Entertainment

The loss of a beloved character in television can be so shocking that sometimes it turns viewers off from watching the show.

Sometimes the death of a character is due to the actor passing in real life. It can also be a plot device that propels the series forward. Sometimes, that writing choice pays off.

These television shows, however, didn’t see that pan out.

1. Dexter

The shocking death of Dexter’s wife, Rita, in the Season 4 finale blew us away. Unfortunately, the show could never recover from her loss. She was a perfect balance against Dexter’s Dark Passenger. With her gone, the show never fully recovered and had an uneven ending to the series in subsequent seasons.

2. Grey’s Anatomy

Patrick Dempsey’s Derek Shepard was a mainstay for eleven seasons. After his death, however, many fans of the show feel that the show’s tone changed without him. That hasn’t stopped Grey’s Anatomy from still airing today.

3. Bones

Major deaths are typically saved for a mid-season or season finale. When it comes to Lance Sweets, however, his death felt random as it happened in the middle of a season. Many fans saw this as the right time to start tuning out.

4. Orange Is The New Black

The Netflix original series helped put the streaming service on the map regarding original programming. However, several viewers note that the loss of Poussey was the beginning of the end. Many point out that this is where the show began to run out of steam.

5. Dallas

One of the most memorable moments in Dallas history is trying to figure out who shot J.R. However, here we’re talking about another member of the Ewing family: Bobby. However, he returned during the famous “shower scene” a year later.

6. The Walking Dead

The grim reality of the zombie apocalypse is that nobody is safe, something both the comic book and television adaptations of The Walking Dead make clear. Still, the loss of Glenn was too much for fans. Others argue that the death of Carl was their breaking point.

7. Two And A Half Men

Having to replace Charlie Sheen during his “Tiger Blood” era was inevitable. Still, the show tried to move on without him, only to flounder before the series eventually ended.

8. Sons Of Anarchy

There are a couple of examples we can choose here: Tara, Clay, and Opie. Opie’s death, in particular, is a telltale sign that the show was starting to overstay its welcome.

9. Game of Thrones

Spoiler alert: a lot of characters die here, and most of them are for the betterment of the series! When it comes to Barristan Selmy, however, some of the cracks in the show’s armor begin to show. For a character built up in Wesetos, his random death seemed out of place.

Don’t get us started on Stannis Baratheon.

10. Vikings

Ragnar’s death left such a hole in the series that characters constantly mention him. It’s as if the writers realized they made a terrible mistake and tried everything they could to salvage it.

11. 8 Simple Rules

This one is tricky: John Ritter’s death left a massive hole in the ABC comedy that couldn’t be replaced. The show never achieved the same success as it did with him.

12. NewsRadio

Another heartbreaking death, this time it’s Phil Hartman. While Jon Lovitz is up to the task of trying to replace the legendary comic, there is only one Phil Hartman.

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What are some of the most quotable films in your life? Is there a movie you and your family or friends quote faithfully and laugh at together?

To be honest, half of the things I say are direct movie quotes. Chances are that it’s from one of these fine films listed below.  

Dumb and Dumber

The iconic 1990s comedy starring Jim Carey and Jeff Daniels is packed with memorable quotes that will make you laugh just thinking of them.

• “…so you’re saying there’s a chance.”
• “Big Gulps, huh? Well, see you later!”
• “Pull over!” “It’s a cardigan, but thanks for noticing!”
• “But what if he shot you in the face?”
• “That’s as good as money, sir. Those are IOUs.”

Office Space

The workplace comedy perfectly encapsulates what it’s like working in a corporate office setting. As a result, there are plenty of quotes that people use, ironically, in their offices as they work.

• “Looks like somebody’s got a case of the Mondays!”
• “I tell you what I’d do, man, two chicks at the same time.”
• “What would you say you do here?”
• “Yeahhh…”

The Emperor’s New Groove

The Emperor’s New Groove is an underrated Disney film to many, who insist it’s one of the funniest Disney films ever. Here are our favorite quotes:

• “No touchy!”
• “Tell us where the talking llama is, or we’ll burn your house to the ground!”
• “I gotta go wash something.”
• “MY SPINACH PUFFS!”
• “Hey, I’ve been turned into a cow. Can I go home?”

Airplane!

Surely (inside joke for those in the know), a movie quotes list cannot be called complete without adding Airplane!

• “Surely you can’t be serious.” “I am serious… and don’t call me Shirley.”
• “Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.”
• “I flew single-engine fighters in the Air Force, but this plane has four engines. It’s an entirely different kind of flying, altogether.”
• “First time?” “No, I’ve been nervous lots of times.”
• “By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?”

Mean Girls

Mean Girls has a cult following, its own day (October 3rd), and features several recitable lines, including:

• “Oh my god, Karen, you can’t just ask someone why they are White!”
• “That’s so fetch!” “Stop trying to make fetch happen.”
• “On Wednesdays, we wear pink.”
• “She doesn’t even go here!”
• “I’m not like a regular mom. I’m a cool mom!” 

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride was regaled as a masterpiece by many and has been watched and rewatched by fans for decades. Robin Wright’s performance was noted as brilliant. Here are the best quotes:

• “Why do you wear a mask? Were you burned by acid or something like that?” “Oh no, it’s just that they’re terribly comfortable. I think everyone will be wearing them in the future.”
• “You seem like a decent fellow; I hate to kill you.” “You seem a decent fellow; I hate to die.”
• “Anybody want a peanut?”
• “Life isn’t fair. It’s just fairer than death, that’s all.”
• “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!”

