Sudden deaths, fabricated environments, false protagonists, and red herrings are all part of the same cinematic device–the plot twist.  Used to shock audiences, maintain interest, or at it’s best to tell a deeper story, the plot twist has become a permanent fixture in Hollywood.  Unfortunately, the reliance on this device seems to have grown proportional to the decline of film quality over the last decades.  Throughout the years, however, we have been treated to a handful of well-executed, completely unexpected, and altogether unforgettable plot twists.  Here are 14 of our favorites:

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Angel Heart (1987)

Mickey Rourke is Johnny Favorite.  He’s also fantastic in this film.  Yes, Mickey Rourke had something resembling a career even before The Wrestler.  This gothic neo-noir classic adds a spiritual element to its devilishly heavy twist.

Fight Club (1999)

The nihilistic, charismatic, mad genius, Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) carries this film until we find out he’s just a figment of the narrator’s (Edward Norton) imagination conjured by his troubled subconscious to help him deal with his meaningless life.  An ingenious way to frame the perils of our “gotta have it now” consumer culture.  Oh yeah, and soap.

American Psycho (2000)

Christian Bale stars as Patrick Bateman, a materialistic, superficial, narcissistic, misogynistic businessman obsessed with status.  In his free time he entertains–and brutally abuses and murders transients, hookers, and even coworkers.  This often frightening, sometimes hilarious satire of America’s wealthy culture becomes increasingly surreal and dream-like until we discover that all of this violence and sadistic behavior was just part of our Bateman’s elaborate and twisted fantasy. Virtually the entire film takes place inside Bateman’s mind representing a victim of America’s yuppie culture.

The Usual Suspects (1995)

When Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey) finishes telling his story, US Customs special agent Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminteri) is convinced that Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne) must be the brilliant, elusive Keyser Soze.  Verbal, a Hungarian cripple, refusing to testify against Keaton, limps out the door and within a city block sheds his ingenious ruse and is revealed to be Keyser Soze.  The shot of his crippled walk suddenly returning to normal is one of the joys of cinema.

Psycho (1960)

This film is incredible in so many ways.  Not only did Hitchcock basically invent the modern horror genre with this gem but did something nearly unheard of up to this point;  He killed off the film’s main character, Janet Leigh, before the film even gets going.  It’s a shocker when we discover Norman Bates has been dressing up like his mother and killing people, but to snuff out the main character so early is the type of ingenious storytelling that made Hitchcock famous.

Oldboy (2003)

The greatest movie about being held hostage for 15 years I’ve ever seen.  It’s the only one I’ve seen, but I’m sure if I saw another one it wouldn’t be as good.  I won’t reveal the plot here because if you haven’t seen it–go right now and watch it.   Apparently Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are both on board to shoot a remake.  God help us.

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

“Luke, I am your father.”  Quite possibly the most quoted plot twist in film history.  This brilliant shocker actually gives the film greater cohesion, and adds a richness and depth to the storytelling making this installment easily the best of the Star Wars saga.

The Prestige (2006)

The foreshadowing provided by Michael Caine is so blatant you feel ashamed when you’re surprised by this twist.  For some reason we just can’t accept the simple solution.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

M. Night Shyamalan takes a page from Hitchcock by killing off Bruce Willis at the beginning of the film, but manages to keep that little detail a secret until the end.  For better or for worse, it also inspired endless spoofs and recitations of Haley Joel Osment’s timeless utterance, “I see dead people.”

Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

Some feel this film is open to interpretation but I opt to go with the consensus and believe that Jake died in Vietnam, and his spirit is having a devil of a time accepting that fact.

The Crying Game (1992)

The film that had guys questioning their sexuality for being turned on by Jaye Davidson’s Dil after discovering she was a man.  Curse you XY chromosome!

Soylent Green (1973)

Not a particularly memorable film, but one of the most unforgettable lines ever uttered:  ”Soylent Green is PE-E-E-OPLE!”  I started reading food labels after this one.

Planet of the Apes (1968)

The futuristic ape-ruled planet is actually earth!  A twist you never saw coming even though the giant statue of liberty that takes up half the poster gave it away before you even bought your ticket.

Chinatown (1974)

Faye Dunaway’s little sister is also her daughter?  I never imagined incest could be portrayed so artistically.  We’re also treated to one of my favorite Jack Nicholson scenes wherein he manhandles that tidbit out of her.

Other Notable Films
Citizen Kane, Se7en, The Others, Donnie Darko, Arlington Road, No Way Out, Primal Fear, Blade Runner, The Maltese Falcon