Most movies have a theme, moral, or message they’re trying to convey. Sometimes this is done subtly, sometimes bluntly, but most of the time, it makes sense. However, other times we step back and look at the message again only to realize that maybe their message isn’t such a good one. Even older movies and classics that come across as horribly racist, sexist, or cringe-worthy in other ways (as values and socially acceptable norms have changed) can at least still be relevant with their central theme. Here are 25 Hit Movies With Unintentionally Horrible Messages.
Rambo
All of your PTSD, trauma, and suffering you went through in the original movie doesn’t matter when you have a chance to go kill hundreds of people.
Million Dollar Baby
Being dead is better than being disabled.
The Fox and the Hound
Segregation works.
The Little Mermaid
You can defy your family, give up something very important to you, make a deal with an evil being, nearly destroy your home, and still get everything you want.
Grease
As long as you completely change yourself and give up your identity, you can be with the person you really want.
The Incredibles
People who work hard and dedicate themselves are evil. People who have natural skills and ability are good.
Minions
Image: pixabayLife is meaningless unless you have an evil master to serve.
Goldfinger
Image: commons.wikimediaWhen you can’t make any headway against the main villain, rape one of his hench-women, and she’ll switch sides.
The Godfather
Image: Steve Troughton via Flickr (public domain)Life in the mafia is pretty awesome when you’re at the top.
The Karate Kid
Specifically stated rules don’t apply if the finale looks really cool.
The Mighty Ducks
Youth sports is all about fun, teamwork, and bonding with peers. Until of course you have a chance to exploit a loophole and force a top player to join your team so you can win.
Twilight
It’s OK for a really old man to have sex with teenagers since he looks young.
Hop
Nepotism and race is far more important than dedication and competence.
GI Jane
Women deserve to be Navy SEALs. Until captors threaten to rape them, and then their male comrades cave.
It's a Wonderful Life
Image: commons.wikimedia (Public Domain)A town with a thriving nightlife and strong economy is apparently a bad thing.
Man of Steel
Don’t save people’s lives if it threatens to reveal your secret identity.
Real Steel
We’ve developed incredibly advanced robots; let’s use them to beat each other up.
The Matrix
Image: Steve Troughton via Flickr (Public Domain)It’s OK to kill innocent people if they’re not fighting with you.
The Dark Knight
Something horrible and unethical is OK just this once because it’s really important.
Captain America
Steroids are OK as long as good guys are using them.
Beauty and the Beast
Image: commons.wikimedia (public domain)It’s OK to be with someone who imprisons and threatens you if deep down you think they’re a good person.
If you like Disney and have enjoyed this post, check out 25 Incredible Secrets In Disney Movies That Will Blow Your Mind.
The Lion King
Ruthless dictators are OK as long as they’re on our side.
Real Genius
Building weapons capable of incredibly precise strikes that would minimize collateral damage is bad.
Forrest Gump
If you go out and try to experience new things, you’re going to be used, abused, and eventually die of AIDS.
Ghostbusters (original)
Don’t trust government agencies. After all, we don’t want them to stop guys from catching ghosts with atomic weapons.
Clint Carter has taught Special Education in public schools for the past 22 years. He also referees lacrosse, hockey, soccer, and basketball from youth to professional level. In his spare time he enjoys sports, reading, movies, and trivia. You can follow him on Twitter @indylaxassigner.
Photos: 25. Yoni S.Hamenahem via commons.wikimedia, 24. Celestino Jorge Lopez Catalan via Flickr, 23. Movie poster vie en.wikipedia (fair use), 22. Movie poster via en.wikipedia (fair use), 21. TRF_Mr_Hyde via Flickr, 20. Mike Mozart via Flickr, 16. Helgi Halldorsson via Flickr, 15. Movie poster via en.wikipedia.org (fair use), 14. Mage Somido via Flickr, 13. Movie poster via forum.xcitefun.net (fair use), 12. Movie poster via en.wikipedia (fair use), 10. SITS Girls via Flickr, 9. GabboT via Flickr, 7. Anthony Quintano via Flickr, 6. TNS Sofres via Flickr, 4. Jared via Flickr, 3. Movie poster via en.wikipedia (fair use), 2. Prayitno via Flickr, 1. Relux via Flickr
Lists Going Viral Right Now
