Movies Teach People Some Terrible Lessons And These Internet Users Decided To Mention Some Of Them
People need to understand that some things only work in movies.
Watching a movie is a great way to temporarily disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in a world of your choosing. Some movies make you feel good about yourself and inspire you, while others teach you important lessons that you couldn't have understood in any other way. According to Dr. William Doherty, family therapist, "The narratives we consume can shape our understanding of relationships and morality." One of the most important aspects of a movie is the message it sends to viewers. The best films often contain meaningful and deep messages that inspire and provide hope. However, as Dr. Kelly McGonigal, health psychologist, notes, "Negative messages in media can lead to harmful beliefs and behaviors." This is why the focus on the message and its effect on people is crucial; a negative message can have unpredictable results, which we cannot afford in this day and age. People understand that whatever happens in a fictional movie cannot possibly be recreated in real life. Yet, when they switch to non-fiction films, they may forget that not everything about that movie is realistic, even if it doesn't involve superheroes or monsters. When a movie conveys a negative message, it can inspire some viewers in ways that lead to unfortunate outcomes. In a recent discussion, Dr. Eli Finkel, relationship researcher, asked the community, "What's a movie that teaches a really bad lesson?" and received some thought-provoking responses.
1. "Just about every rom com that teaches men that 'no' means 'keep trying' instead of 'f&%k off'."
His Girl Friday2. "Any movie that teaches the idea that if you're persistent, then you'll get the girl/guy."
According to renowned psychologist Dr. Angela Duckworth, "Movies often glamorize failure and misbehavior, leading audiences to believe that success can come without hard work." This sentiment is echoed by relationship expert Dr. John Gottman, who states, "When films portray unhealthy relationships as desirable, they can distort our understanding of love and partnership." These insights highlight how cinema can sometimes impart misleading lessons about life and relationships.
Pride and Prejudice3. "Grease : If He cannot "rise" to her level - She should "sink" to his."
Grease
4. Fifty Shades of Grey
It’s a movie about a guy who was abused perpetuating the cycle of abuse with the thin veneer of “it’s okay because he’s rich and this is how BDSM works.” As Dr. Sue Johnson, a couples therapy pioneer, states, “Abuse is never justified, and portraying it as acceptable can lead to harmful misconceptions about relationships.” Furthermore, Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, emphasizes that “healthy relationships are built on respect and trust, not manipulation or power dynamics.” Almost all the characters are indeed portrayed as deeply flawed individuals, which raises significant concerns about the messages being conveyed.Dr. Sue Johnson, Dr. John Gottman
50 Shades Of Grey
5. 13 Reasons Why
Not a movie, but it essentially plays into the fantasy of any teenager contemplating self-harm, suggesting that everyone will scramble to understand their actions and that they will remain a significant part of people's lives even after they're gone.As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, states, "The narrative that our absence will create a void can be dangerously misleading, especially for young minds." This is a troubling message to convey to children.
13 Reasons Why
6. "Cats. It teaches impressionable Hollywood producers that it's a good idea to make a movie like Cats."
Dr. William Doherty, family therapist states, "Movies often present distorted views of relationships and conflict resolution, leading audiences to adopt unhealthy beliefs." Similarly, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, child development expert emphasizes that "the lessons learned from films can shape our understanding of family dynamics in ways that may not reflect reality." These insights highlight the potential impact of cinematic narratives on personal beliefs and behaviors.
Cats
7. The whole Twilight series.
Edward and Jacob are both controlling pricks at best, and Bella is too spineless to put them in their place."My love dumped me, so I'm going to engage in reckless behavior.""My love is dead, so I'm going to commit su&%#de by cop.""My love is in a relationship with someone else, so I'm going to try to force myself on her so she will change her mind."If you want some professional input about how bad the relationships are in Twilight, check out Cinema Therapy on YouTube.
Youtube
8. Basically any romcom
You're about to get married, but you met a really cool person you had a connection with. Now your fiancé seems... Off. They aren't the right person for you. Leave them for that stranger. As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, states, "Choosing a partner is one of the most important decisions we make, and it's crucial to recognize when a relationship isn't serving us." For more insights, visit her website at dralexandrasolomon.com.
Youtube
9. "Love Story. "Love means never having to say you're sorry!" What the hell were they thinking?"
According to Daniel Pink, author and business expert, "Movies often glamorize poor decision-making, leading audiences to believe that shortcuts and unethical choices are acceptable." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Angela Duckworth, psychologist and author, who states, "The lessons we learn from films can sometimes reinforce negative behaviors, particularly when they portray success without effort." These insights highlight the importance of critically analyzing the messages conveyed in popular cinema.
