The Worst and Most Hated Movie Clichés

movie cliches have a neutral nature and, when employed thoughtfully and imaginatively, can effectively contribute to telling an engaging tale on the silver screen.

Occasionally, these elements can become repetitive, losing their charm and turning into tiresome, worn-out tropes that viewers find frustrating due to their frequent use in predictable storylines or jokes.

One of the most widely used and agitating tropes movies often employ is that of the love triangle.

While it can play a significant role in a movie’s narrative and the development of the main character, like in “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, this frequently annoying storytelling element has become a recurring annoyance, especially in grand, romantic historical dramas and teen fantasy/dystopian romance genres, such as the “Twilight Saga” or “Hunger Games” series.

In other settings, typical storyline devices like a character’s phone losing signal at a critical moment, frequently seen in horror films and thrillers, can seem overly implausible or disruptive. Similarly, a character having a modest income yet affording an impressive apartment without roommates or financial strain also appears unrealistic.

In some instances, certain stereotypes can be quite harmful, such as when mental illness is used for comedic effect. For example, in the 2000 Jim Carrey movie “Me, Myself & Irene,” Carrey’s character Charley is portrayed as having schizophrenia, and his erratic, sexually inappropriate, and sometimes violent actions reinforce harmful and incorrect assumptions about this condition. Upon its release, the film was criticized by mental health organizations.

Tropes are essential elements in the art of filmmaking, but when they’re used too frequently, they may wear out viewers who yearn for originality and intelligence in what they watch on screen.

Most Hated Movie Tropes

The Love Triangle

As a cinephile, I’ve noticed that love triangles have been a recurring theme in movies since the early days of cinema. From blockbuster dystopian franchises like The Twilight Saga and The Hunger Games to classic romantic films such as The Notebook and The Wedding Planner, they’ve certainly added an element of intrigue. However, I can’t help but feel that their frequent use has become a bit tiresome, even bordering on comical when they seem forced into a narrative.

Mental Illness Played for Laughs

It’s important to note that humor doesn’t define mental illness. People with mental illness can certainly be humorous, but their humor isn’t a result of their illness. Portraying mental health issues as comedic, as seen in movies like “Me, Myself & Irene”, may reinforce damaging stereotypes and misconceptions. Let’s strive for more enlightened representation instead!

The ‘Ugly to Gorgeous’ Makeover

It’s surprising to learn that Anne Hathaway’s character Mia Thermopolis from “The Princess Diaries” wasn’t already a ‘baddie’ with glasses and curly hair. Jokes aside, it’s amusing when movies like “The Princess Diaries” or “She’s All That” try to convince us that the main character, who is already attractive, wasn’t, in fact, beautiful before some lipgloss and a good haircut. We can see with our own eyes!

Stalking and Other Not-so-Romantic Red Flags

As a movie connoisseur, I’ve seen my fair share of films that have attempted to sell us the idea that behaviors like stalking or being infatuated with one’s best friend’s new spouse are romantic gestures rather than clear warning signs. From Noah’s unrelenting pursuit of Allie in “The Notebook” to Mark’s inappropriate sign confession in “Love Actually,” not forgetting Chris Pratt’s character’s questionable actions towards Jennifer Lawrence’s character in “Passengers,” these actions are far from romantic. They are, in fact, controlling and downright chilling.

So Easy a Kid Could Hack

Hacking requires advanced technical knowledge, and the firewalls and security systems used by banks, corporations, government agencies, schools, and other institutions aren’t something a kid can easily bypass. It seems absurd when characters who are not technically proficient or young are shown effortlessly infiltrating computer systems, as portrayed in movies like Jurassic Park.

Walking Away From a Gunshot Wound

A gunshot wound isn’t like a simple paper cut; it’s not something you can easily dismiss or cover with a Band-Aid, as action movies often portray (even ones like Die Hard). And let’s not even get started on the unrealistic scenes of characters walking away coolly after an explosion.

Gunshot wounds are no joke compared to paper cuts, yet countless action films (like Die Hard) make it seem as if they can be easily dismissed or treated with a Band-Aid. As for the scenes where characters walk away nonchalantly after an explosion… let’s not go there!

Suddenly No Cell Service

It seems like you’re pointing out that the protagonist’s phone mysteriously stopped working just as they spotted the killer and attempted to call for help. This plot device is quite familiar, appearing in numerous films across various genres, but it has been particularly common in horror movies over time.

‘Speak English!’ (a.k.a. the Tech Frustration Outburst)

This situation typically arises when a tech expert is attempting to explain intricate, technical terms to an action-packed character who exclaims, “Just speak plainly!” It’s a tired comedic moment that, despite not being as frequent as some others, still prompts an eye roll each time it occurs.

