Lights, camera, nostalgia! Join us as we dive into the most iconic films that have shaped pop culture, defined generations, and continue to captivate audiences decades after their release. From groundbreaking blockbusters to cult classics, these movies have left an indelible mark on cinema history!
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Here's Johnny!
00:07Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the films that have stood
00:11the test of time and continue to be rewatched and referenced decades after they've been
00:16released.
00:17We'll only be focusing on live-action movies, as animated ones deserve a list of their own.
00:2320.
00:30The Dark Knight
00:36It may be hard to believe, but at one point, superhero films weren't nearly as adored as
00:41they are today.
00:42While there were a few notable exceptions, the genre was purely seen as filler entertainment
00:47between more reputable projects.
00:49The Dark Knight revolutionized the way a hero's story could be told, but its impact goes far
00:54beyond the theater.
01:05It's become a cultural mainstay, with Ledger's portrayal of the Joker being referenced in
01:09various media.
01:11Its popularity was then solidified following its usage in various political campaigns in
01:15the late 2000s.
01:16Whether one is paying homage to its gritty tone or merely using an iconic line for a
01:21meme, its popularity extends far beyond the genre's usual audience.
01:3219.
01:33The Exorcist
01:34It isn't everyday that a film in a non-traditional category appeals to such
01:46a vast array of people.
01:48While some may only remember The Exorcist for its often abrasive dialogue and effects,
01:53its influence on pop culture cannot be overstated.
02:06Although it has been widely referenced throughout entertainment, particularly comedy, it easily
02:10broke past those barriers into the real world.
02:13It's been used as a vehicle for delivering political talking points, especially during
02:17the downfall of the Clinton administration.
02:20One of its biggest successes was in appealing to those who followed stricter religions,
02:24breaking boundaries in a way that no one could have anticipated.
02:28It helped pave the way for future horror franchises, serving as the blueprint that other scary
02:33movies follow today.
02:4518.
02:46Die Hard
02:53You know that a movie carries untold influence when practically everyone that follows it
02:58is compared to it in some sense.
03:00For years after its release, several action flicks were marketed by comparing them directly
03:04to Die Hard, but its popularity reached further than the studio's.
03:09It's been referenced in some way in practically every form of media, from digital to physical.
03:22It's even crossed boundaries by being introduced to younger children through their own age-appropriate
03:27content.
03:29It's also given way to an annual debate on its status as a Christmas film.
03:33Whether you believe it is or it isn't, the fact that one picture can hold so much sway
03:37even today is proof of its ingenuity.
03:4917.
03:50Goodfellas
04:00While they may not be huge blockbusters, Martin Scorsese's films are still undeniably popular.
04:06He's helped add several phrases to the cultural lexicon, which is most evident in the 1976
04:11cult classic Taxi Driver.
04:16However, the importance of Goodfellas is much more vast than mere quotes.
04:23It's credited with helping to popularize the gangster subgenre, inspiring a wealth of various
04:28television shows and movies, including The Sopranos.
04:32It's been referenced in countless films found within the same category, as though they're
04:35paying homage to the piece that allowed them to flourish in the first place.
04:39Even if people haven't seen Goodfellas, there's still a good chance they've seen an aspect
04:44of it elsewhere, proving its legacy beyond a shadow of a doubt.
04:5316.
04:54The Shining
05:01When even the smallest visual details are being recreated in subsequent works, you know
05:05you've got a truly popular piece on your hands.
05:08Whether its imagery is being utilized in other films or being circulated in various memes,
05:13it's proven to have found a niche.
05:14This is all the more impressive given its reaction when it was first released.
05:34Several musicians have also used it as inspiration for their own creative output, from music
05:38videos to whole albums.
05:40However, the biggest proof of its retroactive popularity is its original author Stephen
05:45King referencing it in his more recent work, essentially re-entering it into his universe
05:49in a meta fashion.
05:51It's the ultimate proof that a flick doesn't need to have been received well initially
05:54to thrive.
05:5815.
06:02Mean Girls
06:18The internet has had a huge hand in helping several films remain relevant long past their
06:23initial release.
06:24Mean Girls is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this, with practically every line going
06:28on to become iconic in some fashion.
06:42It's practically come to define the millennial generation, serving as a microcosm of their
06:47youth.
06:48As such, various details have been re-incorporated throughout pop culture, from music to television
06:53shows to advertisements.
06:54It's even been given its own honorary day of the year, which also makes for the perfect
06:59day to re-watch it.
07:00It's so widely beloved that a few of its quotes even served as a way of soothing those who
07:04were anxious during the pandemic in 2020.
07:1014.
07:12The Princess Bride
07:23This is the ultimate proof that a film doesn't have to be a box office smash to have lasting
07:27popularity.
