10 More Horror Movies Which Broke The Fourth Wall To Scare You
2. The Omen (1976)
Before Richard Donner took to the skies with Superman, the esteemed director traumatised an entire generation with his supernatural horror, The Omen.
In the opening, respected diplomat Robert Thorne (Gregory Peck) learns his wife suffered a miscarriage, compelling him to adopt a newborn called Damien (Harvey Stephens).
Over time, Robert discovers the child is the AntiChrist and destined to bring about the Apocalypse. Despite Robert's efforts to destroy the boy, the forces of Satan successfully kill him and everyone else who intended to harm Damien.
In the final scene, Damien can be seen attending his parents' funeral. As the camera zooms in on the back of his head, Damien suddenly turns around, grinning innocently at the camera. Even though Damien doesn't utter a word, his mischievous smile is sure to leave anyone rattled.
Interestingly, Richard Donner created this defining moment by playing mind games with the young actor. After Harvey Stephens turned around, the director yelled, "Don't laugh. Don't you laugh. If you laugh, I won't be your friend," urging the four-year-old to smile.
It may have been an unconventional tactic, but it helped create one of the most spine-tingling endings in the history of horror.