The Big Lebowski

The way Jeff Bridges delivers dialogues as the world’s laziest, laid-back dude makes you want to use them every day.

• “Yeah? Well, you know, that’s just like, uh, your opinion, man.”
• “Smokey, this is not ‘Nam. This is bowling. There are rules.”
• “That rug really tied the room together. Did it not?”
• “The Dude abides.”
• “Just take it easy, man.”

The Blues Brothers

This iconic musical comedy has a lot of punchlines, as well as a lot of soul. Yes, pun intended. They’re on a mission from god. 

• “It’s 106 miles to Chicago. We got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses.” “Hit it.”
• “Bring me four fried chickens and a Coke.”
• “Are you the police?” “No, ma’am, we’re musicians.”
• “You have filthy mouths and bad attitudes.”
• “That ain’t no Hank Williams song. Rawhide!”

Fight Club

Fight Club is arguably acclaimed director David Fincher at his best, anchored by two excellent performances by Brad Pitt and Edward Norton.

• “The first rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club.”
• “It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.” 
• “I don’t want to die without any scars.”
• “This is your life, and it’s ending one moment at a time.”
• “The things you used to own, now they own you.”

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is the highlight of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, even if it’s not perfect. It has plenty of quotes, though, both good and bad!

• “Only the Sith deals in absolutes!”
• “You were the chosen one! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the force… not leave it in darkness!”
• “Your new empire!?”
• “YOU WILL NOT TAKE HER FROM ME!”
• “Nooooooooooo!”

The Godfather

The Godfather is a masterpiece that tops many best-movie lists. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino both have their fair share of unforgettable quotes.

Here are some popular ones:

• “Revenge is a dish that tastes best when served cold.”
• “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”
• “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse” (if you say it in your best Marlon Brando voice, it multiplies the intensity).
• “Great men are not born great. They grow great.”
• “A friend should always underestimate your virtues, and an enemy overestimates your faults.”

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Monty Python And The Holy Grail is as ridiculous as it is hilarious. And it’s a cult classic film with many quotable favorites, including:

• “Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.”
• ‘We are the Knights who say ni!”
• “Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate?”
• “On second thought, let’s not go to Camelot; tis a silly place!”
• “I fart in your general direction.”

Forrest Gump

The Tom Hanks film won the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director at the 67th Academy Awards in 1995. Now, we’re not saying it’s because of these iconic quotes, but certainly, it didn’t hurt.

• “Lieutenant Dan, ice cream!”
• “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
• “So I went to the White House… again. And I met the President… again.”
• “Sorry for ruinin’ your Black Panther party…”
• “That’s all I have to say about that.”

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Never judge a book by its cover. You can say the same about movies. Some of our favorite films are the ones we went into with no expectations. Despite this, they blew us away from start to finish.

Megamind

On the surface, Megamind is just another computer-animated film for kids. It still resonates with the older crowd, however. The film has a surprisingly mature message of a bullied kid finally coming into his own.

The Lego Movie

What should have been a complete fumble is instead a huge success. The Lego Movie succeeds because of its strong story and great character development. It’s also pretty darn funny, too.

The Lego Batman Movie

Surely lightning couldn’t strike twice, right? You’d think wrong.  What many initially viewed as a selfish spin-off was a movie just as enjoyable as the original.

Blast From The Past

Despite its utterly ridiculous premise, 1999’s Blast From The Past is better than it has any right to be.  It helps that Brendan Fraser is a national treasure, helping to make this “fish out of water” romantic comedy enjoyable.

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

Eli Craig’s black comedy horror film may not have the mainstream recognition of over movies on this list, but it’s still better than expected. The titular characters are two hillbillies who get caught up in the circumstances straight out of a classic horror film.

The Emperor’s New Groove

2000’s The Emperor’s New Groove was released when Disney was in a creative rut. Add a troubled development history, and you have the recipe for an absolute disaster.  Despite all the odds, this is one of the funniest animated movies ever.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Another Disney classic that defies the odds, 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean launched a billion-dollar movie franchise. Based on the ride at Walt Disney World, many scoffed at the idea of a successful Pirates movie.

Galaxy Quest

A spoof on Star Trek? Surely that would never work, right? Wrong. Not only does Galaxy Quest feature intelligent writing, but it’s also one of the best Star Trek movies ever made.

Zombieland

You could argue that by the 2009 release of Zombieland, the genre was starting to feel tired and worn out. Yet the movie’s novel concept helps elevate it over similar movies that otherwise failed.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

A good movie in the Shrek universe in 2022? It’s true.  Puss in Boots: The Last Wish breathes life into a franchise that has been dormant for a decade. It’s one of the best movies released last year.

The Fugitive

It’s hard to believe that there was a world where 1993’s The Fugitive had no expectations of it. Many expected a ho-hum and generic action movie based on the 1960s television show of the same name. Instead, what they got was a film that redefined the action genre.

Clue

How good can a movie based on a board game be? Pretty good when you provide it with witty writing and a memorable performance from an ensemble cast.  Clue is a comedy classic that has earned its cult following.