The Misunderstood Bad Boy

Characters like J.D. from “Heathers,” Sebastian from “Cruel Intentions,” and Jim from “Rebel Without a Cause” are classic examples of the misunderstood anti-hero, a character type deeply rooted in cinema that continues to captivate audiences. These troubled, multi-layered male figures frequently have a heart-wrenching past or endearing traits (or even a complete transformation), but their excessive use for dramatic effect doesn’t diminish the impact they have on viewers.

Characters like J.D., Sebastian, and Jim from different movies are examples of a popular movie trope – the misunderstood bad boy. These characters often have a sad past or good qualities that make them appealing, but using this character type too much can still be overdone when it comes to eliciting emotional responses.

Woman Slapping a Man for Laughs

In a more pleasant and understandable rephrase:

A violent response is never appropriate! Although some of these characters may have wronged others through infidelity, deception, disrespectful comments, and other forms of personal misconduct, portraying physical violence as humor is distasteful (and a low-quality joke).

A Woman Doing a ‘Man’s Job’? That’s Feminism, Baby!

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself deeply resonating with Mrs. Incredible’s words when she declared, “Girls, it’s not our place to just save the world? I don’t think so.” It’s high time we acknowledge that women are capable of achieving anything and everything, not because they identify as feminists or have a more traditionally ‘masculine’ demeanor. Let’s shatter the stereotypes and make it the norm for all genders to excel in any profession, be it mechanics or astronauts. After all, who would have thought that a gal from Brooklyn could hold her own when it comes to independent rear suspension and Positraction?

A High School With No Homework

During my high school years, it felt like I always had homework assignments waiting for me each day. At times, they would consume several hours! However, one might think that teenagers in popular high school movies like “Mean Girls” and “Clueless” have endless free time once the final bell rings. Frankly, with essays to write, last-minute poster boards to prepare, and other responsibilities, who has the luxury of organizing romantic entanglements or plotting against rivals? (Again, I apologize, Mom, for forgetting that assignment!)

She Always Wears Expensive Lingerie

Generally speaking, I prefer comfort over extravagance and find myself drawn to breathable cotton garments rather than fancy, silky, lacy, or uncomfortable clothing that is often overpriced. It’s frustrating when movies portray women as always wearing expensive lingerie, making it seem like a daily reality. For instance, the opening scene in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ showcases this idea – it’s a job interview, not a runway show for Victoria’s Secret!

The Autistic Genius

Autism varies greatly from person to person, and it’s important to remember that not all autistic individuals share the same traits. However, movies often portray autistic people as exceptional geniuses with extraordinary mental abilities, which can lead to unrealistic and damaging expectations in reality. Although there are many highly intelligent and gifted individuals on the spectrum, this cinematic stereotype should be viewed with caution.

The Unrealistically Nice Apartment

As a cinema enthusiast, I often find myself questioning the financial feasibility of a character’s living arrangements, like Holly Golightly’s lavish apartment in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. While it’s delightful to ogle at grand, stylish apartments on screen, they can sometimes be a bit too extravagant for the characters who live there, considering their economic circumstances. It’s a tad distracting, but I guess we all indulge in a bit of wishful thinking when it comes to our own living situations!

10 Actors Who Played Distractingly Bad Doubles in Movies

Tom Hanks in Cloud Atlas

The intriguing aspect of the movie “Cloud Atlas” lies in its unique structure where each actor portrays various characters spanning different time periods. This narrative weaves the theme of reincarnated souls experiencing similar emotions throughout their lives. In an era that seems almost unimaginable today, 2015, studios were willing to support a diverse cast playing roles outside their own ethnicities. The film showcases some extraordinary makeup artistry, particularly on Tom Hanks, who transforms into a hotel manager, an actor, and a primitive islander residing in post-apocalyptic Hawaii. While every performer in the movie could have been included in this list, it’s worth noting Hanks’ most striking portrayal as “Dermot Hoggins,” a menacing author with a shaved head, goatee, and gold chain who pushes a critic who criticized his book off a balcony to his death. (Please note: the Korean Jim Sturgess is fictional and cannot harm you.)

Jean Claude Van Damme in Double Impact

In the movie “Double Impact,” Jean-Claude Van Damme struggles to differentiate between his two characters, Alex and Chad Wagner, because they seem almost identical. Despite his ability to play multiple roles in three films thus far, the sameness of these twin characters feels artificial or forced due to Van Damme’s unique appearance. It is hard to picture anyone else looking like him, making it challenging for the audience to accept additional Van Dammes within the storyline as authentic twins. Essentially, it seems like he is portraying a single character throughout the film.

Will Smith in Gemini Man

The film “Gemini Man” was primarily a demonstration of technology rather than a truly successful movie, with its high frame rate and advanced digital de-aging technique applied to Will Smith being notable highlights. In the story, Smith portrays a retired assassin who is pursued by his clone, also played by a digitally altered version of Smith through motion-capture and CGI. The film had a long history in development limbo, with various actors like Harrison Ford and Sean Connery attached at different stages, but was finally produced when the technology was considered ready. Despite one’s opinion on the movie, it looks visually appealing – that is, until it doesn’t; the high-definition high frame rate exposes any flaws in the rendering of a partially digital character, creating an unsettling uncanny valley effect over a typical action-thriller plotline. It almost brings back memories of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s facial prosthetics in “Looper“.

