20 Books That Should Have Never Made It to the Big Screen

Whenever some people read books, they begin to wonder what it would be like if that book were to be made into a movie. Sometimes it works, sometimes not so much. On the MSN.com page Yardbarker, writer Jacquez Printup has put together a list of 20 books that they believe should have never made it onto the big screen

Personally, it all comes down to opinion. Some people like the film adaptation of their favorite books. Some people don't. It's all up to you. I personally like the film versions of The Da Vinci Code, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief and The Lovely Bones

1. The Great Gatsby (2013)

-Based on the classic 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the film ended up not meeting the hopes of many. Production went flat, with characters deemed "unlikeable", the plot barely there and too many flashy elements of that particular time period

2. Eragon (2006)

-Many fans of the story were happy to hear their favorite book was making it onto the big screen. They were let down when the film was released. Several characters, such as The Twins and Orik, were left out, ruining the plot, the script was boring and the graphics were so-so

3. A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

-Many who read the Madeleine L'Engle story were happy to hear of a film adaptation of their favorite book. To this day, it's still a bitter pill to swallow for many fans because they feel Disney ruined the film version. The characters didn't seem to have much of a backstory, overall a poor job done

4. Me Before You (2016)

-When the 2012 book by Jojo Moyes came out, not long afterwards came the movie. The book tells the story of how a man became disabled after an accident and falls in love with the woman assigned to look after him. Many fans quickly came to hate the movie, because of its message portraying those with disabilities don't have a life worth living without a partner

5. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

-Many fans of the J.R.R. Tolkien series, The Lord of the Rings, were more than happy when they heard about this new installation into the Middle Earth series. After watching the film, many readers came to hate it. They felt that Peter Jackson, who directed not only The Lord of the Rings series, but this film as well, rushed important moments, stretched material and added characters

6. The Book Thief (2013)

-The book tells of the grueling and harsh world of WWII. While the movie seems to have softened it up. Many felt the movie was a letdown, not really keeping in tune with the story

7. The Girl on the Train (2016)

-Based on the 2015 novel of the same name by Paula Hawkins, the film starred Emily Blunt, Justin Theroux and Rebecca Ferguson. While some viewers enjoyed the film, others not so much. Those who opposed the film felt the film had bad pacing

8. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

-Based on the popular children's series by Rick Riordan, many felt that the movie had not done the books justice. For example, in the book, the characters are only children, around the age of 12 while in the film they are teenagers. There were plot changes as well, leading many to dislike the film

9. The Shack (2017)

-Despite the film tackling the subjects of deep faith and forgiveness, the film seems to have made a few errors. Despite the script having good messages, the film seems to lack something special that made the book great initially

10. Artemis Fowl (2020)

-Disney tried hard to make the film version of the Eoin Colfer book good. But the film flopped. The characters were annoying and the plot was all over the place. It made the film hard to watch. It would have been the next big fantasy film had it not been for these issues

11. The Cat in the Hat (2003)

-This is a much beloved book for children by Dr. Seuss. The film, however, didn't fare so well

12. Ender's Game (2013)

-The production was messy, with an overall lack of emotion. The film simply didn't do the book justice

13. Kill Your Friends (2015)

-Based on the 2008 novel of the same name, the film and book couldn't be more different. The movie doesn't make much of an impact on viewers because of the over the top violence and seemingly shallow characters

14. Eat Pray Love (2010)

-Ryan Murphy was in charge of bring the much loved book to the big screen. Some love the film, others hate it. It's all down to personal preference

15. The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)

-The storylines seemed rushed, there was a lack of emotional depth. Overall, the story felt empty, hollow

16. Paper Towns (2015)

-The novel was successful. The film, however, seemed unable to capture the same feelings as the book. The characters seemed underdeveloped, as if whoever was in charge didn't do a good enough job and tried to rush through production. There was hardly any feelings of self-discovery or emotional depth in the film

17. I Am Number Four (2011)

-Based on the wildly popular sci-fi novel, the film fails to hold the same excitement as the novel. The characters don't seem to be the same in the film as they were in the novel and the action in the film seems cliched, like they were trying too hard to be action stars

18. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

-Some believe it turned out bad. Others really like it. It's all down to personal preference

19. The Dark Tower (2017)

-Despite the fact that Matthew McConnaughey and Idris Elba are in the film, this movie is said to be a near perfect example of what results from rushing a production instead of taking time to make things right

20. The Lovely Bones (2009)

-The book centers on the spirit of a young girl raped and murdered by a pedophile in her neighborhood. From the sky, she tries to point her grieving family in the direction of the man responsible, and, as time goes on, her death seems to rip the family apart. The film adaptation tried to bring the story of tragedy to the big screen. But some felt the movie was confusing, switching back and forth between tragedy, fantasy and revenge, leaving the story messy and almost empty

Items to Avoid Bringing to Europe

It seems Europe and its many countries are always on the travel bucket list for a lot of people. For many people, there are certain countries in Europe that have been on their travel bucket list for years, for one reason or another. As such, it's wise to know the ins and outs of travelling there. According to Jane O'Shea, a writer for MSN.com page Splash Travels, here is a list of items she says you should avoid bringing into Europe

Also, you will see me put in some input on some of them. I read through this article and I can't even begin to believe or understand why some people would do that or bring that.

