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Original poster

Things that look good in the movies but are probably shit IRL…

326 replies

Arlanymor · 12/10/2025 18:49

I used to be SO envious of Catherine Zeta Jones’ bedroom in Splitting Heirs (remember that film?! It was awful, a failed attempt at farce). She had a narrow swimming pool that went around her bedroom and I used to think: “Wow - it would be so amazing to have a swim first thing in the morning and set yourself up for the day.” In reality, I bed the bedroom stunk of chlorine, it was probably a never-ending journey to keep heated and you’d probably only use it for a week and then get bored of the novelty… what else looks good in the movies but in reality probably just sucks?

OP posts:
ElleintheWoods · 12/10/2025 23:08

GreenSmithing · 12/10/2025 19:55

Driving along with the top down.

On screen: freedom, sunshine, the wind in your hair

In reality: chilly, loud, drizzle, exhaust fumes, bird's nest hair

I don't understand the hate for convertibles on this thread! On a dry day, nothing beats having the top down, I do it about 25% of time. You just clip your hair up and pick the scenic countryside route, not the M1. One of the greatest simple everyday pleasures one can easily create...

Pallisers · 12/10/2025 23:11

Butteredtoast55 · 12/10/2025 19:03

I know for a fact that driving in an open top car is a pain in the arse.

Was coming on to say this. I've driven a convertible in California. never again.

For the Carrie Bradshaw noise/light etc., we had that living downtown in a major US city. trash collection 3 times a week, people collecting cans hours before trash collection (like 3 am) and then collection at 5 or 6 am. After the first two weeks we slept through it all. you just get used to it. It's like countryside noises of animals/birds etc.

WaneyEdge · 12/10/2025 23:11

PrancingBean · 12/10/2025 20:47

Whisky on the rocks. I was so disappointed when I tried it.

I always thought this was a really odd drink to be Monica’s favourite in ‘Friends’. I’m in my 40s and the only people I knew who drank whiskey were older (60s/70s) people in the pub I used to go in and did some shifts in. Never had anyone under 60 order it and no one I know now who drinks it.

Crucible · 12/10/2025 23:13

Oh god yes. Glasses. And nobody is ever deaf and wearing hearing aids either.

INeedAnotherAlibi · 12/10/2025 23:15

Fantasy: Sexy nurses, looking glamorous, shagging the doctors in the linen closet. Reality: Long hours, nights, rarely time to stop and pee or eat something, let alone time to be shagging! Oh yes and dealing with bodily fluids multiple times a day.

Gingerbreadloony · 12/10/2025 23:19

Arlanymor · 12/10/2025 18:49

I used to be SO envious of Catherine Zeta Jones’ bedroom in Splitting Heirs (remember that film?! It was awful, a failed attempt at farce). She had a narrow swimming pool that went around her bedroom and I used to think: “Wow - it would be so amazing to have a swim first thing in the morning and set yourself up for the day.” In reality, I bed the bedroom stunk of chlorine, it was probably a never-ending journey to keep heated and you’d probably only use it for a week and then get bored of the novelty… what else looks good in the movies but in reality probably just sucks?

Men 🤷‍♀️

MissBattleaxe · 12/10/2025 23:20

When someone has a baby and the entire family waits in waiting room to meet it as soon as it's born.

EdithBond · 12/10/2025 23:31

PrancingBean · 12/10/2025 20:47

Whisky on the rocks. I was so disappointed when I tried it.

Sacrilege. Well, certainly single malt.

DramaLlamacchiato · 12/10/2025 23:34

The USA

bert3400 · 12/10/2025 23:35

I know for a fact Swimming pool sex hurts like hell, for both parties. Have own pool, don't live in UK 🙈

EdithBond · 12/10/2025 23:48

Shoot outs with the cops (I imagine).

thecatfromneptune · 12/10/2025 23:59

Heretone · 12/10/2025 20:42

Drinking.

In the movies drinking is either the entire genre of the film and chaos ensues (Hangover) or, main character drinks wine or neat whiskey to their hearts content and goes on to perform brain surgery, fight crime, drive without killing anyone. Not get even getting slightly tipsy.

The reality is poor decision making and an anxiety inducing hangover after just two glasses of wine. Bonus merlot mustache if it’s red wine. Not one single film features the delivery of a questionable Vinted purchase 5-7 working days later.

Not one single film features the delivery of a questionable Vinted purchase 5-7 working days later

😆 this is brilliant - am currently awaiting my unwise Vinted delivery after last Wednesday’s two glasses of wine (menopausal alcohol tolerance means two glasses of red hits me like a bottle would have 20 years ago!)