07:28Quotable from beginning to end, it completely redefined what a fantasy story could entail.
07:34Several modern projects have made reference to The Princess Bride, with Fred Savage even
07:38returning to reprise his role in the PG-13 rated version of the first Deadpool sequel.
07:52The movie's influence has also seeped into the real world as well.
07:56A bar in Chicago centered around the flick also offers an opportunity to immerse oneself
08:01into the world, allowing fans across the nation to enjoy drinks themed around their own favorite
08:06piece of art.
08:07With all this in mind, it's no wonder why several cast members are still asked about
08:11it decades later.
08:2713.
08:28Jaws
08:32With this release, the industry was permanently changed.
08:36It was the beginning of what became known as the summer blockbuster, many of which were
08:40compared to Jaws when first announced.
08:42The film was integral in creating the model that many Hollywood studios still use today
08:46when planning and creating new movies.
09:04Its popularity ended up having a slightly negative effect, with some passionate fans
09:08going out to hunt sharks en masse.
09:10Jaws has also inspired a sprawling franchise, complete with multiple musicals, video games,
09:16and even a Lego set.
09:18While it may have a simpler concept now compared to other contemporary pictures, it's still
09:22highly effective, ensuring it won't lose its place on the throne anytime soon.
09:3112.
09:34Ghostbusters
09:43All it takes is hearing a few notes of the theme song for it to be recognized.
09:47If that isn't evidence of its popularity, then we don't know what is.
09:51Ghostbusters was one of the few pieces of media that helped counteract some of the negative
09:54perceptions believed about New York City at the time.
09:57This helped boost tourism in the area and made people feel safer in the process.
10:11The second part of their iconic team name has breached into real life, being applied
10:15to various careers such as farming and economics.
10:18The instantly recognizable logo has also become a mainstay as well, with many using it to
10:23protest unsavory politicians or large corporations that mistreat their employees.
10:4211.
10:43Forrest Gump
10:54It isn't often that a movie serves as a snapshot of the United States' history and culture.
10:59Forrest Gump is no stranger to the concept of popularity, with it becoming an instant
11:03box office and critical success.
11:05It has an underlying, wholesome tone that appeals to a broad audience, making it the
11:09perfect watch for people of all ages and beliefs.
11:13Debates around the character's morality, Jenny in particular, are still going strong today,
11:18keeping it a part of the broader conversation.
11:32It bottled pure, unadulterated nostalgia into one viewing experience, making it hard to
11:37watch without feeling wistful for another time.
11:39The symbolism is also still being discussed today, with many having differing ideas on
11:44what it all means.
11:5510.
12:01The Harry Potter Franchise
12:10Before this series, the idea of children's media having any real narrative depth was
12:15practically unheard of.
12:17The success of the Harry Potter films helped see a surge in young adult book sales, with
12:21many newer ones being able to become their own franchises thanks to their magical predecessor.
12:27Despite its impact on the literary world, it has unfettered social influence.
12:31Countless fans still discover their house or their Patronus to this day, allowing them
12:36to become immersed in the realm.
12:47It's breached into politics, with some unsavory politicians being compared to Lord Voldemort
12:51as a way of taking away some of their power.
12:54This dedicated fanbase has ensured that it will forever have a place within pop culture.
13:109.
13:22Jurassic Park
13:35While its technical aspects are usually praised, and for good reason, it has plenty more to
13:40offer in the way of cultural impact.
13:42Jurassic Park inspired a mass wave of interest in dinosaurs in the real world, motivating
13:46a whole generation of children into fields that had seen dwindling interest beforehand.
14:03The film was key in helping Toronto find a name and mascot following their addition to
14:07the National Basketball Association in 1995.
14:11Its true legacy lies in the way other films have adopted its use of special effects, particularly
14:16CGI, which is still utilized by countless studios to this day.
14:20No wonder it's still considered one of the most influential pictures in all of cinema
14:24history.
14:348.
14:38Titanic
14:47When it comes to blockbusters, nobody does it quite like James Cameron.
14:51He's been at the helm of several highly influential pictures, with each shaping the
14:55culture in their own unique ways.
14:57While it may not have a dedicated fanbase, Avatar is still revered for its groundbreaking
15:02use of 3D technology.
15:04Titanic never truly had its successor's issue, as it was an immediate favorite among viewers
15:09and critics.
15:19Various aspects of its plot have stood the test of time, and are still talked about to
15:23this day, such as the logistics of the infamous emotional climax.
15:37Cameron created what was essentially a modern day romantic tragedy, making the reality of
15:42the Titanic disaster all the more relatable and emotional.
16:007.
16:01The Lord of the Rings franchise
16:12It isn't often that a film adaptation elevates the original source material, rather than
16:16takes away from it.