1. Bulky luggage for a two week trip

-Small train compartments and cobblestone streets are not suitable for large suitcases. Pack light, be flexible. Everything you need should fit into a carryon. If you overpack, you may as well hang a sign over your head saying rookie traveler. Then you'll be paying steep fees from the airline

The first suitcase here, the smallest one, is about the size of luggage I have. It's pretty small by comparison

-I honestly don't know how I would be able to fit at least two weeks worth of clothing into a carry on. Maybe a gym bag, but not a backpack. I also don't want to be those types of tourists that overpack their carryon. How would I be able to bring liquid items, such as shampoo / conditioner, body wash. etc? Airlines won't allow liquid items in carry ons. Besides, I've never overpacked to the point of incurring steep fees from the airline. I always weigh my luggage beforehand.

2. Full sized bottles of shampoo / conditioner

-First and foremost, you won't get past airport security with full size bottles of anything. They defy the TSA rule of 3.4 oz. They take up space for valuable souvenirs. European hotels provide the basic necessities and if you need more, local shops carry travel sizes that are just as suitable

3. Hairdryers / curling irons from the US

-First and foremost, understand that there is a severe difference in voltage between the US and Europe. Most US-made appliances don't comply or will not be compatible with European voltage outlets. You'll need a proper universal adapter for that country you're visiting. And besides, most hotels have built in hair dryers in the bathroom

4. Too many shoes

-While it's tempting to have an adorable pair of shoes for every outfit, it will take up space in your luggage. Cobblestone streets or uneven castle steps are not the place for heels. You're not Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of Sex & The City. Wear appropriate shoes for what you'll be doing. People in Europe tend to walk a lot. So it would be wise to bring flat heeled shoes that are both stylish and comfortable

5. Overpacked first aid kit

-While it's always good to pack a first aid kit, it's a bit excessive to have an overpacked first aid kit. If your first aid kit looks like something employed by field doctors during war time, that's too much. European pharmacies are excellent in quality and often provide much of what you would need. They are staffed by highly trained professionals who do speak English

6. Too many pairs of jeans / pants

-Jeans are fashionable, but do weigh a bit. Pack no more than two pairs of jeans, along with fashionable trousers or travel pants that handle changes in weather better. Laundry facilities are almost always available, and no one will be paying attention to how often you wear your pants

-Frankly, if I am on vacation, I am in no mood to do laundry while I am supposed to be relaxing. If I go to Europe, I'll bring two pairs of jeans. One black and one blue. So that they can go with any outfit. As for jean shorts, I am unsure if those would be acceptable. I'm sure they would, but I'm asking or researching beforehand

7. Workout weights / fitness gear

-Unless you're training for the Iron Man competition in Hawaii or some other decathlon, triathlon, etc., leave the weights at home. If you plan on exercising abroad, the gym you attend will have weights already there. Many of the hotels also offer fitness centers. Not only that, but navigating the cities also offer fitness in themselves, via walking or bicycling. You can safely pack a resistance band, though

8. Foreign currency exchanged in the US

-Exchanging your country's currency for the currency of the country you'll be visiting prior to travelling is a bit of an error. There are worse exchange rates at American or other foreign banks than in Europe. Notify your bank and use a no-charge international debit card. If cash is needed, withdraw when you arrive. It's safer, cheaper and smarter

-I am honestly not sure how I would do this. I can imagine getting an international debit card and loading it with money. But withdrawing it upon arrival? I'm not sure how to do that

9. Multiple guidebooks / maps

-Using multiple guidebooks or multiple maps once were ideal. Now they're dead weight. Download everything you need onto your phone. It saves space, time and weight. Maps are available off line, translation apps assist in almost every language and local guides are just a tap away

-I would have to get a local SIM card for my phone, if I took it. I don't think my mobile phone carrier has international rates

10. Flashy / expensive jewelry

-With busy tourist areas, flashing around expensive-looking jewelry is a good way to get robbed. Keep the shiny stuff at a minimum. Keep the irreplaceable heirlooms at home or in the hotel room, under lock and key. Europe's streets shine with history. Don't outshine the local sights with all your jewelry

11. American Flag / Patriotic-Themed Clothing

-Nothing says "tourist" more than patriotic stars and stripes. This screams "I'm American and proud of it." Patriotism is fine, but it can often bring about unwanted attention or even start trouble in politically sensitive areas. Locals dress with a modest sublety. Wearing loud, patriotic items will mark you out for tourist scams

12. Overly Touristy Clothing

-Shirts that say destinations or slogans announce to the locals you're a visitor. Locals rarely dress like advertisements for destinations or with slogans. Dress like the locals and everything will go smoothly

