Most great movies have several things in common. At least one of those things is irritating or annoying characters. Protagonists are typically the good-looking, relatable, convincing characters that we want to see succeed and live happily ever after. But when they run up against the not-so-likeable characters in the movie, the contrast makes us root for our favorite characters even more.
Watching your favorite leading characters interact with annoying counterparts can subtly, but completely, change your perspective on a film. But of course, the character that is getting on your nerves is just a role being played by a great actor who is most likely quite pleasant in real life. (For a comparable look at the small screen, here are the most annoying characters in modern TV history.)
In compiling this list of the most annoying characters in movie history, 24/7 Tempo consulted several entertainment websites such as ScreenRant, IMDb, and Movie Guide.
Renee Dwyer from “Twilight”
Sarah Clarke as Renee Dwyer
Sarah Clarke’s protrayal of Renee Dwyer was the most annoying character from the Twilight film series. Some viewers felt she was even worse than the evil vampire government that was trying to murder Bella Swan. Renee was also annoying because she’s a selfish, absentee mom who was not there for her teenage daughter when she needed her the most.
Professor Umbridge from “Harry Potter”
Imelda Staunton made her debut as Professor Dolores Umbridge in the fifth Harry Potter movie. She was instantly unlikable because of her cruel teaching methods. She attempted to get Harry expelled when he tried to protect himself and his cousin. Then she forced Harry to write an apology saying he wouldn’t lie. with the ink painfully etching into the skin on his arm! And another awful thing about her was the suggestion that she might actually be a death eater.
Mattel CEO from “Barbie”
The Mattel CEO from the “Barbie” movie was played perfectly by Will Ferrell. This irritating character didn’t even have a first or last name, he was simply referred to as the Mattel CEO throughout the film. Fans found his character the most annoying because of his obsession with tracking Barbie down and confining her to a plastic box.
Loki from “The Avengers”
Although he is now beloved by fans of the Marvel movies, everyone thought Loki was irritating for the majority of his Marvel appearances. He was the main antagonist in the original Avengers movie. Then he faked his own death and hid his father from Thor, despite the fact that they’re brothers. Tom Hiddleston played the part of the annoying Loki.
Groot from “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Some “Guardians of the Galaxy” fans loved the Groot character, while others found him extremely annoying. One thing that bugged people was his singular catchphrase, “I Am Groot!” He wasn’t capable of saying anything else. Because of that, he can’t really engage in conversations or have meaningful dialogue with his teammates while they band together against their evil enemies. Vin Diesel is the actor that voices the role of Groot.
Effie Trinket from “The Hunger Games”
In The Hunger Games franchise, Effie Trinket it is the most annoying character in the cast. The appearance of Elizabeth Bank’s character was one of the reasons that she was disliked. Her over-the-top makeup and outlandish costumes and wigs put audiences off. Even though she had a few heroic moments, her overall lack of empathy made her character annoying.
Ursula from “The Little Mermaid”
Melissa McCarthy starred in the role of Ursula in the live-action version of “The Little Mermaid.” Ursula was the most annoying character from the movie because of her manipulation of Ariel. Among other things, she convinced Ariel to agree to a toxic trade that resulted in the loss of her voice. Then she undermined her relationship with the prince.
Davy Jones from “Pirates of the Caribbean”
Bill Nighy portrayed Davy Jones in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Physically, he’s one of the most unappealing fictional characters in film. The character is a hideous combination of an octopus and a crab, and his attitude made him even worse. Davy Jones is a greedy, murderous character who is ruthless and only out for himself, making him the most annoying character in the movie.
Sam Witwicky from “Transformers”
Sam Witwicky is the main character in the “Transformers” movies, but that didn’t mean that his character was likeable. Sam was played by Shia LaBeouf in the first 2007 film, as well as the 2009 and 2011 sequels. For some reason, Sam never quite grew beyond his whiny and annoying high school persona. Luckily, there were more enjoyable characters like Megan Fox and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in the Transformer films.
Prince Hans from “Frozen”
Santino Fontana is the voice actor for the annoying character of Prince Hans in the movie “Frozen.” He was a main character in the first movie, where he shocked audiences with his plot twist. At first, he seemed to be the perfect match for Anna, but then it was revealed that he was totally evil. The very worst thing the character did was leaving Anna out in the cold to freeze.
Anne Hamilton from “The Notebook”
Anne Hamilton holds the title of most annoying character from “The Notebook.” Played by Joan Allen, Anne spent most of the movie trying to keep Allie and Noah apart. But she didn’t realize that by trying to destroy her daughter’s relationship, it would only drive them closer together. Anne’s judgmental and uptight personality made her a tough character to like until she eventually softened up.
Hei Hei from “Moana”
The character of Hei Hei, voiced by Alan Tudyk, is arguably the most aggravating character in the movie “Moana.” The awkward-looking rooster was an unintelligent character who was deemed the “village idiot.” When Moana discovers that he’s a stowaway on her canoe, she found she was stuck with him when she went on her adventure. Hei Hei did not have much of a personality and was incapable of conversation.
Anakin Skywalker from “Star Wars”
The reason people disliked the character of Anakin Skywalker was because he had plenty of chances to avoid going to the dark side, but didn’t take advantage of them. Unfortunately, actor Hayden Christensen’s character decided to turn to the dark side by taking on the persona of Darth Vader after his mother died. Even the most powerful Jedis thought his training would change things for good, but it did not.
Mary Svevo from “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
Mary Svevo is the most annoying character from the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” People did not care for her character’s obsession with her much older boss. Despite knowing that he was married, she still couldn’t keep her feelings in check. Played by Kirsten Dunst, Mary even had the opportunity to develop a healthy relationship with a single co-worker her own age range, but she couldn’t get past her feelings for her boss.
Tyler Durden from “Fight Club”
Tyler Durden stands out as the most exasperatinging character in “Fight Club” due to his toxic belief system. As he struggled with insomnia, he began hallucinating a secondary version of himself, which he then befriended. The hallucinated version of Tyler was pompous, arrogant, and sociopathic. However, it eventually becomes evident that these negative characteristics actually belonged to the real Tyler. The role of Tyler was played by Edward Norton.
Regina George from “Mean Girls”
Rachel McAdams played Regina George, who earned the title of the most annoying character in the movie “Mean Girls.” She was a bully who acted friendly and sweet in front of her friends, only to gossip behind their backs. Her jealousy of Cady Heron further solidified her status as an annoying character, stemming from her insecurities about Cady stealing attention from her ex-boyfriend.
Gilbert Huph from “The Incredibles”
Fans who have watched “The Incredibles” movie remember how frustrating it was to watch Mr. Incredible take orders from his boss. His boss, Gilbert Huph, was so callous and disrespectful to Mr. Incredible, that the situation even escalated to a physical altercation. Wallace Shawn is the voice actor behind the role of the annoying Gilbert Huph.
Gabriella Montez from “High School Musical”
Gabriella Montez is thought of as the most annoying character from the “High School Musical” franchise because even though she had Troy’s best interest at heart, she disregarded his college basketball dreams. As a caring girlfriend, Gabriella should have supported Troy’s decision, but instead, she selfishly prioritized their teenage activities over his long-term plans. The role of Gabriella was played by Vanessa Hudgens.
Patrick Gates from “National Treasure”
The role of Patrick Gates, portrayed by Jon Voight, is the most annoying character of the entire “National Treasure” franchise. He consistently opposed his son’s quest to uncover hidden treasure, driven by regret over his own life choices. Jon Voight played the role of Patrick, who should have been more supportive of his son.