Horror movies are known for being grim and scary, but these seven horror movies almost took it to an even darker level. From alternative endings to original scripts, these films had some chilling ideas that were thankfully left on the cutting room floor.

Weapons: Zach Cregger’s “Weapons” had a different ending in mind, where the children under Gladys’ mind control were left speechless. Thankfully, test audiences preferred a more hopeful conclusion, leading to a change in the final narration.

Happy Death Day: The original ending of “Happy Death Day” had Tree meeting a grim fate in the hospital, where she is murdered by the nurse. The film’s more optimistic ending was well-received, setting up the events for the sequel.

Evil Dead (2013): The remake of “Evil Dead” almost had a much darker ending, with Mia exploding in a burst of blood. Director Fede Álvarez’s original vision pushed the boundaries of horror, but the final version provided a more grounded conclusion.

Event Horizon: The alternate endings of “Event Horizon” delved deeper into the horrors of the demonic entity, with haunting visions and hallucinations that added an extra layer of darkness to the film.

Get Out: Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” had a different ending planned, where Chris is arrested by the police. The decision to change the ending to a more hopeful tone was a wise choice, preserving the film’s impact and message.

Alien: Ridley Scott’s “Alien” was originally meant to end with Ripley’s death, adding a tragic twist to the iconic film. The final version, with Ripley emerging as the hero, solidified the character as a sci-fi icon.

Gremlins: Joe Dante’s “Gremlins” had a much darker scene in mind, where Billy’s mom was decapitated by the Gremlins. The decision to tone down the violence maintained the film’s balance between horror and comedy.

These horror movies flirted with darker themes and endings, but ultimately found a balance that resonated with audiences. The behind-the-scenes insights into these films offer a glimpse into the creative process and the fine line between horror and despair.