In a way, movies are like time capsules, often reflecting the era they were made in and the values held at the time. However, not all films have aged well, particularly if they were born in an era with questionable social views. Here are 28 popular movies that haven’t aged well and why they might not resonate with today’s audiences.
Sixteen Candles
Sixteen Candles, a staple of 1980s teen cinema, has not aged gracefully. The film’s portrayal of gender and ethnic stereotypes, especially the character Long Duk Dong, is problematic by modern standards.
Gone with the Wind
Gone with the Wind remains a classic, but its romanticized view of the Antebellum South and slavery is uncomfortable for contemporary viewers. Its portrayal of African American characters is particularly troubling today.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is marred by Mickey Rooney’s portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi, a caricatured and offensive depiction of a Japanese man that detracts from the film’s charm. As a result, the film is often criticized for a disturbing use of “yellow face.”
Grease
With its catchy tunes and vibrant dance numbers, Grease is beginning to show its age. From outdated gender norms to hypermasculinity and troubling messages about identity, this movie doesn’t appeal to many viewers. At its core, Sandy’s transformation to win Danny’s affection sends a problematic message.
Soul Man
Soul Man’s plot, which centers on a white student pretending to be black to receive a scholarship, is problematic due to its treatment of racial issues and stereotypes.
American Beauty
Kevin Spacey’s off-screen controversies overshadow American Beauty. Additionally, its themes and portrayal of middle-aged crises don’t resonate as well with current audiences.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’s humor, particularly the distasteful transphobic jokes, has aged poorly. The film’s treatment of gender identity issues is considered offensive today.
The Toy
The Toy features Richard Pryor as a man hired to be a rich boy’s personal toy, which is a premise steeped in racial insensitivity and troubling power dynamics.
Revenge of the Nerds
Despite being a comedy classic, Revenge of the Nerds includes scenes of sexual misconduct and voyeurism that are inappropriate and unsettling by today’s standards.
Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman’s portrayal of a romantic relationship between a businessman and a sex worker has faced criticism for glamorizing prostitution and reinforcing gender stereotypes. When viewing this movie through the modern lens, it’s difficult to see how much agency Vivian has, and the character’s autonomy is often taken away.
Forrest Gump
Despite its acclaim, the loveable Forrest Gump has been critiqued for its simplistic view of historical events and its portrayal of mental disability, which can seem patronizing.
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls continues the first film’s problematic humor, particularly its insensitive portrayal of African tribes and cultural stereotypes.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom has been criticized for its portrayal of Indian culture and people, which includes numerous stereotypes and an offensive depiction of a sacred ritual.
The Waterboy
The Waterboy, while loved for Adam Sandler’s performance, includes humor that mocks mental disabilities, which is no longer acceptable by modern standards.
Trading Places
Trading Places features a plot centered around a social experiment with racial and economic implications that feels insensitive and tone-deaf today.
Short Circuit
Short Circuit features Fisher Stevens in brownface as an Indian character, which is both an inaccurate and offensive portrayal of ethnic identity.
Crash
Crash may have won the Oscar for Best Picture, but modern viewers view its treatment of race relations and self-congratulatory tone as heavy-handed and superficial.
The Jazz Singer
The Jazz Singer, a landmark in cinema history, is now infamous for Al Jolson’s use of blackface, a practice that is deeply offensive and unacceptable.
Blazing Saddles
Blazing Saddles is a satirical comedy that uses racial slurs and humor that, while intended to criticize racism, can be uncomfortable and offensive for today’s audiences. This Western spoof might’ve made its original audience howl with laughter, but many of these jokes fall flat nowadays.
Airplane!
Airplane! It is an iconic film among Baby Boomers, but many of its jokes, including those involving gender and racial stereotypes, haven’t aged well and disgruntle modern viewers.
The Sandlot
The Sandlot, a nostalgic baseball flick, includes scenes and jokes that involve bullying and gender stereotyping, making it less charming to contemporary audiences.
The Last Samurai
The Last Samurai has been critiqued for its “white savior” narrative, where its white protagonist becomes the hero in a non-Western setting, overshadowing the native characters.
The Goonies
The Goonies is a beloved film for anyone who grew up in the 1980s, but that doesn’t mean it’s aged well. It includes racial stereotypes and insensitive humor that detracts from its adventurous spirit when viewed through a modern lens.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves features dated special effects and a portrayal of the legendary hero that lacks the depth and nuance expected in modern adaptations.
The Mask of Zorro
The Mask of Zorro, although entertaining, includes stereotypes and tropes about Latin culture that are outdated and problematic.
Aladdin
Aladdin’s portrayal of Middle Eastern culture has been critiqued for its reliance on stereotypes and an Orientalist view that simplifies and exoticizes the culture.
10 Things I Hate About You
10 Things I Hate About You, while a beloved teen film, contains scenes and themes that reinforce sexist attitudes and romanticize problematic behavior. While the leading female protagonist challenges expectations put on young women, the ending sees her losing power.
Zoolander
Zoolander’s humor, particularly its portrayal of gender and body image issues, can seem insensitive and outdated by today’s standards. Despite being a comedy, many people think that Zoolander could’ve handled issues surrounding body dysmorphia and ageism with more class.
