Cinema history is full of classics that have shaped our cultural landscape and are discussed for years to come. These are the movies that people pass onto generations as they go, but not all are as good as people remember. Upon closer inspection, these movies hold up differently than people first thought. Whether it’s due to outdated special effects, problematic themes, or they simply aren’t strong stories, these classic films prove some are hyped up without being worthy of it.
A Clockwork Orange
Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film A Clockwork Orange is often hailed as a masterpiece, yet its heavy-handed approach to violence and immorality can feel more shocking than thought-provoking. The film’s controversial content and Kubrick’s reluctance to have it re-released until after his death suggest it may not be the timeless classic it’s often considered due to the problems it provides.
Scarface
While Scarface has become a cultural touchstone, especially in hip-hop culture, its over-the-top performances and clunky dialogue make it a tough watch today. The film’s pacing is slow, often dragging on in places where it would’ve benefited from an edit. Its glorification of violence and excess can feel outdated and out of touch with the modern climate.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Raiders of the Lost Ark is frequently named as one of the greatest action-adventure films, but its special effects and certain culturally insensitive portrayals can detract from the experience. Compared to other films from the same era, like Star Wars, it doesn’t hold up as well visually or thematically, which is why it’s a weaker classic.
Citizen Kane
Often praised as the greatest film ever made, Citizen Kane can be underwhelming for modern audiences. Although its innovative techniques were groundbreaking then, they are commonplace today, making the film’s plot and pacing feel slow and less engaging than modern equivalents.
Life is Beautiful
Mixing comedy with the tragedy of the Holocaust is a combination that can feel distasteful to some viewers, which is problematic for Life is Beautiful. While the film was critically acclaimed upon release, its approach to such a dark subject can seem inappropriate and jarring today, often not being appropriate for people.
Othello
Orson Welles’ adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello suffers from the use of blackface and a disjointed narrative, reflecting the problematic aspects of its time. The film’s historical significance is undeniable, but its execution leaves much to be desired by modern standards, unsuitable for many viewers.
Rocky
This is a beloved underdog story, but its simple plot and sometimes incoherent dialogue can feel less impressive on a rewatch. While Sylvester Stallone’s performance is iconic, it highlights some of the film’s weaker points, making it less compelling for new audiences than other sports movies.
Taxi Driver
Taxi Driver is slow-paced and takes a deep dive into the mind of a troubled man. The grim subject matter can be off-putting for many people. There’s a heavy focus on the lead character’s instability, which makes it challenging to watch, overshadowing its moments of brilliance. It feels like a movie that people have to plod through rather than enjoy.
The Goonies
For many, The Goonies is a cherished childhood memory, but its chaotic plot and problematic humor can be grating. What was once considered adventurous and fun now feels disjointed and overly frantic, making it hard for new viewers to appreciate its charm. There are also movie elements that don’t hold up or feel appropriate to people in a modern setting.
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump won numerous awards and is still quoted today, but its simplistic take on historical events and overly sentimental tone can feel manipulative. Some see the film’s portrayal of the titular character as a passive observer of history as patronizing. Plus, how the movie looks at the intelligence of the lead character can sometimes feel inappropriate.
Titanic
Titanic was a monumental success, but its dramatic romance and, at times, cheesy dialogue have not aged well. The groundbreaking special effects remain impressive, but the film’s storytelling can feel overly long and drawn out rather than getting to the point and feeling snappy.
Avatar
Another James Cameron epic, Avatar, was praised for its visual effects but criticized for its cliched plot and thinly veiled environmental message. Despite its groundbreaking 3D technology, the story needs more depth to sustain its epic length, with this being another example of a movie that would benefit from being much shorter.
The Lion King
Many people have their own specific childhood favorites, and for many, The Lion King is that. However, its simplistic morality and lack of character depth can be seen as flaws. While the animation and music are top-notch, the story may resonate less deeply with adult viewers, even though it’s considered one of the strongest animated movies ever. Many greater examples across Disney’s history deserve more attention.
Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park revolutionized special effects, but its characters are often one-dimensional, serving more as vehicles for the plot than as fully realized individuals. The film’s impact on visual effects is undeniable, but its storytelling needs to be more innovative by today’s standards.
The Blair Witch Project
This indie horror film was a sensation at its release, proving that horror movies don’t need blockbuster budgets to be successful. But its shaky camerawork and slow build-up can be less thrilling and more annoying in reality. What was once innovative in creating a sense of realism can now feel like a gimmick, reducing its effectiveness as a horror film.
American Beauty
American Beauty captured the suburban nature of the late ’90s, but its themes and characters can feel outdated and problematic. The film’s treatment of sensitive issues is less nuanced than contemporary audiences might expect. The Me Too movement, named Kevin Spacey, makes watching his movies difficult today.
The Matrix
Certain movies can completely change cinema, and The Matrix was a game-changer for sci-fi films, but its ideas and complex plot can sometimes feel confusing. While the special effects remain impressive, the narrative’s heavy reliance on exposition can be tiring.
Gone with the Wind
Gone with the Wind is a classic of American cinema, yet the problematic depictions of race make it difficult to watch without a critical eye. The film’s length and melodramatic style also contribute to its dated feel.
