Top 9 Unexpected Deaths That Completely Changed Their Movies
A list of movie deaths that reshaped the narratives of their respective films, catching audiences by surprise and altering the trajectory of the stories.
Marion Crane, Psycho
Alfred Hitchcock's iconic horror film "Psycho" is forever remembered for its unexpected death scene, which completely transformed the movie's tone and direction. The demise of Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, marks a pivotal moment in the film, shifting it from a crime drama to a psychological horror. Viewers were left stunned by the abrupt change in direction, as the plot took a dark and sinister turn following this big death.
Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates with his taxidermy behind him in Psycho.
It is hard to imagine now, but viewers in 1960 had no idea that Janet Leigh’s Marion Crane was doomed the moment she arrived at Psycho's Bates Motel. When her brutal murder does happen, Psycho is suddenly no longer a crime drama about a mild-mannered receptionist stealing from her boss and instead becomes something far darker. Psycho's tone shifts into psychological horror after that infamous scene so quickly that it becomes tough to recall, but until that big death, the movie's plot appeared to be headed in a completely unrelated direction.
Janet Leigh screaming in Psycho in the infamous shower scene
Randy, Scream 2
The 1997 sequel to the ruthless slasher film "Scream" took a darker turn with the unexpected death of fan-favorite character Randy. While the original movie was known for killing off likable characters, the sequel initially appeared to be a lighter affair. However, Randy's death scene proved that "Scream 2" was even nastier and more mean-spirited than its predecessor, shocking audiences and altering their expectations for the rest of the film.
Jamie Kennedy as Randy Meeks dead and covered in blood in Scream 2
Charlie, Hereditary
Ari Aster’s feature debut, "Hereditary," took a surprising turn with the unexpected death of Charlie, a character prominently featured in the movie's trailers. This unforeseen demise completely altered the trajectory of the film, transforming it into an inspired drama about a family unraveling from grief, punctuated by moments of terrifying horror and pitch-black comedy.
Charlie from Hereditary
Chad, Burn After Reading
The dry satire of the American military-industrial complex in "Burn After Reading" took a much darker turn with the sudden death of Brad Pitt’s character, Chad. This unexpected event ramped up the stakes of the comedy thriller, turning it into something altogether bleaker and bloodier, while still maintaining its quirky and goofy elements.
Brad Pitt's Chad Feldheimer grins in the closet in Burn After Reading
Keith, Barbarian
The horror movie "Barbarian" took a sudden lurch into broader horror and comedy with the unexpected and brutal death of Keith. The film's tone changed wildly after this first kill, leading to one of the most unexpectedly tragic horror villain deaths ever. The rapid tonal gear switches in the movie kept audiences on edge, unsure of what to expect next.
Keith leaning outside a door in Barbarian
Leslie, Bridge to Terabithia
The fantasy movie "Bridge to Terabithia" turned into a dark drama with the sudden death of Leslie, one of the imaginative children who dreamed up the titular fantasy land. This unforeseen demise shifted the film from a sweet fantasy to a more somber and emotive narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the story and its characters.
Leslie and Jess stare at a bright blue beam in Bridge to Terabithia
Llewelyn, No Country For Old Men
The cat-and-mouse chase thriller of 2007’s "No Country For Old Men" took a much darker and slower-paced turn with the offscreen death of the antihero Llewelyn Moss. This unexpected demise reshaped the movie into a darker meditation on human nature, altering the trajectory of the narrative and leaving viewers with a surprising and inventive story.
Josh Brolin as Llewelyn Moss looking weary after discovering millions of dollars in 2007's No Country for Old Men
Majid, Cache
The psychological thriller "Cache (Hidden)" became more complicated and darker with the unexpected demise of George's only suspect, Majid. This unforeseen event forced the antihero to reconsider his understanding of his predicament, adding layers of ambiguity to the plot and leaving viewers questioning the characters and their fates.
Majid bleeds out on the floor of his apartment in Cache (Hidden) 2005
Goose, Top Gun
The sunny and fun cult classic "Top Gun" took a tragic turn with the sudden death of Maverick's wingman, Goose. This unexpected event made the movie's tone much more serious, as Maverick reevaluated his recklessness and flying skills, leading to a shift in the film's narrative and themes.
Goose smiling in Top Gun