13. Clothing with Large English Print Logos

-Understated fashion, such as minimalist design and tailored cut suits, jackets, pants and more are the fashion order of the day in Europe. Nothing screams "I'm a tourist" more than a bit of clothing with large print logos or slogans in English. Dress like the locals, or best bet, don't wear anything that has large English print on it

-If I did wear anything with large English print logos, it would end up being a music t-shirt or sports t-shirt, such as a soccer (football) t-shirt or Formula 1 / IMSA shirt

I actually have this exact shirt at home

14. Short shorts / revealing clothing when visiting religious sites

-When visiting a religious site, it's best to dress respectively. Meaning no short shorts or revealing clothing. Bare shoulders, mini skirts, mini shorts, crop tops are a major no-no. It will ensure you are denied entry or get bad looks from the locals. Dress respectively and you will earn the respect of the locals

15. Flip flops for all day wear

-They are good for beach wear. Not for all day wear. They are not comfortable for long walks, they will irritate the inside of your toes and offer no protection from the elements. Sturdier walking sandals or casual sneakers would be your best bet

16. Multiple jackets instead of one option

-If you plan on packing multiple jackets, then you might want to rethink that. Pack two jackets that can be used for multiple occasions. Such as a mid-weight fleece / hoodie, a waterproof jacket or a thermal jacket. These options can tackle everything, from the chilly Alpines to misty, drizzly Irish weather. More than two bulk jackets hog space in your luggage and add weight. You want options, not a wardrobe

17. Clothing requiring an iron

-Clothes that wrinkle easily are not a smart option when traveling to Europe. Most hotels and rentals do not have an iron and trying to find one wastes time. Instead, bring clothing that does not require ironing.

-Quick hack: use a hairdryer. Set it to low heat and it will work like a steamer. It will get the wrinkles out and most if not all hotels have a hairdryer in the bathroom

18. Portable coffee makers

-Why anyone would bring this into Europe is anyone's guess. Europe is renowned for its various types and roasts of coffee. Most hotels do offer coffee as a breakfast option. Leave the portable coffee maker at home. It hogs up space in the luggage. Just leave it at home and try the local roasts

19. Too much makeup / cosmetics

-Some people have managed to turn the basic cosmetic bag into a walking Sephora store. Going full glam might work for a wedding, but not sightseeing in Venice. Pack items that have multiple uses, such as tinted moisturizer, travel size palettes of color and good lip balm

20. Towels / bed linens for hotel stays

-Some people are particular about the linens that they sleep on. Which is why they often bring their own bed linens. Hotels, rental properties and other accommodations often offer their own bed linens. Bringing your own adds weight and bulk to your luggage

21. Paper notebooks rather than digital notebooks

-Old school journaling is out. It's entered the digital age. Notion or Evernote have replaced the paper journal. Here, with these apps, you can write seamless notes, itineraries, and scanned documents. Old school paper notebooks add weight and bulk to your luggage. Take it into the digital age and thus make it easier and lightweight

22. US-based snacks or food that can be taken away

-Bringing snacks or food from your home country might be a taste of home, but it might not go over so well when you get through customs. Each country has strict rules and requirements on what is allowed to enter their country and what is not allowed to enter their country. Many countries band meat-based or nut-based items because of risk of diseases being introduced to their country. Not only that, you risk incurring fines for these violations. Before you travel, check if there are any food restrictions

23. Pajamas doubling as day wear

-When abroad from home, leave the pajamas at home, for wearing in bed. Wearing pajamas as day wear when you are out and about will get you a lot of strange looks. People in European cities dress with casual elegance, even when they are running simple errands. Pack the proper clothing for what you'll be doing

-I see people using pajamas as day wear around where I live. It is one of my pet peeves. It almost screams "I'm too lazy to put on real clothes." I would never do this!!

24. Cold weather gear in summer

-The puffy winter clothing might work in cold-weather destinations like Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, but it'll be useless in hot and warm weather destinations. Check what the weather is going to be in your destination prior to travelling. This will ensure you dress weather appropriate. And if you need a jacket, pack a light sweater or jacket

25. Full sized umbrella

-The full sized gold umbrella you own might fend off a Category 5 hurricane, but it will take up space on small streets. Instead, invest in a miniature, travel-size umbrella. They do the same thing as the larger ones, but take up less space around you. And also invest in a rain jacket with a hood. Those will keep your hands free and keep you dry

26. Books you won't actually read

-It's always nice to bring a book or two on vacation, to read and relax. But when you bring books you won't actually read, that hogs up space in your luggage. Be honest about your reading habits. Bring one book max or load up your Amazon Kindle or tablet with books

-Guilty as charged. I did this twice on vacation. I have since learned to bring only one book on vacation. And only read it while in my hotel room

27. Hard-shell suitcase for light travel

-When you are travelling light, your luggage should be light too. Using a hard-shell suitcase for a small trip is silly. They don't bend or flex like softer luggage does. If you're going to be treading stairs or hopping trains, a softer carry on backpack will be a better option. Unless you enjoy lugging a large hard-shell suitcase. Which, if that's the case, more power to you

-In relation to the bulky luggage option up top, if I plan on going to England for two weeks, I want enough clothing to last. Not only that, I need to put liquids in checked in luggage. How do people expect me to get through airlines with liquids in my carry on? I won't get past security. How would I be able to fit two weeks worth of clothing into a backpack? I don't want to waste time on vacation doing laundry when I could be taking in the sights, experiencing all that England has to offer

28. Multi pocket vest screaming "tourist"

-Those multi-pocket vests that some people jokingly call "safari vests." Tourists sometimes wear them for reasons unknown to others. Unless you're a member of a National Geographic set, leave the vest at home. Use an anti-theft day bag or crossbody bag instead to keep your valuables safe

29. Heavy camera gear without actually using it

-Those fancy cameras and all the bits that accompany them are great if you're a photographer. Otherwise, they are bulky and heavy. Most modern smartphones are able to take stunning pictures. So are small digital cameras. Snap pictures from your digital camera or phone. Phones and digital cameras can take photos that are just as stunning as those high-end cameras

30. New shoes that have not been broken in

-There is no better way to kill your feet than to wear shoes you have not broken in. European cities are made for walking. You can access so much in Europe by walking. As such, you need to ensure that the shoes you wear will be right there with you, providing comfort and style. Break the shoes in before the trip or bring an already worn pair. Comfort should always beat style

31. Money belts outside of clothing

-This one screams "I'm a tourist." Wearing a money belt outside your clothing is the easiest way to get robbed. When European local see a bulky lump under your clothing, they know right away it's a money belt. Instead, use a slim pouch under your clothes or a crossbody bag with zippers. Safe and low-key is the order of the day

-Also invest in a slim metal wallet that can fit into that crossbody bag. It's big enough for all cards and allows storage of cash too. It's perfect for vacations, concerts and more! Also ensure it's RFID blocking. Outsmart those digital thieves and their RFID scanners

32. Too large strollers for cobblestone streets

-Europe's streets are often small and narrow, lined with cobblestones. They are not made for large, bulky strollers. Lightweight, foldable, plastic strollers will be your best friend if you plan on trekking Europe with the little ones

33. Heavy keychains and multiple keys

-Many people are guilty of it. Having heavy keychains or many house keys on a single carabiner or keychain. This poses a massive risk overseas. If you lose the keychain or housekey, you no longer have access to what the key is for. Bring only what's necessary. Keep it simple and clean. And, if you do bring multiple keys, keep them in a safe place that no one but you can access

34. Large bottles of vitamins and supplements

-Use a pill organizer to organize the pills you need or a zip pouch to bring the pills you need. Border and customs agents might question any un-labeled pills you have in your suitcase. Taking regulation-size bottles of pills will hog up space in your suitcase.

-The only reason I do this is because the vitamins I take are of the gummy variety. I have a sensitive stomach and the coating on some vitamins can upset my stomach and cause nausea / vomiting. This leads security to thinking I take gummy narcotics because there are certain types of narcotics that come in gummy form. I got stopped by the airport TSA in Cancun, Mexico last year. They saw my gummy vitamins and stopped me. I told them that I take gummy vitamins because I have a sensitive stomach and cannot take certain types of vitamins. I told them that they could test them to ensure they were safe. They did and the results came back negative. They thanked me for understanding that it's their job to keep drugs out. The vitamins I usually take are multi-vitamins, immune support and probiotics. Nothing more

35. Extra sets of towels for pool / beach

-Why bring your own towels when hotels near the water and with pools offer towels to be used by tourists? If you insist on bringing one, use a quick-dry microfiber towel

36. Plastic water bottle rather than reusable

-Bottled water can add up in price. Instead, use a reusable water bottle. Not only are you saving money, but you're saving the planet. Many hotels across the world are transferring to better ecological practices, which means using reusable bottles in the hotel rooms and more. Many cities offer public fountains with crisp, clean, cold water. So you can safely bring your own bottle and refill up without the necessary waste of a plastic bottle

-Last year, when me and my family went on vacation, I brought a reusable metal tumbler for water. I plan on doing that on vacation from now on

37. Multiple power banks

-One single power charger is all you need. You do not need multiple power banks. More than one power bank is a tangled mess of wires and cords that will cause undue stress at airport security

38. Paper boarding passes rather than digital

-Mobile boarding passes are the thing of the future. Most people tend to keep paper boarding passes as a memento of their trip abroad, which is fine. With digital boarding passes, the process of boarding is quicker and cannot get lost. Paper boarding passes can get crumpled or lost. Save paper and use apps like Apple Wallet or other airline apps. This means less rummaging through your luggage at the boarding gate

-If you check in at the airline front desk, they give you paper boarding passes. Put them with your passport and put all of that in a safe place. When getting ready to board the flight, ensure you have everything you need and once on the plane, put everything in your carryon.

39. Clothing that does not match the itinerary

-If your itinerary includes a wedding or fancy gala overseas, then the fancy gear will be just fine. If you plan on walking around, sightseeing, leave the fancy gear at home. Make the clothing you bring match what you plan on doing. Travel clothing should match what you are planning on doing

40. Having cash only without a credit card backup plan

-When you carry mounds of cash, you look like someone out of Ocean's Eleven. It's risky and just plain ignorant. Many countries in Europe are moving towards cards and contactless payments. Ensure you are carrying enough money, both cash and card, to finance your whole trip. Use cash for small vendors or markets and a low-foreign-charge international credit card for larger purchases

41. Wallet with no RFID protection

-It might sound like something out of a heist film, but it's possible for people to walk by with an RFID scanner and scan your wallet. They now have access to the information regarding your bank, identity and more. Invest in a slim wallet with RFID-blocking technology to keep these electronic pickpockets from using RFID scanners on your wallet. It's a small price to pay for big peace of mind

42. Big handbags / totes for everyday use

-Unless you're Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of Sex & The City, leave the massive handbags / totes at home. These bags will tend to floppy and the owners forget to close them. This practically invites thieves to rob you blind. Instead, opt for a smaller, more easy to manage crossbody bag. Ensure this bag has lockable zips and hidden compartments. Wear this bag in front of you. This will keep pickpockets from rifling through your belongings while you're oohing and aahing at the beautiful history of Europe

43. Excessive tech

-The whole point of a vacation is to disconnect from technology. It's hard to do that when you bring so many gadgets you look like a walking, talking Apple store. Prioritize and make a list of what you will truly need. Your phone can do duty as a translator, map, camera, planner and more. Only pack the extra tech if you truly need it

July Birthdays

Since it's July, time to say Happy Birthday

Princess Diana

-DOB: 11/1/1961

-Where: Sandringham, United Kingdom

-DOD: 8/31/1997

-Where: Paris, France

-Was referred to as the people's princess

Daniel Ricciardo

-Birth name: Daniel Joseph Ricciardo

-DOB: 7/1/1989

-Where: Perth, Australia

-Nicknamed the Honey Badger due to his fearless and sometimes aggressive racing style on track

Mick Jagger

-Birth name: Michael Phillip Jagger

-DOB: 7/26/1943

-Where: Dartford, Kent, England

-He met future Rolling Stones member Keith Richards while waiting at a train station

Fernando Alonso

-Birth name: Fernando Alonso Diaz

-DOB: 7/29/1981

-Where: Oviedo, Spain

-He was once the world's youngest Formula 1 pole sitter, race winner, world champion and double world champion

Sebastian Vettel

-DOB: 7/3/1987

-Where: Heppenheim, Germany

-He was the youngest driver to win during the 2010 Formula 1 season

Kevin Nash

-Birth name: Kevin Scott Nash

-DOB: 7/9/1959

-Where: Detroit, Michigan

-Was known as a class clown in school

Bret Hart

-DOB: 7/2/1957

-Where: Calgary, Canada

-His father, Stu Hart, worked with Stampede Wrestling in Canada

Lauren Harris

-DOB: 7/6/1984

-Where: London, England

-Besides being a highly successful solo artist, she now has a band called Six Hour Sundown

Daniel Radcliffe

-Birth name: Daniel Jacob Radcliffe

-DOB: 7/23/1989

-Where: London, England

-He states that the first black and white film he ever saw was 1957's 12 Angry Men. It is one of his most favorite films

Terence "Geezer" Butler

-Birth name: Terence Michael Joseph Butler

-DOB: 7/17/1949

-Where: Birmingham, England

-He refrains from using foul language because of his strict Irish Catholic upbringing

Ronnie James Dio

-Birth name: Ronald James Padavona

-DOB: 7/10/1942

-Where: Portsmouth, New Hampshire

-DOD: 5/16/2010

-Where: Los Angeles, California

-His wife Wendy founded the Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund

Ringo Starr

-Birth name: Richard Starkey

-DOB: 7/7/1940

-Where: Liverpool, England

-Narrated the television program Thomas the Tank Engine

Roger Taylor

-Birth name: Roger Meddows Taylor

-DOB: 7/26/1949

-Where: King's Lynn, United Kingdom

-He pursued a solo career after Freddie Mercury died

Ian Anthony Dale

-DOB: 7/3/1978

-Where: St. Paul, Minnesota

-One of his best known roles is that of Adam Noshimuri, the son of a Japanese Yakuza member on Hawaii Five-O

21 Films No Child Was Allowed to Watch in the 1980s

When you're a kid, you're not allowed to watch / do adult stuff. From watching violent movies or TV shows to listening to certain types of music. As a kid, you're supposed to do everything that is age appropriate. According to Samuel Cole, a writer for MSN.com page Back in Time Today, he's compiled a list of films that no kid could watch in the 1980s

I have seen a lot of these films. I was born and raised in the 1990s and I wasn't even allowed to see most of these movies until I got older. My parents let us watch these films only when me and my sister only were in our teens, figuring we would be too old to have nightmares. Some are straight up scary and even as an adult, I will refuse to watch them. Not out of them being scary, but out of them being gory and gross

