10 Horror Movies That Should’ve Ended 5 Minutes Earlier
The movies that were doing just fine before they tacked on one scene too many.
For a film to work, it's crucial to know where the story begins, and more importantly, where it ends. We've all seen movies that had potential but were let down by an ending that was cliched, silly, or absurd. Another problem is some movies literally don't know when to quit. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, and the remake of Planet of the Apes suffer from having one ending too many.
This practice happens quite often in horror movies, usually to tack on a big twist, set up a pointless sequel, or to perform one last jump scare. Although these sort of climaxes are intended to be shocking, they usually leave viewers feeling frustrated. If the film doesn't need a big twist, the director shouldn't force one in. If the movie looks like it won't get a follow-up, the climax shouldn't set up a spin-off. If the story is wrapping up, the movie should end then and there.
Here are ten movies that would've been better if the last scene was removed entirely.
10. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later
Two decades after Michael Myers tried to murder his sister, Laurie Strode, the masked serial killer returns to his home of Haddonfield to launch a new killing spree. After Laurie stabs him and knocks him off a balcony, the authorities arrive and transport Michael to a coroner's van.
Because Laurie knows that getting stabbed half a dozen times isn't enough to take down her brother, she decapitates him, ending Michael's life once and for all.
But because Hollywood made four more movies in the franchise (and two more are on the way), we know Michael's reign of terror was far from over. In the sequel, Halloween: Resurrection, we learn that Michael placed his mask on a paramedic after he fell off the balcony. Michael then fled the premises while Laurie killed the paramedic, under the false impression it was her sibling.
Not only is this explanation ridiculously convoluted, it contradicts the killer's MO. Michael has never relied on strategy or misdirection on this level. The Shape's evil plans boil down to "walk up to person, kill him or her".
If Halloween H20 ended after Michael was carted out in the coroner's van, the sequel wouldn't have to backpedal his death.