AllTheChaos · 13/10/2025 00:18

NewUserName2025 · 12/10/2025 21:30

Packing your flat/house up to move:

TV/Films - lovely, stress free, bonding-at-times event, where everything fits in boxes neatly, and you have a very organised/labelled arrangement of boxes; as you leave, you pop the last couple of things - inevitably a book, photo album, or cushion - in an open box you’re carrying, whilst looking fondly around an empty room.

Reality - it’s as stressful as it comes; you start off trying to be organised, but in the end you have more boxes or bags labelled ‘various’ than anything else; arguments with other household members are plentiful and usually profanity filled; the only last minute thing you’re popping in a box is the kettle and tea bags; you’re left with an assortment of boxes - some with things sticking out, as there just isn’t a box the right shape or size for it - and even more bags with your belongings in, because frankly you lost the will to live and it was easier to chuck stuff in black sacks than hunt down yet more boxes. Oh, and you’re lucky if you get a backwards glance at the house you’re leaving, as the new owners have been chomping at the bit to get in and have left a not-subtle pile of their own shit by the front door in readiness.

Packing service all the way - total game changer and worth every penny!

WetFrames · 13/10/2025 00:20

The fancy bedscape you see in the background as the couple let themselves in to their hotel room and set about eachother passionately up against the wall. The bed is always dressed with a lovely quilt or folded blanket, 4 pillows, 2 large cushions and 2 useless accent cushions.

Cue the next morning. WHERE ARE ALL THE CUSHIONS? They're not strewn on the floor or stuffed down the side of the bed. Did one of them say 'Hang on a minute love while I stash these cushions in the bottom of the wardrobe...'

GooseOnMyGrave · 13/10/2025 00:23

oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends · 12/10/2025 19:30

Sex in a field on a glorious sunny day - multiple orgasms included.
Lovely at the time, until you get ringworm & your GP asks about any contact you've had with sheep.

This made me laugh so much I choked.

shuggles · 13/10/2025 00:23

@Arlanymor Things that look good in the movies but are probably shit IRL

Sex.

dayslikethese1 · 13/10/2025 00:24

Anything sexy that also involves food. Gross in reality and someone will have to clean all that honey off the floor.

WearyAuldWumman · 13/10/2025 00:28

BlindSpotForCats · 12/10/2025 19:05

My first thought was Tom Cruise.

But he's probably perfectly nice IRL.

But yes- rose petals scattered everywhere as a part of some romantic evening. I keep wondering who is doing the vacuuming.

Nearly as bad as a glitter or confetti bomb...

HauntedBungalow · 13/10/2025 00:29

oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends · 12/10/2025 19:30

Sex in a field on a glorious sunny day - multiple orgasms included.
Lovely at the time, until you get ringworm & your GP asks about any contact you've had with sheep.

What kind of films have you been watching?!

Anyway, to answer the OP : Parenthood.

Outside9 · 13/10/2025 00:35

Sex in the shower or swimming pool.

plominoagain · 13/10/2025 00:42

All those bloody Hallmark films where there’s some small town Christmas fair / fireworks event / summer jamboree and EVERY SINGLE PERSON is smiling or laughing , or jauntily walking along bearing some enormous stuffed animal, and they’re all getting along . Not anywhere do you see anyone shouting “NO , MONTY , YOU’VE HAD FOURTEEN GOES AT THROW THE BLOODY RING OVER THE TIN CAN ‘ and no one is wondering how they cheerfully handed over 12 quid for a fish finger sandwich .

JetFlight · 13/10/2025 00:43

A man so besotted by your beauty and charm that he keeps romantically turning up everywhere, being sexy and persistent. Reality is an annoying creepy stalker who might be quite frightening.

Lavenderandbrown · 13/10/2025 01:00

Winter snow but stylish dressy coat That anyone who lives in a snowy area knows is only for getting in and out of a car with door to door drop off. And often the man is dressed warmer than she is

AnnoyedAsAllHeck · 13/10/2025 01:02

GreenSmithing · 12/10/2025 19:55

Driving along with the top down.

On screen: freedom, sunshine, the wind in your hair

In reality: chilly, loud, drizzle, exhaust fumes, bird's nest hair

And bugs flying into your mouth as soon as you try to speak to another person in the car. Or getting smooshed into your hair, onto your clothes, into your drink....

To the PP who talked about the Christmas Decorations--ITA 100%! They carry out two lightweight boxes that are not jammed packed and end up with a Christmas store. Those boxes must be deeper and more magical than Mary Poppins' carpet-bag!

maudelovesharold · 13/10/2025 01:16

Taking a romantic stroll in the rain always involves giggling, kicking puddles and tenderly brushing raindrops off each other’s faces. Never ends in miserable wetness, frizzy hair and squelchy shoes.