This list dives into the top 15 avoidable death in movies, a celebration (or perhaps roasting) of the worst decisions ever made in the history of cinema.
We’ve all been there. You’re nestled in your comfy chair, popcorn in hand, completely engrossed in a movie. Suddenly, a character makes a decision so mind-bogglingly bad, you throw your hands up in exasperation, yelling, “Don’t do it!” at the screen. But of course, they do it, and we’re left with a sinking feeling and the urge to scream, “That was so avoidable!”
Ignoring the Literal “Beware of Falling Rocks” Sign (A Quiet Place)
In a world overrun by sound-sensitive creatures, staying quiet is key to survival. A Quiet Place hammers this point home repeatedly. Yet, during a tense moment, Regan, the resourceful daughter,
decides to climb a rickety, unstable silo while holding a noisy lantern. Let’s just say, the filmmakers took the phrase “ignoring the warning signs” a bit too literally.
Taking a Relaxing Bath…During a Zombie Apocalypse (Train to Busan)
Self-care is important, even during a zombie apocalypse, right? Wrong. In Train to Busan, a pregnant woman, blissfully unaware of the zombie outbreak spreading throughout the train, decides to take a relaxing bath.
Needless to say, this lack of situational awareness ends in a shower of (literal) cold water for both her and the audience.
Splitting Up From the Group (Literally Every Horror Movie Ever Made)
This one’s a classic. There’s a reason horror movies love the “let’s split up” trope. It creates suspense, isolates characters, and provides ample opportunity for the killer/monster/creepy doll to pick them off one by one.
Honestly, at this point, if a character suggests splitting up in a horror movie, we should all start placing bets on who’s doomed.
Trusting the Creepy Caretaker in a Remote Location (The Witch)
Black Phillip. The name itself sends shivers down the spine. In The Witch, a family banished from their community seeks refuge in a remote cabin. When their crops fail and the death of their new Born baby happened, they begin to turn against
themselves and turn to the creepy old caretaker, Black Phillip, for help. Spoiler alert: things don’t go well. Black Phillip might have a way with goats, but trusting him is a recipe for disaster (and possible demonic possession).
Investigating the Creepy Sound…Alone (Literally Every Horror Movie Ever Made…Again)
Another horror movie staple: the inexplicable creepy sound. A bump in the night. Whispering in the dark. The natural human instinct (or at least the screenwriter’s idea of it) is to investigate…alone.
This, my friends, is a death wish. If there’s a creepy sound, stay put. Alert your friends. Maybe even consider a group nap with all the lights on. Just don’t go wandering around in the dark like a horror movie cliché.
Taking a Selfie With a Killer Clown (It: Chapter Two)
Clowns are scary. Killer clowns are terrifying. Yet, in It: Chapter Two, a group of teenagers decides it’s a good idea to get a selfie with Pennywise the Dancing Clown, who’s just materialized in front of them.
Let’s face it, even if Pennywise wasn’t a murderous entity, this would still be a bad selfie. Safety and good judgment should always come before social media clout.
Taking the Scenic Route Through a Monster-Infested Forest (The Ritual)
Sometimes, the quickest route isn’t the best route. This lesson is brutally learned in The Ritual. A group of friends on a hiking trip decide to take a shortcut through a dense, uncharted forest. Big mistake.
The forest harbors a terrifying entity that preys on fear and loneliness. Sticking to the marked trails might have been boring, but it certainly wouldn’t have resulted in a monster ripping your friend in half.
Trying to Outrun a Killer Robot With Bad Knees (Upgrade)
Upgrade is a sci-fi horror film with a dark sense of humor. A man paralyzed in a car accident gets a second chance at walking (and fighting) thanks to a sophisticated neural implant. However, the implant develops a mind of its own and decides to take revenge on those responsible for the accident.
During the climax, the protagonist tries to outrun the upgraded, super-strong body…on his non-functional knees. Let’s just say, the outcome is about as predictable as it is painful to watch.
Taunting the Ghost From Beyond the Grave (The Conjuring 2)
The Warrens, paranormal investigators extraordinaire, encounter a particularly nasty spirit in The Conjuring 2. While trying to cleanse the house of the entity’s presence, Lorraine Warren, ever the brave soul, decides to taunt the spirit.
This is akin to poking a hornet’s nest with a stick – a very bad idea. The consequences are swift and terrifying, proving that sometimes, respect for the dead (even the demonic dead) is the wisest course of action.
Reading a Forbidden Book Out Loud in a Creepy Basement (Hereditary)
Hereditary is a masterclass in psychological horror. The film follows a family unraveling after the death of their grandmother. In the basement, they discover a hidden room containing strange symbols and a mysterious book.
Naturally, the curious teenager of the family decides to read the book aloud. This act unleashes a wave of demonic activity, proving that sometimes, curiosity really does kill the cat (and possibly the entire family).
Staying Home Alone During a Home Invasion… (Hush)
Hush is a home invasion thriller with a twist. The protagonist, Maddie, is deaf and lives alone in a secluded cabin. When a masked killer targets her home, Maddie’s resourcefulness and survival skills are put to the test.
However, her decision to stay put in a house with a high-tech security system that she can’t fully utilize seems like a missed opportunity. Perhaps using the smart home features to her advantage could have turned the tables on the intruder.
Insulting a Cannibal Cult Leader…While Tied to a Chair (Midsommar)
Midsommar takes viewers on a disturbing trip to a Swedish commune for a summer solstice festival. A group of friends quickly realize that the seemingly peaceful community harbors a dark secret.
When one character decides to disrespect the cult leader during a ritual, the consequences are swift and brutal. This is a lesson in cultural sensitivity (and basic survival instincts).
Going for a Swim in a Lake With a Killer Shark.. (The Shallows)
The ocean is vast and beautiful, but it’s also home to some pretty terrifying creatures. In The Shallows, a surfer gets stranded on a small rock outcropping after being attacked by a great white shark.
Despite numerous near-death experiences and the very clear danger posed by the shark, she decides to take a midnight swim in an attempt to escape. This impulsive decision is a recipe for disaster.
Telling the Killer You Have a Secret Weapon…(Scream)
The newest Scream film brings back the iconic Ghostface killer and a new generation of potential victims. In a classic Scream move, a character tries to bluff their way out of a deadly situation by
claiming they have a secret weapon. Unfortunately, the “secret weapon” turns out to be a hairspray can and a lighter.
Ignoring the Ominous Premonition You Just Had (Literally Every Horror Movie Ever Made…Again)
Many horror protagonists have the misfortune of experiencing a chilling premonition before disaster strikes. These premonitions often offer clues or warnings about impending danger. Yet, these warnings are routinely ignored.
The message is clear: listen to your gut! If you have a bad feeling about something, especially in a horror movie, it’s probably for a good reason. Turn around, walk away, and maybe consider a relaxing vacation instead.
So there you have it, folks! A not-so-fond look at some of the most avoidable movie deaths of the past decade. Hopefully, next time you find yourself yelling at the screen during a horror movie, you can take comfort in knowing that at least you wouldn’t
make the same boneheaded decision (unlike those poor unfortunate souls on screen). Remember, a little common sense and a healthy dose of self-preservation can go a long way in the horror movie world – and maybe even in real life too.