Tropic Thunder

On the surface, Tropic Thunder is a dumb summer popcorn comedy. In reality, it’s a clever, satirical take on the movie industry. Despite being one of the more controversial comedies in recent memory, it’s also one of the funniest films ever made.

21 Jump Street

There’s a common thread on this list of movies that are better than we ever expected. 21 Jump Street and its sequel, 22 Jump Street, defy the odds and provide some of the biggest laughs you’ll ever experience.

John Wick

Keanu Reeves proudly proclaims he’s back in John Wick. It turns out he was underselling himself.  John Wick is one of the greatest action movies ever made, and each sequel finds a way to top itself.

The Princess Bride

If I told you that a movie about a grandfather telling a story to his son is one of the most beloved films of all time, you’d think I’m crazy. As it turns out, that’s what The Princess Bride is. A film that, from the outside, seems generic but contains an impressive amount of charm and magic.

Legally Blonde

Forget everything you thought you knew about Legally Blonde. The 2001 Reese Weatherspoon comedy looks generic but has clever writing and sharp dialogue.

Some of the best movies aren’t critically acclaimed award winners or box office juggernauts. They’re the cult classics that found an audience years, or even decades, after their release. These are films overlooked when they came out, but thanks to positive word of mouth, they eventually found the audience they deserved.

In the past, this used to take place after a movie was released on VHS or DVD. You’d hear about it at Blockbuster when you were looking for a movie to rent, fall in love, and then buy it to add to your collection. Today, you might discover it on a streaming service or hear about it on social media.

Sometimes, you can figure out which movies are destined for such a following. Other times, however, you miss the mark. Here are 15 movies that people need to check out.

Death to Smoochy

The 2002 satirical black comedy stars Robin Williams, Edward Norton, and Danny DeVito, who also directs.

Disgraced children’s TV host “Rainbow” Randolph Smiley attempts to sabotage his replacement, Sheldon Mopes (Norton), and his character Smoochy the Rhino.

Despite its cast and promising premise, Death to Smoochy is a box-office bomb, failing to make $10 million. Fans of the film love to sing its praises, though.

Trapped in Paradise

With a cast featuring Nicolas Cage, Dana Carvey, and Jon Lovitz, this 1994 Christmas comedy seems like a sure thing. But, sadly, that isn’t the case.

Despite being a flop with critics and audiences, it has developed a small but loyal following. Maybe one day, it’ll catch on and become a Christmas staple.

Smokin’ Aces

Unlike other films on this list of possible cult classics, Smokin’ Aces isn’t a box office bomb. Instead, the movie grossed nearly $60 million on a budget of $17 million.

The ensemble cast features Ben Affleck, Andy Garcia, Alicia Keys, Ray Liotta, Jeremy Piven, and Ryan Reynolds.

Drop Dead Gorgeous

This 1999 mockumentary starring Kirsten Dunst, Brittany Murphy, Allison Janney, and Kirstie Alley seems like a recipe for instant success. But, alas, that isn’t the case; Drop Dead Gorgeous struggled to break even at the box office.

However, when the film debuted on Hulu, it garnered widespread recognition. It receives praise today for being a departure from traditional 90’s teen comedies. But, sadly, it isn’t always in the conversation of beloved cult classics.

Hudson Hawk

1991’s Hudson Hawk stars Bruce Willis, Andie MacDowell, David Caruso, and James Coburn. While it made almost $100 million at the box office, it has become lost to time.

One possible reason for its lack of staying power? It was a failure by the studio to understand what the movie was about. Despite being marketed as a Bruce Willis action movie, the film leans more toward slapstick comedy.

Mystery Men

With a star-studded ensemble cast featuring Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, and William H Macy, Mystery-Men seemed like a sure thing at the 1999 box office. But, as it turns out, that wasn’t the case.

The film completely flopped, failing to make back its budget. Still, the movie has a loyal fanbase today that enjoys its charm and camp.

John Dies at the End

Despite making little to no money at the box office, John Dies at the End has a very devoted following. But is that enough to make it a cult classic? Unfortunately, the jury is still out on that.

It has a loyal audience but lacks mainstream cult appeal.

Repo Man

Director Alex Cox is the co-writer of one of the most famous cult classic movies ever, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, his directorial debut, Repo Man, hasn’t reached the same level of popularity.

Starring Harry Dean Stanton and Emilio Estevez, Repo Man’s popularity today is due to its re-edited TV cut. To replace profanity, some wild and over-the-top dubbing is added. This puts it in the “so bad it’s good” category.

Airheads

Brendan Fraser is seeing a career revival thanks to his work in The Whale. Maybe it’s time we see Airheads reach cult classic status.

The 1994 comedy, starring Fraser, Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler, and Chris Farley, is a box office bomb. As has gone on, however, critics and audiences are starting to enjoy the movie, and while it’s slowly achieving cult status, it’s not widely talked about.

Space Truckers

Dennis Hopper fights killer androids, and Charles Dance is a cyborg pirate captain. You’d figure this is destined for cult-classic status due to its camp, yet that’s not the case with this 1996 sci-fi comedy.

Evolution

2001’s Evolution, directed by Ivan Reitman, seemed ready to cash in on the popularity of sci-fi at the time. But, unfortunately, it didn’t translate to mainstream success.

