There are a number of movie clichés that tend to feel overused and sometimes detract from the originality of a film. Here are some commonly disliked ones:
The Love Interest Damsel in Distress: In many action films, the female character often exists primarily as a love interest who frequently finds herself in trouble, needing to be rescued by the male protagonist. This trope can feel reductive and undermines the potential for strong, independent female characters.
The “One Last Job” Plot: This is particularly common in heist or crime movies, where a character is convinced to do one more job before they retire. It’s often predictable, and audiences can generally anticipate that everything will go wrong, leading to a high-stakes drama.
The Token Minority Friend: Often used to show diversity, this cliché involves inserting a character from a minority group without giving them a significant role or depth. These characters sometimes serve solely to support the main character, rather than having their own storyline or development.
Underdog Sports Team Winning Against All Odds: While these films can be inspiring, they tend to follow a predictable formula: an unlikely hero leading the team, a strict but lovable coach, and a victorious ending. It can sometimes feel like an easy way out rather than exploring deeper narratives.
The Infallible Hero: Protagonists who never lose a fight or always have the perfect plan can make movies feel less realistic and lower the stakes. A character’s vulnerability and growth often create a stronger connection with the audience.
The Sudden Romantic Reunion: Couples who suddenly reconcile at the end of a film, often with minimal conflict resolution or character growth, can feel forced and unrealistic. This usually happens in romantic comedies and can sometimes disregard genuine relationship development.
The Villain Monologue: Overused in superhero and action films, where the villain outlines their evil plan and motivations, often giving the hero time to formulate a counterattack. This can make the climax feel contrived and remove suspense.
Characters Not Using Obvious Solutions: Whether it’s not calling for help, ignoring the easy way out, or overlooking a simple solution, such moments can frustrate audiences and break the immersion of the story.
These clichés, while sometimes executed well, can alienate viewers when they feel repetitive or hinder the storytelling. Fresh perspectives and narratives are often more engaging and can lead to a deeper emotional resonance.