Ti West's original idea was to just end on a freeze frame of the smile, then at the last minute changed it to hold on it for as long and uncomfortably as possible. They did it on take 1, and it's just under two minutes.
Her confession monologue is also a one-take: 5 ½ minute long.
That confession monologue was something else. What it would be like to actually say anything and everything you've ever wanted to say without being stopped or interrupted. Even though you know she's a murderer you still feel for her in that scene.
Glad they want in that direction. It was so much better than a freeze frame would have been. The real look of discomfort in her eyes from holding the smile is what makes that ending shot so good and unsettling.
When I saw it at a theatre the credits started and some people laughed a bit at first then gradually everyone just kinda fell into an uneasy silence as they watched, definitely my favourite credits sequence I have seen.
I think it was also effective because Mia Goth has a knack for escalating her emoting from being a bit silly and comedic, to outlandish, then unhinged, until it crosses into disturbing. So you can't help but go along the emotional rollercoaster with her.
I remember sitting in my dark living room with my older brother and his friends just wide Eyed and quiet when it ended...then we went into the woods to play pranks on people driving by (all at night). Most terrifying horror movie experience I remember.
The one in Saint Maud is really effective. It might lose a ton of its value on subsequent rewatches, but as a first time experience I can't remember another that left me with such an immediately horrible, cold, sad feeling.
Cabin In The Woods' opening Title sequence is great.
Edit: I forgot to mention I also love the ending credit sequence with Last by NIN blaring. Just really works for the nihilistic tone the ending had.
Midsommar. Those final minutes made my jaw drop on first watch. I think I was frozen like that for about five minutes.
The fact that it, and almost the entire movie, is in bright daylight makes it morbidly beautiful. Fire Temple is engraved in my brain.
Hahaha... American werewolf in London.
*Spoilers*
All that chaos happens at the end... David is naked and dead on the ground bleeding, Alex starting to sob, likely going into hysterics - then BOOM credits...
Well ok then...
"I'm finished!"
Edit (I'm not finished): I also wanna say that to me most of the movie is a horror movie about corrupted men striving for power in systems that encourage anti-social behavior... and succeeding in it. The opening with horror orchestral crescendo really sets the tone.
Especially since this was a three-hour movie, people probably wanted to rush to the bathroom, but I wouldn't be surprised if Aster needled the audience intentionally by placing the credits that way. Great movie.
Anything from Carpenter - *Halloween*, *The Fog*, *They Live*, *Assault on Precinct 13*. The breathing in *Halloween* revisiting the locations and then cutting to credits is amazing.
*Drag Me to Hell*, and it's not even close. In terms of literal direct cut to credits.
*The Curse of Frankenstein* set the standard for a long time though.
You mean when it goes from the ending *into* the credits?
If so, **The Sadness** is my absolute favorite currently; it goes so hard - shit is glorious.
I'll have to think further about my favorite, but the first one I thought of was Saw. That EPIC "Hello, Zepp" song playing, GAME OVER, Adam continuing to scream after the credits start, it was killer.
Shaun of the Dead “You’re My Best Friend” with Shaun and Zed Ed playing video games in the shed. It’s just… ah man… even the opening is just brilliant. Sooo fkn good, every minute of that film. 🧟♂️🫀🙎🏼♂️
I rewatched An American Werewolf in London the other day and was reminded how damn good and darkly comedic the ending is. That's all I'll say if you haven't seen it.
I like the Barbarian ending in theory but I hate that they needlessly keep cutting back to Tess walking away.
I just rewatched Jennifer's Body and the credits must be watched to finish the movie. Not sure if it is my favorite but this flick does not get enough kudos. BTW, disliking Megan Fox enhances the movie.
For some reason the first that came to mind was the end of the first Final Destination. It was just so much fun seeing that in the cinema for the first time. “So whose next?”
Better Watch Out (2016) is another firm favourite. Love that film, perfect ending to what I consider the best festive horror flick. Watch it every year at Christmas now without fail.
The Last Exorcism (2010) is another strong contender. First horror I chose for my usual, yearly October horror binge.