16:17Based upon a single novel of the same name, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the
16:21most revered fantasy series in recent cinematic history.
16:25Its broad scope and commitment to the original plot have allowed the novel to thrive long
16:29after it was first published.
16:31It had a large impact on global tourism, particularly in New Zealand.
16:35People were flocking from all over to see the gorgeous sights where they were filmed.
16:47Along with Harry Potter, it helped revive and repopularize fantasy as a genre, getting
16:52a whole new generation excited for stories of that nature.
17:016.
17:04The Matrix
17:20While The Dark Knight may have redefined what a superhero movie could be, this helped inspire
17:24them to be made in the first place.
17:26With its breathtaking effects and gripping story, The Matrix quickly became one of the
17:31most popular films of its time.
17:33Elements of the plot have seeped out into the real world, especially the red versus
17:37blue pill question.
17:39Various groups online have latched onto this as a way of expressing their own views, causing
17:43the plot device to become a controversial and permanent mainstay in today's culture.
18:01Even describing something as pilled is an indirect reference to it.
18:05Beyond that, it's also been lampooned and referenced countless times across various
18:09art forms, giving it the multi-faceted legacy it has today.
18:295.
18:33Pulp Fiction
18:53To say this shook things up would be an understatement.
18:56By incorporating copious amounts of violence and utilizing a non-traditional method of
19:01storytelling, Pulp Fiction easily became one of the most unique and important films of
19:05all time.
19:06It helped raise independent movie makers to higher levels, as the success of Tarantino's
19:10project allowed them to receive higher budgets for their own.
19:13The film also had a hand in bringing noir back into the mainstream.
19:27Beyond filmmaking, it had an immediate impact in online spaces, with fans joining together
19:32to foster a community dedicated to it.
19:34It's no wonder some of the most revered critics have gone on to say that it's one of, if not
19:38the most influential film of the 1990s.
19:534.
19:55Back to the Future
20:16It did what most couldn't, find a way to make time travel central to the plot without
20:21it becoming too confusing.
20:23Back to the Future is a truly special film, with a story that can excite even the most
20:27cold-hearted cynic.
20:29Its portrayal of the 1950s and 1980s are both steeped in nostalgia, appealing to an older
20:34generation that grew up during those days.
20:36The genuinely fun plot and consistently hilarious quips have remained timeless, making it perfect
20:41to introduce to younger generations as well.
20:59Even the usage of the DeLorean, the iconic car used to travel back in time, has ended
21:04up being a culturally impactful choice, with people accessorizing their own cars to look
21:08like them.
21:193.
21:23The Wizard of Oz
21:33Even though it first came out in 1939, it is still one of the most popular films ever
21:38made.
21:39While the book alone had already made huge strides in creating fantasy works for children,
21:42the movie took that success and made it even more all-encompassing.
21:47Several props, including the iconic ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland, are considered
21:51to be some of the world's most valuable memorabilia.
21:54Parodies of The Wizard of Oz and covers of the songs on the soundtrack have also proven
21:58to be extremely successful, proving just how influential it is culturally.
22:09While not many films from Hollywood's golden era have remained in the public consciousness,
22:14this one has stood the test of time to become an international favorite.
22:242.
22:28The Godfather
22:29It's often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and it's clear to see why.
22:43Beyond what technically makes it good, it helped create some of the stereotypes surrounding
22:47Italian-Americans.
22:49Some even formed their opinions on the group after seeing this movie, proving that even
22:53the best works can have some disastrous real-world consequences.
23:08The picture also created and popularized terms for the mafia, which quickly became widespread.
23:13Even if someone hasn't seen The Godfather, its quotes are so iconic that they still know
23:18of its impact.
23:19Everything from The Simpsons to Barbie has referenced it in one way or another.
23:24ensuring that it will maintain a legacy far beyond its filmmaking prowess.
23:37Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified
23:41about our latest videos.
23:43You have the option to be notified for occasional videos or all of them.
23:47If you're on your phone, make sure you go into your settings and switch on notifications.
23:521.
23:54Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
24:11Although the franchise as a whole has had some sort of impact on pop culture, it's
24:15this particular sequel that has remained one of the most relevant in the decade since
24:19it was released.
24:20The Empire Strikes Back has several elements that have been continuously referenced in
24:24other media, such as the landmark twist ending that still shocks new viewers to this day.
24:37Its usage of a cliffhanger ending in particular has caused it to become more prominent in
24:41other media, with whole franchises taking inspiration from it.
24:45It completely changed the way sequels were made going forward, proving why it's beneficial
24:49to take the risk and deviate from the original's formula.
24:52It is a perfect microcosm of American film, and its legacy speaks for itself.
25:14What popular movie do you think has had the biggest cultural impact?
25:17Let us know in the comments below!