Good movies must rely heavily on their cast of characters. For most movies, an ideal lineup of characters includes those who are memorable for their personality, impact on the narrative, or relatability. However, some characters are only beloved until a certain point. Character arcs and growth are essential, but some are written to make a decision or behave in a way that isn't easy to support.
Although some characters are redeemable, certain moments or choices leave a stain on their legacy. From uncomfortable actions to forced plot moves, certain characters are amazing until they're almost made into someone else entirely.
10 Palpatine's Return Was Unnecessary (Rise Of Skywalker)
Character resurrections can be exciting. However, in the Star Wars franchise, an unexpected appearance came in the form of Ian McDiarmid's Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
For longtime fans, Palpatine's presence wasn't unwelcome but an odd surprise. After having previously died at the hands of Darth Vader, his first scene in the ninth episode raised questions. Though Palpatine remains a great villain, his inclusion not only undermined his past appearances but threw out Kylo Ren's journey as a compelling antagonist.
9 Gale Technically Killed His Best Friend's Sister (The Hunger Games)
The Hunger Games paved the way for young adult novels to be faithfully adapted to the screen. Though the films wavered in strength toward the end of the series, Mockingjay: Part 2 provided some of Katniss' most trying challenges. It also explored her relationship with her best friend and almost-lover Gale Hawthorne. Though Gale can be admired for his dedication to the cause and care for his close friend, his military tactics caused the death of Primrose.
The beloved sister, who essentially set off Katniss' odyssey, became a victim of Coin's bombing of the Capitol. Gale's indirect involvement with Prim's murder destroyed any ties he had left to Katniss and the good graces of audience members.
8 Uncle Fester Changed Himself For Debbie (Addams Family Values)
Addams Family Values focused on Uncle Fester's elopement with Debbie Jellinsky. As heartwarming as it was to see Fester happily married, he almost lost himself entirely to please his murderous wife. After they get married, Debbie fails in her attempt to kill Fester.
Instead, Debbie manipulates Fester into doing anything she wants. He effectively cuts off all ties with his family, and he significantly changes his appearance to avoid "embarrassing" her. The strange switch from devoted brother and uncle to manipulatable husband seems too out of character for the big-hearted Addams.
7 Bane Was Talia's Henchman And Romantic Interest (The Dark Knight Rises)
The Dark Knight Rises featured Bane as the main antagonist who seemed to be one of Bruce's most formidable foes. However, after Bruce and Bane have come together for what appears to be their last fight, Bruce nearly wins until Talia al Ghul interrupts and stabs Wayne.
While the plot twist is surprising, it almost takes away from Bane's entire presence in the film as a worthy foe. In addition to Bane essentially just being Talia's bodyguard, it's mentioned that he "loves" her. Whether platonically or not, the odd relationship between the two seems questionable when considering their age gap.
6 Frodo Was Nearly Corrupted (The Lord Of The Rings)
Frodo Baggins spent three films on the adventure of a lifetime while carrying the One Ring to Mordor. The Lord of the Rings is an epic tale of adventure and danger, which leads up to the long-awaited destruction of the ring. Frodo's journey to Mordor with his best friend Sam took time.
While everyone believed Frodo to be the best contender for taking on the burden of carrying the ring, he continuously struggled, and he nearly lost that battle. When it was time to toss the ring, Frodo hesitated. After all the fellowship had been through, the corruption he endured almost caused him to lose friends, family, and an entire fanbase.
5 Jacob "Imprinted" On A Baby (Twilight)
The characters of the Twilight saga aren't necessarily ideal, but they remain pop culture icons nonetheless. Despite the era of "Team Edward" or "Team Jacob," it only takes an unbiased outlook on the characters to realize that Jacob, although a decent friend, is far from perfect.
The werewolf fell for his childhood friend and made audiences pause when he admitted that it wasn't Bella he loved, but her unborn child. Jacob went through various questionable phases, but Bella's postpartum state spurred Jacob Black to "imprint" on her and Edward's hybrid baby. The alarming situation caused many fans to step away from "Team Jacob."
4 PT Barnum Lost Sight Of His Family (The Greatest Showman)
While the film has been considered a dishonest retelling of the titular character, The Greatest Showman saw an imaginative father create one of the world's earliest circuses. The fun musical gave Hugh Jackman the chance to shine as P.T. Barnum. While the man Jackman portrayed was a problematic person, he's simplified in the film as a loving father, husband, and starry-eyed businessman.
Audiences can relate to the man with big dreams until he finds a new "attraction" to sell when he meets singer Jenny Lind. His sudden decision to abandon his post as the Ringleader and family man to tour with Jenny immediately turns audiences off from his previous charm.
3 Michael Myers Became Laurie's Brother (Halloween)
While many would argue over the decision to make Michael Myers and Laurie Strode siblings, including John Carpenter, it's easy to say that the revelation either made or broke Michael's characterization. The sequel to the iconic horror film Halloween involved a scene that would reveal Michael to be Laurie's long-lost older brother.
The familial relationship between the two makes for an interesting conflict between Michael and Laurie, but it almost removes the horror of Myers' behavior. Michael was so terrifying in the first film because he killed at random and seemed to be an utterly invincible stranger.
2 Commodus Was Too Close To His Sister (Gladiator)
Gladiator remains one of cinema's most intricate films and each character fully develops into a believable person. Though Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus is a good villain, audiences could have gone without the inclusion of a scene involving him and his sister, Lucilla. The tyrannical emperor attempts to manipulate and remove anyone in his way, including his sister and nephew.
When Commodus confronts Lucilla to intimidate her, the moment teeters into incestuous harassment. Viewers don't need to see a brother and sister engaging in romance to understand how terrible Commodus is. Most fans viewed this addition as unnecessary.
1 Peter Quill Ruined The Plan To Stop Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War)
Avengers: Infinity War brought the MCU's greatest heroes together to stop Thanos from destroying half the universe. The characters banded together in smaller groups with thought-out plans, which would have ended Thanos' villainy if it wasn't for Peter Quill. Star-Lord became a beloved character for many MCU fans, and as difficult as it is to accept, he essentially ruined the entire plan.
When the heroes have Thanos in their grasp to take the gauntlet off, Quill loses his cool after discovering that Thanos sacrificed Gamora. While it's understandable that Peter was devastated at the reveal, his hesitation caused a ripple effect, resulting in the destruction of half the universe.