There’s something oddly thrilling about sitting through the credits of a movie, waiting to see if you’ll be rewarded with a little something extra—a clue, a joke, a twist, or a tease of what’s coming next. Post-credits scenes, once an occasional surprise, have become a full-blown ritual for moviegoers, especially fans of franchise films.

But these little cinematic treats didn’t start with superheroes or blockbuster sagas. They have roots that stretch far beyond modern cinema, deep into the history of live theater and performance.

From Encore Applause to On-Screen Surprises

Before films ever flickered onto a screen, audiences were already hungry for more. In the 18th century, encores were the original post-show bonus. At the 1786 premiere of Mozart’s "The Marriage of Figaro," several arias were so well-received that they were performed again during the same show.

Sometimes, entire scenes got a second round, stretching performances much longer than intended. It wasn’t about keeping people in their seats but about giving fans what they wanted: more.

Over time, this tradition found a new home in live music. By the 1960s, concerts by pop and rock icons often included an encore as a standard part of the setlist. Audiences expected it. This collective craving for bonus moments is the heart of today’s post-credits experience.

The First Post-Credits Scene in Film

Instagram | collider.com | "The Silencers" (1966) marked cinema's first mainstream post-credits scene, with Dean Martin's Matt Helm.

It wasn’t until 1966 that the first mainstream post-credits scene appeared in film. In the spy spoof "The Silencers," Dean Martin’s character Matt Helm is seen lounging on a rotating couch, surrounded by scantily clad women.

After a cheeky kiss and a smirk, he quips, “Oh, my god,” followed by text on the screen promising “Matt Helm Meets Lovey Kravezit.” Not only was it a humorous send-off—it also teased the next chapter. And yes, that sequel did happen.

While this might feel late in cinematic history, it’s important to note that films traditionally opened with credits until the late 1950s. It wasn’t until movies like "Around the World in 80 Days"(1956) started pushing credits to the end that space for such scenes even became available.

Early Experiments and Genre Twists

Post-credits scenes didn’t explode right away. Some films from the late ’60s and early ’70s, like "Night of the Living Dead" (1968), used end scenes to show more of the world’s aftermath—no dialogue, just chilling images.

Others, like "House of Dark Shadows" (1970), leaned into mystery with hints that the story wasn’t quite over. In one eerie moment, the vampire Barnabas Collins, believed to be dead, morphs into a bat and escapes.

By the time "The Muppet Movie" arrived in 1979, post-credits scenes had taken a meta turn. The Muppets, watching their own movie, begin chatting, walking around, and finally Animal bursts onto the screen to yell “Go home!” before collapsing. It was silly, unexpected, and instantly memorable.

Bloopers and Small-Screen Bonus Moments

Television soon followed suit, especially in the ’80s and ’90s. Sitcoms like "Seinfeld" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" began tucking in bloopers and candid moments during their closing credits. These clips gave fans another reason to stick around—seeing their favorite stars mess up or laugh behind the scenes created a deeper connection.

Meanwhile, shows like "Mystery Science Theater 3000" turned post-credits bits into a recurring element, making it part of the viewing experience rather than an afterthought.

Post-Credits Scenes in the Streaming Era

Instagram | brobible | Marvel's 2008 "Iron Man" post-credits scene didn't just tease; it built an entire universe.

The game truly changed with "Iron Man" in 2008. Marvel Studios introduced a post-credits moment that not only teased future stories but also launched an interconnected universe. In that scene, Nick Fury walks into Tony Stark’s life with a plan: the Avengers Initiative. This simple moment set the tone for a decade of must-watch post-credits content.

What helped post-credits scenes go viral? Social media. With platforms like Twitter and YouTube, fans started sharing details, breaking down scenes, and encouraging others not to leave the theater early. Now, seeing a Marvel film without sticking around until the lights come on feels almost wrong.

Today’s Post-Credits Expectation

Post-credits scenes are now everywhere—appearing in horror hits like "Sinners (2025)" or family-friendly flicks like "A Minecraft Movie." They tease sequels, drop hidden jokes, or add a surprise that keeps people talking.

And here’s the truth: people now search online before even watching the movie to see if there’s a post-credits scene. It’s a built-in part of the experience. If a film skips it entirely, it can feel like a missed opportunity.

So while the tradition has evolved—from Mozart to Marvel—it still taps into the same idea: audiences love a little something extra. And with no signs of slowing down, post-credits scenes are here to stay.