7 Beloved Movies That Would Be Problematic Today

When we look back on our favorite movies, there are lots of good memories, but we tend to block out the problematic aspects. Many films have a prejudiced or problematic aspect to them which was ok back in the day, but would never be considered politically correct in 2020. Here are the most startling movie moments in Hollywood flicks that we didn’t realize were insensitive.

1. Love Actually

This is going to make a lot of people upset, but there are a lot of issues with the Christmas themed romantic comedy. For one thing, the British flick consistently fat-shames, displays acts of racism, and the gross side of power dynamics. Remember Colin Firth and that housekeeper? Or we could focus on the very stalker-like performance with cue cards that happens in the end. It’s not cute at all, and women, you deserve better.

2. Grease

Many of us were crushing on John Travolta in Grease. After all, it is a love story – with predatory song lyrics. The main theme of the love story in Grease is what really grinds our gears. Olivia Newton John’s character portrays the idea that if a woman changes her entire persona, she might have a chance with the man of her dreams. Nowadays, more and more films are spreading the message of “be yourself,” as they should!

Olivia Newton John and John Travolta in a scene from the film ‘Grease’, 1978. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

3. Sixteen Candles

It’s easy to romanticize this movie – Molly Ringwald stole our hearts in so many 1980s scenes, how could we not? But every time you find yourself falling for the fantasy, remember the character of Long Duk Dong, which portrayed racist stereotypes of Asian people. Gedde Watanabe was a shining beacon of on-screen representation for Asians, but we’re so disappointed in the character that was written for him. Additionally, there are discussions about assaulting Caroline when she’s drunk and unconscious.