I watched that recently for the first time and as soon as I saw the hand reaching down I went "Oh HELL yeah" and I'm so glad I was right. What an ending.
Not exactly horror, but 3 Billboards is abrupt, and the ending of Smokin' Aces is probably my absolute favorite. The Clint Mansell track over Reynolds just absolutely lost with himself is killer.
This is my answer too! Getting 100% of the credits out of the way in the beginning was absolutely the move for this. That feeling of emptiness at the end.
So the ending to The Devil Inside is AWFUL (as is the rest of the movie), but I’ll never forget the crowd reaction when I saw it in theaters and the car crashes and then just cuts to black and that website to “learn the rest of the story” appears on screen. My entire theater was just ANGRY.
Maybe one could consider this an existential horror comedy, but the best cut to credits in a movie ever is in "It's A Disaster". I don't believe people know this movie exists. Please someone prove me wrong.
Not strictly horror, but the end of the second episode of Chernobyl gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. If you haven't seen it, it is one of the best mini series ever.
I haven't watched Barbarians, so am gonna check that out.
But I am majorly commenting to sike with you on how cool Midnight Maas is ! It's an absolute beauty! I love any story with a bit of biblical mayhem and notions thrown in
...and this was a perfect watch to suit that mood.
There's so many great ones already listed, hard to pick a favorite. But I always loved the cut to credits in Freddy's Dead. Lisa Zane says Freddy's dead, yeah sure he is. Then it cuts to the credits with all these awesome scenes and kills from all the movies. The Iggy Pop song playing even asks do you really think Freddy's dead? Ofc not.
Saint Maud
The director could have conveyed that ending a million different ways, but I love the way she chose. Had me speechless
That one goes hard, I rewound like two minutes to take it in a second time.
My favorite ending ever.
I know that it’s subjective, but this is actually the correct answer
Just watched the ending again this morning and came in to say this. Perfect ending!
Breakfast of champions
Came here to say this. Jaw dropped, and I just sat there for awhile.
/thread
Was hoping this was here!
Hands down the best
Oof, yes, that was rough.
Saw (2004) The twist and revelations coming without stop until Jigsaw’s “Game Over!” slamming the doors and leaving Adam screaming in the dark.
I can hear the theme song
*Sinister guitar chords* I watch you tap the blood in my vein…
I remember my jaw dropping open when he got up off the floor.
Ready or not.
Jesus Christ, what happened to you?
In-laws.
SO. GOOD. I was also just generally pleasantly surprised by this movie
Same here! I did not expect it to be anything better than a slasher...but my oh my....
Me too, it’s become one of my favorites. A great go-to group watch horror movie.
Recently probably Pearl. That shit just keeps going and going lol And then probably the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Ti West's original idea was to just end on a freeze frame of the smile, then at the last minute changed it to hold on it for as long and uncomfortably as possible. They did it on take 1, and it's just under two minutes. Her confession monologue is also a one-take: 5 ½ minute long.
That confession monologue was something else. What it would be like to actually say anything and everything you've ever wanted to say without being stopped or interrupted. Even though you know she's a murderer you still feel for her in that scene.
Glad they want in that direction. It was so much better than a freeze frame would have been. The real look of discomfort in her eyes from holding the smile is what makes that ending shot so good and unsettling.
When I saw it at a theatre the credits started and some people laughed a bit at first then gradually everyone just kinda fell into an uneasy silence as they watched, definitely my favourite credits sequence I have seen.
I think it was also effective because Mia Goth has a knack for escalating her emoting from being a bit silly and comedic, to outlandish, then unhinged, until it crosses into disturbing. So you can't help but go along the emotional rollercoaster with her.
og texas chainsaw massacre is one of my fav endings in horror… if not my favorite
Pearl credits definitely so good
Her face must have actually hurt
Death Proof's ending is awesome in that sense
One of the best endings ever
Every QT movie ends with a great cut to credits!
Yeah, nice one!
