Twist Ending

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. Over the course of the film, he befriends a fellow inmate, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. With the help of his friends, Andy is eventually able to gain his freedom and reunite with Red outside the prison walls. The film received critical acclaim upon its release and was successful at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1994. It received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Robbins.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 American film based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. Directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter, the film tells the story of an unnamed narrator (Norton) who is discontented with his white-collar job. He forms a "fight club" with soap maker Tyler Durden (Pitt) and becomes embroiled in a spiral of revolutionary thoughts and activities. The narrator’s views on consumer culture and anti-materialism evolve as the story progresses. The film's social commentary and themes of male identity and individualism make it a cult classic.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science fiction action thriller film written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows a group of professional thieves who specialize in entering the subconscious of their targets to steal valuable secrets from their minds. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an extractor who has lost everything, and he is offered a chance at redemption as he is tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to plant an idea into the mind of a CEO. With the help of a team of dream-sharing experts, Cobb and his crew attempt to pull off the ultimate heist, entering the depths of their targets’ subconscious and using dream-manipulation technology to implant the idea. As they journey through the complex dream worlds, they must battle their own inner demons and face the consequences of their actions. Inception is a thrilling and thought-provoking film that challenges the viewer to consider the power of the subconscious and the nature of reality.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is an award-winning 1975 American drama film directed by Milos Forman, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a criminal who is sent to a psychiatric institution to serve out his sentence. Here, he meets a full cast of characters, from the tyrannical Nurse Ratched to the misfits who make up the inmates. McMurphy clashes with Ratched in an effort to gain control over the ward and its inhabitants, and in the process, comes to understand the importance of individual freedom. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Spacey. The film follows two homicide detectives, Mills (Pitt) and Sommerset (Freeman), as they investigate a series of mysterious and gruesome murders inspired by the seven deadly sins. As the detectives follow the clues, they slowly uncover the identity of the killer, an extremely intelligent and methodical serial killer who is driven by his warped sense of justice. As the detectives close in on the killer, they must fight against their own personal demons and face the harsh reality of the killer's mission. In the end, they must decide whether justice is truly being served or if it's simply a question of one man's twisted sense of morality.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons
Rated R

The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American psychological thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, and Scott Glenn. The film follows Clarice Starling, a young FBI trainee, as she attempts to apprehend serial killer and cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. With the help of Lecter, Clarice must confront her own demons and outsmart the brilliant and twisted murderer in order to catch him and save the life of another potential victim. The Silence of the Lambs is an intense and suspenseful film that explores the depths of evil, loyalty, and justice.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 psychological thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan. Set in late 19th century London, the film follows two rival magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), who engage in a heated battle of one-upmanship after a tragic accident destroys their friendship. As their rivalry intensifies, each magician attempts to outdo the other with increasingly dangerous and complex tricks, leading to a final confrontation that will determine which of them is the greatest illusionist. The film also stars Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, and Tom Hardy, and features a plot that involves themes of obsession, betrayal, and revenge.

From Bryan Singer, starring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin
Rated R

The Usual Suspects is a 1995 neo-noir mystery film directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie. After a mysterious explosion and fire on a boat dockside, five criminals – Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey), Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne), Fred Fenster (Benicio Del Toro), Michael McManus (Stephen Baldwin), and Todd Hockney (Kevin Pollak) – are brought in for questioning by U.S. Customs Agent Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminteri). During the investigation, Verbal tells the story of how he and the others were brought together to commit a heist of a mysterious criminal mastermind known only as Keyser Söze. As the story progresses, it gradually becomes apparent that Söze is not only responsible for the boat explosion, but is also the mastermind behind a massive criminal enterprise that spans continents. Ultimately, the film culminates in a thrilling finale where the truth behind Söze is revealed.

