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They always make bad decisions -

In general, people in horror movies make bad decisions. They go where they're not supposed to go, hide where they're not supposed to hide, and eventually face their fate.

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They forget how to run -

They look back all the time when running away, they run sideways, backwards, on their fours–you name it!

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Their car is crap -

It either breaks down or it doesn't start when it's supposed to. You know what comes next...

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They hide in obvious locations -

We get it, people in horror movies are usually desperate, so they end up hiding in really obvious places, like a closet or under the bed. It goes without saying that the killer always finds them.

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They go investigate that strange sound -

They hear this weird sound and investigate. They usually carry a flashlight or something similar, because, for whatever reason, the lights are not working. Oh, and they go "hello?" as if the bad guy would respond!

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They always get trapped -

People in horror movies seem to get trapped frequently, and in the most bizarre places. Trying to escape through the doggie door, an air vent, or an elevator that stops doesn't usually work.

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They keep the creepy object -

A haunted doll? A TV used by poltergeists? Sure, let's keep the haunted object. Why people in horror movies don't get rid of these is beyond comprehension.

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They go into scary basements -

A dark, scary basement that no one has gone ventured into in years? Yes, please! What are they expecting to find there, exactly?

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They go to places with no cell service -

It might be coincidence, but cell phones are rendered useless in many horror movies. No service, no internet, no nothing.

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They stay and watch someone get murdered -

Because that's what you do, right? Why run away and try to call the cops, when you can just stay and witness a gruesome crime!

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They trip and fall -

Yet another classic. Horror movie characters ought to trip and fall, especially when they are running away from the baddie.

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They walk into the first haunted house they find -

They always end up in a haunted house. Whether they go on a vacation to a remote location, or they happen to stumble upon one by chance, they just walk in like it was a convenience store.

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They actually live in a haunted house -

It's their house, after all, but c'mon, it's haunted! Get out of there! Sell it! But no, they stay, and they fight whatever evil spirit is making their lives miserable.

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They make a sound -

This happens just as the killer is about to leave. Coughing, a sneeze, stepping on dry leaves, you name it. It's loud enough to get the killer's attention and for him to find them.

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They go into the woods -

The woods, especially at night, are definitely not a safe place to hide from a killer or an evil creature. People in horror movies clearly don't know this.

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They go and stay in dark places -

Yes, we know, it adds to the atmosphere, but why can't horror movie characters stay out of dark places, right?

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They think they've killed the bad guy... -

...but they haven't. He always gets up, often wounded, but definitely not dead! They should ensure the bad guy is actually dead before they start celebrating, really.

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They interact with the evil creature -

Evil creatures sometimes look cute, but interacting with them never ends well. People in horror movies still insist on doing this though.

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They hide zombie bites -

You know, when a member of a group gets bitten by a zombie, and instead of telling them that they were bitten and will eventually turn into zombies themselves, they hide it from everyone. Not cool!

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They don't check the backseat -

This is a classic. But it begs the question: why don't they check the backseat when they get into their cars? Everyone knows the baddies love them.

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They have sex -

Nothing good can come out of it. Either the other person will try to kill them in the act, or something more sinister is going on, like giving birth to Satan's son.

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They don't use the appropriate weapons -

Have you ever watched a horror movie and went "pick that thing up and hit him with that!" Only for the character to use a completely different object, that barely inflicts any damage...

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They wait....until the killer returns -

Okay, if you know there's a killer on the loose and he knows where you are, don't just sit and wait for him to return. Because he will!

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They take refuge in an unsafe house - We get it, they're desperate and trying to find a safe house to hide from the killer chasing them. But why do they always end up in an equally dangerous place?

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They ignore red flags -

They keep listening to the lunatic, like they were a normal, healthy person. Because, you know, you should always give people the benefit of the doubt. Even if they clearly are out of their minds and pose a threat to your life...

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They open the door to evil -

Tip: don't want to open the door to evil spirits? Don't try to communicate with them. Pretty simple, right? Not for people in horror movies, apparently.

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They chase the trail of blood -

It's a trail of blood, not gold. They can't expect to find anything good by following it, but they always chase it. 

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Their desperation encourages the killer to chase them -

Some characters get so desperate that they end up annoying the killer even more. Crying might be more difficult to control, but surely they don't need to scream all the time, and definitely not so loudly!

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They decide to take a shower -

Because a steamy bathroom is a safe place to be when evil is lurking.

Sources: (List25) (Screen Rant) (BuzzFeed)

See also: 30 of the greatest horror movies of all time

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