Shows With Endings SO Bad, They’re Good?!
One of the most appealing features of the thriller genre lies in its flexibility, allowing storylines to grow increasingly complex and unpredictable as a series unfolds. Even if the show isn’t inherently supernatural or surreal, it can still manipulate viewer perceptions and bend rules regarding time and space to create an engaging and surprising narrative. Although it may be confusing at times when a series takes unexpected turns, there’s no denying the thrill of watching these projects unfold and come full circle.
Many fantastic thriller TV series are available to watch over a weekend marathon, but some run for a long time and demand a lot from viewers due to their complexity. However, any production that offers mystery and suspense necessitates the audience’s complete focus because seemingly unimportant scenes can often hold significant narrative weight. As these series unfold, it becomes clear that every detail and casual moment is significant and lays the groundwork for surprising yet captivating resolutions.
10. The Wilds (2020–2022)
Season 1 Tells A Tight Story, But Season 2 Takes An Unexpected Turn
Season 1 of “The Wilds” is an engaging survival television series featuring robust female characters. Initially appearing to be a conventional narrative about a baffling plane crash and exploring teenagers’ wilderness adventures, “The Wilds” takes an unanticipated turn. It swiftly becomes evident that the crash was orchestrated as a covert test by someone. As the young women forge friendships, backstab one another, and confront their past lives, the intricate conspiracy gradually unfolds.
Despite receiving positive feedback, “The Wilds” was terminated after its second season due to the new plot development involving the boys’ plane crash, which deviated significantly from the original concept. The series finale of “The Wilds” leaves us hanging, as there were plans for multiple seasons ahead, but the intricate connections between past and future events remain perplexing. However, the characters and their complex backstories serve as the show’s solid foundation, even though it often strays into territories that are challenging to grasp.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
The Wilds (2020–2022) | 89% | 84% |
9. Dark (2017–2020)
As The Name Suggests, Dark Isn’t Always Easy To Watch
In essence, Netflix’s series “Dark” isn’t a show you can casually watch without giving it your full attention. Instead, it’s an intricate, thought-provoking, and deeply complex production that delves deep into the intricacies and thematic significance of its storyline and characters. The narrative explores the consequences of generational errors, passed down through families and eras, and incorporates elements of the supernatural and sci-fi to amplify its powerful message.
In a brief three-season span, the captivating series Dark skillfully utilized its limited time, escalating the narrative with every episode while challenging viewers to accept the mind-bending plot turns. Despite some questions being resolved, Dark never fails to surprise us with additional mysteries, making it impossible for fans to stay away from this thought-provoking show. By the end of the series, the scale of Dark’s story encompasses various timelines and dimensions, transporting viewers on a journey that transcends the small town setting where it all began.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Dark (2017–2020) | 95% | 94% |
8. Lost (2004–2010)
With Sci-fi, Fantasy, & Mystery Woven Into Its DNA, Lost Will Always Be Memorable
Few TV shows have garnered as much iconic and contentious attention as the “Lost” series finale. Over numerous seasons, we followed the characters through their arduous attempts to leave the island only to find themselves back on it again. The show continually tested every assumption and hypothesis that viewers and critics had formed about it. Despite its ending veering off course and delivering unexpected twists, “Lost” remains a groundbreaking series that has significantly influenced contemporary television.
As a seasoned movie critic, I can attest that “Lost” boldly defied conventions and confounded assumptions, staying resolute to its core identity as a series throughout its journey. The final episode left an indelible impression on me, reminiscent of the captivating impact of its pilot. Regardless of personal opinions towards the finale, it’s undeniable that it carved a significant niche in television history.
Moreover, the finale endeavored to shed light on numerous enigmas that had perplexed viewers since the beginning. The series’ mystical aspects grew more pronounced in its later seasons, and the finale provides satisfying resolution to these elements.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Lost (2004–2010) | 86% | 89% |
7. Orphan Black (2013–2017)
There’s Much More To Uncover In Orphan Black Than You Realize
As a passionate film buff, I must say that Tatiana Maslany delivers an unforgettable, career-defining act as Sarah Manning and her numerous clones in the captivating series, ‘Orphan Black’. From the get-go, this show sets itself apart from your average thriller, reeling you in with unexpected twists and intricate secrets that constantly challenge your assumptions. The moment Sarah plunges headfirst into the enigmatic world of the story, uncovering how her life has been meticulously orchestrated in a lab, I found myself eagerly anticipating each new revelation about how she’d claim her freedom.
Without a doubt, the TV show “Orphan Black” is an engaging, fast-moving thriller that keeps viewers hooked as each new season adds layers of mystery. The final season, titled “Orphan Black: Revolution (or Orphan Black Season 5)“, brings the series to a close by cementing its reputation as one of the best speculative fiction shows of its era. Many assumptions about the story that seemed set in stone are challenged in the captivating series finale, leading to the creation of “Orphan Black: Echoes“, a short-lived spinoff.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Orphan Black (2013–2017) | 93% | 92% |
6. Mr. Robot (2015–2019)
Rami Malek Uncovers Conspiracies As Elliot In Mr. Robot
Prior to claiming the Academy Award for Best Actor in the film “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Rami Malek starred in the cyberpunk thriller TV series “Mr. Robot”. His role was that of Elliot, an accomplished hacker who finds himself in a treacherous realm of crime and intrigue, employing his abilities to dismantle powerful corporations. Notably, “Mr. Robot” delves not only into broader societal and cultural concerns but also deeply into the complexities of Elliot’s mind, as he is not always a trustworthy storyteller.
