Ti West's X prequel Pearl has a logical ending, since the story flows into the 2022 film following an elderly woman who kills the filmmakers who stay at her property. But often, a horror movie will have a conclusion that makes audiences feel frustrated and confused. Perhaps the main character doesn't get what they want or the evil isn't explained. Fans look for a clear resolution and it can be disappointing when that doesn't happen.
There are several horror movies with endings that leave a lot to be desired, and even years after the film's release, audiences find themselves wishing that things had been wrapped up differently.
Andy Can't Win Against Chucky In Child's Play 3 (1991)
Andy Barclay is definitely tired of the evil doll Chucky in the third Child's Play movie, and after being away at military school, Andy faces Chucky once again. Andy isn't able to stop Chucky from his terrible plans and the film wraps up with Andy speaking to a police officer while he knows that Chucky, one of the creepiest horror movie dolls, will continue doing what he wants.
While it's clear that the successful franchise would have more films, the ending is still unsatisfying. It would be nice to see Andy in a better place considering that he has been living without his mom who was hospitalized for talking about Chucky, which was truly unfair and tragic. The ending is a harsh reminder of all that Andy has been through.
Steve Dies In Eden Lake (2008)
Some of the toughest horror movie conclusions are the tragic ones that suggest that there was nothing that the characters could have done to prevent said tragedy from taking place. Since audiences expect characters to put up a fight when they're approached by a villain or evil supernatural force, it can be tough to accept when that doesn't happen.
The couple at the center of Eden Lake, Steve Taylor and Jenny Greengrass, are tormented by a gang while on vacation. Horror fans are saddened by the ending as Steve is brutally killed and while Jenny is still alive, it feels inevitable that she won't be for much longer. This isn't a movie that can be watched several times, as knowing the awful conclusion ruins the rest of the film.
What Happens To Julie In I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)?
The sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer puts Julie James through the wringer as she goes on a vacation that almost kills her. Ben Willis finds Julie and her friends and the movie is a nostalgic reminder of the silly fun of many '90s horror films.
It seems like Julie's life is back to normal, as she and Ray are living together, but in the final scene, Julie is pulled under the bed by what seems to be the killer. The movie asks audiences to decide for themselves if Julie has been murdered or if she's just imagining this happening. A clear conclusion would be much better.
David Loses Everything In The Mist (2007)
Several Stephen King books are better than the movies, including the 2007 adaptation of The Mist, which wraps up the story in a disheartening way. David Drayton's actions as the movie wraps up has become a well-known poor horror movie decision.
Thinking that there is no way out, David murders his family and friends, but then learns that this was actually unnecessary. The pain on his face is difficult to watch and it's hard to agree with this kind of conclusion as audiences wish that he could have been more patient and figured out another plan.
Darry Is Taken In Jeeper's Creepers (2001)
Jeeper's Creepers: Reborn continues the eerie story of the monster who feeds every 23rd spring for 23 days. In the first film from 2001, Darry and Trish Jenner drive home to visit their mom and come across The Creeper throwing a body down a pipe, realizing that evil is following them.
The Creeper stalks Darry for the entire movie, but still, audiences hope that the brother and sister can escape alive and relatively unscathed. Unfortunately, The Creeper takes Darry and murders him in a gruesome fashion. Seeing Darry get away would be a lot more interesting.
Laurie Is Gone And Michael Is Still Alive In Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Halloween: Resurrection isn't the most popular film in the Halloween franchise, and neither the beginning or ending is what fans had in mind. Right away, Michael Myers kills Laurie Strode, which feels wrong given her strong presence as a final girl. At the end of the movie, Michael is still alive, which isn't what anyone wanted, either, given all the pain that he has inflicted.
Any Halloween movie ending needs to include Laurie and Michael together, since this is the dynamic that has interested audiences since the beginning of the franchise. Otherwise, it feels like something is missing, which is what happened here.
The Main Characters Die In The Open House (2018)
The Open House is said to be one of the worst Netflix original movies and that's thanks to the ending, which doesn't allow any parts of the story to wrap up properly.
Naomi and Logan Wallace begin living in the country and while it's sad that their husband and father has died, the film doesn't offer up any character development. Someone is tormenting the family, and in the end, they are killed. Audiences don't find out who was after them or why, which is a shame.
Leatherface Murders Melody In Texas Chain Saw Massacre (2022)
At the end of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Lila and Melody get in their car and drive away from town so slowly that Leatherface is able to catch up with them and kill Melody in a particularly intense way. No one wanted to see this happen to Melody, especially not at the very last second when it seems like the sisters have been victorious against this legendary killer.
The characters don't move quickly enough, which doesn't make sense considering the danger that they're in. Lila also takes Sally Hardesty's hat, and it seems strange that she would want a reminder of this painful and horrible time. Fans wanted a more positive conclusion, especially since this franchise is so beloved.
Roman Is Ghostface In Scream 3 (2000)
From Ghostface's well-known quotes to each big reveal, the Scream killers are some of the most unforgettable from any slasher film. Many felt disappointed at Roman Bridger being revealed as Ghostface in Scream 3.
Since Roman is Sidney Prescott's brother, he felt ignored by his family and that motivated his desire to kill. But for several horror fans, this motivation isn't as compelling as it could be, and he is sometimes seen as the weakest Ghostface. While it's always great seeing Sidney win, the ending of this third film isn't as great as the others.
Sophie's Decision In Lights Out (2016)
Lights Out opens with Sophie's son Martin noticing what seems to be a ghost standing near his mother, and while that's a creepy image, the movie has an upsetting conclusion. Sophie, who has struggled with depression, ends her life because an evil ghost, Diana, has been attached to her. Sophie does this to help her daughter Rebecca.
Any film that discusses mental health needs to be compassionate and careful, and fans and critics pointed out how problematic this ending is. Audiences would have preferred for the movie to wrap up in another, less upsetting way.