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash is a 2014 drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle, and starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons. The film follows a young jazz drummer, Andrew Neiman (Teller), as he enrolls at a prestigious music conservatory and is mentored by a demanding and exacting instructor, Terence Fletcher (Simmons). Under Fletcher's tutelage, Andrew's musical talent and ambition are pushed to their limits as he strives for perfection and attempts to rise to the top of the school's jazz ensemble. The story follows Andrew's struggle to balance his personal relationships with his relentless pursuit of greatness, and the harsh reality of what it takes to make it in the industry. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Supporting Actor for Simmons.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg
Rated R

The Departed is a 2006 crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie follows two men, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), who are on opposite sides of the law. Billy is an undercover cop, sent by Massachusetts State Police to infiltrate the mob run by Irish-American gangster Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Colin is a criminal who infiltrates the police department, acting as an informant for Costello. As the two men build their cover stories, they quickly become suspicious of each other, setting off a dangerous game of cat and mouse as they battle for control. Eventually, their true identities are revealed and both must fight for their lives. In the end, it is a story of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle to stay alive in a world of violence and deception.

From Bong Joon Ho, starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-sik
Rated R

"Parasite" (2019) is a South Korean black comedy-drama film directed by Bong Joon Ho. The story follows the impoverished Kim family, who conspire to become employed by the wealthy Park family by infiltrating their household and posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. As tensions between the two families escalate, a series of catastrophic events ensue, forcing the Kims to fight for their survival. The film offers a scathing critique of class disparity, and explores the depths of human greed and desperation. With its mix of dark comedy, thriller elements, and social commentary, "Parasite" has earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a 1960 psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock that tells the story of Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a secretary who steals $40,000 from her employer and flees from Phoenix to her boyfriend's home in California. During her travels, she stops at the Bates Motel, owned by Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). Her stay at the motel sets off a chain of horrifying events involving murder, insanity, and deception. Marion's disappearance and the subsequent search for her by her sister, Lila (Vera Miles), and her boyfriend, Sam (John Gavin), lead them to the Bates Motel, where they uncover a shocking secret. Psycho is considered a classic of the horror genre and is remembered for its shower scene and its innovative use of music and cinematography.

From Sam Mendes, starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley
Rated R

American Beauty is a 1999 American drama film directed by Sam Mendes and written by Alan Ball. Starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, and Chris Cooper, the film follows Lester Burnham, a middle-aged magazine writer who has a midlife crisis after developing an infatuation with his teenage daughter's attractive friend. The film's title derives from a scene in which Lester's daughter, Jane, describes a red rose as an "American Beauty" rose. The film is a satirical drama that touches on topics such as suburban malaise, middle-class family dynamics, and modern beauty standards. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor (Spacey), and Best Cinematography. It was acclaimed by critics, and is regarded as one of the greatest films of the 21st century.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby, a man with anterograde amnesia, which prevents him from forming new memories. With the help of notes, tattoos, and Polaroid photographs, Leonard is on a mission to avenge the rape and murder of his wife, which he believes was perpetrated by a mysterious man called "John G". As Leonard searches for the truth, the audience is taken through a series of sequences told in reverse order, gradually revealing the story of what led him to this point. The film is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of memory, identity, and revenge, which ultimately raises more questions than it answers.

From Billy Wilder, starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester
Rated Approved

Witness for the Prosecution is a classic courtroom drama directed by Billy Wilder. The film stars Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, and Elsa Lanchester. The story follows Leonard Vole (Power), a young man accused of murdering a wealthy widower, Emily French (Lanchester). Leonard's wife, Christine (Dietrich), stands by him throughout the trial, but her testimony is upended when the prosecutor, Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Laughton), uncovers a secret that could send him to the gallows. The film is a thrilling and suspenseful courtroom drama that examines the thin line between guilt and innocence, love and betrayal, and justice and injustice. The performances are brilliant, the script is taut, and the direction is masterful. Witness for the Prosecution is a classic that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seat until the very end.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. It tells the story of Oh Dae-su, a man who is suddenly abducted and imprisoned in a strange, windowless hotel room for 15 years without knowing the identity of his captor. When he is finally released, he embarks on a mission to find out who locked him away and why. Along the way, he discovers a web of deceit and retribution more powerful than he ever imagined. The film features intense violence, dark themes, and a twist ending that has become iconic in film.

