Tropes like jealousy and quasi-stalking might seem okay in romcoms and romance novels, but, in real life, it's bad news. Unfortunately, films and television can make some real-life relationship red flags appear to be the most romantic thing in the world. For instance, so many people wanted Edward Cullen from Twilight to break into their room to watch them sleep. This, of course, is a key difference between fiction and reality. Fiction isn't real, but real life can have some very terrifying consequences.
TV show boyfriends' red flags appear over time throughout many episodes, but the film versions of problematic boyfriends have a more streamlined process. Despite the shorter time on screen, they are just as bad as their counterparts in their gaslighting, shaming, controlling, and more with their "yikes" attitude. Some of the silver screen's most famous male love interests end up being much more cringey than cute.
Danny Zucko - Grease (1978)
Danny and Sandy might seem like one of the OG pairs of soulmates, but Danny's behavior from beginning to end is anything but okay. For starters, the lyrics of "Summer Nights" mention sexual assault so casually, a viewer could almost miss it if they're not listening. Danny just ignores his friends when they ask if Sandy "put up a fight."
Later in the film, Danny tries to force himself on Sandy at the drive-in and then gets angry with her when she's upset about it. This was a perfectly understandable reaction on her part, especially after their "magical" summer. Lastly, Sandy has to get a teen comedy trope of a makeover to be accepted by Danny and his friends. Anyone that needs their partner to be someone completely different to be with them is a walking red flag.
Scott Pilgrim - Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)
In the movie's defense, Scott Pilgrim is not supposed to be a likable main character. But, that doesn't excuse his shady actions. Scott, a 22-year-old man, decides to become the boyfriend of 17-year-old Knives Chau. He quite literally walks her home from high school, which is pretty creepy.
As if that weren't bad enough, Scott has a complete disregard for Knives' feelings. He actively ignores her and her affection for him, blowing her off to chase Ramona Flowers. He breaks up with her heartlessly and callously. Meanwhile, he pressures Ramona into a relationship with him, even though she has been in relationships with seven other toxic people that they need to fight the new guy in her life.
JD - Heathers (1988)
JD walks onto the scene as a charming outsider, which piques Veronica's interest. He delivers some of the best quotes of the movie and lures her in by creating an "us against the world" atmosphere, which Veronica's writer spirit eats up.
However, everything JD does is manipulation with the goal of Veronica helping him do his dirty work and exact "chaos." He doesn't seem to care about her as much as he cares about his agenda. All of this, combined with the blatant murder, makes for a ton of red flags.
Caledon Hockley - Titanic (1997)
Cal is a textbook abuser in multiple ways. His confidence may be alluring, but his intense territorial attitude and hair-trigger temper are bright red flags. The second Rose steps out of line and does something that Cal doesn't like, he acts out with physical aggression.
Additionally, Cal uses his status to intimidate and terrorize others. His wealth is a weapon and he manipulates the people around him with it. Combined with his jealousy, he's able to assert his power over Jack and almost get him killed.
Nate - The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Nate and Andy's relationship is touted as true love throughout the film, but Nate himself leaves a lot to be desired as a romantic partner and does quite a few problematic things with Andy.
First of all, a partner's success in their career shouldn't be seen as a negative addition to a relationship. Any time Andy has to do her job, Nate chastises her for it. He, and her friends, have no respect for Andy's professional integrity and even try to stop Andy from answering her work phone. Nate never apologizes to Andy at any point, and his childlike anger at her work is brushed off.
Mr. Rochester - Jane Eyre (2011)
Jane and Mr. Rochester may be a tale as old as Charlotte Brontë herself, but that doesn't mean their relationship was healthy. The entirety of their love story started with a lie on Rochester's part.
If lying itself is a red flag, then lying about a first wife who's locked away in the attic and prone to arson is a red banner. Jane Eyre is one of many great film adaptations of the book, but the heart of their journey is deception. Rochester takes advantage of Jane's naivety and willingly puts her life in danger.
John Tucker - John Tucker Must Die (2006)
Somehow, a serial cheater turns out to be the male love interest in this teen rom-com, and his repeated infidelity gets largely ignored by everyone at the end of the film. Kate and his other supposed girlfriends finally expose him for being unfaithful. The only thing that happens is a boyish shrug and a food fight.
Thankfully, John and Kate end the movie as "friends" instead of boyfriend and girlfriend, but his promise to be more honest is all that viewers get in terms of remorse on his part. Prospects for his future girlfriends are grim, to say the least.
Christian Grey - Fifty Shades Of Grey (2015)
Christian Grey was a kinky sexual icon for the thousands of readers of E.L. James' original book series and the subsequent film franchise. While Ana may have been turned on by Christian's confidence and sexual prowess, his role in her life was problematic.
Christian had a very hard time with boundaries. He routinely inserted himself into Ana's life without her consent. Christian went as far as to try and tell her she didn't have "permission" to go on a work trip without him and followed her when she went to go see her mother.
Edward Cullen - Twilight (2008)
Fans of both Twilight and Fifty Shades Of Grey may not know that the two stories have many parallels. This isn't surprising, considering that Fifty Shades was originally a fan fiction story based on Edward Cullen.
The biggest similarity between the franchises is that the two male protagonists have many red flags that the female leads ignore. Edward admits to stalking Bella, and she rationalizes that it means that he cares about her safety. He also tries to sacrifice himself rather than live without her, which shows an unhealthy codependence.
Ben - He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
Ben had the gall to be a boyfriend and a husband with glaring red flags. His main arc in the film is developing a relationship with a hopeful young musician. During this, he's ruthlessly disrespectful to both her and the wife at home that he was cheating on.
In a heartbreaking and disgusting scene, Ben shoves Anna into a closet when his wife, Janine, shows up at the office. Then, he and Janine proceed to have sex to "save the marriage" as Anna, who previously thought they were getting divorced, has to sit and listen. Ben also takes every opportunity to lie to Janine, starting with his lie about quitting smoking. He's truly a red flag walking around.