First impressions aren’t everything, especially when it comes to movies. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of 18 films that started poorly but finished strong, featuring slow-burn plots, surprising twists, and unforgettable endings that redeemed a rocky start.
Fight Club (1999)
Fight Club starts off slow and leaves viewers puzzled about the direction of the story. However, as the film progresses, the plot gains momentum, leading to a powerful twist ending that left audiences speechless.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
The slow build-up of The Sixth Sense may initially test your patience. But your endurance will be rewarded by an incredibly impactful and unforgettable ending that made this film one of the most celebrated of its time.
Unbreakable (2000)
M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable starts off on a sluggish note but the film gradually unfolds to deliver a highly satisfying and unexpected ending.
Shutter Island (2010)
Shutter Island appears initially as a straightforward psychological thriller. However, as the story progresses, it evolves into a complex narrative with an ending that redefines the entire movie.
The Others (2001)
The Others begins with an eerily slow pace, but its deliberate setup pays off in an impressive fashion with a hair-raising finale that flips the narrative on its head.
Drive (2011)
Drive might seem slow and directionless at the beginning, but as it proceeds, the film unravels into a violent, thrilling, and emotional journey that proves utterly engaging.
The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige starts as a simple rivalry between two magicians but as the plot unfolds, it turns into a tale filled with mind-bending twists that lead to a shocking climax.
Arrival (2016)
Arrival seems quite slow and confusing at the beginning but as the narrative progresses, it opens up into a thought-provoking exploration of communication and time, ending on a powerful and profound note.
Inception (2010)
Inception’s opening scenes leave many viewers puzzled. Yet as the narrative evolves, it introduces intricate layers of dreams and subconscious elements that lead to a truly mind-boggling climax.
The Village (2004)
M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village may seem like a dull period piece at the start, but it gradually evolves into a tense and clever thriller with a twist ending that packs quite a punch.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
This Tarantino epic starts slowly, with scenes that may seem disconnected. But as the film moves forward, it all converges in a stunning and extremely Tarantino-esque climax.
Se7en (1995)
Se7en initially plays out like a regular detective story, with a slow and methodical setup. However, it gradually escalates into a nerve-racking thriller with one of cinema’s most shocking endings.
Split (2016)
Split seems like a run-of-the-mill horror-thriller initially. However, it takes a sharp turn towards the end, ultimately linking itself to the broader universe of M. Night Shyamalan’s earlier films.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
No Country for Old Men starts off as a seemingly conventional crime thriller, but as it progresses, it challenges the viewers with its unexpected narrative turns and a chillingly memorable finale.
Gone Girl (2014)
Gone Girl starts as a simple missing person’s case but as the plot unfolds, it turns into a twisted narrative full of shocking revelations that build towards an explosive climax.
Titanic (1997)
“Titanic” might seem like a classic love story at first glance, slowly unfolding against the backdrop of the doomed ship. However, the climax, a depiction of the ship’s disastrous end, transforms the film into a chilling survival drama, ensuring viewers stay hooked till the very end.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
“The Shawshank Redemption” begins as a straightforward prison drama, with a plot that appears to move at a slow pace. However, as the narrative gradually unfolds, it culminates in a deeply satisfying and uplifting finale that has immortalized this film in the annals of cinematic history.
Ex Machina (2014)
“Ex Machina” starts off as a relatively quiet sci-fi film about artificial intelligence. However, as the story progresses, it blossoms into a profound exploration of consciousness and humanity, with a gripping finale that leaves viewers contemplating long after the credits roll.
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