A movie’s worst enemy is time . What’s thought of as funny or thought-provoking today more often than not winds up becoming problematic and downright offensive in years to come.
It’s not to say that there was always something inherently wrong with a particular movie. Rather, it’s more of a commentary on how we’ve evolved as a society. With that being said, here are 15 movies that really didn’t age well .
‘Trading Places’
The film Trading Places highlights two of the greatest comedians ever in their absolute prime. However, it’s difficult to look past Dan Aykroyd in black face — as well as the countless other racist assaults that take place throughout the movie.
‘Overboard’
The basic premise of Overboard involves Kurt Russell tricking an amnesia-addled Goldie Hawn into thinking that she’s his wife and that she must take care of him, as well as his children. Can somebody please throw feminism a life vest?
‘Peter Pan (1953)’
Peter Pan is often lauded as a Disney classic, yet it just might be the most problematic picture the House of Mouse has ever produced. If you don’t believe me, have a listen to the song “What Makes The Red Man Red.”
‘Half Baked’
I grew up adoring Half Baked and the film is still considered one of the greatest cult classic stoner movies of all time. That being said, the film is far less funny than you’d likely recall and has largely become a relic of the times.
‘American Beauty’
American Beauty is an otherwise brilliant film that has unfortunately become tainted due to the actions of its star, Kevin Spacey. It’s impossible to watch it without inevitably drawing some real world comparisons between Spacey and his character.
‘She’s All That’
She’s All That is pretty much the poster child for ’90s toxic masculinity. It’s about two high school jocks who make a bet that the one can’t turn the school’s resident “ugly chick” into the prom queen.
‘Shallow Hal’
The name Shallow Hal pretty much tells you everything you need to know about this film. It celebrates and reinforces impossible beauty standards of women and makes a mockery of anyone who doesn’t fit into a size 00.
‘Never Been Kissed’
You’re probably remembering Never Been Kissed as a classic love story for the ages. However, you’re neglecting the fact that Josie’s teacher, Mr. Coulson, doesn’t realize she’s actually a 25-year-old journalist . He actually thought he was entering into a romantic relationship with a 17-year-old.
‘Chasing Amy’
Let me first say that I’m a huge fan of Kevin Smith’s early work, including Chasing Amy . That being said, the love story that unfolds between Holden and Amy is rather insulting, and makes it appear as if homosexuality is something that you can catch/cure .
‘Cruel Intentions’
Cruel Intentions gave the world one of the most iconic kiss scenes of the decade. But underneath that steamy makeout session is story about a stepbrother who will stop at nothing, including sexual assault, to sleep with his stepsister. Gross.
‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’
I acknowledge that there are elements of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective that are downright brilliant. But all the hilarity and the comedic genius of Jim Carrey can’t make up for the fact that this movie is heavily transphobic .
‘Save The Last Dance’
Putting my disdain for Julia Stiles aside, Save The Last Dance is a film that got far more accolades than it deserved. The plot relies heavily on racial stereotypes and reinforces outdated opinions regarding mixed race relationships.
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‘Loser’
The only good thing to come out of Loser was the song “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus. Aside from that, it’s basically just three guys attempting to use date rape drugs in order to get college co-eds to sleep with them.
‘Rush Hour’
There used to be a time and place for race humor, but thankfully that time has come and gone. Unfortunately for films like Rush Hour , the humor just doesn’t ring true when juxtaposed with 21st-century ethics and morality.
‘Wedding Crashers’
Sexual assault is sexual assault, regardless of sex or gender. Back then, audiences all laughed as Isla Fisher rapes Vince Vaughn while he’s tied to the bed. Nowadays, if the shoe was on the other foot, it would be barred from theaters.
