Movies with Predictable Endings: An Analysis of Common Patterns

Have you ever watched a movie and felt a sense of inevitability about the ending? Some films deliberately focus on predictability, while others have twists that are almost as cliché as they are memorable. In this article, we explore some well-known movies that are often cited for their predictable endings. We will also discuss the common plot tropes and techniques that make these conclusions feel so obvious in hindsight.

Popular Movie Endings That Were Predictable

Here are some movies that have become notorious for their predictable endings:

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Despite its renowned twist ending, many viewers find The Sixth Sense to be surprisingly predictable upon a second viewing. The film, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, focuses on a young psychologist, played by Bruce Willis, who befriends a boy who can see ghosts. The twist reveals the boy actually sees the future, a detail that becomes somewhat obvious in retrospect. This movie is often cited as an example of a film that relies heavily on foreshadowing leading to an inevitable conclusion.

The Others (2001)

Similar to The Sixth Sense, The Others also features an unexpected twist. The film centers on a supposedly insane woman living in a closed house on a remote island during World War II. The twist about her true nature and her children’s fate is somewhat obvious upon reflection, but still manages to surprise some viewers. The pacing and the buildup of certain scenes contribute to this sense of predictability.

The Village (2004)

M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village also suffers from an ending that many find predictable. The twist revolves around the village's isolationist philosophy and the discovery of the outside world. Despite some lingering clues, the twist is often seen as a buildup of common tropes in horror and thriller films, making it feel somewhat obvious.

The Predictable (2006)

With its title alone, The Predictable is a case study in foreseeable plot developments. The film deliberately plays on predictability, hence its name. Fans often cite this movie as an example of how predictability can be used as a central theme in a film, making it a unique and telling piece of cinema.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)

The climactic battle scene in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 turns out to be a vision, which feels predictable to many fans, especially those familiar with the series. This twist, although surprising to some, is a common device in the genre of young adult fantasy literature, which often relies on prophetic visions to resolve conflicts.

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

Similarly, while The Cabin in the Woods effectively subverts many horror tropes, the ultimate reveal about the situation and its participants can still seem somewhat predictable. The film’s structure and foreshadowing make certain plot points feel inevitable, even when they serve to subvert expected outcomes.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf (2016)

Based on the classic fable, this movie takes a straightforward narrative approach, leading to an expected and almost literal conclusion. This predictability is enhanced by the thematic resonance with the original story, making the resolution feel preordained.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

With its genre and premise, The Fault in Our Stars often feels highly predictable. Despite its deeply emotional impact, the overall arc of the story is similar to many other romantic-drama films with a bittersweet ending. This predictability is a common trait in romantic dramas that focus on young love and mortality.

Common Themes and Techniques in Predictable Endings

The common denominator among these movies is their reliance on plot devices that are frequently found in certain genres. Whether it is foreshadowing, genre conventions, or predictable character arcs, these narratives often follow a familiar path that makes the conclusion feel obvious to experienced viewers.

These films often lead audiences to anticipate their conclusions due to genre conventions and tropes. This predictability can sometimes detract from the viewing experience, but it also serves as a reminder of the power of certain narrative techniques to influence our expectations.

About the Author

Benjamin Button (2008) – According to my own analysis, the movie’s predictability was one of its most striking features. The protagonist, Benjamin Button, ages in reverse. It was inherently obvious to me that he would die as a baby, and given my understanding of the film’s premise, it was the obvious conclusion.

My experience with The Cabin in the Woods (2011) also highlights the predictability of horror films. The movie cleverly subverts many classic horror tropes, but the ultimate reveal is still somewhat obvious due to the film's well-placed hints.

Conclusion

While films marketed as suspense thrillers, romance, or fantasy are often praised for their shocking twist endings, the allure lies in the unexpected. Movies that aim for predictability, whether by design or by accident, can still achieve artistic satisfaction if they do so in a unique and effective way. Understanding the common patterns and techniques of predictable endings can help both filmmakers and audiences appreciate the complexity and artistry of storytelling.