1. Poltergeist (1982)

-"They're heeere!" is the most iconic line from this film. Every kid uttered this line, even if they hadn't seen the supernatural thriller about a house built over a cemetery. This movie was rated PG in the days when PG-13 didn't exist. This film was eerie more than scary. It fueled quite a few nightmares, such as the creepy clown doll, the swimming pool filled with skeletons, the guy peeling off his own face in the bathroom. Parents weren't stupid-the rating didn't fool them. They knew this movie would frighten the living daylights out of their kids. It was not the supernatural elements that frightened the children. It was the ordinary items that induced the most terror

2. The Exorcist (1973)

-This was the ultimate not-going-to-happen film throughout the 1980s. Parents refused to let their children watch this film. And to this day, it still holds its reputation for being scary. Most kids only knew about the movie having a girl whose head spun around and who vomited pea soup. This film portrayed what a realistic demonic possession looked like. It became so realistic it was nightmare inducing. Families who were devoutly religious definitely banned this one from being watched. They feared evil spirits would be invited into their homes just by watching it. Even marketing the film gave hints about its forbidden reputation. For many children of the 1980s, their rite of passage into adulthood was watching The Exorcist

3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

-Despite many kids not seeing this 80s slasher film, they knew the macabre nursery rhyme from the film. "One, two, Freddy's coming for you..." The plot behind the film was simple enough. Fall asleep and Freddy kills you in your dreams. If it was not already bad enough that children were afraid of the dark, this would make it 100% worse. This was practically psychological warfare for any child afraid of the dark. The idea of a heavily burned man with a glove that has razor blades who killed people in their dreams turned this film into a battle between scared kids and parents. Slumber parties were inviting doom when someone would sneak in a VHS copy of the movie. What made Freddy terrifying was his disturbing sense of humor. Unlike his peers Jason Voorhees, who would move silently, Freddy taunted his potential victims. This made him seem more intelligent and also more frightening

4. Friday the 13th (1980)

-Summer camp took on a sinister feeling when this film debuted. When Jason Voorhees started his reign of terror at Camp Crystal Lake, it was a new era in horror. The hockey mask became associated with fear, even with kids who had never seen the film instantly recognized the hockey mask. Parents seen the film as bad. Noting the plot of the film, involving teenagers, romantic activity and violent deaths. The message in the film seemed to be teens rebelling and dying a violent, gruesome death. When this film debuted, many parents canceled plans for their children to go to summer camp, much to the happiness of the children. Most kids knew the plot of the film without even seeing it. A special needs boy drowns at Camp Crystal Lake and comes back from the dead to seek revenge on the camp counselors who did nothing to help him. In the original film, it was Jason's mother doing the slashing and maiming, not Jason himself. But, through repeated versions in the playground, Jason became the sinister figure in the shadows

5. RoboCop (1987)

-Despite the name making the film sound like kid-friendly sci-fi, it was far from that. This was one of the most violent sci-fi films to emerge from the 1980s. One scene featured a businessman getting toxic waste dumped on him. Kids wanted to see the movie because the main character was a police man who was also part robot. When parents found out that the movie had a strict, hard R rating because of strong, graphic violence that made even adults squeamish, this was off limits to kids. The film is set in a dystopian Detroit, feeling too real for adults growing up in the Ronald Reagan era. The most iconic scene is where Officer Murphy is gunned down during a raid, prior to becoming RoboCop

6. The Terminator (1984)

-This film features the most iconic line "I'll be back." This was repeated by kids who had most likely heard it from their parents or other kids who had seen it. The plot of the film was an unstoppable robot capable of violence, who comes from the future. Despite it being simple for retellings on the playground, the film was strongly off limits for kids to see. First and foremost, there is nudity. The first opening scenes show a naked Arnold Schwarzenegger walking into a bar, killing a punk and stealing his clothes in 1984. Parents shuddered at the nonstop violence in the film, noting that the T-800 would not stop, removing any obstacle in its way. James Cameron's film sparked many nightmares about robots disguised as humans. Many adults had anxieties about this film because the idea of technology gone wrong, where technology hunts and kills humans

7. Scarface (1983)

-"Say hello to my little friend!" This is the iconic line from the 1983 film starring Al Pacino. Kids repeated this line without seeing the film or even knowing where it came from. It was not just banned for kids, even the parents were hesitant to watch it. One of the early scenes involves a chainsaw cutting a man to death. This helped set the ultraviolent tone for Brian De Palma's film. The movie features a lot of narcotics, numerous shootings and the foulest language in the world, language that would get kids not only grounded for a month, but probably sent to a seminary / convent. The film glamorized the drug trade as a "get rich quick" scheme and made it seem like selling drugs would get you the best things in life. It was particularly worrisome in the 1980s, when the "Just Say No" movement was up and running. by the 1990s, posters of this film adorned walls everywhere. Even when the film was released in the 1980s, the movie's front cover featured Tony Montana in a white suit holding a gun

8. Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

-Initially, this film was marketed as a group of nerds getting payback against those who wronged them. It was a pretty risque comedy that horrified any parent who was foolish enough to think it was family friendly. There were scenes involving nudity, panty raids and questionable morals involving sexual activity. What the previews didn't show was drug use, explicit nudity and a scene where a character disguises himself in the costume worn by the quarterback to engage in adult activities with a cheerleader. Some would recognize this as a form of sexual assault. For most kids of the 1980s, this film was in the category "watch at your friend's house whose parents don't look at the VHS tapes"

9. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

-Phoebe Cates emerging from the swimming pool topless while "Moving in Stereo" by The Cars is the most talked about scene. Anytime someone hears "Moving in Stereo" by The Cars and had seen this film instantly thinks of that scene. Young, impressionable eyes were banned from watching this. This movie showed high school as a parent's worst nightmare-sexual activity, drug use, rock music. Aside from the inappropriate topics, it did raise awareness for serious issues like abortion. Sean Penn's character Jeff Spicoli, who was a stoner, orders pizza and has it delivered to class. Most of what went on was from Cameron Crowe doing undercover reporting at a local high school

10. Heavy Metal (1981)

-This animated film combined sci-fi, fantasy and rock music with explicit nudity and explicit violence. Definitely not a Saturday morning cartoon for the kids. Parents initially assumed it was kid friendly from seeing the VHS cover. They would soon be mistaken. The film featured everything, from alien sexual scenes to zombie airplane pilots, all set to a hard rock / metal soundtrack. The animation style was geared for and targeted to adults. It managed to get a legendary status because of its forbidden nature. Many teens in the 1980s found a way to watch this, making it a quest to watch this

11. The Evil Dead (1981)

-This low-budget horror movie by Sam Raimi earned a reputation for sheer, relentless horror. The plot was simple. Five friends staying in a cabin unknowingly release demons. Anything that followed was not simple. The tree scene alone was scary enough to put this on the parental no-watch list. Toss in friends possessed by demons, shovels dismembering people and tons of fake blood, and you have the makings of a video nasty. Despite being primitive by today's standards, it had a simple horror that still resonates with people today. In the sequels, Bruce Campbell's Ash would be the chainsaw-wielding hero. For many kids in the 1980s, it was the ultimate challenge to watch this film, with its scary cover

12. Cujo (1983)

-The idea of a family dog being rabid is the stuff of nightmares. It was the basis for the Stephen King novel Cujo. A mother and son were trapped in their Ford Pinto by a rabid St. Bernard. Parents often had no problem with their children reading Stephen King novels. They drew a hard line at seeing the film versions of the books. The power of the film came from the plausibility it showed. Nothing supernatural, just a dog with rabies and a broken down car. Families with large dogs especially forbade Cujo being watched in their house. Even after children merely heard about the film and didn't see it, they started checking their dogs for signs of rabies. The scenes in the car, which could induce claustrophobia, where Dee Wallace and her son start to become dehydrated while Cujo is on the attack, created high tension that was simply too much for younger viewers. What made the film even scarier is the realistic idea that this could actually happen with a rabid dog

13. Gremlins (1984)

-This was a strange movie. It was marketed with toys, but scared the living daylights out of children. Creatures turning into murderous monsters  after midnight was the shock that caught many parents off guard. They thought it was a family friendly movie. Not so much. Many scenes caught parents off guard. The microwave scene. The blender scene. The attack of the Christmas tree. These scenes helped earn the film a PG-13 rating. Parents took their young children to see this film in the theatres, thinking it was involving cute and cuddly creatures. They were in for a rude awakening for the horror-comedy beast that would follow close behind. The most shocking scene was where Kate explains why she hates Christmas. Her father was dressed as Santa Claus to surprise her family. He came down the chimney as Santa does, but halfway down, he slipped and fell, broke his neck and died instantly. This scary and sad story partially explained why an entire generation who managed to see it was traumatized

14. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

-The title alone is enough to get put on the parental blacklist. Despite being released in the 1970s, Tobe Hooper's horror film maintained a spooky, forbidden status even into the 1980s with the most horrifying reputation. The film had a documentary-style feel and look to it, along with claims of being "based on a true story" made parents especially suspicious about its nature. The character Leatherface and his cannibalistic family represented horror in rural areas that felt too real for suburban families. Strangely, the film contains little or no graphic violence. The film's true power lies suggested violence and the overall atmosphere. The dinner scene, which involves a captured girl being tormented by the family, created such psychological horror that no gore scene could hope to match. For many children of the 1980s, even the VHS box art was enough to induce nightmares

