Antagonists That Ultimately Win: A Comprehensive List of Contemporaneous Movies

The concept of an antagonist winning an epic battle is a fascinating theme in contemporary cinema. From Invasion of the Body Snatchers to Fallen, these movies provide a dark and thrilling narrative experience. Each character turn, each climax, and every final scene offers a commentary on morality, power, and the human condition.

Classics That Conclude with an Antagonist’s Triumph

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) is a prime example of a movie where the ultimate triumph of the antagonist is palpable. In this well-crafted film, led by Donald Sutherland, Leonard Nimoy, Brooke Adams, and Nancy Cartwright, the viewer is transported into a world where something feels fundamentally wrong. The story is a sci-fi allegory about an alien invasion that turns human souls into emotionless duplicates.

The movie's director masterfully builds a sense of unease, escalating tension until the final scene where the alien gradually and ominously takes shape, defeating all hope. With a primal scream that echoes the destruction of mankind, the film delivers a impactful and thought-provoking finale.

A Venomous Twist with Fallen

But sometimes, the path of the antagonist is paved not just with alien manipulation but with primal evil. Fallen stars Denzel Washington playing a promiscuous detective who is suddenly possessed by a fallen angel. This is not a horror movie but a crime thriller where the protagonist's actions have supernatural consequences.

Disturbing and Distinct Finale: Jean de Florette (1986)

Another movie that leaves a lingering sense of dread is Jean de Florette. This film, despite being a masterpiece of French cinema, ends with a haunting twist. The movie follows a successful farmer who hires Jean as a temporary employee. However, Jean and his mistress, Laurence, plot to ruin Jean's life. The plot's complexity and morality are blurred, leaving a lingering sense of discomfort.

Morality in Question: Leon: The Professional (1994)

Evil does not always wear a dark cloak. In Luc Besson's Leon: The Professional, the main character, Leon, is an assassin who is humanized and ultimately chooses to live a normal life. However, the twist at the end challenges the protagonist's newfound morality, making the antagonist's victory conditional and thought-provoking.

Odd Ends and Unorthodox Conclusions: Other Notable Films

Here are a few more movies where the antagonist ultimately prevails, each with a unique and memorable ending:

Primal Fear (1996): A prosecutor's case dissolves as a sinister twist is revealed. Seven (1995): The city is brought to a standstill by a serial killer's game of chess. Funny Games (2007): The main characters find themselves trapped in a twisted game of deadly entertainment. Cruel Intentions (1999): The main character's plan for revenge leads to tragic consequences. Drag Me to Hell (2009): The protagonist faces a demonic curse that cannot be escaped. Catch Me If You Can (2002): The main character evades law enforcement, making his cunning victory undeniable. Memento (2000): The killer remains at large, defying the protagonist's quest for justice. Vanishing on 7th Street (2005): Darkness prevails, casting a shadow over the protagonists' lives. The Haunting of Molly Hartley (2016): The main character joins the evil side, changing the course of the story.

These films offer a diverse range of narrative structures and ethical dilemmas that challenge the norm. They remind viewers that in life, and often in movies, the good does not always prevail, and the antagonist's victory is a reflection of the human struggle against powerful adversaries.

Key Takeaways: A movie where the antagonist wins can offer a compelling and disturbing narrative. Examples include Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Fallen, Jean de Florette, and Memento. The subreddit r/writingprompts is a great resource for screenplay ideas and themes.

These movies are not merely tales of tragedy but deep explorations of the complexities of human nature. They are a testament to the multifaceted nature of storytelling and the enduring fascination with the concept of the ultimate victory of evil.