Many movies feature plot twists designed to surprise viewers and completely reshape the story. Films like *The Sixth Sense*, *Get Out*, *Shutter Island*, and *Gone Girl* are famous for these shocking reveals that change how you see everything. While these twists are common, especially in science fiction, one movie’s ending is considered the original and still the best. It not only popularized the use of twist endings but remains incredibly shocking even after almost sixty years.
Released in 1968, *Planet of the Apes* shocked moviegoers with its unexpected conclusion and is now considered one of the most iconic endings in film history. Adapted from Pierre Boulle’s novel, the film features Charlton Heston as astronaut George Taylor, who crash-lands on a distant planet in the year 3978. He quickly discovers this world is ruled by intelligent, evolved apes who have enslaved humans. Taylor finds allies in two chimpanzees, Dr. Zira and Dr. Cornelius, who help him try to escape. However, his escape leads to a shocking realization: when taken to what he believes is a safe zone, he discovers the remains of the Statue of Liberty buried in the sand. This reveals he hasn’t been on another planet at all, but on a future Earth devastated by humanity, likely through nuclear war – a twist that audiences never saw coming.
Why Does Planet of the Apes’ Twist Ending Work So Well?
The twist ending of *Planet of the Apes* is incredibly impactful, completely changing how you view the entire film. Its success comes from working on several levels. Visually, the final shot of the ruined Statue of Liberty is stunning and shocking. As an iconic American landmark, the image instantly conveys the film’s core revelation and evokes a strong emotional response. Beyond that, the twist is cleverly foreshadowed throughout the movie. While the film leads you to believe Taylor has landed on another planet, subtle clues – like Cornelius possessing familiar human objects – hint at the truth. Dr. Zaius also acknowledges the existence of a past human civilization and warns Taylor that his search for answers may be unsettling.
The movie carefully builds its story, revealing details slowly and saving the biggest clues about humanity for the finale. It confirms the shocking truth without explicitly stating it, leaving the audience to grapple with the revelation alongside the main character, Taylor, and share in the resulting horror. It’s a brilliantly crafted approach that remains unmatched.
Many Have Tried, But Planet of the Apes Still Has the Best Twist
While not the first or last to use a surprise ending, 1968’s *Planet of the Apes* still delivers what many consider the most iconic twist in film history. The movie popularized the concept, and after its release, unexpected endings became increasingly common, especially in science fiction. Now, a good sci-fi story almost *needs* a twist to be truly effective. Several films have successfully used this technique. For example, *Soylent Green* (1973), also starring Charlton Heston, shocked audiences by revealing the horrifying truth about the source of the processed food sustaining a dystopian future. More recently, 2017’s *Get Out* delivered a chilling twist: wealthy individuals were exploiting the bodies of young Black people in pursuit of immortality.
Some films have surprising twists, and 1999’s *The Sixth Sense* delivered one of the best – revealing that Bruce Willis’s character was actually a ghost throughout the entire movie. Like the twist in *Planet of the Apes*, it’s cleverly hinted at during the film, but you don’t realize it until the big reveal. This film also made M. Night Shyamalan famous for his twist endings. However, even though it’s a classic, it still doesn’t quite match the impact of the final scene in *Planet of the Apes*. The drama, horror, and suspense of that moment are truly unforgettable and remain a high point in movie history.
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2025-10-17 04:11