Movies and TV shows have long been a part of our entertainment lives, but let’s face it: they’re full of things that would never happen in real life. Yet, for some reason, we’ve all come to accept these bizarre and ridiculous plot points as if they’re totally normal. Whether it’s the way characters always escape life-threatening situations or how they manage to stay perfectly groomed, these tropes have become so familiar that we barely even notice them anymore.
Here’s a breakdown of 10 ridiculous things that happen in nearly every movie and TV show, and somehow, we’ve all just accepted them as reality.
1. Characters Never Have to Use the Bathroom
One of the most inexplicable things about movies and TV shows is that characters always seem to go hours, days, or even weeks without ever needing to use the bathroom. From action-packed blockbusters to dramatic comedies, bathroom breaks are never part of the plot, no matter how much time passes.
In reality, humans spend a lot of time in the bathroom every day. But in the world of film and TV? It’s as if the characters are immune to the basic human need to, well, relieve themselves.
Why We Accept It: It’s a minor inconvenience that most directors prefer to avoid. No one wants to interrupt the action with a scene of a character sitting on the toilet, right?
2. Cars Always Explode, No Matter What
In movies, if a car crashes into anything—whether it’s a lamppost, a mailbox, or a trash can—you can bet it will explode into a massive fireball. But in real life? Cars don’t spontaneously combust unless there’s some serious mechanical failure or sabotage.
Yet, no matter how mild the crash, explosions are practically guaranteed in movies, and we never question it.
Why We Accept It: It’s an action-movie staple that gives a visual punch. Explosions are thrilling, and we all know they make for a more exciting scene—even if they’re unrealistic.
3. People Can Suffer Major Injuries and Still Run for Hours
In most action-packed TV shows and movies, characters are shot, stabbed, or hit by cars and then proceed to run, jump, and fight like nothing ever happened. It’s not uncommon to see someone with a gunshot wound in their side running full speed through a building or an alley.
In reality, surviving a major injury would likely mean significant pain, bleeding, and, you know, not being able to sprint to the next location. But in the world of movies? No problem!
Why We Accept It: We love our action heroes to be indestructible, and the plot usually demands it. It’s all about pacing and keeping the adrenaline flowing.
4. People Always Have Perfect Hair, Even After Chaos
One of the oldest and most ridiculous tropes in movies and TV shows is that no matter what happens, the characters’ hair remains immaculate. They may be running from a giant monster, in the middle of a tornado, or engaged in a full-blown fistfight, yet their hair always looks perfect.
How? We have no idea, but it’s something we’ve accepted without question. Messy hair in a chaotic situation? Not in Hollywood.
Why We Accept It: Perfect hair sells. It makes characters look polished and photogenic, and in a world where appearances are everything, who has time for a bad hair day?
5. Villains Always Have Monologues Before They Act
How many times have you watched a villain in a movie or TV show spend what feels like an eternity explaining their evil plan to the hero before actually following through with it? It’s a classic villain trope: instead of quickly finishing the job, they take the time to explain everything in detail, giving the hero the opportunity to escape or fight back.
In real life, if someone has you tied up, they’re probably just going to finish the job—no time for long-winded speeches. But in movies? It’s a must.
Why We Accept It: Villain monologues add drama and give the hero (and the audience) time to catch their breath before the final showdown. Plus, it’s a great way to reveal the plot!
6. Computers Can Hack into Anything in Seconds
The hacker trope is another one we’ve come to accept as a staple of TV and movie plots. With just a few clicks, characters can access top-secret government files, take control of a missile system, or unlock bank accounts—all within seconds.
In reality, hacking takes time, expertise, and often a lot of trial and error. But in the cinematic world, it’s a breeze. All you need is a laptop, a fast typing hand, and a couple of keystrokes.
Why We Accept It: It’s a quick and easy way to move the plot along. The idea of hacking has become more fictionalized over time to fit the need for action-packed storytelling.
7. No One Ever Gets Tired of Running
In almost every action movie, you’ll see characters running for their lives, dodging bullets, jumping over obstacles, and still managing to keep up a full sprint. Despite their age, stamina, or the fact that they’ve been running for hours, they don’t seem to slow down.
Realistically, even the fittest person would be exhausted after sprinting nonstop, but in movies? Characters just keep running. No cramps, no sweat—just pure speed.
Why We Accept It: It’s a dramatic way to heighten tension and show that the character is “unstoppable.” In real life, we’d all be out of breath after 10 minutes, but that’s not nearly as fun to watch.
8. The “Bad Guy” Always Dies at the End
No matter how evil or terrifying the villain may be throughout a movie or TV show, they almost always meet their demise by the end. Whether it’s by the hero’s hand or a perfectly timed explosion, the bad guy never walks away unscathed.
This predictable fate has been ingrained in our movie-watching experience for so long that we’ve just come to expect it.
Why We Accept It: It provides closure. The hero’s journey is only complete when the villain is vanquished, ensuring a satisfying ending to the story.
9. Characters Can Always Find an Unlikely Escape Route
You’ve seen it a thousand times: characters find themselves trapped in an impossible situation (say, a burning building, a crumbling bridge, or a locked room), only to miraculously find a hidden escape route just in time to avoid death.
In real life? That would be a lot harder, if not impossible. But in movies, there’s always a secret door, tunnel, or air vent ready to help characters make their miraculous escape.
Why We Accept It: Escaping just in time builds tension and adds excitement to the story. It’s a tried-and-true trope that keeps us at the edge of our seats.
10. People Don’t Really Die
Sure, movies and TV shows have their fair share of deaths, but let’s face it—there’s an odd tendency for characters to return from the dead or survive impossible situations. The whole “they’re dead…wait, they’re not” twist has become a common trope, especially in long-running TV series.
Even if someone is killed off, you can bet there will be some twist where they miraculously come back to life (hello, resurrection plots!).
Why We Accept It: Audiences hate saying goodbye to their favorite characters. Writers have found ways to keep beloved faces in the game, even if it involves a ridiculous plot twist.
Conclusion: Why We Keep Watching Anyway
Despite all these ridiculous and often unrealistic plot points, we keep watching. Movies and TV shows are designed to entertain, and while some things may not make sense, we accept them because they serve the story. Whether it’s for the thrill of the chase, the drama of a near-death escape, or just to see how perfectly someone can run in high heels, we’ve learned to overlook these absurdities in favor of the greater narrative.
At the end of the day, it’s all about suspension of disbelief—and sometimes, that’s exactly what makes the experience so much fun.
5 FAQs About Ridiculous Movie Tropes
1. Why do movie characters never need bathroom breaks?
It’s simply a storytelling shortcut. Bathroom breaks would slow down the action and disrupt the pacing of a movie or show.
2. Why do villains always explain their plan?
Villains’ monologues serve to add tension and drama, and they give the hero a chance to make a comeback. It’s an iconic plot device.
3. Why are explosions in movies so exaggerated?
Explosions are meant to heighten excitement and add visual spectacle. The bigger and louder, the better for the audience.
4. Why do characters in action movies never get tired?
It’s all about keeping the adrenaline high and the action non-stop. Tired characters aren’t
