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10 horror movies with open endings that you should watch several times to understand them

The horror genre is enhanced by intriguing ambiguity

By Ninfa GaleanoPublished 2 months ago 3 min read

A horror movie with an open ending typically leaves viewers with unresolved questions and a sense of ambiguity regarding the fate of its characters or the nature of the horror itself. This type of ending can evoke a range of emotions, from confusion to dread, as it often challenges the audience's expectations for closure.

Open endings often focus on the psychological state of the characters, emphasizing themes of trauma, madness, or existential dread.

Here are ten horror movies known for their open or ambiguous endings, along with explanations of why these conclusions can be difficult to understand:

1- The Witch (2015)

This film ends with a chilling scene that leaves viewers questioning the fate of the protagonist, Thomasin. The ambiguity surrounding her transformation into a witch and the implications of her actions create a sense of unease and uncertainty about her future.

2-The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick's adaptation concludes with Jack Torrance's photograph appearing in the hotel from decades earlier, suggesting a cyclical nature of horror and madness. This ending raises questions about time, identity, and the supernatural, leaving audiences to ponder Jack's fate and the hotel's influence.

3-Hereditary (2018)

The film's climax reveals a shocking twist involving family secrets and the occult. The final scenes leave viewers uncertain about the characters' fates and the nature of the supernatural forces at play, prompting discussions about grief and trauma.

4- The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

This meta-horror film ends with the world seemingly ending as the characters confront their fate. The open-ended conclusion invites speculation about the implications of their actions and the nature of horror itself, blurring the lines between victim and monster.

5-The Thing (1982)

The film concludes with MacReady and Childs sitting in the snow, unsure if one of them is the alien. This ambiguity about identity and survival creates a lasting tension, as viewers are left to interpret the implications of their final moments.

6- It Follows (2014)

The ending leaves the audience questioning whether the curse has truly been resolved. The final scene, which hints at the continuation of the threat, evokes a sense of dread and uncertainty about the characters' safety.

7- The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The film's conclusion, featuring the protagonist standing in a corner, is open to interpretation. It raises questions about the nature of fear and the unknown, leaving viewers to speculate on what happened to the characters.

8- Midsommar (2019)

The film ends with Dani smiling amidst the chaos, suggesting a complex emotional resolution. This juxtaposition of horror and catharsis can be perplexing, as it challenges traditional notions of closure in horror narratives.

9- The Lighthouse (2019)

The ending is steeped in symbolism and ambiguity, leaving viewers to interpret the fate of the characters and the nature of their reality. The surreal elements and psychological themes contribute to the difficulty in understanding the conclusion.

10-American Psycho (2000)

The film's ending leaves the audience questioning the reality of Patrick Bateman's actions. The ambiguity surrounding whether he committed the murders or if they were figments of his imagination creates a disorienting experience that invites multiple interpretations.

Conclusion

The conclusion of these horror movies do not provide clear answers, allowing for multiple interpretations. For instance, in films like The Shining, the ending raises questions about the protagonist's identity and the influence of the supernatural, leaving viewers to ponder the implications long after the film ends.

These films exemplify how open endings can enhance the horror experience by fostering discussion and interpretation, often leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The ambiguity in these narratives can reflect deeper themes of identity, reality, and the human psyche, making them memorable yet challenging to fully comprehend.

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About the Creator

Ninfa Galeano

Journalist. Content Creator. Media Lover. Geek. LGBTQ+.

Visit eeriecast ,where you'll find anonymous horror stories from all over the world. Causing insomnia since 2023.

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