© NL Beeld

'She's All That' (1999) -

In 2022, Rachael Leigh Cook and her nine-year-old daughter sat down to watch her 1999 romantic comedy 'She's All That' with somewhat mixed reactions. In an interview with Us Weekly, the actress shared that she allowed her daughter to watch it because she believed there wasn't anything overly inappropriate in the film, "But some of the language that they use to talk about women—I realize that it's about Freddie's character sort of going on a journey of opening his mind," she said. "And people were different than these popular crowd kids. But it is really pretty disparaging and disrespectful." She continued, "There's body-shaming and other things that I'm like, ‘La la la Charlotte, I don't want you even hearing this.'" 

© NL Beeld

'She's All That' (1999) -

Cook did say, however, that she doesn't regret the role. "I'm not embarrassed to be associated with the movie," she explained. "And it was another time. But it's not great at points. There's stuff in there that's like, it's a little tough to defend in today's day." If we set aside the nostalgia, this '90s classic revolves around a guy (Freddie Prinze Jr.) who wagers that he can makeover a girl he deems "unattractive" into a stunning prom queen, all based on his subjective standards of beauty and behavior. Notably, the film includes a scene where a sexual assault attempt is portrayed as a joke...

© NL Beeld

'Goldfinger' (1964) -

Cary Fukunaga, the director behind the latest Bond film, 'No Time to Die,' has pointed out that the behavior of the beloved spy in certain earlier movies can be likened to sexual assault. Specifically, he cited the films featuring Sean Connery as James Bond, such as 'Goldfinger' (1964) and 'Thunderball' (1965). In a recent interview, he recalled a scene where Bond essentially forces himself on a woman despite her objections. "That wouldn't fly today," the director said. 

© NL Beeld

'Sixteen Candles' (1984) -

Although this John Hughes film brought immense success to Molly Ringwald and the '80s, it has faced significant criticism. The primary romantic interest is involved in a sexual assault orchestrated by Ted, who takes advantage of a heavily intoxicated girl. Even Ringwald herself has voiced her disapproval of the film.

© NL Beeld

'The Breakfast Club' (1985) -

Molly Ringwald also wrote an article discussing the problematic relationship between her character and Judd Nelson's in 'The Breakfast Club.' "Bender sexually harasses Claire throughout the film,” she wrote, criticizing his reaction to rejection: “When he's not sexualizing her, he takes out his rage on her with vicious contempt ... He never apologizes for any of it, but, nevertheless, he gets the girl in the end."

© NL Beeld

'Avatar' (2009) -

'Avatar' was initially successful but has lost its 3D magic over time. It has faced criticism for its glorification of a "white savior" complex, involving a white man saving an indigenous group.

© NL Beeld

'Braveheart' (1995) -

The movie initially received praise from critics and was a commercial hit. However, it has since gained a reputation for its numerous historical inaccuracies and mistakes. For example, an eagle-eyed viewer spotted a car in the background of a battle scene.

© NL Beeld

'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective' (1994) -

Jim Carrey's breakthrough comedy has since been called offensive, homophobic, and transphobic. It features a scene where Ventura uncovers the true identity of Lt. Einhorn, a trans woman, which leads to a wave of men vomiting in a fit of transphobic panic. 

© NL Beeld

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) -

The 1961 film, widely regarded as an Audrey Hepburn classic, unfortunately contains a significant issue: the racist portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi. This character is played by Mickey Rooney, a white actor who not only puts on an offensive accent but also tapes his eyelids.

© NL Beeld

'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' (1984) -

In the episode where Indie travels to what is claimed to be colonial-era India, there are concerns raised by many about the portrayal of Indian villagers and Hindu culture, which is seen as perpetuating negative racial stereotypes.

© NL Beeld

'Gone with the Wind' (1939) -

Some view the film as a cinematic masterpiece, while others have criticized it for romanticizing slavery and the Confederacy.

© NL Beeld

'Chasing Amy' (1997) -

Kevin Smith, a prominent figure in the '90s indie film scene as a writer-director, presents a movie where a man named Ben Affleck relentlessly pursues an open lesbian. This portrayal disregards her sexuality and perpetuates the damaging notion that a lesbian can be converted to a heterosexual orientation. As a result, watching this film can be quite uncomfortable.

© NL Beeld

'Gigli' (2003) -

A few years following 'Chasing Amy,' Ben Affleck appeared in another movie where his character, aside from appearing sexist and homophobic, attempts to "convert a lesbian."

© NL Beeld

'The Party' (1968) -

In this cult comedy from 1968, Peter Sellers is often praised for his humor, but it's important to note that he portrays a character in brown-face and uses an uncomfortable Indian accent. While some argue that the character Hrundi Bakshi is not intended to be malicious, the slapstick humor has not aged well.

© NL Beeld

'Love, Actually' (2003) -

This Christmas classic contains numerous problematic scenarios where men wield considerable power. These include the Prime Minister's dismissal of Natalie after what appears to be an incident of groping by the US President, Mark's unkindness driven by his feelings for his friend's wife, and especially the portrayal of American women engaging in a foursome with Colin because of his English accent.

