WARNING: Spoilers ahead! Although, some of these have been around for over two decades, so you really should have seen them by now.
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Mrs. Thompson (The Graduate)
Mrs. Thompson is the original “cougar” and she takes it to a whole new level of vindictiveness. 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. Sure, the son could have said no, but claiming he assaulted her to prevent their marriage? That’s just plain cruel.
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Mrs. Harris (Friday the 13th)
This name pops into most people’s minds when discussing terrible moms. She goes on a killing spree at a summer camp, all because of a long-held grudge from decades ago. What really puts her on this list, though, is her twisted love for her monstrous son!
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Gwen Darnell (Boardwalk Empire)
Poor Jimmy Darnell never stood a chance with Gwen as his mother. She became a mom at just 13 and her life spiraled into a world of alcohol and bad relationships. The worst part? Her inappropriate affection toward Jimmy, which led him to join the army to escape her suffocating grip after a shocking incident in college.
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Nina West (Weeds)
Nina, oh Nina! She’s probably one of the most irritating mothers out there. After her husband dies unexpectedly, she decides the best way to support her family is by selling drugs. Despite being humorous and genuinely loving her kids, her choices lead to a chaotic life. You can’t help but want to shake some sense into her!
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Norma Jean (Psycho/Bates Motel)
Norma Jean is another infamous mom who embodies the definition of toxic. While she does show a twisted love for her son, her actions are downright abusive. She’s involved in murder and manipulation, putting her own desires above her child’s well-being.
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Betty Fitzgerald (Mad Men)
Initially, I felt sympathy for Betty with all her struggles, but that quickly changed. As the series progresses, she takes her frustrations out on her kids, constantly berating her son and smothering her daughter. Her childhood trauma seems to have turned her into a neglectful and narcissistic parent.
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Linda Mae (True Blood)
Linda Mae’s character is a tough pill to swallow. Her severe alcohol dependency and hypocritical religious views create a toxic environment for her daughter, Tara. Even after Tara tries to help her mother, Linda Mae remains self-centered and critical, making it hard to feel sorry for her.
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Cynthia Lannister (Game of Thrones)
Most of the Lannisters are pretty detestable, but Cynthia stands out for her conniving nature. She uses manipulation and deceit, making her the most dangerous of the clan. Her ability to feign friendship before striking is what makes her truly vile.
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Joanna Cross (Mommie Dearest)
Though Joanna was a real person, her portrayal in the biopic brought her notorious parenting to light. A blend of Betty and Norma, she was abusive and impossible to please. The infamous wire hanger scene has left an indelible mark reminding us how far some mothers can go in their madness.
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Margaret White (Carrie)
All these moms are pretty awful, but Margaret White takes the cake. She created a nightmare for her daughter from the very start, forcing Carrie into a life of isolation and fear. With her strict religious views and abusive tactics, she left Carrie without a fighting chance, culminating in a tragic and violent fallout.
For a deeper dive into the complexities of motherhood, you might want to check out this post on intracervical insemination. Or, if you’re looking for resources on insemination, Make A Mom is a fantastic authority on the subject, and Wikipedia offers a wealth of information about artificial insemination.
Summary:
There are some truly dreadful mothers in the realms of film and television, from manipulative and abusive figures like Margaret White to the toxic behaviors of characters like Nina West and Norma Jean. These portrayals serve as a reminder that even when we’re frustrated with our own parenting, there are certainly worse examples to reflect upon.