
92% |
95% |
7 Borden’s Dual Life
The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige meticulously constructs its narrative akin to a magic act, guiding the audience through layers of deception. The rivalry between outstanding magicians Alfred Borden and Robert Angier, played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, reaches a climax with the revelation that Borden’s renowned trick, The Transported Man, utilizes a shocking secret.
The truth unveils that Borden has not just a double but a twin brother, together leading an extraordinary life under the guise of a single individual. This revelation adds depth to the rivalry, illustrating how far Borden is willing to go for the sake of his art, while it simultaneously raises questions about identity and sacrifice.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
The Prestige (2006) |
77% |
92% |
6 The Dark Side of the Wizard
Wicked (2024)
The recent cinematic interpretation of Wicked captivates audiences by reimagining familiar characters. Although many recall the Wizard as a benign figure in The Wizard of Oz, this adaptation reveals him as a tyrannical figure, manipulating and oppressing those who dare to confront him, such as Elphaba.
The chilling twist enhances the narrative, positioning Elphaba as a misunderstood hero whose defiance of the Wizard highlights themes of empowerment and resistance.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
Wicked (2024) |
88% |
95% |
5 Bastian’s Role in His Own Tale
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
An enduring classic, The NeverEnding Story weaves a beautiful narrative about growth and loss. Protagonist Bastian, who faces bullying and is haunted by his mother’s absence, escapes into the titular book, embarking on a journey through Fantasia.
As the story progresses, Bastian realizes he holds the power to shape the narrative, evolving from a passive observer to an active participant in saving Fantasia and the Childlike Princess. The transformation serves as a poignant reminder of inner strength and the impact of belief on reality.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
The NeverEnding Story (1984) |
84% |
81% |
4 Westley’s Resilience
The Princess Bride (1987)
Cary Elwes’ portrayal of Westley in The Princess Bride embodies the quintessential hero, tirelessly striving to reunite with his true love, Buttercup. Although humor weaves through the film’s fabric, the significance of loyalty, friendship, and resilience against adversity are the enduring themes.
The twist that Westley is not dead but only mostly so serves as a delightful revelation. The comedic revival scene highlights not just the lighthearted nature of the film, but also how plot twists can vary in tone from dramatic to comical while still delivering emotional resonance.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
The Princess Bride (1987) |
96% |
94% |
3 Haku’s Childhood Connection
Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away, a hallmark of Studio Ghibli cinema, captivates with its imaginative storytelling and powerful visuals. As Chihiro traverses the spirit world to rescue her parents, she encounters Haku, an enigmatic figure in service of the witch Yubaba.
The emotional climax reveals that Haku holds memories of a childhood encounter with Chihiro, reigniting his identity as a river spirit. This moment serves as an emotional fulcrum, tying together the themes of memory, identity, and connection that resonate deeply throughout the film.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
Spirited Away (2001) |
96% |
96% |
2 The Skeksis and Mystics’ True Nature
The Dark Crystal (1982)
In The Dark Crystal, Young Gelfling Jen embarks on a quest to restore balance by mending the Dark Crystal shattered by the Skeksis. Through his journey, it’s revealed that the mystical beings are not mere foes but two sides of the same entity, known as urSkeks, separated by the Crystal’s fracture.
This poignant revelation underscores the narrative’s exploration of duality, showing that good and evil coexist within all beings. Jen’s success in restoring the Crystal highlights the importance of balance and harmony in the world.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
The Dark Crystal (1982) |
78% |
81% |
1 Dr. Crowe’s True Fate
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Known for his signature twists, M. Night Shyamalan reached a pinnacle with The Sixth Sense, featuring Bruce Willis as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a psychologist striving to help a troubled boy named Cole who claims he sees dead people. Crowe’s dedication to Cole’s healing contrasts with his own disconnection from his wife.
The jaw-dropping twist reveals that Malcolm himself has been dead for most of the story, visible only to Cole. This heart-wrenching discovery allows Crowe to accept his fate and provides closure to the emotional journey for both characters. This twist epitomizes the film’s exploration of life, death, and the need for connection.
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|
The Sixth Sense (1999) |
86% |
90% |
For more insights on these cinematic gems, visit Screen Rant.
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