Horror movies are known to be eerie, devilish, and at times, totally gruesome, particularly when it comes to the ending. While other movie genres typically show their protagonists riding off into the sunset in some form or another, horror movies tend not to let up even at the bitter end, sometimes even going so far as to kill off their lead star. This is usually done for the dual purpose of getting in one last good scare and, perhaps more importantly, setting up a sequel.
Occasionally though, a horror movie comes to a surprisingly happy conclusion, where every loose end is tied up nicely, and the affected characters can safely move on with their lives. Here, we look at some horror movies that strayed from the usual doom and gloom and concluded their story with a happy ending. Spoilers ahead!
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9 The Babadook (2014)
IFC Films
In 2014’s The Babadook, a mother and son duo, Amelia and Sam, become the victims of a storybook character called the Babadook. Though the Babadook wreaks havoc on the lives of mother and son, the story concludes with the two keeping the Babadook locked in their basement and forever out of sight. Considering no one can ever fully get rid of the Babadook, this move allows Sam and Amelia to grow closer, repair their relationship, and move on without fear of sporadic Babadook attacks.
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MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
8 The Conjuring (2013)
Warner Bros. Pictures
The Conjuring is truly spine-chilling the entire way through. That is until you reach the end when the Warrens are able to successfully exorcise the possessed homeowner and rid the Perron family of the dark entity that was originally attached to them. By the end of the film, the Warrens, being demonologists, share in their collective victory over the wicked Bathsheba and even get to take home a little souvenir from their spooky experience.
7 The Invisible Man (2020)
Universal Pictures
In the science-fiction thriller The Invisible Man, main character Cecilia is tormented by an invisible figure. Eventually, Cecilia realizes that this figure is none other than her abusive husband in a highly advanced invisible suit. However, even after being domestically abused, sent to a psychiatric home, and framed for murder, Cecilia is able to come out on top by killing her tormentor and getting the truth caught on tape.
6 The People Under the Stairs (1991)
The People Under the Stairs features child abuse, inbred family members, death, and cannibalism. However, all of that horror is amended in the end when Fool, the main character, not only helps free all the captive children but also kills the abusers, named Mommy and Daddy. On top of that, when Fool blows up their house of horrors, money from inside is launched out and falls to the ground below, leaving outside spectators with wads of cash.
5 The Sixth Sense (1999)
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
The ending of 1999’s The Sixth Sense is not only iconic for its expertly crafted twist, but also for the sense of peace it brings to the characters of the story. Not only does Dr. Malcolm Crowe finally get to say goodbye to his beloved wife and go peacefully into the afterlife, but Cole is able to open up to his mother and share his secret. The ending is surprisingly bittersweet for both Cole and Dr. Malcolm Crowe, leaving audiences not only shocked but also content.
4 Poltergeist (1982)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
The Freeling family is the next group on this list to fall victim to paranormal activity. In 1982’s Poltergeist, Steven and Diane as well as their three kids become the target of a ghostly uprising. When the youngest of the children is captured by these entities, the whole family must quickly devise a plan to save her and themselves. It came as a surprise to many viewers when the film ended with every single family member making it out alive!
3 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Bryanston Distributing Company
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is nothing short of gory. Featuring the infamous villain known as Leatherface, this film has character deaths and violence left and right. That’s why it came as such a shock to viewers when this film ended with one of the main leads, Sally, escaping from Leatherface’s clutches. In the end, Sally survives a brutal chainsaw attack and leaves the killer totally flustered, laughing as she speeds away from the scene.
2 A Quiet Place (2018)
Paramount Pictures
In A Quiet Place, the Abbott family is living in an era of widespread crisis, where making a sound can get you violently murdered. Despite being tormented by alien creatures throughout, the film concludes with the Abbott family discovering a way to kill the beasts who hunt them and can finally put an end to their misery.
1 Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s terrifying film, Get Out, might have one of the most satisfying endings of all the entries on this list. After watching the main character Chris endure horror after horror at the hands of his girlfriend’s racist and sadistic family, audiences were horrified when the final scene looked as though Chris were about to be framed and apprehended by police. Yet, in a sudden twist of fate, the police car in the final scene is driven by his friend, Rod, and the two are able to drive away to safety: a happy ending to an otherwise unhappy story.