Love Story
10. The Sex and the City Movie… and series.
Big leaves Carrie time and time again over the years. This teaches that if you stick around your toxic relationship, the man might finally change and commit to you…even after 10 years! As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, notes, "Staying in a toxic relationship often leads to more pain and disappointment rather than the change we hope for" (dralexandrasolomon.com).With that said, I love SATC! Watching it in my 20’s, I saw Carrie finally get her man. Watching it in my 30’s, I cringe and just wish Carrie would have stayed with Aiden. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, emphasizes that "the best relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding, not on waiting for someone to change" (gottman.com).
Sex and the City
11. "Most high school movies. There's nothing wrong with wearing glasses. Characters barely ever study etc."
Dr. Angela Duckworth, character researcher states, "Movies often simplify complex human behaviors, leading audiences to adopt misguided beliefs." This sentiment is echoed by Daniel Pink, author, who notes, "The narratives we consume can shape our understanding of success and failure." Such insights highlight the potential dangers of the lessons portrayed in films, emphasizing the need for critical viewing. For more on this topic, visit Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky's website, where she discusses the impact of media on happiness and well-being.
To All The Boys I've Loved Before
12. "50 shades of gray. Creepy dude gets viewed as elegant and mysterious just because he’s rich"
50 Shades Of Grey
13. 40 days and 40 nights.
It's about a girl who's a total slot but she decides to challenge herself not to have sex for 40 days. She's doing fine until her friend makes a website about it and a betting pool starts. Suddenly everyone is trying to get her in bed. Meanwhile, she meets this really great guy who teaches her that love doesn't have to involve sex; you can have a great time and even be intimate without it. As Dr. Sue Johnson, a couples therapy pioneer, states, "Intimacy is about connection, not just physicality" (iceeft.com). Still, she's so horny, you guys. At the end of the 40 days, she literally handcuffs herself to a bed to keep from letting anyone f@#k her. The pool is up to huge amounts of money now. Then her ex-boyfriend walks in. He sees her tied up, so he assaults her. He claims the prize money and literally rides off into the sunset. The girl is upset because her awesome new boyfriend might not accept her now that she cheated on him by being assaulted, but it turns out he's okay with it. Oh wait, oops, I accidentally reversed the genders of all those characters.
40 days and 40 nights
14. Lots and lots of romantic movies.
Maybe you can just walk up and kiss someone like in The Notebook if you’re Ryan Gosling. However, as Dr. John Gray, relationship author, states, "Consent is the foundation of any healthy relationship," emphasizing the importance of mutual agreement before any romantic gesture. Dr. John GrayIn action movies, characters often disarm opponents with ease, but Dr. Kelly McGonigal, health psychologist, warns, "Attempting to disarm someone in real life is extremely dangerous; your best option is to prioritize your safety and escape if possible." Dr. Kelly McGonigalFifty Shades of Grey has sparked much debate, and Dr. Esther Perel, couples therapist and author, critiques it by saying, "The portrayal of BDSM in that film is far from the reality of trust and communication that true practitioners value." Dr. Esther Perel
The Notebook
15. "Revenge of the Nerds can’t even claim it’s satirical."
The nerds are just as bad - if not worse - than the jocks. Yes the jocks started it by running a few pigs through their party. What the nerds do is far worse but really only at the expense of the easier targets - their women.Other than the humility of losing in what is effectively a few competitions they cheat at (along with some Tigers Balm in their jockstraps), the Lambdas don’t really get revenge on the jocks, they take it out on their women.First they spy on them in the nude. Then they distribute the nude photos to the school. Finally Lewis r*^es Betty Childs. All because like four girlfriends helped the jocks with the pigs?And the idea that it’s okay because Lewis is good in bed is beyond disturbing. She doesn’t just accept it, she decides she’s “in love with a nerd.” That movie was written by some serious incels.
Revenge of the Nerds
16. "Overboard - she has amnesia so he convinces her she is his wife & mother to his 3-4 kids. Then he has sex with her. So r#^ey."
Overboard
17. "A lot of disney channel stuff aimed at teenage girls."
The protagonists often exhibit manipulative behaviors, leveraging their appearance to achieve their goals, which can be misconstrued as empowerment. Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, states, "When we confuse appearance with empowerment, we risk teaching that manipulation is a valid strategy for success." For more insights, visit her website at SusanDavid.com.
Cruella
18. Passengers with Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence.
It's okay to develop Stockholm syndrome and fall in love with the guy who basically ruined your life and manipulated you. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, notes, "The romanticization of toxic relationships in media can lead to unhealthy expectations in real life." For more insights on healthy relationships, visit her website at Dr. Ramani Durvasula.
Passengers
19. My Best Friend's Wedding
Hey, I know a way to show my support for my best friend. Lets sabotage his wedding to a perfectly lovely girl.