Despite maxing nearly $100 million at the box office, it barely grossed more than its $80 million budget. The film, starring David Duchovny, Orlando Jones, Julianne Moore, and Seann Willliam Scott, hasn’t found the audience other cult classics have.

The Long Kiss Goodnight

1996’s The Long Kiss Goodnight is an action thriller starring Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, and Brian Cox. While the cast has enjoyed long-term success in other projects, the same cannot be said here.

Upon release, critics and audiences enjoyed the movie. As time went on, however, the film became lost to obscurity. Some fans blame 1995’s Cutthroat Island, also starring Davis and directed by Renny Harlin, for tanking Davis’ marketability.

Sky High

Despite modest success at the box office, Sky High couldn’t draw appeal away from its targeted young adult demographic.

Some still look back fondly on the movie during repeat viewings, but it falls short compared to other cult classics.

Crank

Jason Statham may be better known for his work on the Transporter and Fast & Furious franchises. However, his performance in 2006’s Crank is one of his best.

A wonderful dumb action movie, Crank’s premise is beautifully absurd: Statham plays a hitman who must keep his adrenaline constantly flowing to survive.

Idle Hands

The 1999 comedy horror movie starring Devon Sawa, Seth Green, and Jessica Alba is a box office flop. Idle Hands didn’t resonate well with critics, either.

Still, the raunchy comedy has a devoted following today, leaving us wondering why it’s not discussed as a cult classic and praised similarly to American Pie. Fans praise Sawa’s performance in particular.

The 80s was an incredible time for film. From award-winning cinema to hilarious comedies and everything in between, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Thankfully, many of these 80s movies still hold up today.

I regularly find myself watching these beloved 80s movies more often than modern cinema.

The Princess Bride

Many view 1987’s The Princess Bride as a perfect movie.

Its fairy tale adventure has resonated with audiences for nearly four decades now.

The film’s non-stop quotable lines are one reason it still holds up today.

From “Ash you wish” to “inconceivable!” don’t be surprised if fans recite the lines as they happen on screen.

Beverly Hills Cop

When Eddie Murphy isn’t performing multiple roles in the same film, he’s playing a wise-cracking lead who hates authority.

Murphy’s Axel Foley is incredibly charismatic and downright hilarious and helped make Murphy the star he is today.

Three movies in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise were made between 1984 and 1994, with a fourth releasing on Netflix in 2024.

Beetlejuice

While many view Batman as Michael Keaton’s most iconic role, you can argue that it’s actually Beetlejuice. Directed by Tim Burton, Beetlejuice features an ensemble cast of Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder.

The success of the fantasy horror comedy led to an animated series in the 1990s, as well as a long-awaited sequel in 2024.

Karate Kid

The 1984 martial arts film is as iconic as it is impressive. Its story and climactic karate tournament easily go toe-to-toe with today’s movies.

The main cast from the original films reprises their roles in the television series Cobra Kai. Additionally, several film sequels were made throughout the years.

Real Genius

The 1985 Val Kilmer comedy is an underrated 80s film. It’s produced by Brian Glazer, best known for his work on Arrested Development.

Kilmer plays a genius who is comfortably coasting through college and slacking off. The film has a great balance of humor that draws from slacker and nerd culture.

Airplane!

It’s impressive how well Airplane! holds up today. Between the non-stop jokes and insanely quotable lines of dialogue, there’s a lot to love even today.

Airplane!‘s humor is held up by its strong cast. The film stars Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Leslie Nielsen, and even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Fletch

Based on the 1974 novel of the same name, Fletch stars Chevy Chase as a fast-talking newspaper reporter who can talk his way into anything.

It’s hard to pick one film as Chase’s best, but it’s hard to argue that Fletch isn’t deserving. Say whatever you want about Chase as a person, but there’s no denying his skill as a comedic actor.

The Terminator

The iconic James Cameron action film helped launch a mega-franchise that still runs today.

Effects used in the film hold up surprisingly well today. The non-stop action helped propel Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger as mainstream action stars.

Predator

The Terminator isn’t the only action 1980s film Schwarzenegger starred in. Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura join him in 1987’s Predator.

The success of this sci-fi action film, complete with plenty of horror and monster movie elements, has led to several sequels, spin-offs, and even a recent reboot.

Back to the Future

One of the greatest films ever made, Back to the Future, and its entire trilogy, define movie magic.

The ironic performances by Michael F. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Tom Wilson help make the trilogy as memorable as it is.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Whether you saw the film in theaters or caught it for the first time today, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off will surely entertain.

The John Hughes teen comedy is a timeless classic that gives endless laughs no matter how many times we’ve seen it.

The Thing

When thinking of John Carpenter films, the most common response is Halloween. Yet 1982’s The Thing is arguably Carpenter’s best work.

Critical reassessment agrees that The Thing isn’t just one of the best horror movies but one of the best films ever made.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

We’ve already discussed a teen coming-of-age film by John Hughes. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is not that. Instead, it’s a fantastic comedy featuring sharp, witty humor and perhaps the best performance from John Candy.

As the film takes place around the Thanksgiving holiday, many fans will watch the movie on or around the November holiday.

Dead Poets Society

Despite his penchant for comedy, Robin Williams was more than capable of delivering memorable dramatic performances. One of his best is Dead Poets Society.

