What Films Have Changed the World?

[Jack Lynt]

This is CF's idea, I would say. If he doesn't mind my saying so.

What films have most changed (or helped to change) the World...for better or for ill?

That is, what films have most changed (or influenced) the World at large (or at small)? What films have most changed or influenced you personally?

What films have changed and influenced cinema itself? What films have made significant innovations in the craft, the technology, or the art of filmmaking? What films have set trends or altered the world of cinema, and was their influence for better or for worse or for neither?

I suppose that you could argue that any and all films have changed the world to some degree or another. But let's not dismiss the question on those grounds. It is no doubt a question of degree.

And I would hope to consider film in broad terms...not only feature films, but also television or short films, etc.

Though it stands to reason that any "great" film has influence, this is not a request for a list of greatest films per se. Instead, what films have actually made a mark on society, culture, art, commerce, and most of all, upon you?

And why and how was it that they were agents of change or influence or consequence?

Star Wars is an excellant example. In case you're wondering what I mean by for ill, I'm thinking, for example, of perhaps certain Nazi propaganda films. But of course, there are no doubt a multitude of propaganda films produced by a mulititude of societies or other entities that may have done ill.

So yeah...the power of film.

 

[GuerrillaAngel]

Dr. Strangelove.

 

[dlevanchuk]

1. White Chicks
2. Freddy Got Fingered

Both movies changed my life.

 

[newcitypictures]

The Godfather. No one can ever make a movie about the mob ever again without taking something away from The Godfather. Also the show Friends shaped me as a person I think. Still is my favorite show.

 

[Cracker Funk]

MTV's Real World. It's impact on modern TV is far-reaching, and elements of "reality" are even commonplace in cinema now.

 

[Zensteve]

Fahrenheit 911 - It's influence on both modern documentaries and political ads (and the current blending of the two) has been huge.

 

[Stephen1459]

Blair Witch Project - First ever "Found footage" Film, A Low budget movie, changed Hollywood forever.

Malcom in the middle - First single cam sitcom ever. Which today makes comedies funny or not seem like they have better quality than multicam.

Bound, Jackie Brown, Reservoir Dogs (for Me personally) - Showed me that simple will out way big budget and things exploding if dialogue, content, and great acting / directing is there.

MTV's "Daria" (for me personally) - Felt like Daria all through Middle school and half of High school. Made me not feel so alone.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World - For complete originality, never seen nothing like it. Also for making a movie for what it is all supposed to be about: Fun and escape from reality for an hour and a half.

Clock Work Orange- Only using wides and fisheye lenses.

The Shinning - You can teach a college course on how cryptic and the hidden things in this film.

 

[PaulGriffith]

Jurassic Park - First time computer generated images (CGI) were used on that large of a scale and looked well enough to impress.

Though short, "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. The first time a narrative was paired with a music video instead of straight performance footage.

American Graffiti - First time pop songs were a real part of the narrative. Characters had theme music and there was music in the background setting the mood and telling the story throughout a majority of the film that wasn't strictly composed for that movie. If I remember right Lucas said he had a hard time explaining the concept to the producers from the studio.

 

[LasVegasIRA]

Raiders of the Lost Ark - It set the bar for virtually every subsequent action adventure film.

 

[Ewan]

The Shawshank Redemption.

 

[afaloth]

Avatar - Introduced a whole new level of visual technology and CGI and also helped catalyze the use of 3D technology in mainstream cinema

 

[dr stilly]

No film has shaped the world like 2001: A space Odyssey.

 

[Scoopicman]

Totally agree about STAR WARS.


HALLOWEEN - Though BLACK CHRISTMAS preceded it, the success of HALLOWEEN set the bar for indie movies (until BLAIR WITCH) and was the damn break for the slew of slasher thrillers to follow. I don't really like how it shaped the new style of horror films, but it was a boon for wannabe filmmakers trying to break into the business.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD - Brought zombie apocalypse on, full bore. We've never looked back. Also, was made on a very low budget of $114,000.

INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS - Your best friend, uncle or teacher might actually be a commie alien!

JAWS - It seems that shark attacks are more publicized than ever. Is this movie really from 1975?

Tie:
WARGAMES and THE DAY AFTER - A couple of films that got us thinking about nuclear consequences. Actually, I would throw TERMINATOR 2 and the now dated FAIL SAFE in that group.

 

[Jsthompson79]

Blair Witch Project - First ever "Found footage" Film

That is a misconception. The first found footage movie was actually an Italian film called Cannibal Holocaust. It predates Blair Witch by 19 years. There is also 84C MoPic which is from 1989.

I can't think of a movie that has changed the world but I can say one that made me interested in film. The Matrix is by far the one that has influenced me the most. Whether it be bullet time which has been used in other movies such as Max Payne or the 360 degree camera turn that has become common place since they created it for that film. The new Matrix if they go through with it promises new innovations according to an interview with Reeves I read a while back.

 

[ItDonnedOnMe]

Jaws is considered the first true 'blockbuster' and has influenced the way most films are now scheduled, released and promoted theatrically.

Reservoir Dogs & Pulp Fiction have heavily influenced the style of crime films over the past two decades.

But these and all the other examples are films that have influenced individuals, or cinema itself - but I wouldn't say they changed the world. I personally can't think of any that fall into that category.

 

[Lucky Hardwood]

Roots (huge impact on "coloreds", made whites feel guilty)
T2 (massive FX advances)
Star Trek - Plato's Stepchildren (1st onscreen interracial kiss)
Show Girls (killed NC17)
Behind the Green Door (1st mainstream porn)
Tron (the birth of cinema CGI)

 

[Steve_in_MD]

That is a misconception. The first found footage movie was actually an Italian film called Cannibal Holocaust. It predates Blair Witch by 19 years. There is also 84C MoPic which is from 1989.

Don't forget The Last Broadcast, which came out around a year before Blair Witch, and was filmed at a fraction of the budget (and Blair Witch had a super low budget). Pretty damn creepy movie, although the ending was terrible.

 

[Jsthompson79]

Don't forget The Last Broadcast, which came out around a year before Blair Witch, and was filmed at a fraction of the budget (and Blair Witch had a super low budget). Pretty damn creepy movie, although the ending was terrible.

Never seen that one but just looked it up. That is amazing.. The estimated budget was a mere $900 and it made 4 million at the box office. Now I am going to have to find it lol.

 

[mus]

1. White Chicks
2. Freddy Got Fingered

Both movies changed my life.

Did they make you think "hell... anyone can make a movie!!"


I think Star Wars has changed the world, it certainly created a powerfully passionate love within a fan base, which has spanned multiple generations.

 

[mus]

Never seen that one but just looked it up. That is amazing.. The estimated budget was a mere $900 and it made 4 million at the box office. Now I am going to have to find it lol.

"And the executives creamed in their pants, with no sign of an end in sight.... They died of sheer joy. So ends our story for today."