8 Disturbing & Problematic Things in the Twilight Movies That Aged Poorly

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Nearly twenty years after the first Twilight film was released, the series remains culturally significant, though many elements haven’t held up well over time. Despite problematic relationships, outdated special effects, and questionable age differences between characters, the Twilight franchise has surprisingly maintained its popularity.

Several Twilight remakes are being considered, which means future versions could address some of the original films’ issues. While fans will likely always cherish the Twilight movies, like any beloved classic, certain problematic aspects will likely remain unavoidable.

8. The Volturi Leave a Lot to Be Desired as Villains

Their Plot Was Bare Beyond Belief

Image via Lionsgate

As a big fan of vampire stories, I always felt a little let down by how the Volturi were used in the Twilight Saga. They’re built up as this incredibly powerful vampire council, but honestly, their actual role in the plot felt surprisingly small. Now that some time has passed since the initial Twilight craze, it’s really noticeable – especially considering how important they were supposed to be to the world’s vampire rules and history.

Many fans feel they should have been more involved with the story earlier in the series, particularly after being drawn into Edward’s family drama in New Moon. Considering how much the stakes were raised in that second book, it’s surprising that the Volturi weren’t a bigger presence for the rest of the story.

7. The Controlling Relationship Dynamics Would Not Fly Today

Jacob and Edward’s Behavior Are Inexcusable

Image via Lionsgate

Dark romance has become incredibly popular recently, and it’s clear that the Twilight series played a big role in shaping the genre. However, some people are hesitant to categorize it simply as a romance because of how Jacob and Edward repeatedly treat Bella – particularly their controlling actions throughout the films.

The main problem isn’t the storyline itself, but how it’s presented as romantic, which worries many fans who fear it could send the wrong message to younger audiences. While romance as a genre can explore complex themes like attraction, temptation, and control, many viewers feel the way the Twilight Saga portrays Edward and Jacob’s behavior towards Bella wouldn’t be accepted by today’s standards.

6. Charlie Was Not a Good Parent

He Is Entirely Absent For Most of the Series

Image via Lionsgate

Parenting is never simple, and it’s even harder when you’ve got supernatural events happening around you. But even just watching Charlie, it’s clear he wasn’t very involved as a father. While he struggled to connect with Bella, there were times when he seemed completely disconnected from her life.

It’s easy to overlook some plot holes for a captivating story about a teenage girl and a vampire, but Charlie, Bella’s father, often seems strangely absent – especially considering he wasn’t very involved in her childhood. Despite his flaws as a parent, Charlie has surprisingly become a fan favorite among dedicated viewers over the years.

5. Bella Shouldn’t Have Forgiven Edward So Easily

His Actions in New Moon Were a Bigger Issue Than She Makes Them Out to Be

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In New Moon, Edward suddenly left Bella and moved away, sending her into a deep sadness that lasted for months. This was a hugely emotional turning point for both of them, and surprisingly, once things were resolved, Bella acted as if everything was back to normal.

Many readers feel Bella was too quick to forgive Edward, especially considering both of them were willing to risk their lives over his brief departure. This serious situation should have been discussed more thoroughly to understand its impact on their future, but instead, Edward’s actions were quickly overlooked, which ultimately hurt the story later on.

4. Bella and Edward’s Age Gap Can’t Be Ignored

Looking Back, It’s an Ick For Sure

Image via Lionsgate

The story of an immortal vampire falling for a much younger human is a common one. What sets the Twilight series apart is that it presents the vampire, Edward, as the romantic hero, despite the significant age gap. It’s easy to get caught up in the romance, but remembering Edward’s actual age—104 years old when he meets 17-year-old Bella—can be unsettling.

The writers of Twilight could have easily changed Edward’s age to make him seem more suitable for Bella, perhaps by portraying him as a recent vampire. However, they chose to stay true to the original books on this detail. If the series is ever rebooted, this aspect of the story will likely be revisited.

3. The Werewolf Lore is More Than Questionable

A Not-So-Sensitive Depiction of Native Americans

Image via Lionsgate

Things are different now, but even when the Twilight movies first came out, connecting the werewolves’ story to the Quileute Tribe felt disrespectful. The way the movies portrayed their history and traditions, particularly the ancient treaties and rules, felt like a stereotypical and inaccurate representation of Native American culture rather than a genuine and respectful one.

Some viewers have proposed separating the werewolf group from any specific Native American tribe, arguing it would be more respectful. However, the existing story will likely always be linked to these origins, and many feel that connection harms the narrative. Fortunately, most new fantasy stories seem to be avoiding the same pitfalls as Twilight.

2. The Notorious Renesmee Doll and CGI

Some of the Most Hideous Abominations to Curse the Silver Screen

Movies featuring supernatural creatures like vampires and werewolves often rely heavily on special effects, and sometimes those effects don’t hold up well over time. A particularly infamous example, not just in the Twilight films but in movie history generally, is the character Renesmee, Bella’s baby. When she’s first introduced, her face is digitally added onto a real baby, creating a very unsettling and unnatural look.

As Renesmee rapidly ages like many vampire children, a disturbingly lifelike doll, reminiscent of the Chucky movies, is brought out. This doll quickly became the most ridiculed part of the Twilight saga, which is already known for its fantastical elements and has generated countless internet memes. The way baby Renesmee was portrayed in Breaking Dawn pushed the boundaries of believability even further.

1. Jacob Imprinting on a Child Was Completely Unhinged

This Is Probably the Worst Part of the Entire Franchise

Image via Lionsgate

Renesmee’s character is connected to one of the most criticized parts of the Twilight saga: Jacob’s romantic feelings for her as a baby. The series attempts to explain this away with the idea of ‘imprinting,’ which is presented as an automatic, powerful connection werewolves feel for their soulmates. However, fans didn’t accept this explanation when the books were first released, and most still find it strange with the benefit of time and further consideration.

The romance in the Twilight series is already pretty strange, considering the vampires’ desire to consume their partners. However, the fact that Jacob imprinted on Renesmee when she was still a baby is particularly troubling. While it created dramatic tension between vampires and werewolves, this is arguably the most problematic aspect of the entire Twilight saga.

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2026-01-16 23:35