Cinema as an art form has evolved substantially since the motion picture was first conceived. Filmmakers have cemented their place in history with their bold ventures into the unknown, using new techniques and practices, and setting a foundation for others to build upon.
Whilst these films keep their significance due to them being the pioneers behind new movie ideas, or for their launching of a new star or style, they can be incredibly underwhelming when viewed today. The advancement of film itself has left many historically important films appearing primitive, and progression in society has rendered some near-unwatchable due to their controversial content. They may be trendsetters and trailblazers, but these films aren't as good as the history books would have you believe.
10 X-Men: The Last Stand Walked So The MCU Could Run
The awe-inspiring digital de-aging of actors showcased in the MCU had audiences questioning if the likes of screen legends Kurt Russell and Michael Douglas were simply appearing via decades-old archive footage. The impressive technique understandably had humble beginnings though, first used in 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand.
The initial attempt had Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen looking more like Madame Tussaud miscasts than their younger selves. With the film itself being one of the most forgettable and poorly received of the mutant movies, it will likely only be remembered as the first time a movie digitally turned back the clock on its aging stars.
9 Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man May Have Started A Trend, But It's Greatly Overshadowed By Those That Came After
Though Universal classic monster movies had been an established franchise of sorts for around a decade, 1943 saw the first crossover within their horror universe, pitting characters from separate films against each other. Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man started a trend, one that stretches throughout cinema history— from the original King Kong vs. Godzilla to Freddy vs. Jason, and all the way to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
When viewed without its historic standing in mind, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man feels very much like the first attempt that it was, and makes for a great comparison for how far the use of the cinematic universe has come since its release.
8 The Racial Insensitivity Is Hugely Distracting In Breakfast At Tiffany's
Some films do not age well largely due to them being a reflection of their times, but few beloved films have aged as poorly as the Audrey Hepburn-starring Breakfast at Tiffany's. Though it received numerous Academy Award nominations and gave the world Audrey Hepburn's most iconic role, the 1961 picture sadly features one of cinema's most offensive, insensitive, and unfunny caricatures.
Mickey Rooney donned makeup and ridiculous prosthetics to transform himself into a Japanese character. Some still hold up Breakfast at Tiffany's as an important piece of cinema, it's very difficult to enjoy today with such a distractingly racist depiction on-screen.
7 The Jazz Singer Makes For Difficult Viewing In Modern Times
The Jazz Singer's release in 1927 stands as one of the most significant in all of cinema, as with this movie came the end of the silent film era. The Jazz Singer served as proof that "the talkies" were the future for film, and for this reason, the movie's status in motion picture history cannot be disputed.
Though blackface was sadly seen as normal at the time, this aspect makes the film incredibly difficult viewing for modern audiences. As a society, we now know better— and honestly should've known better then as well— and The Jazz Singer works merely as a glimpse into a more racist and ignorant time in North America.
6 Monster's Ball Remains An Example Of The Lack Of Diversity When It Comes To Award Recognition
Even in 2021, there remains a worrying lack of diversity amongst nominees when Oscar season rolls around. Monster's Ball's importance is all down to Halle Berry and the fact that her win for Best Actress was the very first for an African-American performer, something that it shouldn't have taken until the 21st century to happen.
In the 20 years since there has yet to be another African-American Best Actress winner, and though Monster's Ball is by no means a terrible movie, it would almost have certainly been forgotten to time if not for Berry's show-stealing performance.
5 The Video Game Movie Genre Got Off To A Rough Start With Super Mario Bros.
It may take some imagination stretching to consider Super Mario Bros. an important film, but despite its many failings, no one can take away the fact that it holds the title of the very first live-action video game movie. Only a few anime adaptations predate it in any format.
The loveable Italian plumber was certainly worthy of his chance on the big screen, but Super Mario Bros. started a trend of less-than-stellar video game adaptations that would last for decades.
4 As Wonderful As Its Songs Are, Song Of The South Simply Doesn't Hold Up Today
Walt Disney contributed a sensational selection of classics to cinematic archives. Though Mary Poppins is considered by many to be his masterpiece, the film's famous blending of live-action and animation was actually done by Disney years prior in Song of the South.
The film features one of cinema's great musical treasures in the song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," yet Song of the South is another significant film rendered troublesome by modern eyes. Presenting it as a great film in 2021 makes for a tough argument.
3 Famous Firsts Aren't Enough To Make The Lost World Enjoyable
Even before Disney's dabbling in live-action and animation combos, there were filmmakers boldly experimenting with the idea. The 1925 silent monster movie The Lost World was the very first time audiences were treated to animation and live-action together on the same screen.
The Lost World also holds the distinction of being the first in-flight movie. Without this and its pioneering of animation techniques, the silent film would arguably be forgotten to time, as it was soon greatly overshadowed by the many superior monster movies that followed it.
2 Red Dawn Started The PG-13 Era But Did Little Else For Cinema
The film that birthed the PG-13 rating is seen by many as a guilty pleasure, an enjoyable and patriotic action movie. To others though, Red Dawn borders on right-wing propaganda.
Whichever side an audience member may find themselves on, it's hard to argue the film being anything near a masterpiece. Despite the efforts of certified talents Patrick Swayze, Powers Boothe, and Jennifer Grey, Red Dawn is an inconsistent, thinly-plotted, and overly violent movie of the most mediocre variety.
1 The Birth Of A Nation Is Certainly Important, But It's Also Highly Offensive
1915's The Birth of a Nation lays claim to many firsts in cinema history. Yet despite its significance, the film is best left as a relic of the past.
Originally called The Clansman, the silent film is an appallingly racist celebration of the Ku Klux Klan and was even cited as the inspiration for the terrorist organization's rebirth. The film may be a pioneer, but it does not belong on any list of movies worth watching in modern times and its name should only ever be brought up to condemn it.