Clint Eastwood's breakthrough came with Dirty Harry in 1971, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. Its famous lines and subsequent sequels made it a hit.
Dirty Harry faced controversy for glorifying authoritarian policing, and its anniversary prompts reflection on its problematic portrayal of law enforcement.
Hitchcock's Psycho (1960) revolutionized thrillers with suspenseful techniques, but its transphobia surrounding Norman Bates would be criticized today.
Psycho's enduring tension and influence are tempered by its outdated portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and the harmfully coded representation.
Cruel Intentions (1999) was a successful film, particularly appealing to teens, featuring Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe as a notable couple
It reimagined the French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses in a modern high school setting, paving the way for subsequent teen dramas like Gossip Girl.
Blue Velvet's controversial production history and depiction of kink challenge social norms, which may limit its acceptance today.
Even its more progressive elements would likely face challenges due to changing audience preferences and the decline of R-rated films.
Hopkins and Foster excelled in The Silence of the Lambs, an acclaimed thriller that dominated the Oscars. It's often regarded as one of the scariest films.
However, the movie has faced criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes about transgender individuals through its portrayal of Buffalo Bill as a serial killer seeking gender-affirming surgery.
Basic Instinct, an erotic thriller, stirred controversy with its depiction of a bisexual character and allegations of misogyny and homophobia.
The film faced protests for perpetuating stereotypes, including a controversial sex scene and questions surrounding Stone's nudity consent.