5 Dreadful (in a Bad Way) Scenes That Destroyed Otherwise Perfect Horror Movies

Even the most well-crafted and acclaimed horror films can sometimes include scenes that fall flat or completely miss the point, causing the movie to lose its charm. Here are five of the most terrible scenes in great horror films that failed to keep up with the film's tone.

1. Don't Breathe (2016)

Fede Alvarez's thriller, which follows a group of burglars trying to rob a blind man's house, is largely praised for its tense and minimalistic horror. However, the film contains a controversial subplot, which revolves around the blind antagonist who forcibly impregnates a woman in his basement, using a turkey baster.

Many viewers and critics felt it should have been cut, as it seemed out of place in such a well-crafted film. We bet you didn't see this one coming.

2. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

The Conjuring 2 is James Wan's sequel that successfully builds on the eerie atmosphere of the original. The sequel introduces one of the most terrifying creatures in the horror genre, demon Valak, in the form of a menacing nun.

However, the film also featured another supernatural creature, the Crooked Man, a ghostly figure that was more comical than terrifying, especially compared to the nun. His appearance was meant to set up a spin-off, but the project was eventually scrapped, leaving the scene feeling out of place and pointless in an otherwise strong film.

3. Let the Right One in (2008)

A cringe-worthy scene of poorly executed CGI marred this acclaimed Swedish vampire horror film. The movie features unintentionally funny visuals and special effects, as a group of house cats attack a woman who has turned into a vampire.

This scene sticks out as a weird misstep in a modern horror masterpiece celebrated for its emotional depth and storytelling.

4. The Strangers (2008)

The Strangers stood out among horror films of the 2000s for prioritizing a foreboding atmosphere over jump scares and excessive gore.

The film masterfully builds suspense, culminating in the chilling and unexpected deaths of two main characters, James and Kristen, at the hands of the Strangers. However, the movie's impact is greatly diminished by a random and cheap jump scare at the end, which results in Kristen suddenly coming back to life and screaming directly into the camera. This moment is an unfortunate blemish on an otherwise effective thriller.

5. The Visit (2015)

M. Night Shyamalan's found-footage horror film has been praised for its eerie atmosphere, strong performances, and signature Shyamalan twist ending.

But one scene, during which the fake grandfather smears his diaper full of feces on a young boy's face, destroys the storytelling and serves as a reminder of how a single shocking scene can overshadow a movie's other merits.