Just because the masses like a movie doesn’t mean its message is one worth taking home.
Some of the most beloved films of all time are filled with terrible messages and even worse characters. Take the popular romantic comedies of the 90s, where all you need to get the guy is a new personality and a makeover! Yeah, that’s not exactly a good message.
It got us thinking: what are other examples of popular movies with awful messages? Here are the ones that immediately came to mind.
The Mirror Has Two Faces
As mentioned in the introduction, there are countless romantic comedies from the 90s that follow the same formula: undergo a complete makeover, and you’ll get the man of your dreams.
The Mirror Has Two Faces may be the most egregious example of this, especially because, as Barbra Streisand’s character undergoes her transformation, she becomes incredibly insufferable.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Everyone loves this movie, but let’s be honest: Robin Williams isn’t winning any parent of the year awards.
Deceiving your kids by sneaking back into their lives through a hidden identity while posing as your ex-wife’s boyfriend should put you in jail. Don’t worry, though, because since he loves his kids, he gets off scot free.
Fatal Attraction
Yes, Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) is crazy, but let’s not pretend that Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas) is a saint here.
He’s the one who had the affair with Forrest, and he gets a happy ending with his family?
Follow us on MSN for more of the content you love.
The Santa Clause
Speaking of bad parents, let’s talk about Scott Calvin.
Yes, technically, he is indeed Santa Claus, but he needs to focus more on telling Charlie to shut up about it. Again, though, because of some Christmas magic, he gets to see his kid while getting along with his ex-wife and her new partner (that he hates for most of the movie, mind you).
Beauty and the Beast
Many view Disney movies as the gold standard for romance, but they aren’t immune to problematic messages.
Take, for example, Beauty and the Beast. Beast is abusive and keeps Belle trapped in his castle, but somehow still wins her over because of true love or something.
The Little Mermaid
Speaking of Disney, can we talk about the plot surrounding The Little Mermaid for a second?
Ariel is a child who runs away from home to be with a man she has never actually met.
Raya and the Last Dragon
While the issue with poor messages is a problem that was notorious during ’90s Disney movies, it’s something that still pops up every now and then.
One good example is with Raya and the Last Dragon, which leans a little too heavily in the trust department. If someone is emotionally manipulative, then maybe you shouldn’t wait for them to become worthy of your trust. Maybe you should cut them out of your life!
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Julia Roberts is the movie’s protagonist, but are we seriously rooting for her to break up a wedding just because she has the lead billing?
Never mind the fact that her love interest, a 28-year-old sportswriter, is engaged to a 20-year-old college student.
Are we supposed to be happy for the couple just because Julia Roberts had a change of heart? Nobody is likable in this movie!
Pretty Woman
I guess we’re going back to back with Julia Roberts movies.
Yes, it’s an iconic film, but it perpetuates the notion that a young, beautiful woman can be rescued from her situation by a wealthy man. A woman’s value is not tied to her financial status.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
It’s certainly in the running for movies that have aged the worst.
Based on “The Abduction of the Sabine Women,” the film’s plot follows seven men who essentially kidnap seven women, all of whom eventually fall in love with their “captors.” I do not recommend using this tactic to find your future wife.
Top Gun
Iceman was always right about Maverick. He’s reckless, he’s dangerous, and he’s cashing checks his body can’t cash.
He 100% should have been kicked out of Top Gun. The sequel only reinforced this fact.
The Wolf of Wall Street
I work in sales for my day job and have for nearly a decade.
The number of things this movie glamorizes in terms of sketchy, unethical behavior is impressive. Younger salespeople are taking the wrong messages from this movie. It’s not glamorizing the reckless behavior, yet for many, that’s how it comes off.
The Glass Castle
Based on Jeannette Walls’ memoir of the same name, The Glass Castle is a perfect example of what happens when a great book suffers from a big-screen adaptation.
The film goes a little too hard into immortalizing a bad parent. Compare that to the novel, which does a far better job of grappling with abuse and neglect, as well as including a lot more nuance into the main character’s thoughts. Not to mention the ending feels a little too Hollywood-ish.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Andy seems pretty happy most of the time, aside from the fact that he’s, you know, a virgin.
I understand that it’s played for laughs that his friends change who he is to help him finally get the girl, but you shouldn’t have to change who you are.
Seven Pounds
In what can be described as one of the biggest examples of Oscar bait in cinematic history, Will Smith’s character is portrayed as heroic for donating vital organs to those in need.
However, the reality is that you can argue he’s busy dealing with his grief from a major car accident that he caused.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Remember, kids: Rudolph was constantly bullied his whole life until Santa himself could exploit his shiny nose.
Follow us on MSN for more of the content you love.
Read More:
