10 Great Comedy Movies That Would Never Be Made Today

Many classic comedy movies incorporate jokes and humor that reflect the era in which they were created. However, as societal norms evolve over time, certain films may now be viewed as problematic due to changing standards of acceptability. While modern comedies often push boundaries with raunchy, R-rated content, they pale in comparison to the taboo-breaking humor found in films from the ’70s and ’80s. Movies like Blazing Saddles, Revenge of the Nerds, and the John Hughes and Molly Ringwald classic, Sixteen Candles, once celebrated for their edgy comedy, now face criticism for their insensitive portrayal of race, gender, and sexual assault.

The casual use of racial slurs, the trivialization of non-consensual sexual acts, and the reliance on offensive stereotypes are just a few examples of the problematic elements that pervade these classic comedies. As society becomes more aware of the impact of such content, it becomes increasingly difficult to imagine these films being green-lit today without significant changes to their scripts. These beloved comedy classics struggle to find a place in the current cinematic landscape, highlighting the ways in which they no longer align with contemporary values and sensibilities.

10
Tropic Thunder (2008)

Directed by Ben Stiller

In Tropic Thunder, Downey Jr.’s character darkens his skin, allowing him to portray a Black man. This is a practice widely known as “blackface”. This portrayal not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also trivializes the historical oppression endured by African-Americans. Although the film aims to satirize Hollywood’s whitewashing practices, the use of blackface to make that point remains deeply problematic for many. While some feel that Tropic Thunder’s use of blackface is not problematic, in today’s social climate, the film would still face backlash.

9
Blazing Saddles (1974)

Directed by Mel Brooks

Blazing Saddles is considered one of the best Western comedies of all time. It challenged societal norms, which was unheard of at the time for similar comedies. However, several elements of the film make it unlikely for a similar movie to be produced today. The casual use of racial slurs is one of the most problematic aspects of the film. Additionally, the movie features a scene where sexual assault is treated in a disturbingly light-hearted manner. While the film’s script, co-written by Richard Pryor, is often clever and subversive, its reliance on shock value would be met with significant backlash today.

8
White Chicks (2004)

Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans

As iconic and hilarious as White Chicks may be, it features several problematic elements. Firstly, there is the premise of two Black characters disguised as white women, which in itself is a questionable premise. Additionally, the portrayal of Latrell Spencer relies on harmful stereotypes for laughs, depicting the character as a predator who attempts to drug his date. There are scenes where the “white” protagonists casually use the n-word while singing along to a rap song. This trivializes the slur’s offensive nature, wrongfully suggesting its acceptability in certain contexts.

7
Revenge Of The Nerds (1984)

Directed by Jeff Kanew

The Revenge of the Nerds movie centers around the classic snobs vs. slobs trope, pitting jocks against nerds in a battle for campus supremacy. However, a problematic romantic subplot involving lead nerd Lewis and his crush on sorority girl Betty raises serious concerns. Lewis, in an attempt to woo Betty, disguises himself as her jock boyfriend and tricks her into having sex with him. This blatant disregard for consent and the film’s overall misogynistic approach to women would face fierce backlash if proposed today, making it highly unlikely for a similar storyline to be green-lit now.

6
The Toy (1982)

Directed by Richard Donner

The Toy‘s premise, in which a wealthy white man purchases a Black man to serve as his son’s live-in friend for a week, is a concept that would be met with disbelief if proposed today. The film’s central theme, which reduces a human being to a commodity to be bought and sold, is not only deeply offensive but also perpetuates harmful racial stereotypes. The notion that such a scenario could be played for laughs, as suggested by the original film’s writer, Francis Veber, would be considered tone-deaf and insensitive, making it impossible for a remake to be green-lit.

5
Mr. Mom (1983)

Directed by John Hughes

Mr. Mom treats a stay-at-home dad as a novel and comical concept, showcasing the outdated gender roles that would struggle to find acceptance in today’s society. The film’s portrayal of Michael Keaton’s character as a hapless father who is overwhelmed by the challenges of child-rearing and household management reinforces stereotypes that have long been recognized as problematic. In an era where the traditional family structure has evolved, and gender roles are no longer rigidly defined, the film’s reliance on these tropes would likely be met with criticism, making it difficult for modern audiences to connect with it.

4
American Pie (1999)

Directed by Paul Weitz

While the American Pie movies are considered cult classic teen comedies, they contain moments that blatantly disregard the crucial concepts of consent and sexual harassment. In one of American Pie‘s infamous scenes, Jim secretly films Nadia changing her clothes without her consent. This violation of privacy and the film’s casual treatment of such a serious issue would be considered highly problematic, where discussions about consent and the objectification of women are currently at the forefront of public discourse.

3
Sixteen Candles (1984)

Directed by John Hughes

Sixteen Candles follows a young girl navigating her 16th birthday while caught between the affections of the school heartthrob and a persistent nerd. While it may be one of the best birthday-themed movies, several elements have aged poorly and would be considered problematic today. The portrayal of Long Duk Dong relies heavily on offensive Asian stereotypes and would likely be seen as a glaring example of racial insensitivity. Additionally, the film’s casual treatment of sexual harassment and assault would be met with outrage. These troubling themes, once overlooked or dismissed as comedy, would not be made without significant changes.

2
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Directed by Tom Shadyac

The climactic reveal of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, in which Detective Lois Einhorn is exposed as the villain Ray Finkle, is a prime example of the film’s problematic handling of gender identity. The scene is rife with transphobic undertones, as Ace reacts with horror and disgust upon realizing he has kissed someone he perceives as a “man.” His subsequent actions, which include forcibly stripping Lois without her consent to prove her identity, only serve to further dehumanize and sensationalize the character’s gender identity. This offensive portrayal of gender identity would face severe criticism and displays problematic thinking surrounding the topic.

1
Heathers (1989)

Directed by Michael Lehmann

The cult classic Heathers tackles the deeply disturbing premise of a troubled teen plotting to kill his classmates by blowing up his school. Though considered edgy and risky even in its original era, the film’s subject matter has become increasingly controversial in light of the tragic frequency of real-life school shootings. A recent attempt to adapt the movie into a TV series was met with pushback, particularly due to its timing following several mass shootings, ultimately leading to its cancelation. This underscores the notion that certain films should not be revisited, as their content is just too problematic.