9 Horror Movies Where Evil Triumphs

Smile (2022)

The 2022 horror hit, Smile, takes viewers on a disturbing journey as a troubled psychologist, Rose, finds herself targeted by a malevolent paranormal entity that thrives on pain and fear. Despite seeking support from her boyfriend, co-workers, and even her ex, Rose remains unable to evade the relentless pursuit of this entity. In a remote cabin, she confronts the monster, seemingly overpowering it. However, the film's crushing twist ending reveals that the apparent victory was merely a mirage, forcing an exhausted Rose to succumb to the demon's possession.

Rose stares in horror in Smile 2022 ending

Hereditary (2018)

Ari Aster's 2018 debut, Hereditary, delves into the harrowing experiences of the Graham family following a tragic loss. As the demonic entity Paimon successfully takes hold, the family faces an unremittingly bleak fate. The film's dark and chilling conclusion sees the demon achieving its sinister goal, leaving viewers with a sense of despair and hopelessness.

Milly Shapiro's Charlie stares in Hereditary

Cult of Chucky (2017)

The 2017 horror film, Cult of Chucky, reaffirms the franchise's bleak reality as the malevolent killer doll, Chucky, continues to reign supreme. With a sick sense of humor, the film sees Chucky successfully transferring his soul into another body, eliminating all heroes and perpetuating the darkness.

Chucky standing in a white room in Cult of Chucky

Oculus (2013)

Before becoming known for his ambitious Netflix horror shows, writer/director Mike Flanagan crafted the haunting and hopeless narrative of Oculus. The film's time-shifting storyline follows siblings as they grapple with a cursed mirror's mysterious powers. However, their attempts to destroy it lead to a terrifying and despairing outcome, with the hero wrongly blamed for his sister's death and the mirror's malevolent influence remaining undiminished.

A white eyed demon woman smiles in Oculus

Fallen (1998)

In 1998's Fallen, Denzel Washington's beleaguered detective faces a relentless body-hopping demon in a battle of wits and will. Despite a valiant effort to outsmart the villain, the film's brutally clever and cruel twist sees the demon eluding capture, leaving the hero's struggle in vain.

Denzel Washington's Cobb stares ahead lost in thought in Fallen

Dead Silence (2007)

The underrated killer doll movie, Dead Silence, presents a uniquely dark twist ending that defies conventional expectations. As the heroes face the demonic tormentor, the film takes a chilling turn, leaving all the heroes dead and the spirit of puppeteer Mary Shaw more powerful than ever.

Judith Roberts as Mary Shaw peering from the darkness in Dead Silence

An American Werewolf in London

An American Werewolf in London, often remembered for its horror-comedy elements, takes a bleak turn as the hero's attempts to find a cure for his lycanthropy end in tragedy. The film's unexpected and tragic ending leaves viewers with a sense of despair and hopelessness.

David Naughton grimacing while sprouting hairs during a werewolf transformation in An American Werewolf in London

The Strangers (2008)

The home invasion horror, The Strangers, is a painfully effective portrayal of the heroes' futile attempts to combat masked murderers. As the protagonists face terrifying chases and torture, they are ultimately left without any chance to fight back, leading to a harrowing and despairing conclusion.

The pin-up girl stands in a living room in The Strangers

Sinister (2012)

The 2012 chiller, Sinister, presents a last-second twist that amplifies its dark and haunting narrative. As the true crime author, Ellison, uncovers the sinister truth behind a haunted house, the film's brutal twist ending shatters any hope, leaving viewers with a sense of dread and unease.

Ethan Hawke looking at papers in Sinister