Movies have the amazing ability to become immortalized in pop culture. These stories can have a lasting impact on media, often in references or easter eggs for audiences to pick up on. Beloved films can come to mean more than was first intended. In our current internet age, these movies have been given new life and stay relevant to audiences, new and old.
While countless films have made an impact, these few have stood out to me. Spanning different genres and media, these movies have left their own marks on audiences. You might be surprised to see some films included – or you might not! Either way, these movies have remained titans in their influence on our current pop culture.
1. Mean Girls (2003)
The cultural impact this film had – and still has – on pop culture is quite a sight to see. This was one of the quintessential films of the 2000s, and it remains a fan favorite today. I’ll still see a resurgence of Mean Girls memes and posts online around October 3rd, even though it’s been 20+ years since the film’s release.
In an era of high school-centered films, Mean Girls stands the test of time as one of the most iconic films in its genre. The writing is witty, the characters are outlandish, and the humor, while a bit outdated, is still endlessly entertaining. As the 2000s are trending, Mean Girls offers much inspiration for fashion and aesthetics. Each fall that rolls around, I can count on an uptick of people mentioning this fan favorite movie.
Where to Watch: Paramount+
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%, IMDb: 7.1/10
2. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
In a time of Disney live-action remakes, the Pirates series seems to stand apart. As they weren’t based on an animated film, merely an attraction at the Disney Parks, Pirates of the Caribbean leaves a different taste in the audience’s mouths. You might not think that Pirates started the live-action trend, but I’d argue it was a stepping stone in the process.
Pirates of the Caribbean is still a favorite for many viewers. The music alone brings back memories of swash-buckling pirates, quests for treasure, and mysterious sea creatures. While the films are entertaining on their own, what truly makes them iconic is Captain Jack Sparrow. Johnny Depp delivered such a memorable performance that his character is synonymous with the franchise. For having little inspiration behind it, Pirates has grown to be a respected series that remains solid to this day. There’s a timeless element to it, allowing it to bring in new viewers while still appealing to older audiences. Its influence on pop culture might be more understated than some of these other films, but it’s definitely had an impact.
Where to Watch: Disney+
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%, IMDb: 8.10/10
3. The Matrix (1999)
This might be one of the most influential movies on this list. I think people have forgotten how big a phenomenon The Matrix was due to how ingrained it still is in our current pop culture. When it first came out, this movie was everywhere. It completely changed how people viewed science-fiction action films. Instead of space ships and aliens, sci-fi could now mean leather trench coats and mind-bending action. It was a game-changer back then and remains one of the most iconic films in pop culture.
The Matrix is a film everyone should watch at least once in their life. Not only is it a solid film and a fun time, but it is referenced constantly in other media. Iconic moments, such as choosing between the red and blue pills, and quotes like “there is no spoon,” are referenced in other media, showing how influential the film series was.
Where to Watch: Apple TV
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%, IMDb: 8.7/10
4. Titanic (1997)
If you ever find yourself at the helm of a ship, odds are you’ll stick your arms out and cry, “I’m the king of the world!” You can thank Titanic for that one. Like with The Matrix, Titanic is a film that still remains prevalent in our current pop culture. From Celine Dion’s song “My Heart Will Go On” to online debates about who could have fit on the door, Titanic finds a way to still be relevant decades after its release.
Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio will always be tied to this film as one of the biggest hits of their careers. Directed by James Cameron, Titanic is a film that makes use of its extensive run-time, even if everyone knows how the film’s going to end. It’s permanently colored how people view the actual Titanic incident, even going as far as convincing them that Jack and Rose were real people (they weren’t). If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely give it a watch. You’ll probably also wonder why they couldn’t both fit on the door at the end of the movie.
Where to Watch: Paramount+
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%, IMDb: 8.0/10
5. The Lion King (1994)
I doubt that Disney will ever reach the same level of success as it did with The Lion King. You think Frozen was huge? That has nothing on the global phenomenon that was The Lion King. As one of the highest-grossing animated films in the world, Disney’s hit 1994 movie still remains one of the company’s most beloved stories. Kids and adults alike were and still are in love with this movie, truly standing the test of time.
Part of what made The Lion King so loved was the music. The soundtrack is full of hit songs that fans can recite by heart. Hans Zimmer’s beautiful score and the catchy songs written by Elton John made this film not only enjoyable to watch, but to sing along with. Even today, you say the words “Hakuna Matata” and someone, either a kid or an adult, will fill in the rest of the lyrics. The Lion King has received a sequel film, animated TV shows, a Broadway musical, and now two live-action remakes, and I doubt Disney’s done milking the story. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or not, The Lion King has had quite an impact on pop culture and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Where to Watch: Disney+
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%, IMDb: 8.5/10
6. Scream (1996)
Scream did what few other horror films could accomplish – it remained true to its vision while still appealing to broader audiences. From the iconic opening scene with Drew Barrymore, viewers were hooked on this instant cult classic. Full of twists and shocking whodunnits, Scream encapsulated what horror films could be.
It’s no surprise that there are still Scream movies being made today. The first film was a hit and paved the way for a rebirth of horror films in the 1990s. Viewers who previously disliked horror could see the appeal. Still today, Scream brings in millions of people eager to see the next installment of the long-running series. From online trends, Halloween costumes, and countless references in the media, Scream has remained one of the most popular titles in horror. It’s doubtful it will be forgotten any time soon.
Where to Watch: Paramount+
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%, IMDb: 7.4/10
7. Spider-Man (2002)
People forget how groundbreaking Sam Raimi’s first Spider-Man film was. Now, we’re so used to superhero movies. They seem to come out every year and range from amazing to mildly entertaining. We’ve forgotten what it’s like to have truly bad superhero movies, and that’s why Spider-Man (2002) was such a groundbreaking hit.
Spider-Man’s going to be a fan favorite character no matter what, but this film introduced broader audiences to the web-slinging character. People fell in love with Toby Maguire’s quiet yet charming Peter Parker, and for many, this movie was a huge part of their childhoods. While there have been so many subsequent Spider-Man films, including a fourth Tom Holland Spider-Man film set to release this July, this movie’s impact cannot be forgotten. Without Spider-Man (2002), it’s doubtful that superhero movies would be the same today.
Where to Watch: Disney+
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%, IMDb: 7.4/10
That’s a wrap!
Millions of people watch movies, and millions more are impacted by pop culture. Whether it’s obvious or not, movies can remain relevant in viewers’ minds. As we interact with new media, there are constant references and homages that keep these films alive. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see what other movies remain prominent and how they’ll shape our pop culture.
