Post-credits scenes can be some of the best scenes in whole movies. There, I said it. They can change the tone of a film, spark a franchise, and even give people a laugh. But the craziest post-credits scenes are the ones that truly shock viewers and make them want to watch the entire movie all over again just to watch that one great scene. Though they've mostly been made popular by superhero movies — thanks Marvel Cinematic Universe — but post or mid-credits sequences can now be found in any genre of film, from romantic comedies to dramas. Still, few can live up to the awesomeness of the 11 craziest post-credits scenes ever, listed below for your viewing pleasure.
The best post-credits scenes are ones that tie back to the film in a fun, unexpected way, but the craziest ones leave audience members with jaws dropped and blood pumping. That is to say that a good post-credits scene isn't always crazy. What makes a truly wild one is the wow-factor. Does it inspire audiences to talk about it for days after? Is it more than just a cheap laugh? And, in the case of huge franchises, will it make you want to buy a ticket to the next movie? These crazy post-credits scenes do all of this and more, just take a look for yourself.
1Nick Fury — 'Iron Man'
The scene that sparked the entire MCU and birthed the onscreen Avengers.
2Thanos — 'The Avengers'
The Avengers mid-credits scene revealed Thanos as the big bad, a title he's been keeping ahold of ever since. Arguably the biggest, most prolific villain in the MCU, the introduction of Thanos set up the next decade of Marvel films, which is no small feat.
Obviously, the shawarma scene is 100 percent awesome too.
3Infinity Stone — 'Thor: The Dark World'
Yes, I know, another Marvel post-credits scene, but I can't help it if they're the best. The end credits scene in Thor: The Dark World stands out because it helps set up the Infinity Stone plot of the final two Avengers films while also tying together the Thor and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises.
4Survival — 'Dawn Of The Dead'
Dawn of the Dead's credits are intercut with footage of what happens to the last survivors after the events of the film. Spoiler alert: it's not pretty, and frankly makes the entire film way more depressing than it already is.
5'The Avengers' Teaser — 'Captain America: The First Avenger'
Did we know The Avengers was coming by the time Captain America: The First Avenger? Yes, but that didn't make the teaser trailer and the post-credits sneak peek any less exciting.
6The Virus — 'Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes'
The final scene of Rise of the Planet of the Apes bleeds into the credits in such a beautiful way, it's just impossible to leave off the list. As the credits play, we see the spread of the virus that would eventually lead to the downfall of men and the uprising of apes all over the world, and we see it all through just a couple lines on a map. It's elegant and impressive in its simplicity — just perfect.
7Letty Lives — 'Fast Five'
The Fast & Furious franchise was already full speed ahead into a brand new trilogy by the time Letty was resurrected in the Fast Five post-credits scene, but Michelle Rodriguez's return to the franchise re-energized fans in a whole new way that likely kept the movies coming after Fast & Furious 6. (Runner up: Han's death reimagined in the post-credits scene of Fast & Furious 6 was equally shocking.)
8Bloopers — 'Toy Story 2'
Providing a small break from all this madness are the post-credits bloopers in Toy Story 2. What's so great about this scene is just how innovative it is for Pixar. Plus, knowing the manpower it took to create these bloopers, which really have no reason to exist in an animated film, shows a special kind of dedication to viewers that's really heartwarming.
9Ferris Bueller — 'Deadpool'
Deadpool's post-credits scene was basically a huge rip off of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which is what makes it so great. The scene was totally in keeping with the outrageous tone of the movie, but also gave fans a million ideas for what might be coming next.
10Bill Murray — 'Zombieland'
Bill Murray's epic cameo in Zombieland is extended in a must-watch post-credits scene. It's not exactly a game-changing addition to the film, but Murray's cameo in Zombieland is largely considered one of his best, and fans love it.
11Justice League — 'Suicide Squad'
So far, DC post-credits scenes have failed to really reveal anything new to the franchise, but even I have to admit I felt a bit giddy at seeing Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne share a scene with Viola Davis' Amanda Waller. Also, the photo of Aquaman doesn't hurt.
One thing is clear: movies are going to have to start upping their post-credit scene game if they want to join the crazy list anytime soon.
