The year 2016 was filled with cinematic surprises, where many films left audiences with their jaws dropped due to their unexpected twists and turns. This curated list showcases ten of the best films from that year, each with an ending that defies expectations. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers, dark comedies, or mind-bending sci-fi, these films offer a unique viewing experience that challenges the viewer's anticipation and delivers a memorable cinematic journey.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Description: This coming-of-age comedy-drama features a high school junior dealing with life's challenges. The film's ending, while not a traditional twist, provides an unexpected resolution that resonates deeply with viewers.
Fact: The film was shot in Vancouver, Canada, despite being set in California. The ending was designed to reflect the unpredictability of teenage life.


The Neon Demon (2016)
Description: A young aspiring model in Los Angeles is drawn into a world of beauty and horror. The film's surreal ending is both visually stunning and thematically profound, exploring the dark side of beauty and ambition.
Fact: The film was shot in 35mm to give it a distinct visual style. The ending was inspired by various art forms, including fashion photography.


The Invitation (2016)
Description: A dinner party turns into a psychological thriller as the host's intentions become increasingly sinister. The ending is a masterclass in building tension and delivering a shocking conclusion.
Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days. The ending was designed to leave viewers questioning the reality of what they had seen.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: This horror film follows two coroners who uncover supernatural secrets during the autopsy of an unidentified woman. The twist ending redefines the entire narrative, making it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue to add authenticity to the setting. The ending was kept secret from most of the cast and crew until the last day of shooting.


The Girl on the Train (2016)
Description: This adaptation of Paula Hawkins' novel features a woman whose life spirals out of control as she becomes entangled in a murder investigation. The film's ending reveals a series of misdirections and surprising truths.
Fact: Emily Blunt's character was originally British in the book but was changed to American for the film. The film's ending differs slightly from the book to enhance the cinematic experience.


The Shallows (2016)
Description: A surfer finds herself stranded on a rock 200 yards from shore, with a great white shark circling her. The film's ending is both thrilling and unexpected, providing a fresh take on the survival thriller genre.
Fact: The shark was created using a combination of animatronics and CGI. The film was shot in Australia, despite being set in Mexico.


Don't Breathe (2016)
Description: Three thieves break into the home of a blind man, only to find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The twist ending recontextualizes the entire film, making it a gripping experience.
Fact: The film was shot in a real house in Detroit. The ending was changed multiple times during production to keep it unpredictable.


The Witch (2016)
Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film follows a family's descent into paranoia and witchcraft. The ending is ambiguous and leaves much to interpretation, making it a film that lingers in the mind.
Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialects. The ending was designed to be open to interpretation, encouraging discussion among viewers.


Nocturnal Animals (2016)
Description: A woman reads her ex-husband's novel, which blurs the lines between fiction and reality. The ending is both emotionally charged and intellectually engaging, offering a layered narrative experience.
Fact: The film's title refers to the novel within the film, which reflects the characters' nocturnal lives. The ending was kept ambiguous to reflect the complexity of the characters' emotions.


Split (2016)
Description: M. Night Shyamalan's thriller about a man with multiple personalities kidnaps three girls, leading to an unexpected revelation about his true nature. The twist ending connects this film to another of Shyamalan's works, creating a cinematic universe.
Fact: The film was shot in just 23 days. The ending was not revealed in marketing materials to preserve the surprise.
