Television and film have given us some of the most beloved characters in pop culture history. But while shows like ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, ‘Euphoria’, ‘The Vampire Diaries’, ‘The Walking Dead’, and ‘Gossip Girl’ built loyal fanbases, they also produced some of the most despised characters on screen.
In some cases, the hatred was intentional, villains like Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones were written to draw audience rage. But in others, backlash stemmed from weak writing or misunderstood character arcs. And sometimes, fans turned against characters unfairly, fueling debates that still divide audiences today.
Here are 10 of the most hated movie and TV characters and the reasons behind their infamy.
Jeremiah is often compared to his brother Conrad, but critics argue he receives harsher treatment for the same mistakes. Many point out that while Conrad’s actions are excused because of his family struggles, Jeremiah is judged far more harshly despite facing the same trauma.
Cassie became one of the show’s most polarising figures. Detractors call her selfish, while defenders highlight that she is a 17-year-old navigating trauma, an absent father, and a troubled family life. Her mistakes, they argue, reflect teenage vulnerability more than malice.
Marvel fans were split over Jennifer Walters’ lighthearted approach. While some dismissed her as unworthy, others insisted she fit perfectly into the comedy tone of the show and could hold her own alongside other Avengers in future storylines.
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Imogen drew criticism for her crush on Nick, which some interpreted as interference in his relationship with Charlie. However, she was unaware of their romance, and by Season 2, her character development earned her more sympathy and respect.
Ash’s story was one of the darkest in Discovery. Subjected to mutilation, memory loss, and PTSD as a sexual assault survivor, his suffering rarely received empathy from fans. Many believe he deserved far more compassion than he got.
Unlike the books, where Vanessa was a lead, the TV series sidelined her into secondary plots. The show’s failure to develop her character, while also mishandling diversity, left audiences frustrated. Her abrupt exit only worsened the criticism.
Hannah was regularly accused of being selfish and narcissistic. Yet supporters argue she was no different from the rest of the cast, who were equally flawed. The show’s portrayal of self-absorbed millennials meant her flaws were part of the story’s fabric.
Lori was harshly judged for her choices, particularly her relationship with Shane. But others highlight that she was manipulated during a vulnerable moment and ultimately sacrificed her life to save her daughter, making her one of the series’ more misunderstood figures.
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After Season 4, Elena faced backlash for being “selfish” or “boring.” Still, she consistently displayed bravery, empathy, and resourcefulness, often sacrificing herself for others. While her later arcs disappointed some fans, her core character remained admirable.
Octavia’s leadership decisions divided viewers, especially during her reign over Wonkru. Yet her defenders remind that she was barely 20, shaped by years of trauma and forced into impossible choices after losing everyone she loved.
From ‘Euphoria’s Cassie to ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Elena, these characters prove that storytelling doesn’t always produce universal favorites. Some are written to be hated, others suffer from weak scripts, and a few are victims of unfair criticism. But all of them left a lasting impression, for better or worse, on the audiences who couldn’t stop talking about them.
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