From Todd Phillips, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy
Rated R

Joker (2019) is a psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck. The story follows Arthur, a mentally ill struggling street clown, who is disregarded and mistreated by society. After being pushed to the brink of despair, Arthur embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime in Gotham City. This path brings him face-to-face with his inner demons and eventually launches him into becoming the infamous criminal known as The Joker. The film is an exploration of themes such as mental illness, poverty, and class division in a powerful and captivating manner.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn
Rated R

Reservoir Dogs is an American crime thriller directed by Quentin Tarantino. It follows a group of criminal strangers who are brought together by a mysterious figure known as Joe Cabot to carry out a diamond heist. As the robbery goes wrong, the strangers start to question each other's loyalties and paranoia sets in. As they attempt to figure out who double-crossed them, the group descends into chaos and violence. The film features an all-star cast of Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn, Lawrence Tierney, and many more.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Mustafa Kamel
Rated R

Incendies is a 2010 Canadian drama film directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Wajdi Mouawad, based on his play of the same name. The story follows twin siblings, Jeanne and Simon, who, after their mother’s death, embark on a journey to the Middle East to discover the truth about their family’s past. Along their journey, they uncover the dark secrets of their family’s history and gain a newfound understanding of their mother’s past and their own identities. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning
Rated PG

The Sting is a 1973 caper film set in 1936, directed by George Roy Hill and starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The film follows two con men, Johnny Hooker (Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Newman), who team up to take down a mob boss, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). After Lonnegan kills Hooker's mentor, the two men devise a plan to con him out of his money. In order to pull off the elaborate scam, they enlist the help of a variety of colorful characters, including a corrupt detective, a former bookie, and a gambler. With their plan in motion and a lot of luck, the two con men are able to outwit Lonnegan and walk away with his money.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

2001: A Space Odyssey is a science fiction epic directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1968. The film follows an ensemble cast of astronauts, scientists, and computers as they embark on a voyage to Jupiter. The film explores themes of human evolution, technology, and extraterrestrial life. Along the way, the characters confront a mysterious monolith which may hold the key to the future of human evolution. The film is renowned for its groundbreaking special effects, powerful score, and philosophical musings. The film has been widely cited as one of the greatest ever made, and its influence on science fiction and modern cinema is still felt today.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 romantic sci-fi drama directed by Michel Gondry. The film follows Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) who had a tumultuous relationship which ends in heartache and regret. After Clementine undergoes a procedure to erase all memories of Joel from her mind, Joel decides to do the same. Through a series of surreal scenes and dreamlike sequences, Joel's memories of Clementine are gradually erased from his mind. As he comes to terms with the end of their relationship, he begins to realize how much he treasures the memories of their time together. The film is ultimately a meditation on the power of memories and the complexities of love.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Rated R

Shutter Island is a psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley and Max von Sydow. Set in 1954, the story follows US Marshals Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Ruffalo) as they investigate a disappearance of a patient from an isolated mental hospital situated on a remote island in Massachusetts. As they uncover clues, they realize the hospital is hiding a horrific secret. Soon they find themselves confronting their own dark pasts, and struggling to survive in a place where nothing is what it seems.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind, directed by Ron Howard, is a 2001 biographical drama based on the life of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash. The film follows John Nash, a brilliant yet troubled mathematician, as he overcomes his mental illness and makes groundbreaking contributions to the world of mathematics. The movie begins with Nash as a young graduate student at Princeton University, where he begins to develop revolutionary theories in economics and mathematics. Despite his brilliance, Nash struggles with his mental health and is eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia. Despite this, Nash continues to work on his theories, and eventually wins the Nobel Prize for his revolutionary work in economics and mathematics. Throughout the film, Nash struggles with his mental illness and the effects it has on his personal life, even after he has achieved success with his work. In the end, Nash is able to triumph over his illness and continue to make groundbreaking contributions to the world of mathematics. The film ends with Nash being awarded the Nobel Prize and being reunited with his wife and son, proving that even the most troubled minds can achieve greatness.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 American satirical science fiction film starring Jim Carrey. It tells the story of Truman Burbank, a man who is the unknowing star of a reality television program that is broadcast live and unedited around the clock. Truman's entire life has been carefully scripted and choreographed by creator and executive producer Christof, who monitors his every move from a secret control room. When Truman begins to suspect that his life is not as it seems, he attempts to escape the constructed world, only to discover that his entire life has been broadcast to a global audience. The film explores themes of reality, identity, and control.