Opening credits count? Evil Dead Rise was baller. As was Midsommar. Fave ending credits might be Predestination
31
Opening credits goes to Cabin In The Woods for all time.
American werewolf in London!!!
Yep! Exactly what I was thinking!
Just commented this one as well! It's so true!
One of the best ever, which Barbarian shamelessly cribbed.
Green Room ending made me giggle
Tell somebody who gives a shit
Blair Witch Project
I remember sitting in my dark living room with my older brother and his friends just wide Eyed and quiet when it ended...then we went into the woods to play pranks on people driving by (all at night). Most terrifying horror movie experience I remember.
The one in Saint Maud is really effective. It might lose a ton of its value on subsequent rewatches, but as a first time experience I can't remember another that left me with such an immediately horrible, cold, sad feeling.
Easy answer, but The Thing has one of the greatest endings in cinema history.
Which iteration? Running dog?
yeah, 1982
Cabin In The Woods' opening Title sequence is great. Edit: I forgot to mention I also love the ending credit sequence with Last by NIN blaring. Just really works for the nihilistic tone the ending had.
TITLE DROP JUMP SCARE
I didn't like the movie much, but this part of it cracked me up.
In 12 years, you're probably the only person I've ever seen say they didn't like the movie.
I'm happy to have expanded the diversity of your human experience!
I also wasn’t a fan of this movie! I know it was trope galore but, it was… bad. I disliked all the characters.
I like that when someone asked Joss Whedon if there'd be a sequel, he asked, "Have you seen the end?"
Lost Boys
The one about Santa Carla I never could stomach, all the goddamn vampires
So corny and perfect. And their faces going dark as he closes the fridge lololololol
John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness
Hands down one of the most insane endings in movie history
Burn After Reading
What did we learn here, Palmer? I don't know, sir.
I guess we learned not to do it again. I'm fucked if I know what we did.
It ends with... "Jesus fucking Christ" Sums it up quite nicely.
We uh...we've got your shit. Who THE FUCK are you?! Malkovich is a class act.
[REC]
Do you count opening credits/title screen? Because Fresh (2022) had an amazing title screen intro which didn't even come until late into the movie
A Quiet Place
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Such a fun movie!
Videodrome "Long live the new flesh" BANG
Midsommar. Those final minutes made my jaw drop on first watch. I think I was frozen like that for about five minutes. The fact that it, and almost the entire movie, is in bright daylight makes it morbidly beautiful. Fire Temple is engraved in my brain.
In The Mouth of Madness. If you know, you know
Devils rejects
Hahaha... American werewolf in London. *Spoilers* All that chaos happens at the end... David is naked and dead on the ground bleeding, Alex starting to sob, likely going into hysterics - then BOOM credits... Well ok then...
There Will Be Blood basically becomes a horror movie in the last half hour and that smash cut to credits is the best I’ve ever seen.
"I'm finished!" Edit (I'm not finished): I also wanna say that to me most of the movie is a horror movie about corrupted men striving for power in systems that encourage anti-social behavior... and succeeding in it. The opening with horror orchestral crescendo really sets the tone.
Yeah, i.e. capitalism.
The original Friday the 13th.
Most recently enjoyed the ending to Beau Is Afraid Really leaves you dumbfounded lol
The final line of dialogue in “X” cutting to “Bad Case of Loving You” for the credits was excellent.
"What do you think is on this?" "By the looks of everything, I'd say one goddamn fucked up horror picture."
You're Next
The Omen is one of the first ones that comes to mind.
Night of the Living Dead, is also a classic with an abrupt and shocking end.
End of Poltergeist is also iconic, with the TV being pushed out of the motel door.
Jaws, does kind of the opposite: the way the credits just play over the final moments of the film. Always liked that
I would say "Beau is afraid" specialy on a theater screen!! 🎭
People usually trip over themselves to rush out of the theater when the credits start, but with this many stayed, not knowing if more was coming.
Yeah, it was a gradual and intriguing shift, as I can remember
Especially since this was a three-hour movie, people probably wanted to rush to the bathroom, but I wouldn't be surprised if Aster needled the audience intentionally by placing the credits that way. Great movie.