Williams plays an English teacher with unorthodox methods. His encouragement to carpet diem (“seize the day” in Latin) inspires not only his students but also moviegoers.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

The 1982 Steven Speilberg classic is a timeless treasure of a movie. It’s among the best from Speilberg and one of the best scores from legendary composer John Williams.

Not only is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial a classic film, but it’s also one of the most tear-jerking movies ever.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High

The 1982 comedy starring Sean Penn, Judge Reinhold, and Jennifer Jason Leigh is based on the 1981 novel in which Cameron Crowe went undercover at Clairemont High School.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High may be a teen comedy, but it’s not afraid to dive into some serious issues high school students face. Combined with the performances from the ensemble cast, it’s easy to see why it’s still a beloved comedy today.

Uncle Buck

There is no shortage of iconic John Candy movies. However, none may be more memorable than Uncle Buck.

As you’d expect from a John Hughes film, it combines the perfect amount of comedy and heart that still holds up today.

John Hughes recommended Culkin play Kevin McCallister in the 1990 holiday comedy Home Alone.From there, he became one of the most iconic kid actors ever.

Coming to America

The 1988 comedy starring Eddie Murphy further cemented him as one of the best comedic actors of the decade.

In the movie, Murphy shuns his royal life of leisure to make it on his own in New York City.

Lead actors Murphy and Hall play several characters, including the main protagonists, Prince Akeem and Semmi, respectively.

Their performances in supporting roles are just as memorable.

Ghostbusters

Few movies are as iconic as the sci-fi comedy Ghostbusters. The all-star cast features Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson.

Since its original release, we’ve seen three additional movies in the Ghostbusters series. Additionally, television and video-game spin-offs have been released as well.

Stand By Me

Based on the Stephen King novella, Stand By Me is one of the best coming-of-age films ever made.

Stand By Me‘s strength comes from how relatable the film is. When we were younger, we related to the kids in the movie. As we’ve grown up, moviegoers now connect to the narrator. It’s impressive how well the film holds up today.

Field of Dreams

Kevin Costner plays an Iowa farmer who listens to a mysterious voice to build a baseball field on his corn farm. From there, he’s taken on a journey that will forever change his life.

The 1989 baseball classic has become iconic within its sport. Major League Baseball has now played several regular season games in Iowa.

Die Hard

More than “just an action movie,” Die Hard helped reshape the entire action genre. Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman give iconic performances that help elevate the film.

Die Hard takes place on Christmas Eve. Despite this being the only Christmas theme in the movie, many still incorporate it into their holiday viewing. There’s a popular saying: “It’s not Christmas until I see Hans Gruber fall from Nakatomi Tower.”

Introducing a new character to an established television show is a huge risk.  As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Yet these popular television shows tried to fix it, only to end up breaking it.

Whether it was a last-ditch effort to boost ratings or over anxious writers trying something new, these characters ruined the TV shows they appeared on.

1. Randy Pearson – That 70’s Show

Replacing Eric Foreman was always going to be difficult. Randy, played by Josh Meyer, attempts to slide into that role. Instead, he lacks any chemistry with the cast and helps make the popular show’s final season forgettable.

2. Walden Schmidt – Two and a Half Men

After Charlie Sheen’s off-screen antics in 2010, it became apparent that he would need to be replaced. That replacement was Ashton Kutcher’s character, but fans of the show argue that things would have been better off if the series ended instead of going on for several additional seasons.

3. The Camera Guy – The Office

Remember when The Office decided it was a good idea to introduce tension into Jim and Pam’s marriage? I get that you needed to try new ideas after the departure of Michael Scott, but this was not a good one.

4. The Great Gazoo – The Flintstones

First appearing in 1965, The Great Gazoo is an example of The Flinstones jumping the shark. If your show’s premise is about a Stone Age family, why are you introducing an alien to the show?

5. Scrappy Doo – Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

Hanna-Barbera didn’t learn any lessons after Gazoo because they tried the same stunt with Scrappy Doo after the show’s ratings began to fall.

6. Debby – Shameless

You know that you’ve ruined your show when fans end their rewatch when your character is introduced. That’s how people feel about Debbie Gallagher. In a family of bad people, Debbie is far and away the worst.

7. Cousin Oliver – The Brady Bunch

Here’s the story of a family cousin who made everyone’s lives awful. Cousin Oliver was so poorly received that the introduction of a younger character to boost unsuccessfully boost ratings became known as “Cousin Oliver Syndrome.”

8. Che Diaz – And Just Like That

Imagine rebooting a popular HBO series and introducing a character everybody loathes. That’s exactly what happens here.

Not only is Che emotionally immature, but she also takes advantage of Miranda. She acts like they’re not in a relationship unless it’s beneficial to her. Miranda deserves better!

9. Steve Urkel – Family Matters

It’s a hot take but arguably a very good one. Steve was supposed to be a side character, and the series was meant to focus on the family. Instead, Urkel became the star attraction, and the sitcom lost sight of what it was originally trying to do.

10. Poochie – Itchy and Scratchy Show

He almost killed the Itchy and Scratchy Show, but he has to go now; his planet needs him.

Note: Poochie died on the way back to his home planet.

