Top 10 Horror Movie Cliches

Horror movies have been a staple of the film industry for decades, scaring audiences with their terrifying visuals, bone-chilling sound effects, and suspenseful storylines. While horror movies can be extremely effective at eliciting fear and suspense, they often rely on certain cliches that have become all too familiar to audiences.

In this top ten list, let's identify some of the most overused and tired horror movie cliches that have plagued the genre for years. From the jump scares to the predictable plot twists, these cliches have become so pervasive that many horror movie fans can predict the outcome of a film before it even begins.

Despite their predictability, horror movie cliches continue to captivate audiences, drawing in viewers who enjoy the thrill of being scared. Whether you are a die-hard horror fan or just enjoy the occasional spooky film, this top ten list is sure to resonate with you as we delve into some of the most overused and predictable tropes in the horror genre.
The Top Ten
Nudity = Death

You know you're gonna die if you do it, so why do it?

So, sex is a death sentence in this sense?

Jamie Lee Curtis survived in Halloween because she was a virgin.

"Let's split up"

Don't people in horror movies know anything about horror movies?

The killer seems immortal at first, then dies idiotically
Black guy always dies

Spoiler Alert: Finally, there is a black character in Jeepers Creepers 2 that actually survives!

In Jeepers Creepers 2, the black gym teacher was technically the first to die. It's racist.

Can't run and fall after stumbling on virtually anything

Classic. What horror movie could be without its ungraceful and uncoordinated victims?

Seriously, what kind of person would have two left feet?

THIS makes me really angry. I'm like: Run...yes, run faster! Wait...don't trip...not again!

Teens (or, big red targets with human bodies)
False scares for first half of the movie

Ah, the Lewton Bus! Actually pretty clever and scary... for the 1950s. Come on, guys. In 2014, this is a cliché mocking a cliché.

Not checking to make sure the killer is really dead

How about this: After you knock out a killer, kick him in the head, punch him, do something!

Jump scares

Not even that scary. True horror movies can make you get chills just with a creepy vibe.

I kinda like movies with jump scares, but just don't overuse them.

The most overused cliché in history that still gets us most of the time.

Stuck in the middle of nowhere

So predictable. Look at my list of Things A Slasher Movie Needs - only if you feel like it, of course!

The Newcomers

? Most obvious suspect is not the killer

Very true. We think it's them, but then it's always a plot twist.

? Marilyn Manson doing the soundtrack
The Contenders
Car not starting when trying to get away

That's in a lot of the horror movies. Do something new, directors.

A slut, jock, nerd, and virgin

Ever heard of Cabin In The Woods? Perfect example of this.

Using knives instead of cool guns

No, the guns are annoying. Loads of movie clichés about them. Sometimes they never run out of bullets, sometimes everyone's such a bad shot that you're safe if they aim at you, and sometimes they point a gun at you but don't shoot.

With knives, you don't get any of these clichés. Unless they point it at you without attacking.

Killers in movies don't have guns!

The face in the mirror
Authorities can't do diddly squat

Police are just about as worthless as my ex-husband in most horror flicks.

Somebody is screaming but nobody hears him
Women are always the survivors

I don't care if it is apparently woman-hating if they weren't the survivors. It's already man-hating, so they are being ironic. I don't mind that women are survivors, but ALWAYS when they mess up, they SOMEHOW still survive. But if the men went through the same situation, they will SOMEHOW always die.

Not trying to sound sexist, but can we have a man as the final survivor for once?

A little bit of gender equality, please?

Old run down house in the woods: "maybe they have a phone"
Welcome to Camp Clichè Horror!
Terrible acting
Love scene just before or just after action scene
Obvious hiding place
Hiding under beds like children

Hide somewhere else! Or go outside and run for your lives!

Yeah! Like that's going to help!

The children are the most dumb, yet they never die

In IT, the kids were actually really smart despite being called "The Loser's Club."

The guy who underestimates the villain dies first

And the guy is usually very cocky, gets killed mid-cruel banter.

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