Top 20 Most Popular Movies of All Time

It may be hard to believe, but at one point, superhero films weren’t nearly as adored as they are today. While there were a few notable exceptions, the genre was purely seen as filler entertainment between more reputable projects. “The Dark Knight” revolutionized the way a hero’s story could be told – but its impact goes far beyond the theater. It’s become a cultural mainstay with Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker being referenced in various media. Its popularity was then solidified following its usage in various political campaigns in the late 2000s. Whether one is paying homage to its gritty tone or merely using an iconic line for a meme, its popularity extends far beyond the genre’s usual audience.

It isn’t every day that a film in a non-traditional category appeals to such a vast array of people. While some may only remember “The Exorcist” for its often abrasive dialogue and effects, its influence on pop culture cannot be overstated. Although it’s been widely referenced throughout entertainment – particularly comedy – it easily broke past those barriers into the real world. It’s been used as a vehicle for delivering political talking points, especially during the downfall of the Clinton administration. One of its biggest successes was in appealing to those who followed stricter religions; breaking boundaries in a way that no one could’ve anticipated. It helped pave the way for future horror franchises, serving as the blueprint that other scary movies follow today.

You know a movie carries untold influence when practically everyone that follows it is compared to it in some sense. For years after its release, several action flicks were marketed by comparing them directly to “Die Hard”-- but its popularity reached further than the studios. It’s been referenced in some way in practically every form of media, from digital to physical. It’s even crossed boundaries by being introduced to younger children through their own age-appropriate content. Beyond entertainment, it’s also given way to an annual debate on its status as a Christmas film. Whether you believe it is or isn’t, the fact that one picture can hold so much sway even today is proof of its ingenuity.

While they may not be huge blockbusters, Martin Scorsese’s films are still undeniably popular. He’s helped add several phrases to the cultural lexicon, which is most evident in the 1976 cult classic “Taxi Driver.” However, the importance of “Goodfellas” is much more vast than mere quotes. It’s credited with helping to popularize the gangster subgenre, inspiring a wealth of various television shows and movies – including “The Sopranos.” It’s been referenced in countless films found within the same category, as though they’re paying homage to the piece that allowed them to flourish in the first place. Even if people haven’t seen “Goodfellas,” there’s still a good chance they’ve seen an aspect of it elsewhere - proving its legacy beyond a shadow of a doubt.

When even the smallest visual details are being recreated in subsequent works, you know you’ve got a truly popular piece on your hands. Whether its imagery is being utilized in other films or being circulated in various memes, it’s proven to have found a niche. This is all the more impressive, given its reaction when it was first released. Several musicians have also used it as inspiration for their own creative output, from music videos to whole albums. However, the biggest proof of its retroactive popularity is its original author, Stephen King, referencing it in his more recent work; essentially re-entering it into his universe in a meta fashion. It’s the ultimate proof that a flick doesn’t have to be received well initially to thrive.

The internet has had a huge hand in helping several films remain relevant long past their initial release. “Mean Girls” is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this, with practically every line going on to become iconic in some fashion. It’s practically come to define the millennial generation, serving as a microcosm of their own youth. As such, various details have been reincorporated throughout pop culture, from music to television shows to advertisements. It’s even been given its own honorary day of the year, which also makes for the perfect day to rewatch it! It’s so widely beloved that a few of its quotes even served as a way of soothing those who were anxious during the pandemic in 2020.

This is the ultimate proof that a film doesn’t have to be a box office smash to have lasting popularity. Quotable from beginning to end, it completely redefined what a fantasy story could entail. Several modern projects have made reference to “The Princess Bride”-- with Fred Savage even returning to reprise his role in the PG-13-rated version of the first “Deadpool” sequel. The movie’s influence has also seeped into the real world as well. A bar in Chicago centered around the flick also offers an opportunity to immerse oneself into the world, allowing fans across the nation to enjoy drinks themed around their own favorite piece of art. With all this in mind, it's no wonder why several cast members are still asked about it decades later.

With this release, the industry was permanently changed. It was the beginning of what became known as the summer blockbuster – many of which were compared to “Jaws” when first announced. The film was integral in creating the model that many Hollywood studios still use today when planning and creating new movies. Its popularity ended up having a slightly negative effect, with some passionate fans going out to hunt sharks en masse. “Jaws” has inspired a sprawling franchise, complete with multiple musicals, video games, and even a Lego set. While it may have a simpler concept now compared to other contemporary pictures, it’s still highly effective – ensuring it won’t lose its place on the throne any time soon.

All it takes is hearing a few notes of the theme song for it to be recognized – if that isn’t evidence of its popularity, then we don’t know what is. “Ghostbusters” was one of the few pieces of media at the time that helped counteract some of the negative perceptions believed about New York City at the time. This helped boost tourism in the area and made people feel safer in the process. The second part of their iconic team name has breached into real life, being applied to various careers such as farming and economics. The instantly recognizable logo has also become a mainstay as well, with many using it to protest unsavory politicians or large corporations that mistreat their employees.

It isn’t often that a movie serves as a snapshot of the United States’ history and culture. “Forrest Gump” is no stranger to the concept of popularity, with it becoming an instant box office and critical success. It has an underlying wholesome tone that appeals to a broad audience, making it the perfect watch for people of all ages and beliefs. Debates around the characters’ morality – Jenny in particular – are still going strong today, keeping it a part of the broader conversation. It bottled pure, unadulterated nostalgia into one viewing experience, making it hard to watch without feeling wistful for another time. The symbolism is still being discussed today, with many having differing ideas on what it all means.