A good movie can be over in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s a 90-minute film or a three-hour epic, it can feel like no time at all. Bad movies, however, tend to drag on forever and ever.

Whether it’s poor pacing in a good movie or a boring story in a bad one, some movies feel like they take forever to finish.

1. AUSTRALIA

The 2008 film stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Its premise is an epic drama directed by Baz Luhrmann that occurs during major events in Australia leading up to and during World War II.

One common critique is that it feels like an enjoyable movie takes place, but it’s only the first act. This one literally feels like it will never end.

2. PEARL HARBOR

The 2001 Michael Bay film had all the hype leading up to its summer release. An all-star cast and major historical event made it feel like this movie couldn’t fail. Despite succeeding at the box office, though, Pearl Harbor was a dud with critics.

3. ZACK SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE

I don’t care how good a movie is; if it’s four hours, it absolutely will drag on too long.

The long-awaited Snyder Cut of the Justice League movie was finally released in 2021, much to the joy of fans. However, even its biggest supporters struggle with the run time.

4. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Off the success of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, fans were excited to see The Hobbit adapted into a movie. Unfortunately, studio executives got greedy and stretched the book across three movies instead of the original two. The result is three poorly paced-films that seem like they’ll never end.

5. PETER JACKSON’S KING KONG

Speaking of Peter Jackson, someone needs to tell him that every movie he makes doesn’t need to be three hours long. One hour in, and we’re not even on the island yet. Two hours in, and we’re still on the island. Every character doesn’t need a lengthy backstory!

6. ETERNALS

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has struggled following the release of Endgame. Eternals is the perfect example of this. The film tries to up the ante, but unfortunately, it falls flat, according to many.

7. BLACK ADAM

Superhero fatigue is stretching across the entire genre. Despite Dwayne Johnson making his much-anticipated debut in the genre, fans regard the adaptation of Black Adam as a miss.

8. THE IRISHMAN

Martin Scorcese may be one of the greatest directors of all time, but let’s be honest: The Irishman is an hour longer than needed. As great as the cast, headlined by Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci, work together, we can only be so patient.

9. BLADE RUNNER 2049

As impressive as the Blade Runner sequel is, it’s another movie that tests our patience. One moviegoer comments that they felt like the story was about to wrap up before realizing Harrison Ford had yet to show up.

10. THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK

We were excited about a new Sopranos movie but were incredibly disappointed with the result. Sometimes, it’s good to leave things where they belong: the past.

11. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

The finale to the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy hasn’t aged as well as the other two films. One big issue is that things feel like they come to a screeching halt halfway through, causing moviegoers to check their watches and see how much time is left.

12. AVATAR THE WAY OF WATER

The Avatar films have a legion of loyal followers. Those fans agree that a solid two-hour action movie can be found here. Unfortunately, James Cameron added far too much bloat to the film.

13. IT CHAPTER TWO

2017’s It took the world by storm, featuring unforgettable performances by the child cast and had people impatiently waiting for the conclusion to the story.

Yet, despite an impressive cast, 2019’s It Chapter Two drags on for far too long. It doesn’t help that the sequel is 34 minutes longer than the first movie.

14. BATMAN V SUPERMAN

Another Batman film appears on the list, but this one’s for a different reason. While The Dark Knight Rises struggles with a poor second act, the entirety of Dawn of Justice lasts for far too long. There is too much set-up and backstory for a fight scene that’s over before it even begins.

15. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

The 2019 Quentin Tarantino homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood has a runtime of 161 minutes. If you remove the Sharon Tate storyline, which is enjoyable but ultimately inconsequential to the film, the movie’s length becomes far more manageable.

If a movie is successful at the box office, a sequel is all but assured. Sometimes, Hollywood studios will try to capture lightning in a bottle twice by replaying the hits. Other times, however, they’ll drastically change things up. This list focuses on the latter.

These sequels wasted no time by killing of main characters from the previous movies. Sometimes, it may be due to contract disputes. Other times, it’s due to the script going in a different direction.

CYCLOPS – X-MEN LAST STAND

The original X-Men films saw two successful entries, with 2000’s X-Men and 2003’s X2. The third entry in the trilogy, 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand, was not as successful.

One possible reason? The unfortunate death of Cyclops, aka Scott Summers. His death at the hands of Jean Grey helps propel The Dark Phoenix storyline, but because of actor James Marsden’s strong performances in the previous films, his loss is noticeable throughout the movie.

LAURIE STRODE – HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTRION

A Halloween film without the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode? It’s real, and it happened in 2002’s Halloween Resurrection. The reason? Curtis said that after Halloween 2, she never intended to be in another film in the franchise. She did want to return for Halloween H20, but that was supposed to be it.

She does come back in the Halloween reboot trilogy, starting in 2018’s Halloween.

DUKE – G.I. JOE: RETALIATION

I’m not afraid to admit that 2009’s G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is a guilty pleasure of mine. Is it high-brow entertainment? Absolutely not, but it’s a good popcorn flick.

Channing Tatum, who starred as Duke in the first film, requested to be immediately killed off in the sequel. His wish was granted. Despite appearing in the film’s marketing, the main stars here are The Rock and Bruce Willis.

JOHNNY CAGE – MORTAL KOMBAT: ANNIHILATION

It’s hard to imagine a Mortal Kombat movie franchise without Johnny Cage. The character’s backstory is that he is an action movie star well-versed in martial arts.

