10 Horror Movies Ruined By Disturbing Endings

Loosely based on actual serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole, 1986’s low-budget Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a tremendously uncomfortable watch from the very start. Specifically, there’s a grimy authenticity to every moment that’s incredibly convincing, as each gratuitous interaction is portrayed with documentary-like legitimacy.

In addition to graphically violating and slaying various people (including a mother, farther, and child) during their spree, the film's Henry and Otis delight in watching video recorded playbacks of their crimes. Plus, Henry occasionally speaks about his traumatic childhood and abuses both Otis and Otis’ empathetic sister, Becky.

As unpleasant as all of that is, it’s what Henry does during the last scenes that pushes the picture over the edge.

After killing Otis for sexually assaulting Becky, Henry and Becky confess their love and spend the night at a motel. It seems as if Henry is reformed and ready to move on with Becky, but the next morning, Henry is shown leaving the motel alone, throwing Becky’s bloodied suitcase into a ditch (presumably with her lifeless body inside of it), and driving away.

Regardless of what really happened, it’s a heartbreaking gut punch that destroys everything redeemable and rewatchable about the film.