Before this series, the idea of children’s media having any real narrative depth was practically unheard of. The success of the “Harry Potter” films helped see a surge in young adult book sales, with many newer ones being able to become their own franchises thanks to their magical predecessor. Beyond its impact on the literary world, it has unfettered social influence. Countless fans still discover their House or their Patronus to this day, allowing them to become immersed in the realm. It's breached into politics with some unsavory politicians being compared to Lord Voldemort as a way of taking away some of their power. Its dedicated fanbase has ensured that it will forever have a place within pop culture.

While its technical aspects are usually praised – and for good reason – it has plenty more to offer in the way of cultural impact. “Jurassic Park” inspired a mass wave of interest in dinosaurs in the real world, motivating a whole generation of children into fields that had seen dwindling interest beforehand. The film was key in helping Toronto find a name and mascot following their addition to the National Basketball Association in 1995. Its true legacy lies in the way other films have adopted its use of special effects, particularly CGI – which is still utilized by countless studios to this day. No wonder why it’s still considered one of the most influential pictures in all of cinema history.

When it comes to blockbusters, nobody does it quite like James Cameron. He’s been at the helm of several highly influential pictures, with each shaping the culture in their own unique ways. While it may not have a dedicated fanbase, “Avatar” is still revered for its groundbreaking use of 3D technology. “Titanic” never truly had its successors’ issue, as it was an immediate favorite amongst viewers and critics. Various aspects of its plot have stood the test of time and are still talked about to this day – such as the logistics of the infamous emotional climax. He created what was essentially a modern-day romantic tragedy, making the reality of the Titanic disaster all the more relatable and emotional.

It isn’t often that a film adaptation elevates the original source material, rather than takes away from it. Based upon a single novel of the same name, “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is one of the most revered fantasy series in recent cinematic history. Its broad scope and commitment to the original plot have allowed the novel to thrive long after it was first published. It had a large impact on global tourism, particularly in New Zealand. People were flocking from all over to see the gorgeous sights where they were filmed. Along with “Harry Potter,” it helped revive and repopularize fantasy as a genre, getting a whole new generation excited for stories of that nature.

While “The Dark Knight” may have redefined what a superhero movie could be, this helped inspire them to be made in the first place. With its breathtaking effects and gripping story, “The Matrix” quickly became one of the most popular films of its time. Elements of the plot have seeped out into the real world – especially the red versus blue pill question. Various groups online have latched onto this as a way of expressing their own views, causing the plot device to become a controversial and permanent mainstay in today’s culture. Even describing something as “-pilled” is an indirect reference to it. Beyond that, it’s also been lampooned and referenced countless times across various art forms, giving it the multi-faceted legacy it has today.

To say this shook things up would be an understatement. By incorporating copious amounts of violence and utilizing a non-traditional method of storytelling, “Pulp Fiction” easily became one of the most unique and important films of all time. It helped raise independent movie makers to higher levels, as the success of Tarantino’s project allowed them to receive higher budgets for their own. The film also had a hand in bringing noir back into the mainstream. Beyond filmmaking, it had an immediate impact in online spaces, with fans joining together to foster a community dedicated to it. It’s no wonder why some of the most revered critics have gone on to say that it’s one of – if not the most – influential films of the 1990s.

It did what most couldn’t – find a way to make time travel central to the plot without it becoming too confusing. “Back to the Future” is a truly special film, with a story that can excite even the most cold-hearted cynic. Its portrayal of the 1950s and 1980s are both steeped in nostalgia, appealing to an older generation that grew up during those days. Beyond that, the genuinely fun plot and consistently hilarious quips have remained timeless, making it perfect to introduce to younger generations as well. Even the usage of the DeLorean – the iconic car used to travel back in time – has ended up being a culturally impactful choice, with people accessorizing their own cars to look like them.

Even though it first came out in 1939, it’s still one of the most popular films ever made. While the book alone had already made huge strides in creating fantasy works for children, the movie took that success and made it even more all-encompassing. Several props – including the iconic ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland – are considered to be some of the world’s most valuable memorabilia. Parodies of “The Wizard of Oz” and covers of the songs on the soundtrack have also proven to be extremely successful, proving just how influential it is culturally. While not many films from Hollywood’s Golden Era have remained in the public consciousness, this one has stood the test of time to become an international favorite.

It’s often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and it’s clear to see why. Beyond what technically makes it good, it helped create some of the stereotypes surrounding Italian-Americans. Some even formed their opinions on the group after seeing this movie – proving that even the best works can have some disastrous real-world consequences. The picture also created and popularized terms for the mafia, which quickly became widespread. Even if someone hasn’t seen “The Godfather,” its quotes are so iconic that they still know of its impact. Everything from “The Simpsons” to “Barbie” has referenced it in one way or another – ensuring that it will maintain a legacy far beyond its filmmaking prowess.

Although the franchise as a whole has had some sort of impact on pop culture, it’s this particular sequel that has remained one of the most relevant in the decades since it was released. “The Empire Strikes Back” has several elements that have been continuously referenced in other media, such as the landmark twist ending that still shocks new viewers to this day. Its usage of a cliffhanger ending in particular has caused it to become more prominent in other media, with whole franchises taking inspiration from it. It completely changed the way sequels were made going forward, proving why it’s beneficial to take the risk and deviate from the original’s formula. It’s a perfect microcosm of American film – and its legacy speaks for itself.


What popular movie do you think has had the biggest cultural impact? Let us know in the comments below.