In a nutshell, Mr. Robot grapples with Elliot’s distorted perspective of the world and his struggle to interact with actuality. As a result, he escapes into the digital realm, finding comfort in hacking. By the 2010s, Mr. Robot became one of the iconic works of the decade, exploring contemporary anxieties and increasing dependence on technology. The finale of Mr. Robot leaves many aspects of the narrative uncertain, urging Elliot and viewers to reconsider the boundary between what’s real and imagined.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Mr. Robot (2015–2019) | 94% | 93% |
5. Legion (2017–2019)
Both Visually And Narratively, Legion Isn’t Afraid To Experiment
In contrast to other Marvel TV series or projects based on the X-Men, Legion stands out as it intentionally perplexes its viewers at every opportunity. Starring Dan Stevens, famously known for his role in Downton Abbey, as David, a man oblivious to his mutant identity, much of the action unfolds within the depths of David’s mind. The series portrays David as he battles for mastery over his powers and insights against both internal conflicts and external threats trying to manipulate him.
Despite having run for just three seasons, the series “Legion” delved into numerous intense storylines that not only affected David but also shaped all the characters within it. As the narrative unfolds, “Legion” becomes increasingly surreal and quirky in both plot and visual presentation. Standing apart from other superhero shows currently on air, “Legion” remains true to its themes and message as David embarks on journeys to realms that defy our wildest imaginations.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Legion (2017–2019) | 91% | 85% |
4. 12 Monkeys (2015–2018)
As 12 Monkeys Progressed, The Series Proved Its Longevity
In 2015, the tale that captivated audiences in the 1995 sci-fi thriller film “12 Monkeys” was adapted for television. Starring Aaron Stanford and Amanda Schull, this new version expanded upon the original concept, weaving a more intricate tapestry of characters and plotlines. In the realm of science fiction thrillers, “12 Monkeys” distinguishes itself by skillfully blending the intense nature of its premise with the boundless opportunities offered by time travel.
The last installment of the TV series 12 Monkeys garnered high praise, showing that the idea behind the series could endure beyond a standard film script. In the end, 12 Monkeys provided a conclusion to the show that was both deeply moving and exhilarating. Given the time travel narrative at its core, the finale offers some complex and perplexing storytelling. Nevertheless, it’s fascinating to watch the series and piece together the truth hidden within 12 Monkeys.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
12 Monkeys (2015–2018) | 88% | 78% |
3. Behind Her Eyes (2021)
A Thrilling Love-Triangle Is Taken To Supernatural Heights
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: Dipping into both the realms of film noir and the supernatural, “Behind Her Eyes” is a gripping show that takes surprising yet captivating twists as the story unfolds. Starring Simona Brown, Eve Hewson, and Tom Bateman as Louise, Adele, and David respectively, this drama revolves around an intricate love triangle that quickly becomes a dangerous web of secrets and lies. Debuting on Netflix in 2021, “Behind Her Eyes” is based on the novel by Sarah Pinborough, offering a suspenseful series that leaves you questioning reality at every turn.
As a devoted cinephile, let me tell you that the six captivating episodes of “Behind Her Eyes” take you on an unforeseen journey that’s as thrilling as it is unexpected. The mind-boggling twist at the end will leave you speechless and yearning for more. This psychological thriller dives deep into the complexities of relationships, using a body-swapping, murder, and intense displays of affection as its lens. While the abrupt plot twists and character transformations might seem jarring at times, that’s all part of the unique charm of “Behind Her Eyes”.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Behind Her Eyes (2021) | 63% | 58% |
2. Twin Peaks (1990–1991)
Before The Return, Twin Peaks
Labeling “Twin Peaks” as merely a cult TV show is an understatement, given that it’s widely recognized as one of David Lynch’s finest achievements. Over time, its appeal has grown and touched a diverse range of viewers, whether they encountered it during its initial broadcast or much later. The unforgettable season 2 finale, which served as the show’s last episode for over two decades, remains a testament to its enduring impact.
From the very beginning, mystical aspects were intricately incorporated into the town of Twin Peaks. However, things took a turn for the extraordinary in the finale of season 2. Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) ventured into the Black Lodge and uncovered the truth about Laura Palmer’s fate, an event that forever altered the course of the series. Despite facing creative hurdles during season 2 due to David Lynch not being able to fully execute his vision, the original show ending remains just as startling to witness.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Twin Peaks (1990–1991) | 78% | 92% |
1. Maniac (2018)
This Miniseries Is Too Often Overlooked Today
In the lead roles for the series Maniac, we have Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. This underrated miniseries premiered on Netflix in 2018 but didn’t receive as much attention as it should have. When it initially came out, it ignited discussions, but today, it’s not brought up frequently. It’s unfortunate because Maniac offers an intriguing mental rollercoaster ride that culminates in a thrilling finale at the end of its tenth and last episode. The plot revolves around a secret pharmaceutical trial that challenges the characters to their psychological edges.
Similar to many suspenseful TV series, “Maniac” doesn’t shy away from leaving viewers puzzled at the end of each episode, gradually unveiling solutions and tying together the intricate web of plot twists and enigmas. The visual aesthetic of “Maniac” enhances its intricate narrative, maintaining our engagement as the story becomes increasingly bizarre and less straightforward. Even after the characters manage to escape the trial’s world, they can’t shake off the changes that have taken place in their minds.
Title | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Maniac (2018) | 85% | 84% |
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2025-05-06 04:02