While The Vampire Diaries is no longer on Netflix, viewers can rewatch the dramatic series on HBO Max and Peacock, according to Us Weekly. From Elena Gilbert's love for the Salvatore brothers Damon and Stefan to Elena's good friends who have their own compelling storylines, there's so much to dive into when revisiting the show.
But while fans continue to be entertained by all 8 seasons, Redditors have noticed that some of the words and phrases used on The Vampire Diaries make them cringe. Whether Elena is talking about being tough or Stefan repeats the same phrase over and over again, there are some quotes that feel awkward.
"Emotions Are Heightened."
Stefan says this phrase often
While Stefan has many smart The Vampire Diaries quotes, fans don't enjoy every single thing that he says. Redditor silly_rabbit289 finds it cringeworthy "everytime stefan says 'emotions are heightened" and Redditor CalypsoCalligari added "the emotions thing is too much for me to deal with."
It makes sense for Stefan to say that vampires feel everything strongly, but after he has said this phrase a few times, it definitely seems like overkill. Damon and Stefan are also very emotional characters who share how they feel, so fans can tell even without this repeated explanation.
"Then Stop Loving Me!" "I Can't!"
Elena and Damon have a ionate conversation in season 5
Redditor Dazzling_Ambition878 considers it cringeworthy when Damon tells Elena that she shouldn't love him and she says "I can't!" At this point in the series, Damon and Elena and Stefan have formed a solid love triangle that contributes to a lot of dramatic moments, and Elena has fallen hard for both brothers.
Season 5 kicks things up a notch for the characters as Elena starts going to Whitmore College and Elena grieves her best friend Bonnie Bennett, who has ed away, at least for the moment. It feels a bit uncomfortable when Elena and Damon have this conversation.
"If You're Going To Be Bad, Be Bad With A Purpose."
Damon says this to Klaus in season 4
For Redditor luvprue1, it's hard to listen to Damon's season 4 quote when speaking to Klaus Mikaelson. Redditor Olea added, "it doesn't make sense for Damon to be saying that, since he is the one who has often been bad just out of spite or out of rage or something."
The distinction between good and evil can sometimes be a fine line on The Vampire Diaries, as Damon has done terrible things but he also cares deeply about many characters, from Elena to Stefan. But still, it's strange for Damon to put it this way.
"That's For Me To Know And For You To Dot Dot Dot."
Katherine's quote isn't a fan favorite
Katherine Pierce's best The Vampire Diaries quotes are strong-willed and show her desire to be independent at all times. One Redditor doesn't love when, in the season 8 episode "The Lies Will Catch Up To You," Katherine makes this statement and adds "dot dot dot" at the end.
Katherine's presence on the series is often meant to be scary and unnerving, so when she says a cheesy line that doesn't fit with her character, it can feel a bit off. Katherine's quotes aren't meant to be silly, goofy, or funny, as she's supposed to be a threat to Elena's relationship with the Salvatore brothers. This line would be much better without the "dot dot dot."
"So Am I!"
Elena says she is as tough as Connor
Connor Jordan hunts vampires and is definitely a fairly terrifying character on the show. No one would really want to come into with him, but Elena is convinced that she can take him on, which not every fan agrees with.
Redditor BobbaSett noted that there are some cringeworthy lines like "when Elena is trying to be bad*ss as a vampire" which includes "when Damon tells her that Connor is too dangerous" and Elena replies "So am I." It doesn't seem that this is true at all, especially since Elena is new to being a vampire.
"Hello My Shadow Self."
Silas talks to Stefan in season 4
Silas and Stefan have a complicated link, as they are doppelgangers, and they talk about being "shadow selves" of each other. This is a serious part of the series but the conversation that the characters have sounds a bit silly. Redditor CalypsoCaligari was rewatching the series and wrote that when Silas calls Stefan his "shadow self," "This line made me physically recoil it was so cringe."
Silas explains, "I created the immortality spell 2,000 years ago. I could never die, so nature needed to find a balance, a version of me that could die." There's always a balance between explanation and action on a fantasy or supernatural series, and sometimes fans cringe at the way that these characters approach these subjects.
"Epic."
The characters love using this word
For Redditor stefonay, "Everything 'epic' lol" is one of the most cringeworthy quotes from the popular series. The fan continued, "That word was said more in earlier episodes, but I cringed every time."
The series finale is called "I Was Feeling Epic" and it seems to work in this context since this can be considered one of the best series finales since everything gets wrapped up. Elena and Damon have lived their human lives and Damon and Stefan see each other again. But otherwise, it makes sense that some viewers would grow tired of constantly hearing the word "epic."
"Our Eyes Will Meet, Fireworks Will Go Off..."
Damon says this to Stefan about Elena in season 6
Redditor Dazzling_Ambition878 doesn't like when, in season 6, Damon tells his brother that he wants to see Elena again and finishes with "the balance of nature will be restored." There are so many reasons why this feels awkward, especially the fact that Stefan has loved Elena, too.
While it's clear that Damon has strong feelings for Elena that won't go away, and that the two do have a connection, Damon's quote is a bit too explanation-heavy to be romantic or sweet. Damon's words are definitely tough for Stefan to hear, which is another reason why the quote is cringeworthy. While it's true that they have a tough relationship, Damon should be more careful of his brother's feelings.
"Hello Brother."
Stefan and Damon say this phrase often
Stefan and Damon have great brotherly TVD scenes, but they also have some cheesy ones that make viewers pause. Redditor Olea posted that the "Constant 'Hello brother'ing in season 8 made me cringe." This phrase seems sweet the first few times, but it does become used too often to be compelling.
The greeting isn't always necessary as it's clear that the Salvatores are siblings who have a tough bond and history with each other. Sometimes repeated phrases and words can become an important and moving part of a TV show's fabric. Other times, it can feel like they have been used way too many times.
"Dear Diary..."
Elena's voiceovers in season 1
One of the most memorable parts of season 1 of The Vampire Diaries s Elena writing in her journal about losing her parents. Redditor SubieSabe said "All of the 'dear diary' intros toward the beginning of the series" are cringeworthy quotes that stand out.
Although these scenes are significant and prove that Elena is working through her grief and having trouble talking to the people in her life about missing her mom and dad, this could be achieved in a single moment instead of repeating these voiceovers over several episodes. It makes sense at first and then loses its impact the more that it's repeated.