I think Empire Strikes Back, I AM YOUR FATHER, beats most twist endings. I first saw this film on first release in 1980 and believe me when I say that everyone
The first time I saw The Hole it shocked me, it's a generic stereotypical teen horror and then it all changes and takes a psychological edge with Thora Birch's evil look in her eyes at the end.
Yes I think a lot of films have borrowed this type of last minute fright ending.
Event Horizon's was good. You think they're rescued at the end, but the rescuers are demons. That's shown to be imaginary/ a dream, as the real rescuers turn up. But even then the film leaves you with the impression that it's not all over.
You think he's killed the Azazel and then the narator say's "do you remember me saying this is the story about how i nearly died" (or something along those lines) and turns out to be the cat.
Must say the end of The Long good friday surprised me.
I honestly thought the Bob Hoskins character would walk away as the winner of the gang war but the look on his face as they drove him away to meet his fate actually haunted me for ages.
I agree about the ending of Carrie. It still remains one of the most brilliant horror shocks ever. The first time I saw it at the cinema the sound was turned up full blast just before the hand came out of the grave. I nearly jumped out of my seat! I left the cinema weak at the knees with shock! Even when you see it now you still cant predict that actual moment it happens. Absolutelly brilliant. Still the best horror film ever made.
Well recalled. I've been trying to remember the title of that film for ages. It's only at the end when the rescuers come and don't appear to see the air crew that you realise they are ghosts. You then feel silly because you remember how they were never worrying about food or water despite being in a desert for ages.