© NL Beeld

'Love and Death' (1975) -

The 1975 film, in which Woody Allen's character cracks jokes of a sexual nature about his cousin (portrayed by Diane Keaton) with whom he begins a romantic relationship, becomes harder to swallow when considering Allen's real-life accusations.

© NL Beeld

'Blade Runner' (1982) -

Despite being labeled a cult classic, the actions of Deckard's character in coercing Rachael make viewers uneasy in contemporary times.

© NL Beeld

'Weird Science' (1985) -

Another cult classic, critics now claim this film is "little more than a misogynistic male fantasy."  Essentially, it revolves around two socially awkward individuals who construct an ideal woman obedient to their desires.

© NL Beeld

'The Searches' (1956) -

John Wayne's 1956 Western film, directed by John Ford, received praise for its impressive cinematography. However, some find its portrayal of Native Americans problematic, particularly Wayne's character's readiness to harm his niece for being involved with a Comanche man, regardless of whether it was consensual or not.

© NL Beeld

'The Blind Side' (2009) -

Michael Lewis' book provided a detailed account of Michael Oher's challenging journey to success. However, John Lee Hancock's 2009 film adaptation has faced criticism for shifting focus to Sandra Bullock's character and presenting another white savior narrative.

© NL Beeld

'American Pie' (1999) -

In the movie, Jason Biggs' character encounters an exchange student and pursues a physical relationship, which would be deemed acceptable nowadays. However, things take a turn when Stifler convinces him to covertly set up a webcam to spy on her while she undresses.

© NL Beeld

'Big' (1988) -

If you revisit this popular 80s comedy starring Tom Hanks, which revolves around a 12-year-old boy who magically becomes a 30-year-old man overnight, it's unsettling to consider that it's basically a 12-year-old child who engages in a sexual relationship with an adult woman.

© NL Beeld

'The Love Guru' (2008) -

In his comedic role as a spiritual advisor of the Hindu faith, Mike Myers has faced criticism for the film's depiction of the religion, tired clichés, stereotypes, and the quality of his acting.

© NL Beeld

'American Beauty' (1999) -

This film won the Oscar for Best Picture and depicts Kevin Spacey's character as someone who pursues and objectifies a teenage girl. In addition to the actor's numerous sexual assault allegations (including misconduct with minors), the movie itself raises concerns about its portrayal of sexual politics.

© NL Beeld

'Top Gun' (1986) -

It's been said that the movie now feels like it shows flat characters, eye-roll plot twists, and gives off a strange recruitment video vibe, in contrast to what was intended to be a pro-military, hyper-masculine love letter to America in 1986.

© NL Beeld

'The Devil Wears Prada' (2006) -

Although commendable for its portrayal of successful women and Meryl Streep's stunning performance, the depiction of the female characters remains problematic. They are consistently portrayed as villains, pitted against each other, and Anne Hathaway's character is compelled to apologize to her ex-boyfriend for prioritizing her career.

© NL Beeld

'Last Tango in Paris' (1972) -

In 1972, Bernardo Bertolucci directed an erotic drama depicting the relationship between an American businessman and a younger Parisian woman. Recently, it was revealed that Bertolucci and Marlon Brando planned a non-consensual sex scene without informing Maria Schneider, making the film even more distressing.

© NL Beeld

'Mrs. Doubtfire' (1993) -

The situation starts off enjoyable and entertaining, but takes a dark turn when a man disregards legal instructions and assumes the identity of an old lady in order to clandestinely see his kids. It is thanks to the extraordinary talent of the late Robin Williams that this frightening premise is transformed into an enjoyable tale.

© NL Beeld

'Soul Man' (1986) -

In the film, a privileged teenager named C. Thomas Howell pretends to be a young black man in order to secure a Harvard scholarship. It is important to acknowledge that using blackface in the '80s or any time period is never justifiable.

© NL Beeld

'Pretty Woman' (1990) -

Julia Roberts, who accepted the role after it was declined by several other actresses, mentioned that she believes a film of this nature would unlikely be produced in present times. The story revolves around a sex worker acquiring refined manners from a prosperous gentleman.

© NL Beeld

'You've Got Mail' (1998) -

The main idea of the movie revolves around two individuals who develop feelings for each other without having the opportunity to see one another's face. The concern for potential danger from strangers is significantly heightened in this scenario! 

© NL Beeld

'Revenge of the Nerds' (1984) -

While this film received praise for representing nerds in Hollywood, it faced criticism for its storyline involving sexual assault through deception, perpetuation of a racist Asian stereotype, and apparent encouragement of homophobia.

© NL Beeld

'Porky's' (1982) -

In 1982, the film was a massive hit at the box office. However, when revisiting it today, it becomes apparent that the portrayal of the adolescent female characters reduces them to mere sex objects. Their sole purpose seems to be to undress, observed through a spy hole in a locker room.

See also: Blockbuster movies that pass the Bechdel test

© Getty Images