Entertainment (Commonwealth Union) _ Cinema has been considered one of the biggest contributors to pop culture during the past few decades, serving as the most prevalent form of entertainment around the world. With certain films being heavily referenced by pop culture, they are distinctly characterised for having the ability to instill ideas and inspire audiences. Here is a list of 10 films that play a significant role in pop culture. If you can recognise each one, you may consider yourself a well-informed cinephile.
- The Godfather (1972)
Despite having been produced several decades ago, The Godfather is still considered one of the most elite films in existence. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this adaptation surpassed the standards set by the novel, presenting a first-class depiction of family and legacy, leading to a bright future for crime cinema.
- The Dark Knight (2008)
Establishing the ambitious and ambiguous nature of Hollywood’s blockbuster films, The Dark Knight is still agreed upon by fans as one of the best superhero films ever made. Starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger’s legendary portrayal of the Joker, the film offers political commentary embedded in one of the most iconic comic book adaptations of all time.
Drawing from Shakespeare’s deeply philosophical play Hamlet, The Lion King was a major change in Disney animation. Winning Academy Awards for its musical compositions credited to Hans Zimmer and Elton John, the film’s aesthetics and presentation established it as a timeless creation that, to this day, remains in mainstream entertainment, whether it be music, film, or theatre.
This film has been so influential that it is now a common reference for all genres. The psychological horror adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, directed by Stanley Kubrick, has been parodied and referenced in several TV shows, such as The Simpsons, and even in gaming.
- Titanic (1997)
Despite the largely prevalent controversy about the space on the door, or maybe especially because of it, the Titanic turned out to be a massive success, remaining the highest-grossing film of all time until it was knocked down by Avatar in 2009. However, this movie that deemed itself capable of taking over monoculture still thrives as a classic even as its director, James Cameron, continues to shatter records with the Avatar sequels. But you decide: does it still count as competition if all of them were created by the same director?
- Iron Man (2008)
Setting the groundwork as the first film of what would be the highest-grossing franchise in the world, Iron Man cannot be left out of a list of pop culture films. Although it could be set apart from the older superhero classics like Spider-Man and Superman, combined with Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic acting, this remains as one of the staples of Marvel cinema.
With its nonlinear, interwoven storylines, stylised violence, and pop culture references, Pulp Fiction is still hailed as one of Quentin Tarantino’s best works. It stars Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta, with distinct character mannerisms, portraying scenes that have been immortalised as some of the most iconic scenes to exist in the history of film.
- Jaws (1975)
Despite the incredible development of CGI in cinema, Jaws remains the most iconic shark attack movie and a staple summer blockbuster. It had a significant impact on pop culture and the cinema industry with its widespread advertising, iconic dialogues (“You’re gonna need a bigger boat”), and the increase in the public’s awareness and caution of sharks.
- Footloose (1984)
Famous for its iconic music and dance numbers, Footloose is about a teenager who moves to a small town and tries to overturn a ban on dancing. Its songs, such as Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out for a Hero and Kenny Loggins’ Footloose, are still extremely popular today, along with the film’s iconic choreography. It has left a significant cultural impact due to its representation of the 1980s spirit and its youthful rebellion.
- Die Hard (1988)
Known for its action sequences, Die Hard is iconic for moving away from stereotypical muscled heroes. Instead, it takes on a more vulnerable perspective, punctuated with iconic lines that are often quoted in pop culture, as well as in iconic TV shows such as The Simpsons and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
