These Movie and TV Show Franchises Have the Worst Fanbases

Rick and Morty

The chaos of this sci-fi comedy didn’t just live on screen – it spilled into real life when the infamous Szechuan sauce promotion at McDonald’s went wrong. Fans stormed restaurants, camped out, and even argued online over limited packets of nostalgic dipping sauce. Some tried to turn a playful joke into full-blown entitlement, proving that even animated adventures can inspire questionable real-world behavior. For outsiders, the fandom can feel like walking into a battle zone of memes, fan theories, and “gatekeeping” for the purest fans. Love the show or hate the chaos, one thing is clear: this community doesn’t know subtlety. | © Williams Street

The Walking Dead

Zombies aren’t the only things to be wary of in this fandom. Viewers have been known to throw online tantrums over character deaths, actor departures, and storyline choices that don’t match their personal visions. Some fans have been so aggressive that casual watchers steer clear of discussion boards to avoid spoilers or flame wars. The sheer longevity of the series amplified every minor gripe into a full-blown feud. If there’s one thing this community excels at, it’s arguing passionately about every twist, turn, and walker encounter – sometimes to the point of exhausting even the most devoted viewers. | © AMC Studios

Steven Universe

What started as a heartwarming tale of gems and growing up soon turned into a digital battleground. Fans would go head-to-head defending plot points, LGBTQ+ representation, and the “correct” interpretation of the show’s messages. While passionate defense of media can be fun, some corners of this fandom got… intense, with newcomers quickly realizing they needed to tread lightly or risk being attacked online. Ironically, a show about empathy and understanding ended up inspiring some of the least forgiving online communities. Even the most casual observer can feel overwhelmed wading through debates that range from serious analysis to full-on arguments. | © Cartoon Network Studios

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic

Few shows have such a wide-reaching and controversial fandom. Adult fans, affectionately dubbed “bronies,” have sparked both curiosity and online debate. Some members became so defensive about their love of the show that discussions quickly escalated into gatekeeping or mockery of newcomers. From heated forum threads to passionate online campaigns defending the series’ values, it’s clear this fandom doesn’t shy away from attention. Their dedication is impressive, but anyone trying to casually enjoy the show might need earplugs for the fan noise. The enthusiasm sometimes feels like a tidal wave you can’t escape. | © Allspark Animation

My Hero Academia

Fans of this anime can be as intense as the heroes themselves, especially when it comes to shipping wars. Arguments over which characters should be together often spill onto Twitter and Reddit, sometimes turning toxic with insults and brigading. A simple discussion about Bakugo or Deku can spiral into hours of online fighting, leaving casual viewers nervous to speak up. The fandom’s obsession with “true interpretations” of character motivations adds another layer of drama. Even fan art and theories occasionally ignite controversies, proving that passion can easily tip into aggression. For outsiders, it’s a wild ride that tests patience more than heroism. | © Studio Bones

Avatar: The Last Airbender

The love for this series runs deep, but fans have shown they can be ruthless when things don’t match their vision. The casting backlash for the live-action adaptation sparked intense debates, petitions, and a flurry of angry comments online. Some fans went so far as to boycott the movie before it even premiered, while others attacked critics who didn’t align with their expectations. It’s a fandom that treats canon like sacred scripture, and stepping in without full knowledge can get you roasted fast. While the series itself inspires wonder, its fan community sometimes proves that passion and patience don’t always go hand in hand. | © Nickelodeon Animation Studio

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Debates over storyline decisions and character portrayals can feel endless for MCU followers. Even a tiny deviation from fan expectations triggers threads filled with memes, hot takes, and occasionally vicious arguments. Some fans police who is allowed to discuss the movies, creating an environment where casual enjoyment becomes stressful. The sheer size of the cinematic universe magnifies every perceived misstep into a heated debate. While millions celebrate the franchise, the online ecosystem of obsessive scrutiny can be exhausting. Sometimes, it feels like you need a shield as much as the heroes themselves. | © Marvel Studios

DC Universe (DCU)

Director swaps and tonal shifts keep the fanbase on edge, with arguments erupting over every new release. Some followers coordinate campaigns online to praise or protest decisions, from recasting characters to canceling projects. The resulting discourse is a mix of devotion, critique, and occasional chaos, making casual engagement tricky. Even minor news can spark hours-long debates as fans defend what they see as the “true” vision of the DCU. Navigating these discussions often requires diplomacy, thick skin, and a sense of humor. In this fandom, loyalty is intense, and criticism is just as passionately wielded. | © DC Studios

Star Wars

The force is strong with both passion and conflict in this fanbase. Harassment campaigns targeting actors like Kelly Marie Tran and John Boyega revealed a darker side of fandom zeal. Heated discussions about canon, story direction, and character arcs often dominate online spaces, sometimes pushing out more casual voices. From memes to scathing thread wars, defending your perspective is almost a full-time activity. Even decades after the original films, the community remains divided, showing that love for a galaxy far, far away can sometimes go horribly off course. | © Lucasfilm Ltd.