10 Movies that criticised or mocked society

Cinema has had a powerful influence on people and its purpose is not just limited to entertainment. It is a bold platform to bring change in society, to educate the masses about the outdated, conservative practices that have infiltrated our minds for so long. Cinematographers have made good use of their creative powers to leave an impact on society, exposing its hypocritical nature and flaws. They have forced us to question the system, whether it is through subtle criticism or bold storytelling. Here is a list of 10 movies that serve as a satire and biting commentary on various social issues that are relevant even today.

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1. Parasite (2019)

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite is a South Korean masterpiece that shakes you right to the core with its haunting imagery of the prevalent class distinction in society. As the members of a struggling family try to cling to a wealthy household and live off them, the film carefully peels back the complex layers of inequality and prejudice ingrained in the system.

We get a glimpse of the stark contrast between the rich living inside luxuriously and safely built houses while the poor hustle in cramped spaces that are most likely to collapse during a natural calamity. Parasite received numerous prestigious awards and worldwide praise for its subtle juxtaposition of dark humor and stinging commentary on themes of greed, desperation, and capitalism. The way the plot takes a tragic and shocking turn will leave you questioning every aspect of modern life.

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2. Dead Poets Society (1989)

This 1989 comedy drama is not just an emotional rollercoaster but also a brilliantly sharp criticism of how we are expected to give in to the norms and conventions society has designed for us. In the film, the students of the elite boarding school, Welton Academy, find themselves under pressure to follow the narrow, conservative rules over any expression of creative talent.

However, their fate changes when Mr. Keating, with his liberal and unconventional approach to life, teaches the students to think outside the box and seize every moment. He inspires them to challenge the competitive educational structure and rebel against a society that constantly tries to belittle their dreams. Robert Williams delivers a mesmerizing performance in the role of John Keating, the English teacher at Welton. Dead Poets Society is a revolutionary work in the world of cinema that remains relevant even in modern times.

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3. American Psycho (2000)

American Psycho follows the journey of a mind that is slowly descending into madness and erratic violence amidst a shallow, capitalist, and narcissistic society. Patrick Bateman, played by none other than Christian Bale, is a well-to-do investment banker, surrounded by a crowd that prioritizes looking good on the outside over one’s emotional and mental well-being.

Bateman finds it extremely difficult to not let his psychopathic, sexually depraved, murderous alter ego take over him, all while struggling to keep up with the never-ending corporate rat race. His irrational obsession with the finest quality business cards or following a precise skincare routine every morning was only a cry for help, for it aptly mirrored the hollow reality behind all that glamour and gold.

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4. The Truman Show (1998)

Truman Burbank’s world comes crashing down when he discovers that from his very birth, his every major and minor life event has been broadcasted on the television as an entertainment reality show. He feels exploited and violated as he begins to question not just the depth of his relationships but his entire identity.

The Truman Show presents a biting criticism of the sad and brutal nature of media and public amusement. Grave themes like individualism, personal boundaries, and the artificiality of modern life are cleverly explored throughout the film with a predominant use of humor. It mocks a society obsessed with controlling the lives of others and also thriving on their turmoil and triumphs as a source of drama. Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Truman Burbank is heart-rending and hilarious at the same time.

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5. Good Will Hunting (1997)

Good Will Hunting, a film by Gus Van Sant, is more than a story of self-discovery where a young janitor at MIT, named Will Hunting, is secretly a mathematics prodigy but struggles to carve out a life away from his troubled past amidst the harsh realities of South Boston. It subtly critiques how talent and genius are dependent on one's social status and personal struggles in a world where you are curbed by your circumstances.

Will’s fate comes around when he starts opening up to Dr. Sean, played by Robert Williams. He slowly learns to move past his traumas and burdens. “It's not your fault” is a famous dialogue in the movie that reminds us how society often expects one to take responsibility for actions that are not his or hers to bear in the first place. Good Will Hunting hints at the fact that our worth cannot be determined by a degree or some past mistakes but by the sheer talents we possess.

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6. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

The Pursuit of Happynes is not just a homeless man’s struggle to secure a shelter for himself and his son, but also a bitter social commentary on the tireless race towards the American Dream. As Chris Gardner is left with the care of his 5-year-old son after he loses all his life savings and his wife abandons him, the film highlights the challenges and hardships of surviving in this fast-moving, relentless world.

Chris Gardener's hard work and determination to carve out a sustainable life for the two of them go in vain several times because sometimes luck, timing, and an influential position in society play a bigger role in shaping one's fortunes.

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7. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

An adaptation of the novel by Ken Kesey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a satire on the strict protocols society often imposes on us. The mental asylum McMurphy is sent to serves as a microcosm for the world that tries to redefine one’s individuality as per its own set of rules and traditions.

His rebellion against the overbearing and orthodox nurse, Ratched, is a powerful depiction of the human need for autonomy in a controlled system. The patients under Ratched’s oppressive care embody those who feel suffocated by the societal expectations that dictate our lives. McMurphy’s ultimate failure to break free from the prison is a brutal reminder of how we so often succumb to these rigid social conventions.

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8. Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club is a stark exploration of themes like consumerism and the identity crisis of manhood in a fast-paced, materialistic world. When an unnamed protagonist struggles to keep up with the relentless corporate grind, spoiler alert: he creates an alter ego for himself to rebel against the system. He forms the underground “fight club” (I know we don't talk about it) as a bold rejection of societal norms by resorting to violence and denial.

Directed by David Fincher, the film exposes the monotony of following a usual routine that society has outlined for us. A 9-to-5 job, interacting with the same 5 people, and other typical day-to-day activities are apparently what make us fit in with the crowd. But Fight Club challenges this notion and forces the protagonist to not fall victim to the pattern. It depicts how a little chaos can make you feel more alive.

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9. Poor Things (2023)

Poor Things unapologetically questions the gender roles and absurd rules of society. When a young woman with a child's brain (quite literally) sets off in the misogynistic, male-dominated world to carve out an identity of her own, she discovers the hollow prejudices and gender-biased norms imposed on her.

Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, finds herself constantly shamed for owning her sexuality and independence. After all, a society does not like a woman who makes her own choices. The film boldly uses humor to criticize the bizarre patriarchal guidelines forced down our throats in the name of progress and culture. As you laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, you can't help but ponder on the grave social issues. Poor Things very subtly lays bare before your eyes.

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10. Get Out (2017)

This 2017 horror comedy by Jordan Peele bluntly critiques the social issue of racial discrimination and oppression. Chris, a Black American, goes over to visit his White girlfriend's parents for the weekend. Things quickly take a dark turn as he notices the servants in the house are also Black, and the family starts to behave in a strange, secretive way.

Get Out is a movie that exposes how racism is still a deep-seated concern in a so-called civil society. Peele employs dark humor to comment on the sinister side of human nature through the urge to exploit and dominate an inferior community of people. Get Out is a reminder that politeness can often hide an evil agenda underneath it all.