21 Movies That Are a Cliché Buffet: Characters and Storylines You’ve Seen a Million Times

1. Scanners 1981，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 62424, ID: 0081455
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David Cronenberg’s ‘Scanners’ is a sci-fi horror film that introduced the now-clichéd trope of psychic nosebleeds. Despite its intriguing premise of telepathic and telekinetic individuals, the film’s plot feels recycled from old spy movies, and the characters lack depth. The special effects, particularly the infamous head-exploding scene, are memorable, but the film ultimately prioritizes spectacle over substance.
2. Double Indemnity 1944，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 168959, ID: 0036775
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Billy Wilder’s ‘Double Indemnity’ is a classic film noir that set the standard for many clichés in the genre, including the femme fatale and the insurance scam plot. The film’s sharp dialogue and strong performances by Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck make it a compelling watch, even if the storyline feels familiar. The film’s exploration of greed and betrayal remains impactful.
3. Bringing Up Baby 1938，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 66583, ID: 0029947
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Howard Hawks’ ‘Bringing Up Baby’ is a screwball comedy that features the clichéd trope of the uptight scientist and the free-spirited woman. Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn’s chemistry and comedic timing elevate the film, making it a delightful watch despite its predictable plot. The film’s chaotic energy and witty dialogue ensure its enduring appeal.
4. Black Christmas 1974，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 48824, ID: 0071222
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Bob Clark’s ‘Black Christmas’ is a pioneering slasher film that introduced many clichés of the genre, such as the anonymous threatening phone calls and the final girl trope. The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and strong performances, particularly by Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder, make it a standout in the horror genre. Its influence on later slasher films is undeniable.
5. Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 931146, ID: 2395427
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Avengers: Age of Ultron is a classic example of a film bogged down by its own clichés. The overstuffed plot and generic villain, Ultron, make it feel like a rehash of every superhero trope we’ve seen before. Despite its impressive action sequences and witty banter, the film struggles to balance its numerous characters and subplots, resulting in a disjointed narrative. While it has its moments of fun, it ultimately falls short of its predecessor, The Avengers.
6. WandaVision 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 375673, ID: 9140560
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WandaVision breaks away from the typical superhero mold with its bold and experimental approach, blending sitcom nostalgia with a deeper exploration of grief and love. While it occasionally falls into familiar territory, its unique format and strong performances by Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany make it a standout in the MCU. The series’ ability to balance humor, mystery, and emotion sets it apart from other clichéd superhero narratives.
7. Invincible 2021，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 214174, ID: 6741278
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Invincible offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, despite some clichéd elements. The series’ brutal action and complex characters, particularly the father-son dynamic between Mark and Omni-Man, provide a compelling narrative. While it borrows from familiar tropes, its willingness to explore darker themes and moral ambiguity sets it apart. Invincible is a gripping and thought-provoking addition to the superhero landscape.
8. The Avengers 2012，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 1470699, ID: 0848228
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The Avengers is a masterclass in balancing multiple superhero narratives, but it doesn’t escape the pitfalls of clichéd storytelling. The film’s plot is straightforward, with a predictable villain and a formulaic team-up arc. However, its charismatic cast and thrilling action sequences make it an entertaining watch. Despite its reliance on familiar tropes, The Avengers succeeds in delivering a fun and engaging superhero spectacle.
9. Iron Man 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 1136356, ID: 0371746
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Iron Man (2008) is a quintessential superhero origin story, but it falls into the trap of cliched characters and predictable plotlines. Tony Stark’s transformation from a billionaire playboy to a heroic savior is engaging, yet it follows the well-trodden path of the ‘chosen one’ trope. Despite Robert Downey Jr.’s charismatic performance, the film’s reliance on familiar superhero conventions makes it feel formulaic. The supporting characters, like Pepper Potts and Obadiah Stane, are also archetypal, adding to the movie’s overall lack of originality. Nevertheless, Iron Man’s entertaining action sequences and witty dialogue make it a fun watch.
10. The Incredible Hulk 2008，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 527933, ID: 0800080
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The Incredible Hulk (2008) attempts to delve into the duality of Bruce Banner and his monstrous alter ego, but it ultimately succumbs to cliched storytelling. The film’s plot revolves around the classic ‘man on the run’ narrative, with Banner seeking a cure while evading capture. Edward Norton’s portrayal of Banner is commendable, yet the character’s journey feels predictable and uninspired. The antagonist, Emil Blonsky, is a stereotypical villain with a thirst for power, further diminishing the film’s originality. Despite its flaws, The Incredible Hulk offers thrilling action scenes and impressive visual effects.
11. The Sixth Sense 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1062532, ID: 0167404
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The Sixth Sense (1999) is a masterful psychological thriller, but it is not without its cliched elements. The film’s central premise of a child who sees dead people is intriguing, yet it leans on the ‘gifted child’ trope. Bruce Willis’s character, Dr. Malcolm Crowe, fits the mold of the troubled psychologist seeking redemption. Despite these familiar elements, M. Night Shyamalan’s direction and the film’s iconic twist ending elevate it above typical genre fare. The Sixth Sense remains a compelling and emotionally resonant film, thanks to its strong performances and atmospheric storytelling.
