Pop Culture is heavily influenced by movies and TV shows, which shape our beliefs and views of the world. Here are ten groundbreaking movies and TV shows that shook Pop Culture to its core. Gone With The Wind (1939) was a romantic portrayal of the Southern United States which was considered controversial because it was seen as an issuance of segregation and racism. The Twilight Zone (1959) revolutionized the sci-fi genre with thought-provoking storylines that challenged societal beauty standards. Psycho (1960) created a new genre of horror that included themes of voyeurism, personality disorders, and violence. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969) portrayed a future where humanity lived in harmony with one another and with the universe while addressing social and political issues such as racial profiling and imperialism. All In The Family (1971-1979) sparked a national conversation on social issues and addressed America’s social and political environment in the 1970s. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) introduced a unique universe of science fiction storytelling that reached commercial success and made sci-fi a mainstream genre. The Cosby Show (1984-1992) presented an unconventional view of African American families tackling social issues such as educational disparity, gender roles, and family values. The Simpsons (1989-Present) tackled controversial social issues such as politics, marriage, and religion, and became the longest-running TV show in the United States. The Matrix (1999) revolutionized the science fiction genre and expanded the vision of reality produced by technology. Breaking Bad (2008-2013) presented an unusual look into the world of drugs and its impact on society, setting new standards for plot, cinematography, and acting. These ten movies and TV shows will remain conversation starters for years to come.
10 Groundbreaking Movies and TV Shows That Shook Pop Culture to Its Core
Pop Culture is the way of life that evolves through the style of the entertainment industry; movies, TV shows, video games, music, and other creative works. Throughout the years, Pop Culture has been subject to historical changes, social messages, and technological advancements. Movies and TV shows have the power of leaving a lasting impact on society. They shape our beliefs, our views of the world, and at times can initiate a change that words cannot. Here are ten groundbreaking movies and TV shows that shook Pop Culture to its core.
1. Gone With The Wind (1939)
Gone With The Wind is a historical epic movie released in 1939. It’s an adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s novel of the same name, which presented the events before and after the American Civil War. The movie tackled a broad range of themes such as love, self-worth, and sacrifice. The South’s romantic portrayal in the movie was seen as an issuance of segregation and racism advocacy in the United States. Despite the controversy and the disagreement over the theme, Gone With The Wind is considered one of the most successful movies in the history of cinema.
2. The Twilight Zone (1959)
The Twilight Zone is one of the TV shows that revolutionized the sci-fi genre. The show introduced thought-provoking stories that dealt with the paranormal, futuristic science fiction, and social commentary. The show most popular episode, “The Eye of the Beholder,” tackled beauty-standards and challenged the notion of what is considered beautiful in society.
3. Psycho (1960)
Psycho is a psychological thriller that follows the troubled character of Norman Bates. The movie created a new genre of thriller; horror movies were common at the time, but Psycho stepped beyond the common understanding of the horror within society. The movie was controversial due to its themes that included voyeurism, personality disorders, gender roles, and violence. Psycho’s iconic shower scene continues to influence movies today, and the film remains a classic in the thriller genre.
4. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)
Star Trek: The Original Series was a TV show with a significant impact on society. The show tackled several issues that were prevalent at the time, such as racial profiling, imperialism, and cold war politics. The show portrayed a future where humanity evolved beyond their present beliefs and lived in harmony with one another and with the universe. The Star Trek franchise continues to evolve to today in varied forms such as video games, TV shows, and movies.
5. All In The Family (1971-1979)
All In The Family is considered one of the most influential TV show ever created. The show covered America’s social and political environment in the 1970s with the perspective of an outsider living a comfortable suburban life. The main character, Archie Bunker, was controversial because of the character’s open racism and bigotry, as well as his reflecting the beliefs and values of certain sections of the US population. The show and its characters sparked a national conversation on social issues that were not addressed in mainstream media at the time.
6. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is one of the most significant movies in the history of cinema. The movie introduced the world to an entirely unique universe of science fiction storytelling, where Jedi knights fought alongside smugglers to take down an evil empire. The movie was a commercial success, and its profound impact created a change in the entertainment world, making sci-fi a mainstream genre. The Star Wars film franchise is alive and well today, with numerous sequels, prequels, and standalone franchises that continue to influence future generations.
7. The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
The Cosby Show presented a rare view of the African-American families in America with Bill Cosby as the head of the Huxtable family. The show stood out from the typical stereotypes of African-American families presented at that time in popular media. The show tackled numerous social issues such as educational disparity, gender roles, and the subject of family values. Despite the controversy that accompanied Bill Cosby due to his personal life, the show’s impact on social issues remains significant.
8. The Simpsons (1989-Present)
The Simpsons is an animated TV show that has run since 1989 and has notable influence. The Simpsons introduced a new genre of comedy to the viewers and tackled controversial social issues such as politics, marriage, and religion. The show’s satirical portrayal of American society made it the longest-running TV show on the country’s television screens.
9. The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is a science fiction movie that revolutionized the genre and expanded the vision of reality produced by technology. The movie received significant recognition for its effects and was instrumental in creating a template for future science fiction movies. The film’s popularity has sprouted sequels, spin-offs, and anime, cementing a place in cinematic history.
10. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Breaking Bad is a TV show that presents an unusual look into the world of drugs and its impact on society. The show follows Walter White, a high school teacher who turns to drug dealing to fund his cancer treatment. The show tackles themes such as morality, fate, and the impact of drugs on society. Breaking Bad is widely considered one of the best TV dramas ever created, setting new standards for plot, cinematography, and acting.
Conclusion
Movies and TV shows have the power to transcend time and become a significant part of our Pop culture. Whether they entertain, inform, or provoke, they shape the world we live in and have a profound impact on society. That is why these ten movies and TV shows will remain conversations starters years to come.