15. Blue Velvet (1986)

-This surreal film, directed by David Lynch, explored the dark underside to the American white picket fence lifestyle. Parents who came across this thought it was a mystery or thriller film. They shut it off with lightning speed when Dennis Hopper's character Frank Booth appeared. He was huffing gas and engaging in a bizarre sexual violence with a woman. The dream-like quality of the film along with disturbing imagery made it inappropriate for younger eyes on various levels. Isabella Rossellini's character is a vulnerable woman named Dorothy Vallens. She is forced into sexual servitude to save her son, who's been kidnapped. This made for scenes that were too complex for children to understand. This film was a representation of art-house horror that had many parents concerned not just about the content but also the tone. Lynch's films tended to lean towards worlds where morals were ambiguous, where darkness hides within people and lives that seem completely normal. The psychological aspect behind this made this film and many of his films far more scary that straight gore and horror

16. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

-John Landis combined horror with comedy in this film. It tells the tale of an American tourist who gets turned into a werewolf. Parents were not stupid. They would not be fooled by the humor in the film. The scene that put this film on the parental blacklist was the transformation scene because of its agonizing realism. The special effects, thanks to Rick Baker, showed a man transforming, painfully, into a werewolf without camera cuts and shadows. Bones cracked, skin stretched, hair sprouted in full view, creating horror that was far too intense for young eyes. The dream sequences, which feature Nazi monsters, simply added another layer to this nightmare. The film featuring a decaying ghost named Jack, who seems to appear more and more decayed as the film progresses, scared younger viewers who caught glimpses of the film. The idea of a man keeping his sense of humor while also decaying created a nightmare in the minds of most people

17. Hellraiser (1987)

-First and foremost, this movie is gory to the nines. British director Clive Barker made this nightmarish film about interdimensional demons who have a fondness for chains, hooks, creative torture. The iconic puzzle box from the film, called the Lament Configuration, was ensured, by parents, to stay out of young hands. Pinhead became one of the most iconic figures of horror. The film explored the idea of pleasure and pain crossing boundaries that even other horror films didn't cross. The scene where a man with no skin is resurrected, using blood from his own brother, creates disturbing images. Families who were devoutly religious definitely objected to this movie, especially the concept of demons and the underworld. What made this film particularly forbidden and put on the parental no-watch list is the strong sexual undertones. This film suggested that pain and pleasure go hand in hand in rather macabre ways. This adult concept, combined with graphic gore and violence and disturbing imagery, guaranteed that kids would only hear whispered descriptions of the Cenobites, rather than seeing them with their own eyes

18. Porky's (1981)

-This teenaged comedy is risque is so many ways. The film's plot centered on teenaged boys trying to lose their virginity. This definitely kept it off the family movie night. The most iconic scene of the film is where boys spy on naked girls showering through a hole in the wall. Parents were fearful of this Canadian-made film because they feared it would give their sons ideas about how to see girls naked and render their daughters as nothing more than objects to ogle. It was set in the 1950s, but it reflected the sexual attitudes of the 1980s. It included juvenile humor that most adults would object to. The humor was raunchy, and the constant sexual jokes made this movie get put on the parental blacklist. This film ensured parents were on high alert, despite being the highest grossing movie of 1982. This film represented everything a conservative parent feared most: teenaged rebellion

19. The Thing (1982)

-John Carpenter, the director of the highly successful film Halloween, directed this remake of the classic horror film. For many young viewers, the special effects from Rob Bottin, which showed human bodies transforming and molding together, was the stuff of nightmares. The scene where the characters were getting their blood tested, the spider-head scene, the defibrillation of the chest, each one contained the fuel for nightmares. Parents who wanted their kids to get sleep kept this film hidden. The Antarctic isolation made viewers feel isolated as well, increasing the horror. This remained the only film 1980s-era kids were not allowed to watch

20. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

-The post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max showed a future filled with violence. Where gasoline had higher value than human life. Parents worried about their young children seeing this brutal film. There were car chases featuring real stunts with people actually at risk of being thrown from vehicles at high speed. The realistic danger, along with the gruesome violence and ominous world view, ensured this film was in the adult world, on the parental no-watch list. The one character that particularly disturbed parents was the feral child who communicated only through growls and killed with reason. Despite being tame by today's standards, the mohawk-wearing punks, leather-clad bikers and casual violence represented everything a conservative feared most about counterculture inspirations. The hockey mask worn by one of the characters predates the Friday the 13th character Jason. This hockey mask wearing character found its way on to lunch boxes, despite the work of parents trying to keep it away from their kids

21. Alien (1979)

-"In space, no one can hear you scream!" If you're a kid watching this film, which combines horror and sci-fi, screaming might be the first thing you do. Despite being released in 1979, Ridley Scott managed to terrify children of the 1980s who did manage to see it. The adult-only status came from the scene where John Hurt's character goes into convulsions as the alien burst forth from his ribcage. Parents had no concerns about Star Wars, but they drew the line at Alien, despite both being set in space. H.R. Giger, who designed the creature for the film, had designed it to not only be scary, but deeply disturb all who saw it on the deepest levels. The film is set in a space ship, feeling claustrophobic at times. Escape was impossible, and it mirrored some children's feelings of helplessness when confronted with adult problems they were not ready to process yet