One and Done: 25 Movies That Left Audiences Satisfied with Just a Single Viewing
We watch so many forms of entertainment on repeat for comfort, excitement, or repeated laughs. However, there are some movies that even one watch seems like more than enough. Have you seen any films you wished you’d never watched or would never watch again? These films were listed by movie lovers who think one watch was plenty.
1. Mother! (2017)
The user who listed this movie said it gave them intense anxiety and panic in the theater. It's hard to feel nothing but dread and anxiety the entire film. As someone who tried to get through it and couldn’t, I can’t agree more due to the same feelings.
2. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
This film was listed several times and for understandable reasons. Due to the potentially triggering subject matter and very realistic portrayal by the actors, one might not want to replicate the feeling after watching this movie.
3. Schindler’s List (1993)
Even though one user has a friend who watches this movie every year on the same day, this is not a film you see on most people’s rewatch list. Some people in the comments argued that it’s an essential film for others to learn about the Holocaust. However, I would still say that one viewing is plenty.
4. Tusk (2014)
Tusk is often talked about as one of the most disturbing movies people have ever seen. While some people enjoyed the film’s comedic aspects, others found it quite upsetting, and some even cried with discomfort.
5. Martyrs (2008)
Due to the disgust and use of expletives, I can’t even repeat what most people in the comments said about this film. However, viewers clarified that this movie should not be on your repeat list.
6. Prince of Tides (1991)
The top comment about this movie was an entire play-by-play of how badly it went for him to watch it on a date in the theater. Apparently, the film was so bad that it led to a verbal yelling match, a physical altercation, and tears.
7. I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
Dozens of moviegoers agreed that this movie was disturbing, especially the opening scene. One person mentioned that they were talked about watching it and told that the payoff was worth it. Sounds like that was a promise that never got fulfilled!
8. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Animated movies like this one are well-loved, but this one was tough for even the biggest fans. A lot of people agree that this film was beautiful and well-made, and they did not want to watch it again based on how sad and heartbreaking it is.
9. Smile (2022)
I’m not sure what people expected based on the premise and movie poster alone, but people were quite upset with Smile. One comment mentioned that it wasn’t as scary during the movie as it was afterward, saying they were terrified of seeing the creepy smile for weeks.
10. Promising Young Woman (2020)
The movie’s premise alone seemed like a great revenge film, especially if you’re a woman tired of seeing justice not being served. However, many people who participated in the discussion were not expecting the disturbing twist – and neither was I!
11. Precious (2009)
One person said that watching Precious is like a punch in the gut. The movie has a lot of dark themes and it's just full of heartbreak and pain. You want nothing more than to jump in a help Precious.
12. Trainspotting (1996)
Another movie that I watched once and only once was Trainspotting, and I must agree. Although people in the comments said it’s a good film, and they’ve seen it a few times, the subject matter is quite triggering for some. Some would argue that it was one of Ewan McGregor's best acting roles, but that does not negate the fact that the movie was really upsetting.
13. Hereditary (2018)
This well-made film had incredible acting and cinematography, but like most horror movies, it had mixed reviews. Plenty of people said they’d never want to watch Hereditary again. Conversely, some commenters mentioned that despite making them uncomfortable, they’ve watched it several times.
14. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This is one of my favorite movies, but I can understand why people wouldn’t want to watch it again or add it to their favorites list. Several people stated that they confused this film with A Beautiful Mind, which explained much of the discomfort from viewers in the comments.
15. Old (2021)
One person said they wanted their money back; another said it was one of the worst films they’ve seen in years. Fans were not happy with the plot or the twist in the movie.
16. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
People in the comments agreed that while it was a brilliant film, it’s not for the faint of heart, and most wouldn’t want to see it again. This was especially true for those who hoped to see an uplifting boxing movie only to endure a tragedy.
17. Avatar (2009)
Referring to this movie as “the blue people one,” one user said that they hate Avatar because their ex made them watch it whenever they came over. A lot of people claim they just couldn't get into the movie or figure out what was going on.
18. The Notebook (2004)
The Notebook is a beloved romance movie for some, with a lot of people watching it over and over again. However, some people hope to never see it again. Perhaps there is something about an intensely emotional romance movie that makes people feel uncomfortable.
19. A Serbian Film (2010)
There is no good reason to ever watch this film. Most people see this movie after a long night of drinking or after being convinced to check it out for the shock value. However, this movie has correctly earned a reputation for being one of the most horrifying films out there – and you shouldn’t watch it once, let alone a second time.
20. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017)
Unlike most movies on this list that are being rejected for a second watch due to disturbing and upsetting, people thought this one was bad. From the writing to the entire plot line, people found it boring and not a great movie in the Star Wars franchise.
21. The Elephant Man (1980)
This movie is about a man living as a “side-show freak” with a disfigurement that has left him being treated like a monster despite his intelligence and kindness. This is truly a heartbreaking movie.
22. Knock Knock (2015)
Knock Knock is a movie about two beautiful young women who claim to be stranded, and the series of unfortunate events that take place once they arrive. There was plenty of discourse in the comments about whether this movie showcased Keanu Reeves’ acting skills. The consensus, however, was that the film was disturbing.
23. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
It’s interesting to think back on this movie now when A.I. is at the forefront of emerging technology. However, most people in the comments were disturbed by this film at a young age. One mentioned that it sent them into a depressive state of existential dread. Another said it messed them up for a long time as a kid.
24. Teeth (2007)
Apparently, it was common for people to watch this film without knowing the subject matter. More than one person in the comments said that they would avoid watching it a second time and wouldn’t have seen it the first time had they known.
25. Buried (2010)
If you have claustrophobia, users do not recommend this one. Watching it can literally just cause you to panic.
Source: Reddit.
Daisy Frisch is a writer and editor who grew up reading and writing before she knew much else. For nearly 15 years, she has focused on SEO content writing, which has included writing legal and medical copy for lawyers and hospitals all over the country to creating riveting blogs for landscaping and home decor websites. She is currently a contributing writer to Wealth of Geeks, where she focuses on lifestyle and media content. She loves any opportunity to write about food, movies and TV, and much more.
She studied English and Journalism in California, where she also worked in music journalism, interviewing artists as well as reviewing live shows and albums.
In addition to an appreciation for music, she is interested in many art forms and fandoms, including but not limited to her decades-old Pokemon card collection, old fighting games, and a fascination for why people do the things they do. If you sit her down with a fantasy novel or put a thriller movie on, it would be hard to tear her away.
