5 Movies Where the Hero Turns Out to be the Villain All Along

The conventional trope of a hero battling against a villain has been a staple of storytelling. However, some films have taken a creative approach by flipping this dynamic on its head, revealing that the main character was the antagonist all along. These mind-bending plot twists leave audiences in awe and questioning what they thought they knew. Here are five movies that masterfully execute the protagonist-antagonist switcheroo, shaking up audience expectations. (Be warned: Spoilers lie ahead.)

Fight Club

In the dark and gritty film Fight Club, the unnamed narrator, played by Edward Norton, leads a frustrating and unfulfilling life. That is until he encounters the charismatic and rebellious Tyler Durden, portrayed by Brad Pitt. Together, they start Fight Club, an underground fighting organization that challenges societal norms. However, as the story unfolds, the narrator begins to question Tyler's increasingly extremist plans. It is then revealed that the narrator and Tyler are the same person—he created Tyler as an outlet for his suppressed desires and identity. This startling revelation exposes the fractured nature of his psyche.

Saltburn

Saltburn introduces us to Oliver Quick, brilliantly portrayed by Barry Keoghan. Initially seen as an infatuated young man enamored with Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), Oliver's behavior takes a dark turn. As events unfold, Oliver orchestrates a web of lies, manipulation, and tragedy to gain control of Saltburn, the Catton family's estate. Oliver reveals himself to be the mastermind behind the chaos, driven by a deep-seated hatred for those around him. The shocking revelation peels away Oliver's façade, exposing his true nature as the ruthless antagonist.

Gone Girl

Gone Girl delves into the complexities of a failing marriage, where Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) becomes the prime suspect in his wife Amy's (Rosamund Pike) disappearance. Through Amy's journal entries, the truth behind their relationship unfolds, showcasing a toxic dynamic fueled by lies, infidelity, and manipulation. As the evidence against Nick piles up, the audience remains uncertain of his innocence. However, the shocking twist reveals that Amy fabricated her own disappearance and meticulously framed Nick. Her meticulously calculated revenge casts her in the role of an anti-hero who reigns over Nick's world.

Joker

Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, delves into the origins of one of DC Comics' most notorious villains, the Joker, portrayed hauntingly by Joaquin Phoenix. A tale of a downtrodden and disturbed individual named Arthur Fleck, the film portrays his aspirations of becoming a respected comedian. However, a series of devastating revelations send Arthur spiraling towards madness. The reveal that he was never in a relationship with his neighbor and that his perception of reality differs from the truth blurs the lines between hero and villain. Arthur's transformation into the chaotic antagonist challenges sympathy and delves into the depths of his troubled mind.

The Shining

In Stanley Kubrick's horror masterpiece The Shining, Jack Torrance, portrayed by Jack Nicholson, takes on the role of a caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel. As the winter months pass, Jack's sanity begins to unravel, influenced by the malevolent forces at play within the hotel. The gradual transformation of Jack into a menacing figure serves as a terrifying portrayal of a descent into madness. This slow shift from protagonist to antagonist reveals the true demons lurking within Jack's troubled psyche, culminating in a harrowing climax.

These movies stand as prime examples of storytelling that challenges the audience's perception and turns the main character into the unexpected villain. Each twist adds depth and complexity to the narrative, leaving an indelible mark on the viewers' minds. Grab some popcorn and brace yourself for these mind-bending journeys into the depths of the human psyche.