“It’s on multiple top 100 lists, and it is horrifying to watch. There is no reason to include it at this point.”

Former 9-to-5 tech worker turned content writer with a passion for all things pop culture, TV, and film!

Warning: This post discusses sexual assault, racism, and slavery.

“A lot of '70s and 8'0s teen/young adult comedies are full of sex crimes played for laughs. Super uncomfortable to watch through a modern lens.” 

“There is a lot my generation watched on screen, and it didn't hit us the same way it hits the younger generation. They were also totally unimpressed that Sandy changed to win Danny in the end. It was an interesting thing to see.” 

“Agreed. It's on multiple top 100 lists, and it is horrifying to watch. There is no reason to include it at this point. The only reason to watch is to understand the thoughts of a KKK member, if that's a perspective you want to dive into.” 

“It’s a strange and gross plot point that modern audiences reject, thus ruining the goodwill the movie has built over time.”

“My kids (two boys) hated it. They said the characters were sexist assholes.” 

“For as well-received as it was at the time, you can't show this movie to someone under 25 without them wondering WTF was wrong with us for giving this movie all those Oscars.” 

“It has everything wrong with it: nostalgia for plantation slavery, enslaved Black people who are fiercely loyal to their masters, infantilization of African-Americans, a none-too-disguised portrayal of the KKK as heroes, and just to spice things up some more, a supposedly feisty, independent heroine who is the subject of marital rape and has a shit-eating grin on her face the morning after. And yet, it is a masterpiece, cinematically speaking.” 

“Imagine a character like Stifler calling everything he didn't like 'gay' in a movie today. It is absolutely the way teens talked in the late '90s, and that was really shitty, and I kinda hate that reminder.” 

“Yes, Overboard, a funny, popular movie, and my mother's favorite movie, about a rich woman who is... basically kidnapped and forced to clean house and raise four children. But it's okay; she learns that she actually likes playing housewife and raising children!” 

“Basically, a case of Stockholm Syndrome, emotional abuse, and suggested sexual assault wrapped up in fun song and dance numbers.” 

“This one surprised me. I didn't realize that the villain being half-Chinese meant it would be played in yellowface.” 

“There are so many ways women are objectified, and while it was normal at the time, looking through today's lens it’s an uncomfortable watch.” 

Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here. 

 The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is an organization that provides resources to help US citizens understand and stand up for their rights, as well as take action against racial injustices.