17 movies that have become classics over time

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) | Image Source: TriStar Pictures
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) | Image Source: TriStar Pictures

We associate some movies with pivotal moments in film history; however, a few didn't make any waves when initially shown. These cinematic pieces floundered early on or simply did not create the frenzy that can be detected today. From groundbreaking sci-fi epics to comedies, these films were ahead of their time in ways only viewers caught up with years later. Here's a look at 17 movies that defied early expectations to become the timeless classics we celebrate today.

1) Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction (1994) | Image Source: Miramax Films
Pulp Fiction (1994) | Image Source: Miramax Films

While Pulp Fiction is nowadays considered a cinematic classic, 1994 had it as something new in terms of storytelling; Quentin Tarantino redefined storytelling with this work, which took place in a wave of straight narratives. The film received mixed reviews where some praised its storyline, screenplay, and soundtrack. whereas, others criticized it for its violence, racial slurs, and homophobia. The film, however, won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and redefined indie cinema.

2) The Thing (1982)

The Thing (1982) | Image Source: Universal Pictures
The Thing (1982) | Image Source: Universal Pictures

John Carpenter's The Thing is considered today a cult sci-fi horror classic, but it was anything but acclaimed in 1982. Drowned out by Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, audiences and critics alike condemned the film to be too grotesque, too ghastly, and bleak. Yet over the years, its outstanding practical effects and icy ambiance attracted a devoted cult following. Its exploration of paranoia and trust remains timeless, making it a cult favorite decades later.

3) Blade Runner (1982)

Blade Runner (1982) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
Blade Runner (1982) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

Ridley Scott's Blade Runner today is a forerunner sci-fi vision that is dystopian, but for its 1982 release date, it generated mixed reviews at the box office. Audiences found it slow for its pacing and complex themes. Even so, some of the finer aspects of such a cyberpunk future are incredibly visually stunning on film. Even with multiple releases and Scott's director cut, it holds a cult film status. It's hard to believe this cornerstone of the genre was initially overlooked.

4) The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix (1999) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Matrix (1999) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

When The Matrix premiered in 1999, it combined philosophy, action, and visual effects in a much-needed combination for the big screen. Those sequences of "bullet time" became famous for filmmaking. It was up against Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace, and it slowly picked up steam and garnered over $460 million globally. Today, it is a cultural phenomenon that is referenced in technology, fashion, and popular culture, which shows how forward-thinking it was at the time.

5) The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride (1987) | Image Source: 20th Century Fox
The Princess Bride (1987) | Image Source: 20th Century Fox

This fantasy film which is a love story and an adventure was something that audiences would not quite warm up to in 1987. The Princess Bride was advertised as a fantasy, but this movie had wit and humor to it that spoke to all age groups. Now, it's a cult classic that people love to quote. However, it wasn't back then. Only through home video and cable reruns did its charm and memorable lines, such as "As you wish," gain popularity and secure beloved status.

6) The Shining (1980)

The Shining (1980) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Shining (1980) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is one of the most studied horror films of today, but when it came out in 1980, it was divisive. Even Stephen King did not like Kubrick's version of his novel. Critics were also quick to pan the film as too slow and not scary enough, yet the unsettling visuals and Jack Nicholson's performance have become cultural staples. It's hard to remember when audiences did not appreciate the eerie brilliance of The Shining, now regarded as a masterpiece of psychological horror.

7) The Truman Show (1998)

The Truman Show (1998) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures
The Truman Show (1998) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures

The Truman Show opened in 1998 as a clever satire about reality television and surveillance culture, long before these themes became mainstream concerns. Originally seen as a quirky and thought-provoking drama, the film is now regarded as eerily prophetic in its comments regarding privacy and manipulation within mass media. With its continued relevance in the age of social media, astonishingly, it was way ahead of its time when this movie came out.

8) Clue (1985)

Clue (1985) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures
Clue (1985) | Image Source: Paramount Pictures

Based on the popular board game, Clue hit theaters in 1985 with a genius twist: filmgoers at different theaters experienced different endings. Though the plot was cleverly conceived and comedy was rife, it proved to be an absolute failure. It wasn't until its videocassette release that Clue became the cult classic the film needed to show off its good one-liners and over-the-top acting.

9) Spaceballs (1987)

Spaceballs (1987) | Image Source: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Spaceballs (1987) | Image Source: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Mel Brooks' Spaceballs is now a classic parody of sci-fi films, but at the time of its release in 1987, it didn't wow critics. While fans of Star Wars appreciated the sarcasm, critics had mixed feelings about the film's slapstick humor and extreme absurdity. Over the years, the relentless silliness of the film created a loyal following, and it is now undisputedly a comedy staple. Its numerous one-liners and quote-worthy jokes have always kept fans out to watch another Star Wars spoof.

10) Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) | Image Source: 20th Century Fox
Big Trouble in Little China (1986) | Image Source: 20th Century Fox

Big Trouble in Little China was a film by John Carpenter that didn't seem to find its place when it came out in 1986. The audiences did not understand how to take this film, as it was a mix of martial arts, fantasy, and comedy, and critics just said it was too disorganized. It became a cult classic later because of Kurt Russell's charismatic performance and the film's zany energy. It is now one of those classics that was so far ahead of its time.

11) The Evil Dead (1981)

The Evil Dead (1981) | Image Source: New Line Cinema
The Evil Dead (1981) | Image Source: New Line Cinema

The Evil Dead by Sam Raimi is known to be this low-budget, shocking horror flick from 1981 with loads of gore in its special effects and unending speed. Shunned at its time as nothing but a marginal splatter flick, word-of-mouth on the midnight screen helped create generations of influence from the cinematography and even the DIY spirit with which it approached its making. Now, for better or for worse, the horror genre needs it. Sometimes small indie pictures make the bigger legacy.

12) Akira (1988)

Akira (1988) | Image Source: Toho
Akira (1988) | Image Source: Toho

Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira is a landmark in animation, but it was certainly ahead of the curve when it was released in 1988. Although this earned it a sizeable following in Japan, it did not immediately make a dent in the Western audience to appreciate its complex narrative and stunning visuals. Year after year as anime gained ground globally, it became a symbol of this potential. Its influence on cyberpunk aesthetics and storytelling transcends words, and it has proven to be one of the greatest ever made animated films.

13) Ghostbusters (1984)

Ghostbusters (1984) | Image Source: Columbia Pictures
Ghostbusters (1984) | Image Source: Columbia Pictures

Ghostbusters was the film of the moment after its release in 1984. Yet, its impact wasn't ever certain. This movie was a comedy-sci-fi-supernatural crowd-pleaser that dared to be quirky. Critics and audiences equally fell in love with the memorable cast, theme song, and inventive special effects. Though it grossed millions at the box office, to have had such an enduring impact on pop culture, from that line of merchandise to this most recent reboot, makes it feel all the more important.

14) Jurassic Park (1993)

Jurassic Park (1993) | Image Source: Universal Pictures
Jurassic Park (1993) | Image Source: Universal Pictures

When Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park thundered its way into the theaters in 1993, it revolutionized visual effects using its sleek, life-like CGI dinosaurs. But few could have foreseen the impact it would have on American popular culture outside of its groundbreaking technology. Its theme of scientific ethics and awe-inspiring adventure continues to resonate. With sequels, spin-offs, and theme park attractions, Jurassic Park is more than a movie; it is a phenomenon.

15) Groundhog Day (1993)

Groundhog Day (1993) | Image Source: Columbia Pictures
Groundhog Day (1993) | Image Source: Columbia Pictures

Groundhog Day was not an instant success when it came out in 1993, but the concept of this film quickly made it a fan favorite. The hilarious yet heartfelt performance by Bill Murray elevated this tale of a man reliving the same day endlessly. Initially marketed as a romantic comedy, the film has had philosophical undertones that have brought it under more scrutiny over the years. Today, it is considered one of the greatest comedies of all time and one of the greatest explorations of personal growth and redemption.

16) Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) | Image Source: TriStar Pictures
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) | Image Source: TriStar Pictures

James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day became the new standard for action films with stunning visual effects and gripping storytelling. Released in 1991, the film was a real game-changer, the first showcasing advanced CGI on screen, through the T-1000 liquid-metal design. Whether audiences embraced it as an immediate thriller blockbuster or simply as a means of its influence on sci-fi and action filmmaking, it still remains one of the best benchmarks for sequels done right.

17) Metropolis (1927)

Metropolis (1927) | Image Source: Universum Film (UFA)
Metropolis (1927) | Image Source: Universum Film (UFA)

Fritz Lang's Metropolis is one of the silent cinema masterpieces. This film from 1927, set in a futuristic city, detailed the class struggle issue for the then-contemporary society. Although it received mixed reviews at the time, its ambitious vision and dream themes now make it a legendary film that not just film historians or enthusiasts cannot ignore, but people restore what they found lost in the movie. Its mark can be found in thousands of science fiction creations, from Blade Runner to The Fifth Element.

Quick Links

Edited by Abhimanyu Sharma
comments icon

What's your opinion?
Newest
Best
Oldest