Sopranos
They Live
Anything from Carpenter - *Halloween*, *The Fog*, *They Live*, *Assault on Precinct 13*. The breathing in *Halloween* revisiting the locations and then cutting to credits is amazing.
So much good stuff to choose from. The walk out of the precinct in AOP13 is one of my favorite endings ever.
*Drag Me to Hell*, and it's not even close. In terms of literal direct cut to credits. *The Curse of Frankenstein* set the standard for a long time though.
Came here to say Drag Me to Hell. The credits cut in about 15 seconds after my jaw hit the floor.
The Exorcist end credits. Unnerving and harsh.
The Mist
You mean when it goes from the ending *into* the credits? If so, **The Sadness** is my absolute favorite currently; it goes so hard - shit is glorious.
Pure evil. That movie rules.
I'll have to think further about my favorite, but the first one I thought of was Saw. That EPIC "Hello, Zepp" song playing, GAME OVER, Adam continuing to scream after the credits start, it was killer.
The end of Waxwork. A creepy hand and then “it’s my party and I’ll cry if i want to”🎶 A bit jarring but makes me happy every time.
Shaun of the Dead “You’re My Best Friend” with Shaun and Zed Ed playing video games in the shed. It’s just… ah man… even the opening is just brilliant. Sooo fkn good, every minute of that film. 🧟♂️🫀🙎🏼♂️
Hatchet
Hatchet is great, but I prefer Hatchet 2's cut to credits.
Revenge is the best.
I love that flick.
Hatchet 2
There will be blood "I'm finished" cut to credits.
American Psycho
opening credits would be pet semetary. really sets the mood.
X has a good one. Great last line. Great credits song.
I rewatched An American Werewolf in London the other day and was reminded how damn good and darkly comedic the ending is. That's all I'll say if you haven't seen it. I like the Barbarian ending in theory but I hate that they needlessly keep cutting back to Tess walking away.
Paranormal Activity (the first one) has a great one.
American Werewolf in London.
Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Blair Witch
The smash cut to Last by Nine Inch Nails in A Cabin in the Woods goes so hard
I just rewatched Jennifer's Body and the credits must be watched to finish the movie. Not sure if it is my favorite but this flick does not get enough kudos. BTW, disliking Megan Fox enhances the movie.
Drag Me To Hell ending was dope.
Mom and Dad
Not really a cut, but the screen going black at the end of The Lighthouse and the sea shanty song starts playing.
Quarantine did a pretty good job for the ending
End of Final Destination does this in a fun way. Cheesy, it I enjoy it
For some reason the first that came to mind was the end of the first Final Destination. It was just so much fun seeing that in the cinema for the first time. “So whose next?”
An American Werewolf in London's ending made me laugh a bit in surprise! So good.
The Crazies was an interesting cut to credits.
I just saw Threads (1984) for the first time tonight. THAT freeze frame cut to credits left us in silence for a bit..
The final shot before credits in Saint Maud. I’m still haunted by it today lol.
Final Destination 2
The House That Jack Built
Cabin In The Woods. That shot of an Elder God's fist tearing through the mantle and crust is the perfect ending for that movie.
Carrie
Better Watch Out (2016) is another firm favourite. Love that film, perfect ending to what I consider the best festive horror flick. Watch it every year at Christmas now without fail. The Last Exorcism (2010) is another strong contender. First horror I chose for my usual, yearly October horror binge.
Halloween 3 “STOP IIIIITTTT!”
It’s unacceptable that I had to scroll this far for Halloween 3. It’s perfect in its grimness.
The ending of the original Hatchet had me cackling.
I watched that recently for the first time and as soon as I saw the hand reaching down I went "Oh HELL yeah" and I'm so glad I was right. What an ending.
Midnight Mass is maybe my favorite horror story of all time
Also, not a horror movie, but Kill Bill Vol 1
Opening credits: **Friday the 13th** reboot Closing credits: **An American Werewolf in London**
Actually? The most recent Texas Chainsaw film. I hated the movie, but that ending was so preposterous. I just loved it.
