9 Overused Movie Tropes That Need to Go
Tired of the same old clichés in movies? It's time for these overused tropes to retire and make way for fresh, original storytelling. From predictable plot devices to unrealistic scenarios, these tired tropes have lost their impact and need to be replaced with more creative and compelling elements.
The Unexpected Savior
SUPERCUT: (S)he's Right Behind Me, Isn't (S)he?
The overused plot device of the unexpected savior, known as 'deus ex machina,' has become a predictable and lazy trope in movies. Instead of showcasing the protagonists' resourcefulness and ingenuity, this contrived rescue robs the characters of their hard-fought triumphs, undermining the meaningful storytelling. It's time to retire this cliché and challenge writers to develop more ingenious plots that lead to authentic resolutions.
Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan
The Infinite Ammunition
Supercut: It's just a cat
The unrealistic action movie trope of characters firing endless rounds without reloading has worn out its welcome. This overused device compromises narrative integrity and sidesteps the real constraints of ammunition. It's time for writers to acknowledge the audience's understanding of firearms mechanics and retire this unrealistic trope in favor of authentic stakes and resourceful conflict solutions.
Hershel shooting a gun in Walking Dead
The Contrived Jump Scare
Let's Enhance HD
The contrived jump scare reveal of 'it's just a cat' has become an overused and ineffective cliché in horror films. This tired trope attempts to build tension only to comically deflate it with an innocuous feline. It's time for horror cinema to explore new territory and craft original moments that genuinely unsettle viewers, retiring this tired cat trope in favor of more authentic scares.
Britney Snow in Prom Night
The Unbelievable Hack
Mirror Scare
The exaggerated and rapid hacking often depicted in movies serves as a convenient plot device but is divorced from reality. It's time for movies to move away from the depiction of tech trickery and instead emphasize the meticulous mental tenacity that defines a proficient hacker. By showcasing real-world training and expertise, writers can contribute to a more factual and insightful portrayal of hacking in movies.
Rami Malek in Mr. Robot
The Ticking Time Bomb
The clichéd movie trope of the ticking time bomb, used to manufacture cheap tension, has worn out its welcome. This overused crutch diminishes the art of storytelling and betrays a lack of confidence in the narrative's intrinsic drama. It's time to retire this tired device and seek more creative and compelling ways to build tension in cinematic storytelling.
Ticking time bomb
The Unseen Ghost
Seeing a ghostly figure in a medicine cabinet reflection has become an expected jump scare in horror films. Relying on this formulaic fright demonstrates a lack of creativity and unearned scares. It's time to retire this tired scare tactic and push the genre to explore fresh ideas that genuinely catch viewers off guard.
An American Werewolf in London
The Insulting Revelation
The unrealistic plot device of a character insulting someone only to find that person unexpectedly standing behind them is an absurd and contrived trope. Relying on this improbable coincidence strains credibility and lacks originality. It's time for filmmakers to retire this trite reveal and craft more authentic and nuanced scenarios that respect viewer intelligence.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
The Haircut Symbolism
The tired trope of a female character cutting her hair to signify recovery from trauma is a superficial and sexist cliché. This overused symbol implies that women must alter their appearance to demonstrate inner growth, promoting an unrealistic standard. It's time to retire this lazy shortcut and showcase women overcoming hardship through tenacity of spirit, not superficial makeovers.
Demi Moore shaving her head in GI Jane
The Impossibly Enhanced Image
The cinematic cliché of impossibly zooming in on photos to reveal crucial details defies logic and underestimates the audience's intelligence. It's time for smart storytelling that respects the constraints of reality and challenges characters to uncover evidence through tenacity and skill, eliminating the need for impossible technological feats.
Max looking at a computer in CSI