That didn’t do him any good in Annihilation, though; he dies at the hands of Shao Kahn in the opening moments.

COTTON WEARY – SCREAM 3

Despite being an important part of the lore of the Scream franchise, actor Liev Schreiber requested to be killed off in Scream 3. His wish is granted as he’s the victim in the film’s opening sequence.

Flash forward to the future, and he regrets his decision. In an interview with GQ, he said the following:

“At that point in my career, I didn’t really fully understand the value of being in a franchise. To be frank, I was like, ‘Let me get out of this while I can. Get out while things are going well.’ And I just thought it would be fun to be one of the iconic kills from the top. I was working and doing a lot of stuff, a lot of other stuff in New York, and theater, and I was like, ‘How many times can I play this character?’ And now, I realize, that you can play that character as many times as they want you to.”

TANK – THE MATRIX

The story here is that Marcus Chong, who played Tank in 1999’s The Matrix, was killed off-screen before 2003’s The Matrix Reloaded due to contract disputes.

In reality, Chong filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros and AOL Time Warner, saying they were in breach of contract regarding the pay of his character. The Wachowskis rejected this, and Chong was even arrested in October 2000 for alleged threatening phone calls against The Wachowskis.

CAPTAIN STEVEN HILLER – INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE

Twenty years after the release of Independence Day, a sequel was finally released. However, Will Smith’s Captain Steven Hiller is nowhere to be found and is essentially replaced by Liam Hemsworth’s Jake Morrison.

Smith ultimately decided to take the role of Deadshot in 2016’s Suicide Squad instead. As a result, the film suffers without Smith’s presence. Director Roald Emmerich said he wished he had stopped production once Smith opted out.

PATRICK BATEMAN – AMERICAN PSYCHO 2

Did you know that they made a direct-to-video sequel to American Psycho? They did! It stars Mila Kunis, William Shatner, and Christian Ba–

–oh, they killed Batemen immediately, and it wasn’t Bale playing him, but some unnamed, unrecognizable person.

The film was universally panned by critics and regarded as one of the worst movies ever made.

NEWT – ALIEN 3

A major plot point in 1986’s Aliens is the character development between Ellen Ripley and Rebecca “Newt” Jordan. In the sequel, 1992’s Alien 3, Newt is immediately killed, and all of that development is thrown out the window.

LOKI – AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

Okay, yes, an alternate Loki escapes the past timeline in Endgame and goes to star in a Disney+ series. Still, the death of Loki in the opening moments of Infinity War helps set the stage for the highly anticipated two-part conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga.

VANESSA – AUSTIN POWERS

The opening sequence of the first Austin Powers sequel reveals that Vanessa, Austin’s new wife, played by Elizabeth Hurley, is a fembot controlled by Dr. Evil.

While Austin briefly laments the loss of his love, he realizes he’s single again and celebrates in typical Austin Powers fashion.

The best plot twists are the ones that are right under your nose. Instead of catching them, you’re too distracted. Then, once you go back and rewatch, you can see all the clues.

Here are ten films with plot twists hiding in plain sight the entire time.

Be warned: spoilers lie ahead.

FIGHT CLUB

The famed 1999 David Fincher movie stars Edward Norton and Brad Pitt. Its iconic twist is well known today, but observant viewers may have been tipped off early.

During a monologue, Norton says, “How do I know this? Because Tyler knows it.”. This should have tipped viewers off that Norton’s not just the narrator but also Tyler Durden.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME

Eagle-eyed viewers noticed Nick Fury seems slightly off in Tom Holland’s second go as Spider-Man. But, with so much focus on the multiverse and Mysterio, people shrugged it off.

As it turns out, that was a misdirect. It’s not Nick Fury and Maria Hill in the movie. Instead, the Skulls Talos and Soren are in disguise. The real Nick Fury is on a Skrull spaceship.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

A scene in The Usual Suspects shows Roger “Verbal” Kint walking with his signature limp. The issue, though, is that his shoe lacks the wear and tear you’d expect from having a limp.

To anyone paying close enough attention, this gives them the information needed to deduce that Verbal is actually Keyser Söze.

SHUTTER ISLAND

The 2010 film by Martin Scorsese stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo as U.S. Marshalls Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule.

Only they’re not U.S. Marshalls. Teddy Daniels is actually Andrew Laeddis, and Chuck Aule doesn’t exist. So, what’s the apparent giveaway? When Aule struggles with his gun when arriving on the island. You’d figure a train marshall could handle their weapon.

THE PRESTIGE

Christopher Nolan’s film about rival magicians attempting to one-up each other stars, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. There’s also a mysterious character close to Bale with whom we seem to spend a lot of time.

As it turns out, there’s a reason: it’s a twin brother, and that’s how Bale pulls off his seemingly impossible trick!

KNIVES OUT

At the beginning of the Rian Johnson whodunnit, many viewers had issues with some of the bad science.

Harlan Thrombey never experienced the symptoms described by his nurse Marta. Viewers were confused and frustrated by this, only to realize later that his medications were switched out.

THE BOOK OF ELI

2010’s Book of Eli stars Denzel Washington as a lone warrior in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. There’s a moment early in the movie where his character stumbles, but that’s okay. Even the best warriors show a moment of being clumsy, right?

