Let’s be real: there’s nothing that can ruin a fantastic film or television show quicker than a child character who makes you want to hurl your popcorn across the screen. Whatever they’re doing, screaming, plotting, or simply being smug, these miniature scene-stealers have a special talent for crawling under your skin. It’s not always the actors’ fault—most of them are doing precisely what the script demands—but some characters leave you hoping the plot would ship them off to boarding school… or, in a few instances, into the local chocolate factory. Below is a list of the 10 most irritating child characters on TV and in movies, as recalled by fans who’ve collectively cringed their way through each scene.

10. Gray and Zach Mitchell – Jurassic World

Even on a dinosaur-infested island, somehow, the most draining experience of Jurassic World is hanging out with these two. Zach is the classic angsty teenager who only cracks a glance upwards from objectifying the ladies long enough to see his brother, while Gray is just a tad too excited about everything. Their obligatory brotherly bonding is meant to be moving, but winds up trying the patience of the audience far more than any Indominus rex ever would.

9. Alex O’Connell – The Mummy Returns

Alex is a smart kid—perhaps too smart for his good. He’s got his parents’ sense of adventure, but never makes anyone forget how smart he is. With a talent for causing trouble and a know-it-all attitude, he brings an extra level of havoc that has you hoping the mummies get to him first. His confidence teeters on the edge of cockiness, and it wears quickly.

8. Amanda Lemmon and Alyssa Callaway – It Takes Two

The Olsen twins dominated the ’90s, but in this dual-turn-of-duty role, the cuteness wears off fast. The entire “switch lives and trick the adults” thing is cute for about two minutes, but then becomes eye-roll-worthy in a hurry. They fool every adult around them, and not in the delightful Ferris Bueller sort of manner—more so in the “how did anyone get tricked by this?” sort of way.

7. Samuel Vanek – The Babadook

Noah Wiseman delivers a convincing performance, but The Babadook’s Samuel is much to contend with. His incessant yelling and frequent tantrums reflect his mom’s fraying mental state—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less painful to watch. Whether he’s screaming about monsters or throwing tantrums at school, it’s difficult not to feel sorry for his mother… and the viewer struggling to maintain sanity.

6. Junior Healy and Trixie Young – Problem Child Franchise

Need a crash course in why everyone is afraid of having kids? These two are the reasons. Junior begins the mayhem in the first Problem Child, and Trixie raises the stakes in the second. They’re raucous, vandalizing, and appear to tackle every setback by lighting a match—literally. They’re not merely naughty; they’re on the brink of anarchic in miniature shoes.

5. Draco Malfoy – Harry Potter Series

Snide, smug, and perpetually hiding behind a curtain, Draco is the sort of schoolyard thug who makes detention sound like a vacation. Tom Felton portrayed him to perfection, which is precisely why he annoyed everyone so much. Insulting Hermione, attempting to outdo Harry, or being generally an obnoxious brat in general – Draco never takes a moment to be anything other than the most entitled brat at Hogwarts. His sole redeeming scene? Getting punched in the face by Hermione.

4. Rachel Ferrier – War of the Worlds

Dakota Fanning is a great actress, but War of the Worlds provided her with a character whose entire purpose was to scream. A lot. All the time. Aliens or dinner not being on time, Rachel screams like the world’s ending—which, admit it, it sort of is—only it doesn’t make it any less painful on the ears. She’s a human panic attack.

3. Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Jake Lloyd’s job was a hard one, but his Anakin is a hard sell. He’s excessively wide-eyed and enthusiastic, with hackneyed lines and “Yippee!” catchphrases to make you want to mute. This was meant to be the start of Darth Vader’s descent into darkness… but it began with pod racing and forced one-liners. Not quite the intimidating villain we were promised.

2. Veruca Salt – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Veruca Salt is the quintessential spoiled rotten. In the original 1971 or the more stylized remake, she’s still throwing tantrums and insisting on getting everything she sees. “I want it now!” was her catchphrase—and a universal groan from all the adults present. Even the Oompa Loompas had grown weary of her when she finally took her dramatic departure.

1. Short Round – Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

At number one (or number?) is Short Round. Indiana Jones’ miniature sidekick may be a hero, but he’s also a headache waiting to happen. His over-the-top accent, squeaky voice, and eye-rolling dialogue continually interfere with the darker tone of the movie. He’s supposed to provide some comic relief, but instead, he simply makes you reach for the fast-forward button.

There is no lack of annoying kids on screen. Dennis Mitchell from Dennis the Menace nearly created mischief in its entirety, and the cast of Cheaper by the Dozen could wear down even the most tolerant viewer. The demon-spawn children of Krampus get a nod, and Mutt Williams in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull isn’t exactly a child, but his energy? Purely infuriating kid.

Love them or hate them, these characters are a testament that not all children are scene-stealers for the better. Sometimes, they’re simply the reason we’re cheering on the bad guy.