10 More Movies You Didn't Realise You Were Following The Villain
You were rooting for the wrong person.
There are plenty of films that follow the action of the villain, such as American Psycho, Joker, and Scarface. However, some stories pull a fast one, tricking the audience into believing such characters are the good guys. Only when the curtain is drawn during the eleventh hour does it become clear the "heroes" have conned everyone.
When the figurative unmasking occurs, viewers realise they should've been on the side of the so-called evildoers the whole time. Movies that use this set-up often require multiple viewings, since there tends to be clues highlighting the protagonist's true motivation or allegiance.
Sometimes, viewers will wonder how they didn't see the truth sooner. Maybe the main character didn't realise they were wicked. Maybe they were in such denial, they didn't just fool the audience but themselves. At other times, the reason nobody figured it out sooner is because the villain was a really, really good liar.
Although we've covered 10 Movies You Didn't Realise You Were Following The Villain, there's plenty more presumed good guys to fill another list.
Based on the subject matter, it goes without saying there will be some major spoilers ahead.
10. The Iron Giant
After overactive child Hogarth sees a strange light in the forest, he ventures out to explore the woods and discovers a metal-eating robot who fell from the stars.
Despite his intimidating appearance, Hogarth quickly develops a deep bond with the Giant and also becomes incredibly protective of his new friend, knowing government officials will mistake the Giant as a destructive weapon.
That's why it's crushing to learn the Giant is a destructive weapon. When the towering automaton sees Hogarth using a toy gun, a self-defence program causes him to instinctively attack the boy. In that moment, it becomes as clear as day the Giant was initially designed to destroy. After Hogarth seemingly dies, the Giant's initial programming activates, causing him to blast everyone and everything in sight.
Even though Hogarth convinces the Giant to abandon his destructive crusade, it's terrifying to think what could've happened if he didn't. Also, a deleted scene shows how the Giant's race has laid waste to numerous worlds, causing them to implode. Although he ultimately chose peace, it's possible the Giant has taken countless lives in the past.