Well, it turns out that this was a hint about Washington’s character being blind.

SAW

One tidbit about the Jigsaw killer is that he likes to catch a front-row seat to his victims attempting to escape their traps.

Many were shocked that the seemingly dead body in the room with Lawrence and Adam stood up. However, those who paid close attention could deduce that Jigsaw was enjoying his preferred front-row seat.

THE SIXTH SENSE

M. Night Shyamalan‘s breakthrough thriller gives viewers plenty of clues regarding the fate of Bruce Willis’ character.

One big giveaway is during the play where Haley Joel Osment’s character performs. A parent is seen recording the play directly behind Willis’ head. Usually, this would result in the footage being nothing but the back of a head.

However, Willis’s character is dead, so the view isn’t obstructed.

THE VILLAGE

Another Shyamalan film, The Village, focuses on a 19th-century Pennsylvanian village. Or so we think.

In reality, it’s led by a cult in the 21st century. Perhaps seeing characters in jeans and not 19th-century clothing should have tipped us off. But alas, it did not.

Miscast actors have the potential to bring down a film with great promise. We, as moviegoers, ask why they were placed into a role when they seem so out of place?

Yet sometimes, an actor with no business being in a particular movie can elevate it to something great.  This is a list of actors initially thought to be miscast, only to kill it in their performance. 

Jim Carrey – The Truman Show

While we know today that Carrey is more than capable of delivering dramatic performances in movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, he was best known for his comedic work in the 90s.   The release of The Truman Show showcases Carrey’s incredible range, and he delivers a home run performance. 

John Travolta – Pulp Fiction

It’s silly to consider that there was a time when John Travolta’s career was in question. But that was the case leading to the release of Pulp Fiction in the early 90s.  The Tarantino classic breathed life into Travolta’s career and helped launch him back into superstardom. 

Patrick Warburton – Lemony Snicket

One issue with adapting novels to film is how they’re at odds with a reader’s imagination. Likewise, a casting choice can sometimes be at odds with how readers visualize characters.  Yet Warburton’s portrayal of Snicket as cool and savvy proves that this was a perfect casting choice. 

Rob Lowe – Parks and Recreation

Many filmgoers recognize Rob Lowe as an actor portraying a cool, confident villain, such as in Tommy Boy and Wayne’s World.   Parks and Recreation’s Chris Traeger, an optimistic health nut, wouldn’t seem like something in Lowe’s wheelhouse. Yet the actor absolutely kills the role. 

Leslie Neilsen – Airplane!

It’s hard to imagine a world where Leslie Nielsen isn’t seen as a comedic actor.  Yet before the release of Airplane! his roles were primarily dramatic. 

Bruce Willis – Die Hard

Willis is best known for being an action star, but before the release of Die Hard, people thought he was miscast as John McClane.  Willis had primarily starred in romantic comedies. It reached a point where he was removed from the film’s poster. 

Alan Rickman – Die Hard

Similarly, Rickman wasn’t the first choice to play villain Hans Gruber.  A relative unknown at the time, it was thought no one would take Rickman seriously. 

Keanu Reeves – The Matrix

While Reeves wasn’t a stranger to action movies, a film like The Matrix wasn’t in Keanu’s wheelhouse.  Yet his performance as Neo proved everyone wrong, and it’s hard to imagine anyone but Reeves in the role. 

Robert Pattinson – The Batman

Edward Cullen as Bruce Wayne? Some scoffed at the idea, but Pattinson’s performance in The Batman proved the haters wrong.  His turn as a more detective-style Batman impressed audiences, and we can’t wait to see how he does in the sequel. 

John Lithgow – Dexter

Many grew up watching Lithgow as a loveable goofball alien in 3rd Rock From The Sun. While nobody doubts his range and talent, many doubted if he could stand toe to toe with Dexter Morgan.  As it turns out, the answer is yes, he absolutely can. 

Chris Evans – Captain America

This wasn’t the first time Evans starred in a superhero movie. He played the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four movies.  Those films left a bad taste in the mouths of many fans. Many doubted if Evans could step into Captain America’s shoes. But, as it turns out, those fears were unwarranted. 

Daniel Craig – James Bond and Knives Out

We’re double dipping here with Daniel Craig. First, there was the controversy over his casting as James Bond, or as the doubters said, “James Blonde.” Then there was his casting as Benoit Blanc in Knives Out. Bond was one thing, but could Craig pull off a Southern detective? As it turns out, yes, he can. 

Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight

Critics and fans universally panned the Academy Award-winning performance at the time of Ledger’s casting. Teenage heartthrob playing the Joker? Surely they must be joking.  It turns out we were the ones that were joking. 

Bryan Cranston – Breaking Bad

Cranston was no stranger to television when he was cast as Walter White. He played Tim Whatley on Seinfeld and started as Hal in Malcolm in the Middle. But Walter White is nothing like those characters. Yet now it’s impossible to imagine Breaking Bad without Cranston. 

Dave Bautista – Guardians of the Galaxy

In his heyday, Bautista was a popular wrestler in WWE, but leading into the release of Guardians of the Galaxy, many doubted he could pull off the role of Drax.  Now, several movies and a Christmas special later, he’s arguably the best part of the Marvel franchise.