12. Suicide Squad 2016，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 726669, ID: 1386697
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Suicide Squad (2016) is a chaotic ensemble film that suffers from cliched characters and a disjointed narrative. The movie’s premise of assembling a team of antiheroes for a dangerous mission is reminiscent of countless other action films. Will Smith’s Deadshot and Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn are standout performances, but their characters are ultimately one-dimensional. The film’s villain, Enchantress, is a generic supernatural threat with a convoluted plan. Despite its star-studded cast and occasional moments of humor, Suicide Squad fails to rise above its cliched foundations.
13. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 2001，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 1679, ID: 0304142
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) introduces audiences to a magical world, but it also relies on familiar fantasy tropes. The story of a young boy discovering his true identity and destiny is a classic ‘chosen one’ narrative. The characters, such as the wise mentor Dumbledore and the loyal friends Hermione and Ron, are archetypal but endearing. Despite its reliance on cliches, the film’s enchanting visuals and faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novel make it a beloved classic. The movie’s charm and sense of wonder continue to captivate audiences of all ages.
14. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.9, IMDB Votes: 2029544, ID: 0120737
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Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Tolkien’s epic is visually stunning and emotionally resonant, but it falls into the trap of cliched characters and storylines. The classic ‘chosen one’ trope is embodied by Frodo, while the wise mentor Gandalf and the dark lord Sauron are archetypes we’ve seen countless times. Despite these clichés, the film’s breathtaking visuals and strong performances make it a must-watch.
15. Die Hard 1988，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 954150, ID: 0095016
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Die Hard is a quintessential action film that set the standard for the genre, but it’s also a prime example of cliched storytelling. The ‘lone hero’ trope is embodied by Bruce Willis’ John McClane, and the ‘evil mastermind’ by Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber. Despite these clichés, the film’s intense action sequences and sharp dialogue make it a classic.
16. Cape Fear 1991，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 219166, ID: 0101540
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Martin Scorsese’s ‘Cape Fear’ is a gripping thriller, but it doesn’t escape the pitfalls of cliched characters. Robert De Niro’s Max Cady is the quintessential ‘revenge-seeking villain,’ and Nick Nolte’s Sam Bowden is the flawed hero. The film’s tension and performances are top-notch, but the predictable character arcs detract from its originality.
17. Westworld 1973，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 63510, ID: 0070909
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Westworld is a fascinating blend of sci-fi and Western genres, but it falls into the trap of cliched characters and predictable storylines. The film’s premise of an amusement park with lifelike androids going haywire is intriguing, yet the characters, like the stoic Gunslinger and the naive tourists, feel one-dimensional. Despite its groundbreaking special effects and thought-provoking themes, the film’s reliance on familiar tropes diminishes its impact. Nevertheless, Westworld remains a classic for its innovative concept and thrilling sequences.
18. Ali G Indahouse 2002，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 96393, ID: 0284837
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Ali G Indahouse is a comedy that thrives on its absurdity and over-the-top humor, but it heavily relies on cliched characters and storylines. The film’s protagonist, Ali G, is a caricature of a wannabe gangster, and the plot revolves around his unlikely rise to political power. While the film delivers laughs through its outrageous scenarios and satirical take on British politics, the predictable character arcs and formulaic plot points make it a guilty pleasure rather than a cinematic masterpiece.
19. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 2002，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 1803907, ID: 0167261
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The Two Towers is an epic fantasy film that captivates with its stunning visuals and grand battles, but it also features some cliched characters and storylines. The heroic Aragorn, the wise Gandalf, and the loyal Sam are archetypal figures that drive the narrative. Despite these familiar tropes, the film’s rich world-building, emotional depth, and masterful direction by Peter Jackson elevate it to a cinematic triumph. The Two Towers is a testament to the power of storytelling, even when it treads on well-worn paths.
20. The Matrix Reloaded 2003，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 636059, ID: 0234215
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The Matrix Reloaded is a visually stunning sequel that expands the universe of the original film, but it suffers from cliched characters and convoluted storylines. Neo’s journey as the ‘chosen one’ and the philosophical musings of Morpheus feel repetitive and overdone. However, the film’s groundbreaking action sequences, impressive special effects, and thought-provoking themes make it an engaging watch. Despite its flaws, The Matrix Reloaded continues to be a significant entry in the sci-fi genre.
21. John Wick 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 748335, ID: 2911666
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John Wick is a high-octane action film that reinvigorates the revenge genre, but it also leans on cliched characters and storylines. The titular character, a retired hitman seeking vengeance, is a familiar trope, and the plot follows a predictable path. However, Keanu Reeves’ charismatic performance, the film’s stylish direction, and its relentless action sequences make it a standout. John Wick may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, but it excels in delivering pure, unadulterated entertainment.