10 Classic Movies That Would 100% Get Canceled In 2025

1. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007)

Adam Sandler may be a comedy legend, but it's no secret that his seemingly fun-loving material can toe the line of offensiveness.

One of the biggest examples is his 2007 film, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. Starring alongside Kevin James, the pair portray two straight firefighters who pretend to be a married gay couple in order to secure health benefits.

The movie relies on outdated gay stereotypes, ranging from exaggerated mannerisms to jokes that depend on the mere idea of queerness being inherently funny. If it were made today, this film would definitely be viewed as tone-deaf.

2. Manhattan (1979)

It's hard to think that Manhattan would ever be made today in the post-#MeToo era. The plot's central romance revolves around Isaac Davis, a 42-year-old man dating a 17-year-old high school student named Tracy.

Sure, the movie acknowledges the ethical concerns of the relationship. Nonetheless, the fact remains that this dynamic is the core of the film, and many have questioned how such a story was ever normalized in the first place.

3. Borat (2006)

When this mockumentary came out in 2006, it raked in over $260 million at the box office and became one of the most quotable films of its time.

Regardless, this satirical film leans into a lot of offensive stereotypes to get laughs. The title character is misogynistic, mocks feminists, adopts exaggerated Black stereotypes and expresses antisemitic beliefs.

While the movie's intention was to expose ignorance and prejudice, many would probably miss the joke (and only see the offense) in today's climate.

4. Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971)

Written in 1981 by Gene Roddenberry, Pretty Maids All in a Row follows a high school gym teacher who seduces multiple female students. It's deeply unsettling.

There is a serial killer subplot, but this attempt to balance the story does little to condemn the predatory behavior. And it wouldn't go over well with audiences today.

5. Rain Man (1988)

Rain Man was a huge success in 1988, but its portrayal of autism hasn't aged well. This comedy-drama is about a car dealer, played by Tom Cruise, who finds out his estranged father died and tries to make sure his late dad's $3 million estate is left to him instead of his brother, Raymond, who has autism.

Dustin Hoffman's performance as Raymond might've helped win the film four Academy Awards, but it also fueled misconceptions about autism.

6. Stagecoach (1939)

Stagecoach was a landmark in movie history, but today, its portrayal of Indigenous people is impossible to ignore.

Directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, the film reduces Indigenous people to violent antagonists who are just obstacles for the white cowboys to overcome. It reflects the deep racism of early Hollywood and would never be made in the same way today.

7. Freaks (1932)

Freaks is one of the more controversial horror films of the 1930s. It's set in a circus and follows a group of sideshow performers played by real people with disabilities who take revenge on a cruel trapeze artist and her strongman after they plot to murder one of their own.

This film has been applauded for its sympathetic portrayal of the performers as more humane than their able-bodied counterparts. Still, it also sensationalized their differences, so it's unlikely a major studio would attempt anything similar today.

8. Howard The Duck (1986)

The 1980s undoubtedly produced plenty of bizarre films, but Howard The Duck took things to the next level. It was marketed as a family-friendly adventure despite its raunchy humor, adult themes, and bizarre moments.

The movie left parents horrified even back in the 1980s, so you can probably imagine how much outrage it would spark today.

9. Home Alone(1990)

Home Alone is still a favorite holiday classic, but its premise would definitely cause some major controversy today. The idea of two parents accidentally leaving their young son behind and not noticing until they're halfway across the world wouldn't be played for laughs.

Add in the fact that Kevin McCallister is left to fend off two burglars by himself, and it's easy to see why audiences now might view the film more critically and have concerns about child neglect and endangerment.

10. Tropic Thunder (2008)

Finally, Tropic Thunder may be a cult classic that was intentionally provocative and used satire to critique Hollywood, but there is no way it could hit big screens today.

The character Kirk Lazarus, played by Robert Downey Jr., along with the film's outdated humor and portrayal of race (like the use of blackface), just wouldn't fly.