Ever felt like you watched a whole movie just from its trailer? Welcome to the spoiler-soaked reels of modern horror cinema, where movie trailers ruin the surprise before you even buy the popcorn. If you’re hoping for heart-pounding surprises in your horror flicks, maybe skip the trailers and dive straight into the darkness. Let’s face it, nothing kills the thrill like knowing every scare beforehand—sometimes, ignorance truly is bliss in the theater!
So grab your tickets, bypass the previews, and let the movie itself haunt you, unspoiled and unexpected.
Smile (2022)
Ever watched a movie trailer and felt like you just binged the whole film in two minutes? That’s the 2022 horror movie Smile for you. The trailer practically served up all its jump scares on a silver platter, including that infamous car scene—talk about spoilers! Now imagine sitting in the theater, popcorn in hand, waiting for surprises that just… never come. It’s like being told there’s a ghost behind the door, only to find it’s just your cat. Scary? Not so much. Smile could have been the rollercoaster ride of the year, if only its trailer hadn’t been so eager to show us every twist and turn.
Scream (2022)
Who needs suspense when you have trailers like the one for Scream (2022)? The opening scene—spoiled. Ghostface’s pop-ups—previewed. The twist where Jenna Ortega survives? Called it. Sitting in the theater felt like watching a rerun. Next time, maybe they’ll just send us the script in advance and save us the trip! While the movie did a great job keeping us guessing in some parts, the trailer could’ve left a bit more to the imagination.
What Lies Beneath (2000)
What Lies Beneath might as well have come with a spoiler alert slapped on its trailer. The preview basically walks you through the entire plot—twists, turns, and all. It’s like that overzealous parent at the science fair who does your project for you. Sure, Michelle Pfeiffer’s stellar performance and Robert Zemeckis’ directorial finesse mean the movie still holds up on the 100th watch, but come on, let us do some of the work! We might have guessed the twists, but it would’ve been nice to at least try to piece the puzzle together on our own.
Quarantine (2008)
Thinking of watching Quarantine? Just catch the trailer—it’s a full spoiler session! Who needs the suspense of a horror flick when the trailer hands you the ending on a silver platter? There’s Angela Vidal, our intrepid reporter, meeting her doom, and bam! No need to buy that movie ticket. Quarantine’s trailer might as well have been a condensed version of the film, delivering all the scares and shocks without the hassle of runtime. Next time, maybe they’ll save some thrills for the actual movie.
Carrie (1976)
The 1976 horror classic Carrie didn’t just give us a peek at the plot in its trailer—it practically threw in the whole playbook, prom night disaster and all. If trailers had Oscars for spoilers, Carrie would be a runaway winner. It skips the “teaser” part and heads straight for a play-by-play narration, sparing only the final jump scare. But hey, if you’re into movie trailers with a spoiler that double as speed runs, this might just be your thing. While the trailer is more revealing than a high school diary, the film itself remains an iconic horror movie, thanks to Brian De Palma’s craft and Sissy Spacek‘s haunting performance.
When a Stranger Calls (2006)
When a Stranger Calls (2006) might as well have broadcast its ending on a billboard with its spoiler-rich trailer. Seriously, the trailer scoops up the climax and flings it at viewers with wild abandon. It’s like watching the movie’s “greatest hits” reel instead of the actual film. Why sit through the suspense when you can get the whole plot served up in a two-minute trailer? Talk about saving time on a slow movie night!
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The Last House on the Left (2009)
The 2009 remake of The Last House on the Left nearly played the whole film in its trailer, spilling every sinister bean there was to spill! It seems they were determined to show just how much havoc one could wreak from the comfort of their last house on the left. You almost expect the credits to roll right after the trailer, given there’s nothing left to surprise you in the cinema. Sure, trailers need to hook us, but maybe save a scare or two for the big screen, right?
Dream House (2011)
The trailer for Dream House (2011) pretty much rolls out the red carpet for spoilers, revealing the big twist like it’s no big deal. It’s like that friend who whispers the ending of a mystery novel just as you’re starting chapter one. At two and a half minutes, the trailer could almost pass for a mini-movie, offering up not just teasers but the whole plot on a silver platter. While the intention might have been to hook viewers, it instead gives away the game way too early, leaving little left for the imagination.
The Conjuring (2013)
Imagine the screams at the 2013 showing of The Conjuring—not from the ghostly encounters on screen, but because half the audience forgot the trailer’s spoilers! Yes, the trailer ends with what’s arguably the best scare: spectral hands clapping behind an unsuspecting Carolyn in the cellar. It’s like showing the final boss at the start of a video game. James Wan’s magic makes the movie worth a watch anyway, but for the full thrill, maybe trailers should avoid giving us all the answers upfront in a spoiler, and let us enjoy our ghostly guessing game.
The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024)
Renny Harlin’s reboot of “The Strangers” might just set a new record for the most deja vu in a trailer. Packed with action, it seems to play all its cards upfront, making you wonder if you’ve accidentally hit fast-forward. It’s a fine line between a nostalgic nod and a spoiler fest, and this trailer tap-dances all over it. Will it be a fresh take or a mere rehash of scares we’ve seen before? Only time will tell if this film can sneak up on us with any genuine surprises or if it’s just hiding behind the old tricks of its mask-wearing predecessors. Strangers Chapter 1 will hit theaters on May 17 by the way.
Suspiria (1977)
The trailer for the 1977 horror classic Suspiria is a bit like a magician tipping his hand during the first trick—it spills the beans on some key scares, including a peek at the big finale. Sure, it ruins some surprises like a gossiping friend who can’t keep a secret, but fear not! The real magic of Suspiria lies in its haunting atmosphere and striking visuals, which are too mesmerizing to be spoiled by a few premature reveals. This film’s blend of creepy vibes and stunning style ensures it remains a spine-tingling experience, no matter what the trailer gives away.
Pet Sematary (2019)
The 2019 Pet Sematary trailer might as well be a mini-movie, giving away everything from plot twists to the climactic finale. It’s like those recipe videos that show you the entire cooking process in 30 seconds—convenient, yes, but where’s the surprise? If you’re looking for shocks and shivers, you might find the trailer spoils the suspense quicker than a ghost popping out of the closet. So, if you prefer your horror films with a side of mystery, maybe skip the trailer and dive straight into the movie
The Nun (2018)
The trailer for The Nun might just be its own horror mini-series, showcasing enough jump scares to save you the price of admission. It’s like getting the ‘best of’ clips before you’ve even seen the movie. Planning to watch The Nun for a nail-biting, popcorn-spilling night out? You might want to skip the trailer and let the film do the screaming—unless you prefer your frights pre-spoiled.
So don’t get spoiled, and discover the top 12 funniest ghost movies that will have you laughing from the first moment! The perfect blend of laughs with spooky thrills.