Tom Hollander in The King’s Man

In the movie “The King’s Man,” a spin-off of the Kingsman series, Tom Hiddleston took on an unusual role: he portrayed not just one character, but three. He played King George V, Kaiser Wilhelm, and Tsar Nicholas. To distinguish between these characters, Hiddleston wore various uniforms and sported slightly different facial hair for each. The British monarch, King George V, was given a refined, quiet voice, while Kaiser Wilhelm’s character was given a stereotypical loud German accent. The humor lies in the fact that these three rulers were actually cousins, being grandchildren of Queen Victoria, thus emphasizing the shared heritage of royal families across distant lands.

Tom Hardy in Legend

It’s impossible not to notice that the British gangster film Legend, starring Tom Hardy as both the Kray twins, portrays infamous criminals who dominated London during the 1960s with their double dose of iron-fisted power. As Ronnie and Reggie Kray, Hardy has a unique opportunity to enjoy two contrasting roles: one as an appealing charmer and the other as his rough-talking, humorous brother with a peculiar voice and distinctive speech pattern, similar to Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone if he hailed from the East End. Although Hardy demonstrates remarkable acting skills, he doesn’t fully immerse himself in either role, resulting in the film being perceived more as an intriguing “look at this actor playing two roles” experiment rather than a convincing biopic.

Hilary Duff in The Lizzie McGuire Movie

As a die-hard cinephile, I can’t help but be instantly captivated by Hilary Duff’s endearing Italian accent as Isabella Parigi in “The Lizzie McGuire Movie.” Playing both characters through digital doubling, she manages to create an almost flawless duality. The movie makes the most of this by frequently featuring the two characters together on screen (even if that one hand-holding shot mysteriously leaves out the hands). Duff’s portrayal of these contrasting characters is quite impressive, with Isabella serving as a bold celebrity counterpoint to Lizzie’s shy small-town self. Admittedly, it’s not the most realistic setup, mirroring the movie’s overall plotline.

Leo DiCaprio in The Man in the Iron Mask

In “The Man in the Iron Mask,” the filmmakers broke away from Hollywood’s tradition of having non-American characters speak with British accents by allowing most of the cast to speak in their native tongues, a change that is striking when Leonardo DiCaprio appears as both King Louis XIV and his masked twin brother Philippe. In a movie filled with the lavish spectacle typical of Alexandre Dumas’s stories, it feels strange to hear one of the main characters speaking like an American teenager, and in this film, there are not one but two of them. Apart from their identical hair, there is little to distinguish the two characters.

Rory Kinnear in Men

The chilling atmosphere created by Rory Kinnear’s diverse characters in Alex Garland’s film “Men” was undeniably intentional, with one actor portraying several men to instill a sense of unease. He excels at playing a town full of residents who seem determined to ruin a widow’s peaceful vacation. It’s uncertain whether all these characters are distinct or if they represent the same ominous presence, but seeing the same actor recurrently can indeed be unsettling. There are instances where the performance falters, particularly in the role of the small boy in the churchyard, but the thrilling climax justifies the use of makeup, wigs, and digital de-aging.

Vanessa Hudgens in The Princess Switch

Similar to Hilary Duff, Vanessa Hudgens struggles with the accents required in the ‘The Princess Switch’ series (there are now three of them), but this shouldn’t discourage anyone from enjoying these low-budget Christmas romantic comedies. In the initial movie, Hudgens portrays two characters: Stacy De Novo, an Italian-American baker from Chicago, and Lady Margaret Delacourt, duchess of the fictional country of Montenaro who is unwillingly engaged to the prince of the equally imaginary country of Belgravia. As Lady Margaret, Hudgens attempts a somewhat British accent that’s quite poor, but in the sequel, a third Vanessa Hudgens appears as Lady Fiona Pembroke, a character reminiscent of Lady Gaga and Cruella de Vil, which leaves you questioning what a genuine British accent should sound like.

Nicholas Braun in Saturday Night

In the sprawling cast of the movie ‘Saturday Night’, based on the origins of ‘Saturday Night Live’, one might assume that no actor could play multiple characters due to time constraints. However, this assumption would be incorrect as Nicholas Braun managed to star in the film not once, but twice – portraying both puppet master Jim Henson and comedian Andy Kaufman. Interestingly, he stepped into the role of Kaufman after Benny Safdie had to withdraw from the project, and it’s evident – his lanky build is more fitting for the character of Henson, and when he appears in various roles throughout the film, it becomes distracting instead of amusing.

2025-04-07 17:26