Bullies in the movies

MANILA, Philippines - Bullies are the most dreaded kind of people anyone could ever meet. You can find them not just in school, but elsewhere, too, at work or even at home.

In the movies, they are hated at the beginning but laughed at in the end, when the main character finally learns to fight for himself. However, no matter how much we despise the bully characters, they make movies more interesting.

Here are some of the best bullies in the movies:

The Tannens — Back to the Future trilogy. Who could ever forget the never-ending “Bully-Bullied” relationship of the Tannens and the McFlys? It doesn’t matter how much ahead of time or later Marty and Doc travel, there are always issues between the two families that need fixing. Can’t we all just get along? Apparently, not for them.   

Regina George — Mean Girls. By just one look, one already knows that Regina, the queen bee of The Plastics, is not a small-time bully. She makes everyone’s life a living nightmare, including her co-Plastics whenever she’s not happy about them. Until, Cady comes and changes everything.

Principal Vernon — The Breakfast Club. Who says that only students can be bullies? The movie clearly shows that anyone in power can be a bully, just like Principal Vernon. He verbally abuses his students and uses fear to manage his school. However, five students, who find themselves in detention together, are about to change this. 

The Alpha Betas — Revenge of the Nerds. This 1984 comedy film is about the never-ending rift between The Nerds and The Alpha Betas. Right at the beginning of the school year, The Alphas have already made the lives of the Nerds like hell. But, who wants to be forever bullied? Surely not The Nerds, who find their way at getting even with The Alphas. 

Cato and Clove — The Hunger Games. No stopping and No Mercy. Cato and Clove will not stop until they kill the others and the main character Katniss. They are her biggest competitors in the survival game, where real killing is required. What a game!

Draco Malfoy — Harry Potter movie series. One of Harry Potter’s enemies, Draco, who is thirsty for power and is abusive, never gets tired of tormenting Harry. So, even people with magical powers can’t run away from bullies.  

The bosses — Horrible Bosses. Bullies exist in the office as well. They could be workmates or the boss himself. This hilarious movie is about three not-so-smart guys who try to get even with their bosses in ways that are actually ridiculous. And viewers love it! 

Scut Farkus — A Christmas Story. Scut Farkus is just a pure bully-hearted person. To him, no one is allowed to be at peace or happy but only himself. He chases after other kids and beats them. Urgh!

Bluto — Popeye. Yes, even in a General Patronage film, there are bullies. Bluto is an arrogant, big and strong fellow, who has the hobby of bullying seemingly weaker people, like Popeye. Good thing Popeye finds the secret strengthening ability of spinach.

Christine Hargensen — Carrie. The classic horror movie by Stephen King provides the perfect example of an ugly turnout for bullies. Chris, together with the others, just can’t seem to stop harassing Carrie. Unknown to many and to herself, Carrie has a special ability that is triggered when she is under emotional stress.