16 Subplots That Ruined Otherwise Great Movies, According to Reddit

1. **Transformers 2007**: Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers’ is a visual spectacle with impressive CGI and action sequences, but the hacker subplot involving Anthony Anderson felt unnecessary and dragged the movie down. While the Autobots and Decepticons were brilliantly animated, the subplot added 15 minutes to the runtime without impacting the plot, making it a prime example of a subplot that ruined an otherwise great movie.

2. **Jurassic World 2015**: While ‘Jurassic World’ delivered on the promise of a fully functioning dinosaur park and thrilling action, the subplot about the two young boys dealing with their parents’ divorce felt out of place. Fans wanted to see dinosaurs, not family drama, and this subplot detracted from the overall excitement of the movie.

3. **The Amazing Spider-Man 2012**: The subplot about Peter Parker’s parents in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ was a distraction from the main story. While the movie had potential, this subplot felt shoehorned in and ultimately detracted from the overall experience. Fans were left wanting more focus on Spider-Man’s adventures rather than his family history.

4. **Crazy, Stupid, Love. 2011**: Despite its charm and stellar cast, ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ was bogged down by the subplot involving the teenage babysitter’s crush on Steve Carell’s character. This subplot felt unnecessary and detracted from the main story, making it a less enjoyable experience overall.

5. **Booksmart 2019**: Olivia Wilde’s ‘Booksmart’ is a hilarious and heartfelt high school comedy, but the stop-motion drug hallucination scene felt out of place and disrupted the flow of the movie. While the film was otherwise a brilliant debut, this subplot detracted from the overall experience.

6. **The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 2013**: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a thrilling sequel that improves on its predecessor, but the unnecessary love triangle subplot involving Tauriel, Kili, and Legolas detracts from the main narrative. This subplot feels forced and adds little to the story, making the film longer than necessary. Despite this, the movie excels in its action sequences and visual effects, capturing the magical essence of Middle-earth.

7. **The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 2014**: The Battle of the Five Armies is an action-packed conclusion to The Hobbit trilogy, but the love triangle subplot between Tauriel, Kili, and Legolas once again feels out of place. This subplot distracts from the main storyline and adds unnecessary melodrama. However, the film’s epic battle scenes and emotional moments make it a fitting end to the series.

8. **The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 2012**: An Unexpected Journey is a visually stunning introduction to The Hobbit trilogy, but the inclusion of unnecessary subplots, such as Radagast’s escapades, detracts from the main narrative. These subplots feel like filler and slow down the pacing of the film. Nevertheless, the movie successfully captures the charm and adventure of Tolkien’s world.

9. **The Dark Knight Rises 2012**: The Dark Knight Rises is a powerful conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, but the subplot involving Miranda Tate’s betrayal feels contrived and weakens the overall impact. This subplot adds unnecessary complexity to an already intricate plot. Despite this, the film’s intense action sequences and emotional depth make it a memorable finale.

10. **Spider-Man 3 2007**: Spider-Man 3 is an ambitious superhero film that suffers from an overabundance of subplots, particularly the inclusion of the Sandman and Venom storylines. These subplots overcrowd the film and detract from the central narrative. However, the movie still delivers exciting action scenes and memorable moments.

11. **Iron Man 2 2010**: Iron Man 2, while a thrilling sequel, is bogged down by the unnecessary subplot of Tony Stark’s rivalry with Justin Hammer. This subplot detracts from the main narrative and feels like a filler, making the movie less cohesive. Despite Robert Downey Jr.’s charismatic performance, the subplot’s lack of depth and relevance hampers the overall enjoyment of the film.

12. **The Matrix Reloaded 2003**: The Matrix Reloaded is a visually stunning film, but the subplot involving the Merovingian and his wife Persephone feels out of place. This subplot, while adding some philosophical depth, ultimately distracts from the main storyline and slows down the pacing. The film’s action sequences and special effects are top-notch, but the subplot’s inclusion makes the narrative feel disjointed.

13. **The Matrix Revolutions 2003**: The Matrix Revolutions, the final installment of the trilogy, is marred by the subplot involving Neo’s coma and his time in Mobil Ave. This subplot feels like an unnecessary detour that detracts from the film’s climactic battle. While the action sequences are impressive, the subplot’s lack of relevance to the main plot makes the film feel less focused.

14. **Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones 2002**: Attack of the Clones suffers from the forced romance subplot between Anakin and Padmé. This subplot, filled with clichéd dialogue and awkward interactions, detracts from the film’s epic storyline. The subplot’s lack of chemistry and depth makes it hard to invest in their relationship, ultimately weakening the overall impact of the movie.

15. **Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith 2005**: Revenge of the Sith is a dark and thrilling conclusion to the prequel trilogy, but the subplot involving General Grievous feels unnecessary. This subplot, while providing some exciting action sequences, does little to advance the main plot and feels like a distraction. The film’s emotional core and dramatic moments are overshadowed by this subplot’s lack of significance.

16. **Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 2008**: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a rollercoaster of nostalgia and action, but the subplot involving the crystal skulls and aliens felt out of place and detracted from the film’s charm. While Harrison Ford’s return as Indy is delightful, the convoluted plot and unnecessary elements make it less enjoyable than its predecessors.