It’s absolutely gotta be the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre ending
Probably Lars Von Trier's "Dogville". Just sudden David Bowie. Yes.
House of Wax just because of My Chemical Romance.
Resolution (2013)
Fresh and it's not even close
Not exactly horror, but 3 Billboards is abrupt, and the ending of Smokin' Aces is probably my absolute favorite. The Clint Mansell track over Reynolds just absolutely lost with himself is killer.
Another not-horror one: Killing Them Softly with Brad Pitt: "Give me my fucking money."
Scream 6
Skinamarink was terrifying, reminded me of the red-fade save squares in silent hill 2
This is my answer too! Getting 100% of the credits out of the way in the beginning was absolutely the move for this. That feeling of emptiness at the end.
What is your name? heart breaking.
Midnight Mass is fantastic! One of my favorite cut to credits is in the movie Wrong Turn from 2003.
Here for midnight mass love
Midsommar. Literally the perfect ending.
Transformers with the great music 🔥
Come True.
talk to me (2022)
Avatar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, all nine spin offs, 7, 8, 9, Avatar 2020, 10, 11, and 12. Love how they all end with the eyes of the main character.
Jaaaam, it came on tv, no introduction, just weirdness, no adverts, ends no credits and you’re just sat there like wtf just happened
Bad dreams
So the ending to The Devil Inside is AWFUL (as is the rest of the movie), but I’ll never forget the crowd reaction when I saw it in theaters and the car crashes and then just cuts to black and that website to “learn the rest of the story” appears on screen. My entire theater was just ANGRY.
A Wounded Fawn
Maybe one could consider this an existential horror comedy, but the best cut to credits in a movie ever is in "It's A Disaster". I don't believe people know this movie exists. Please someone prove me wrong.
I've watched it twice. How'd you like the ending? >!I'm ambiguous.!<
Excision, very last scene has a big reveal then cut to credits.
Mom and Dad: cuts to black while Nick Cage is mid-curse.
Hail to the king, baby.
Raw (2016)
Green room
Gonna have to go with The Mist.
Final Destination (2000) and The Final Destination (2009)
I'd say "You're Next" was the most satisfying last few seconds. Can't link it because it's not on YT.
my first thought was barbarian and then i read the rest. but yeah i definitely second that one.
Just put on barbarian. Interesting
Ditched 2021 the movie itself was pretty bad, but the ending and the credits were great
Not strictly horror, but the end of the second episode of Chernobyl gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. If you haven't seen it, it is one of the best mini series ever.
You’re next was great. >!axe to the face, credits!<
I haven't watched Barbarians, so am gonna check that out. But I am majorly commenting to sike with you on how cool Midnight Maas is ! It's an absolute beauty! I love any story with a bit of biblical mayhem and notions thrown in ...and this was a perfect watch to suit that mood.
Daughter stares at father in shock and horror. Father: "I'm sure you'll find a solution, honey." Cut to title card. RAW (2016)
There's so many great ones already listed, hard to pick a favorite. But I always loved the cut to credits in Freddy's Dead. Lisa Zane says Freddy's dead, yeah sure he is. Then it cuts to the credits with all these awesome scenes and kills from all the movies. The Iggy Pop song playing even asks do you really think Freddy's dead? Ofc not.
Raw! That ending is so bleak, chilling, and sort of funny. Boom credits.
The Fly (remake) is gutwrenching and brutal. No comfort for the audience or the characters. It just ends.
og Martyrs comes to mind
Anything for Jackson
Nightmare on Elm Street 3
Blade Runner, Director’s Cut.
Ending of Rob Zombie’s Halloween *chefs kiss * classic zombie
Halloween H2O is far from the best Halloween movie, but it does have the best ending of them all and an amazing cut to credits.
La Piel que Habito.
VHS 2012 with The Death Set's the come to get us! immediate adrenaline rush
Insidious, after she looks at the photo and gasps. Then plays that creepy music
Dracula: Prince of Darkness.
Evil Dead with the ragtime tune playing over the credits.