There’s something oddly satisfying when the villain emerges victorious in a film. The story didn’t unfold as we expected, but that’s why it’s so gripping! Let’s face it; the hero isn’t always supposed to win. So, let’s take a journey through some iconic films where the bad guys had the last laugh. Be prepared for spoilers!
The Usual Suspects
Who could forget the chilling climax where Keyser Söze is revealed to be the unassuming Verbal Kint? The truth hits home, and suddenly we see everything in a different light. The puppet master, having manipulated everyone, walks free, leaving us in awe of his cunning plan.
Nightcrawler
In this thrilling drama, Jake Gyllenhaal’s character Louis Bloom crosses moral boundaries to get the perfect shot for the nightly news. And guess what? His unethical approach pays off. He gets away with murder, sells his footage, and even expands his business. It’s a twisted take on the American dream.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
Who would have thought a whole planet would end up losing? In a shocking conclusion, the mutant humans detonate a doomsday bomb, destroying the Earth. That’s right, everyone loses! It’s a bleak ending that serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked power.
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
Ever wondered how the Galactic Empire came to be? Well, it all started with Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader. In a cruel twist of fate, the Jedi are slaughtered, and the Sith emerge victorious. The galaxy falls under the oppressive rule of the dark side. Sometimes, you can’t escape destiny.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Warner Bros.
Turns out John Connor couldn’t prevent Judgment Day after all. Despite his best efforts, the machines rise and unleash nuclear annihilation. Skynet wins, and the world falls into chaos. It’s a chilling reminder that some battles are too big for one man to win.
Se7en
Detective Mills and Somerset can’t catch a break in this psychological thriller. Despite their best efforts, John Doe’s plan comes to fruition with the final two deadly sins. The shocking revelation of what’s in the box seals Doe’s victory and leaves us with a haunting reminder of human frailty.
Oldboy
In this intense Korean thriller, Oh Dae-Su seeks vengeance for his 15-year imprisonment. But his quest takes a dark turn as he discovers a sinister web of manipulation. As he unravels the truth, it becomes clear that the villain has already won by forcing Dae-Su into an unthinkable act.
Chinatown
This film follows private investigator Jake Gittes, who uncovers corruption and deceit in 1930s Los Angeles. Gittes believes he has solved the case, only to realize the villain, Noah Cross, has manipulated him. Cross’s sinister plan succeeds as he escapes justice with his ill-gotten gains. The film ends on a bleak note, reminding us that sometimes the bad guys do win.
Funny Games
“Funny Games” is a home invasion horror film that subverts audience expectations. Two psychopaths take a family hostage, subjecting them to sadistic games. Their senseless cruelty triumphs, leaving us unsettled. The film is a provocative exploration of media violence and its impact on audiences.
Watchmen
“Watchmen” is a superhero film that delves into the complexities of heroism and morality. Ozymandias orchestrates a devastating attack on New York, killing millions, to unite the world against a common enemy. His plan works, but at a terrible cost. The other heroes reluctantly agree to keep his secret, leaving us questioning the true nature of heroism and the sacrifices made for peace.
Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer
“Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer” is a chilling film based on real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. The movie follows Henry as he embarks on a killing spree with his companion Otis. The film ends with Henry continuing his murderous rampage, evading capture, and leaving us wondering how many monsters walk among us, hidden in plain sight.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is a drama set in a mental institution ruled by the tyrannical Nurse Ratched. McMurphy, a new patient, tries to resist Ratched’s control but is ultimately defeated. Ratched maintains her iron grip on the ward, showcasing the dark side of power and its impact on those who defy it.
Hereditary
“Hereditary” is a psychological horror that follows the Graham family as they grapple with loss and sinister forces. The family unravels under the weight of tragedy and evil forces. By the end, a cult’s plan to summon a demonic entity succeeds, leaving us questioning the nature of fate and the limits of our control.
Midsommar
“Midsommar” is a horror film that follows a group of friends attending a Swedish midsummer festival. The festivities take a dark turn as the group becomes mixed up in disturbing pagan rituals. By the end, the cult’s plan goes off without a hitch, sacrificing the outsiders and crowning Dani as their May Queen. Even paradise can have a dark side.
Rambo
“Rambo,” also known as “First Blood,” tells the story of John Rambo, a Vietnam veteran who becomes a target of a corrupt sheriff. Despite Rambo’s efforts to fight back, he is ultimately arrested after destroying the town. The villain wins but at a terrible cost, highlighting the devastating effects of power and prejudice.
1984
“1984” is a dystopian film based on George Orwell’s novel. Winston, the protagonist, tries to resist the oppressive regime of Big Brother. However, he is caught, tortured, and brainwashed, eventually surrendering to the party’s will. The film’s portrayal of government and the effects of unchecked control is scarily more accurate today than ever.
2012
“2012” is a disaster film that depicts the end of the world as predicted by the Mayan calendar. As the Earth’s crust destabilizes, natural disasters wreak havoc, and only the rich survive, clinging to a few arks for survival. Mother Nature emerges victorious, reminding us of our vulnerability to forces beyond our control.
No Country for Old Men
“No Country for Old Men” follows Llewelyn Moss as he stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and takes off with a suitcase full of money. He’s pursued by the relentless and cold-blooded hitman Anton Chigurh. Despite Moss’s best efforts to evade him, Chigurh prevails. The film ends with the relentless killer walking away, leaving us with a lingering sense of unease.
