21 Cringe-Worthy and Awkward Movie Scenes from Iconic Films You Almost Can’t Stand to Watch
When you experience secondhand embarrassment in movie scenes, you can’t help but fast-forward.
Some movies are unforgettable for all the wrong reasons, especially when one scene turns a beloved film into a full-body cringe fest. A bad kiss, an awkward confession, or a painfully forced dance number can make even a great movie hard to sit through.
That is exactly the kind of discomfort this list is built around. From romantic misfires to embarrassing public meltdowns, these scenes from iconic films have a way of making viewers look away, laugh nervously, or hit fast-forward.
Here are 21 movie moments that still make people squirm.
1. When Maggie Tries to Kiss Mike in 17 Again
This is literally a daughter trying to kiss her father. It's more gross than funny. No thanks!
Warner Bros. Pictures2. And Also When He 'Reads' Scarlett the 'Letter from Mike'
I literally cannot watch this scene. The judge and everyone else in there are like, 'What the heck?' and I could not agree more, even knowing the context of it.
Warner Bros. Pictures3. When Satine Is Seducing Christian in Moulin Rouge
I LOVE this movie, and I think this scene is funny, but, God, is it uncomfortable to watch, especially after Satine starts moaning and screaming. It gets to the point where I'm just begging Christian to break into song.
20th Century Fox
Some of these scenes are awkward in a way that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
4. When Elisa Makes a Hand Gesture to Show How the Creature's Penis Works in The Shape of Water
I know this is a tiny moment, but I HATE IT SO MUCH. Ugh, this movie.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
5. When Jackson Walks on Stage During Ally's Grammy Win and Pees in His Pants in A Star Is Born
This scene is really horrible and uncomfortable to watch, and it's far sadder than awkward, but still, I can barely sit through it.
Warner Bros. Pictures
6. The Threesome Scene in Zoolander
It's supposed to be funny, but to me, it's just cringey.
Paramount Pictures
7. When Dewey's Identity Gets Exposed and He Tries to Tell the Parents What He's Been Doing in School of Rock
He could've chosen better words.
Paramount Pictures
That kind of secondhand embarrassment is exactly why these scenes are so memorable.
8. When Mrs. Doubtfire Was Exposed as Daniel in Mrs. Doubtfire
I just picture being in this situation, and my skin starts to crawl. Not that I would be in this situation. If you think about it, this movie is pretty messed up.
20th Century Fox
9. When Lara Jean Lip-Synched to 'Moral of the Story' in To All the Boys I've Loved Before
I know it's not supposed to be cringey, but I literally can't watch it.
Netflix
10. When Schmidt Did a Slam Poem on the Spot in 22 Jump Street
To be fair, it is VERY quotable.
Sony Pictures Releasing, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
11. The Entire Dance-Off Scene in Bring It On: All or Nothing
Why did I think this was a great, normal scene as a kid??
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
12. When Buddy Thought Miles Was an Elf in Elf
New Line Cinema
Even the funniest movies can sneak in a scene that makes everyone wince.
That same “do I really have to show up?” tension is like skipping a pregnant friend’s baby shower over past drama with her partner.
13. The Whole Turtle Club Scene from Master of Disguise
Really, the entire movie.
Sony Pictures Releasing
14. The Dance Scene in Spider-Man 3
To this day, I have not been able to rewatch this movie.
Sony Pictures Releasing
15. When Shelly Went on a Second Date with Oliver in The House Bunny and Tried to Sound Well-Read
Sony Pictures Releasing
16. Basically, Every Time Fletcher Told the Truth in Liar Liar, but Especially When He Was in the Elevator with the Woman and Couldn't Stop Talking About Her Breasts
Universal Pictures
By this point, the list has fully committed to peak awkwardness.
17. The Dance-Off Scene in White Chicks
You're probably sensing a theme with dance-offs here.
Sony Pictures Releasing
18. When David Tries to Tell Elizabeth's Sister That He's Seeing Her Ghost in Just Like Heaven
DreamWorks Pictures
19. When Viola Got a Little Too in Her Feelings as Sebastian in She's the Man
Paramount Pictures
20. When Sally Fakes an Orgasm in a Diner in When Harry Met Sally
If I were in that diner... I would simply leave.
Columbia Pictures
21. The Sex Scene from Superbad
Sony Pictures Releasing
You can love a movie and still dread the one scene that makes you want to hide behind the couch.
Sometimes it feels like the filmmakers wanted the cringe factor on purpose, and sometimes it just happens by accident. Either way, these moments are impossible to forget.
Which one made you squirm the most?
For another awkward social standoff, read if you should refuse helping your friend move just to get closer to her crush.