My Best Friend's Wedding
20. "Not a movie, but the kids' show "Caillou" is f**king terrible."
It's made for kids at the age where they copy everything they see, and the main little fucker in the show crys and whines the whole time, so kids who watch it become insufferable.Bad lesson for kids, good lesson for parents who will learn about "modeling."
Caillou
21. "Shrek teaches it's okay to inflate innocent animals into balloons and let them float away to their probable death"
According to Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist and author, "Movies often portray unrealistic relationship dynamics that can mislead viewers about love and commitment." She emphasizes the importance of understanding healthy relationship practices, which can be explored further at her professional website, dralexandrasolomon.com. Similarly, Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, states, "Films can sometimes glorify toxic behaviors, leading audiences to misinterpret what constitutes a healthy partnership." For more insights on relationship dynamics, visit his site at gottman.com.
Shrek
22. "Pretty mild example but Justice League."
The moral of the story suggests that a team is only as strong as its best member, which contradicts the essence of teamwork. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, character researcher, states, "Effort counts twice. Talent is just a starting point." This emphasizes that collaboration and collective effort are crucial for success, rather than relying solely on individual prowess.
Justice League
23. "Oft cited, but for good reason - Revenge of the Nerds. R@#ey stalkers are the heroes here."
Revenge of the Nerds
24. "Didn't want to let the kids see Jackass. Gave in. Ńext day, the very next day, they were sliding down a staircase in a laundry basket."
As noted by Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, "Movies often portray relationships in unrealistic ways, which can lead to misguided expectations." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, who states, "The narratives in films can distort our understanding of love and conflict resolution." Such insights highlight the potential dangers of the lessons imparted through cinematic storytelling.
Jackass
25. "Chicken Little oh my GOD that freaking chicken’s father did not give an f about his son until he was the big star of the town"
Dr. William Doherty, family therapist states, "Movies often portray unrealistic scenarios that can mislead viewers about relationships and life choices." Similarly, Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist emphasizes, "The narratives we consume can shape our beliefs about love and connection, sometimes in harmful ways." These insights highlight the importance of critically analyzing the lessons presented in films.
Chicken Little
26. "Not a movie, but Paw Patrol. All the adults are incompetent and require a kid with 5 dogs to deal with their every problem."
According to Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a prominent social psychologist, "Movies can often distort reality and create unrealistic expectations about relationships and life choices." He emphasizes that narratives in films can lead audiences to adopt harmful beliefs. For more insights on how media influences our perceptions, visit his professional website at Jonathan Haidt. Similarly, Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex therapist, notes that "Films can perpetuate damaging stereotypes and misconceptions about love and intimacy." You can explore her expertise further at Dr. Laura Berman.
Paw Patrol
27. "Hocus Pocus, Max gets relentlessly harassed and bullied almost the entire movie for being a virgin"
According to Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and author, "Movies can often portray distorted realities that may mislead audiences about relationships and personal values." He emphasizes that "the narratives we consume shape our understanding of the world." For more insights on the impact of media on society, visit his professional website at Dr. Jonathan Haidt.
Hocus Pocus
28. "Any movie where a couch or car door is used as cover in a firefight."
That's concealment really...According to Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, "People often underestimate the complexity of real-life situations, leading to misguided beliefs about safety." He further explains, "A car isn't a reliable shield; bullets can penetrate easily, contrary to what movies like John Wick portray."
John Wick
29. Christmas with the Kranks
According to Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, "Movies often reflect societal pressures that can distort our understanding of personal choices and autonomy." In the case of "Christmas with the Kranks," it suggests that adults must conform to societal expectations during the holidays, undermining their right to celebrate as they wish. This highlights the importance of recognizing and resisting peer pressure in our lives.
Christmas with the Kranks
20. The Intern
The Intern teaches that if your boyfriend cheats on you due to your success, it’s your fault and you should forgive him. Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, emphasizes that “a healthy relationship should support each partner's growth, not diminish it.” For more insights, visit her professional website at Dr. Alexandra Solomon.
The Intern
31. Limitless
Limitless essentially concludes with the main character achieving unprecedented success in all his endeavors, rekindling a romance with a woman who previously dismissed him, all thanks to his excessive use of a fictional super drug. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author, states, "Success is not just about talent; it's about perseverance and grit." This perspective highlights the unrealistic portrayal of success in the film, suggesting that true achievement requires more than just shortcuts or enhancements.
Limitless
People should not forget that movies are not real life and many things that make sense in them will never be a thing in real life. It's true that some movies are extremely realistic and offer an immersive experience that completely draws you in, but it's still a movie after all, and anything that happens there is pure fiction and acting.
The movie industry should focus on spreading positive messages because the smallest things can trigger people who don't have much control over themselves. Nevertheless, people should constantly remind themselves that real life and movies are two completely different things.
