Top 10 Films with the Biggest Pop Culture Influence
These films left their mark and continue to do so. Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 movies with the biggest pop culture influence.
For this list, we’ll be looking at the films that left the biggest impact on popular culture by pervading public consciousness even long after they came out and whose effects are wide, long-lasting, or both. Both individual films and film series will be included, because narrowing down some franchises to a single film would be impossible.
#10: “The Lord of the Rings” franchise (2001-03)
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One of the best-selling novels ever written deserves one of the best movie adaptations and film series, period. Luckily, Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy lived up to its source material, pleasing moviegoers, critics. It even managed to win over many fans of the books, who saw the movies as a tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien, despite some changes. With its immersive worldbuilding, detailed special effects and mix of action and moving storytelling, it’s no wonder the epic high fantasy earned such massive box office success and multiple accolades. Its precious legacy includes a Jackson-directed prequel trilogy, video games, an in-development Amazon TV series, and more.
#9: “The Matrix” franchise (1999-2003)
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“The Matrix” and its sequels left a big mark on pop culture. The dystopian, virtual reality-focused films had us questioning our own reality and contemplating other complex ideas, while also being extremely entertaining. Besides affecting how other action flicks addressed deeper issues, “The Matrix” movies influenced everything from fashion to action choreography. And that’s not even going into the countless parodies and tributes to the films found in other media. “The Matrix” and its sequels’ influence on pop culture is one that is pervasive enough that some might even consider taking the blue pill, if it meant waking up in a world without it. And with the late 2010s talk of a reboot possibly in development, it sounds like we might be given another chance to do so.
#8: “Jaws” (1975)
This cinematic, oceanic thriller grabbed audiences, pulled them in, and left a big, toothy mark on our cultural zeitgeist. Without this movie, it’s unlikely we’d have had most of the blockbusters that came after it, since it effectively invented and set the blockbuster cycle and playbook. The effects of “Jaws” can also be seen in the numerous media that reference its famous soundtrack, often accompanied by a stalking shark fin, as well as our cultural obsession with sharks. But perhaps its most striking impact was the fact that it made so many of us afraid to go back in the water.
#7: “Pulp Fiction” (1994)
Quentin Tarantino’s profane nonlinear criminal masterpiece is still rippling through pop culture decades after its release. “Pulp Fiction” set the bar for non-mafia crime films, depicting a stellar ensemble cast in a series of interconnected stories, with brilliantly naturalistic dialogue, unforgettable scenes, and a kickass soundtrack to boot. The motion picture’s memorable quotes and scenes have been parodied all over TV and movies. Meanwhile, its influence on film in general has been tremendous, helping show how the use of pop cultural references within cinema could help craft something of exceptional quality.
#6: The “Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11)
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Few things have dominated pop culture quite as universally as “Harry Potter.” While the books about the boy wizard and his friends’ school life as well as the fight against evil were already extremely popular, the films helped turn the story into a worldwide phenomenon. Besides speaking to several generations of children and adults alike, the “Harry Potter” franchise also helped popularize young adult literature adaptations to the big screen. You might say that these films helped bring a little more magic back to the movies - and all of our lives.
#5: “Psycho” (1960)
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This psychological horror flick had to make this list, not only because it’s considered one of the most important works of cinematic art, but also because it’s a movie often deemed one of the greatest ever. “Psycho”’s twist may now be very well-known, but at the time, Alfred Hitchcock’s use of violence and sensuality pushed boundaries and allowed for subsequent filmmakers to follow in the Master of Suspense’s footsteps - as well as continue to advance the art. Thanks to moviegoers who allowed it to smash the box office, “Psycho” had critics reconsidering their initial mixed and negative reviews - which likely helped the film nab multiple Oscar nods. Meanwhile, “Psycho” is also considered a pioneer of the slasher film genre.
#4: Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-)
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Considering that this media franchise spans comic books, movies, short films, TV and web series, the MCU doesn’t really need much introduction. Nor do we really need much to convince you of its wide pop culture influence. From the surprisingly smart “Iron Man,” to the fun and funny “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the fitting conclusion to the 21 films that preceded it “Avengers: Endgame,” the MCU knows how to tell a story - and it knows how to tell it well. Despite critics’ claims of superhero fatigue, with franchise having at least 5 more feature films planned out for Phase 4 in the early 2020s - it doesn’t seem like this is actually the case, at least not anytime soon!
#3: “The Godfather” franchise (1972-90)
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Depicting the rise and fall of Italian-American mobster Michael Corleone following the death of his father Vito, “The Godfather” trilogy is filled to the brim with iconic characters, scenes, music, and dialogue. “The Godfather” and its sequels have had a profound impact on American culture and popular culture in general. Most notably, they’ve permeated the public consciousness and influenced onscreen depictions of organized crime, as well as spoken to real life mafia members, who loved the films as much as everyone else. “The Godfather” and its follow-ups are movies no one can refuse.
#2: “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
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It's the oldest film on our list, but that just means this musical fantasy has had more time to soak into the fabric of pop culture with its special brand of wonder. The story of Dorothy Gale and her friends’ journey down the yellow brick road to the merry old Land of Oz is one that few are unfamiliar with. The classic songs, gorgeous scenery, and the multitude of memorable lines have all been paid tribute to countless times over the years, to the point that “The Wizard of Oz” feels like home – and why is that? Because there’s no place like it!
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“Rocky” (1976)
“Jurassic Park” (1993)
“Mad Max” franchise (1979-)
“Forrest Gump” (1994)
The “Terminator” franchise (1984-)
#1: The “Star Wars” franchise (1977-)
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The Force is strong with these ones. The “Star Wars” films are an absolute juggernaut of pop cultural influence, with beloved characters, timeless scenes, striking imagery, and celebrated music. The epic sci-fi fantasy adventure franchise has captured the imaginations of millions around the world, inspiring an uncountable number of loving parodies, tributes, and homages, and spawning a multimedia empire spanning nearly every format that exists - not to mention a religious philosophy! “Star Wars” is now an integral part of pop culture that, like the Force, will be with us – always.
