Movies from the ’70s & ’80s You Can’t Watch Anymore
Blast from the Past: Movies You Can’t Tolerate Today
The groovy 70s and radical 80s were a treasure trove of movies that shaped cinematic history as we know it! But, boy, did they go wild with some flicks that would make today’s crowds raise their eyebrows faster than a caffeinated squirrel. We’ve all become more discerning audiences, and some past gems… well, let’s just say they didn’t age like fine wine.
What’s on the List?
Here’s a handful of films that won’t just make your eyes roll, but may also tempt you into a cringe-induced fetal position. Some of these classics are just plain hard to track down, like hidden artifacts from a cinematic treasure hunt!
The Kentucky Fried Movie
Pop the popcorn and prepare for awkward chuckles, because this 1977 sketch bonanza from the geniuses behind Airplane! serves up hilarity alongside some seriously dated jokes. You might laugh, you might gasp, but trust me, you definitely won’t look at comedy the same way again.
Cruising
In the realm of controversial thrillers, this 1980 gem still sends shockwaves. Directed by the legendary William Friedkin, it dives into the gritty New York leather scene and sparked protests faster than you can say “not my scene!” It’s a wild ride of emotions and divided opinions.
Soul Man
Yikes, this 1986 comedy makes us squirm just thinking about it! The plot – a white guy dresses up as a black dude to snag a scholarship – is like a high-stakes game of ‘what were they thinking!’ It’s the cringe factor turned up to eleven.
The Toy
Richard Pryor shines as always, but the core concept? Let’s say people aren’t feeling it today. A rich guy buys another guy as a plaything, which is about as uncomfortable as a seat on a crowded subway. Let’s just appreciate Pryor and pretend we didn’t go there!
Revenge of the Nerds
Once a beloved underdog classic, now it’s re-evaluated due to scenes that give the ‘consent’ talk a run for its money. What once seemed funny now makes modern viewers double-check their movie choices before pushing play.
The Gods Must Be Crazy
This international hit from 1980 is loved by many for its quirky antics but is under fire for its portrayal of African cultures. What was once a feel-good adventure might not sit so well in today’s more culturally aware landscape.
The Cannonball Run
Made for laughs and packed with celebrity cameos, this film gets a serious side-eye today thanks to its cringeworthy ethnic stereotypes. What was once a classic, is now a checklist for what not to do in comedy.
Sixteen Candles
This coming-of-age saga by John Hughes is a nostalgic look at teenage turmoil, but some jokes have aged like milk left out in the sun, putting it on the radar for modern critics. Oops!
Bachelor Party
Tom Hanks’ early comedy hit big in 1984, but many of its jokes are relics from a time when wayward humor ruled supreme. Nowadays, they land with a less-than-pleasant thud.
The Day the Clown Cried
Jerry Lewis gave us a movie that’s more mythical than most. The tale of a clown in a Nazi camp is not only famous for being unreleased but also for making everyone scratch their heads and wonder how this ever got greenlit.
Let’s Get Harry
This 1986 action film never really hit the limelight, and you’d be forgiven for forgetting it exists. With a release history that resembles a flickering ghost, it’s had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster.
Nothing Lasts Forever
Starring comedy titans like Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, this 1984 fantasy classic almost fell into oblivion. It was lost in film limbo before we finally caught glimpses during rare broadcasts. It’s like the greatest movie that no one ever saw!