Caution: Spoilers Ahead! While some references might be outdated, there are still plenty of shocking moments that deserve a mention.
10. Mrs. Thompson (The Graduate)
Mrs. Thompson is often credited with reinventing the concept of an older woman pursuing a younger man, and she does so in a particularly vindictive way. Not only does she seduce her friend’s son, but she also tries to sabotage his plans to marry her daughter after their affair ends. While the son, portrayed by an early Dustin Hoffman, could have declined her advances, her claim that he assaulted her to prevent the marriage is just plain cruel.
9. Mrs. Smith (Friday the 13th)
This notorious mother springs to mind when discussing atrocious moms. Driven by a decades-old grudge, she goes on a murderous rampage against camp counselors. What lands her higher on this list, however, is her unwavering devotion to her deformed, murderous son.
8. Linda McAllister (Boardwalk Empire)
Poor Jimmy McAllister never stood a chance with Linda as his mother. A product of her own troubled life, she became a mother at just 13, spiraling into alcohol addiction and destructive relationships. The relationship between her and Jimmy is unsettling; her inappropriate affection and the revelation that she seduces him to keep him from his girlfriend lead to his enlistment in the army, showcasing just how twisted she is.
7. Sarah Caldwell (Weeds)
Sarah is perhaps one of the most infuriating characters on this list. Following her husband’s sudden death, she decides that the best way to provide for her family is to enter the drug trade. While her humor and love for her kids are undeniable, her reckless choices and the chaos they create for her children are enough to drive any viewer crazy.
6. Doris Bates (Psycho/Bates Motel)
Doris Bates is another infamous mom who is both abusive and manipulative. Her character has evolved over time but remains deeply flawed. While she does love her son, her actions—like involving him in covering up her crimes—reveal a deeper instability that overshadows any redeeming qualities.
5. Elizabeth Draper (Mad Men)
Initially, I felt sympathy for Elizabeth, given her troubled life. However, her transformation into a verbally abusive parent left me appalled. Her harsh treatment of her son and obsessive control over her daughter highlights her own unresolved childhood trauma, making her one of the most frustrating characters to watch.
4. Clara Harris (True Blood)
Clara’s struggles with alcohol and her self-righteousness make her a difficult character to empathize with. Despite her daughter’s efforts to help her overcome addiction, Clara’s judgmental demeanor only adds to the frustration, making her one of the most unsympathetic mothers in the series.
3. Lyanna Lannister (Game of Thrones)
The Lannisters, with the exception of Tyrion, are largely detestable, and Lyanna is among the worst. Her cunning nature and willingness to betray those close to her set her apart as a uniquely dangerous character, emphasizing her role as a villainous mother figure.
2. Joan Rivers (Mommie Dearest)
Joan Rivers was not just a character but a real person whose life was explored in a biopic that revealed her abusive nature. Merging the traits of Elizabeth Draper and Doris Bates, Joan was notoriously difficult and cruel, leaving a lasting impact on those around her, particularly her children. The infamous wire hanger scene is an unforgettable moment that showcases her madness.
1. Margaret Greene (Carrie)
Margaret Greene stands out as the ultimate terrible mother. Her oppressive and abusive behavior towards Carrie dooms her daughter from the start. From enforcing strict dress codes to isolating her from peers, Margaret’s actions create a nightmare for Carrie, culminating in a horrifying climax that solidifies her reputation as the worst mom in cinematic history.
These infamous moms serve as a reminder that while your parenting may have its challenges, at least you aren’t facing the chaos that these fictional characters brought upon their children. For more insights on parenting, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination Healthline.
What do you think? Are there any other notorious moms you’d add to this list?
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Summary
This article discusses ten notorious fictional mothers whose actions serve as a reminder that parenting can be a tough gig. From Mrs. Thompson’s manipulation to Margaret Greene’s abusive nature, these characters highlight the extremes of mothering, making it easier for readers to appreciate their own parenting struggles.