Movies have the incredible power to entertain inspire and even influence society in profound ways.
Throughout history certain films have resonated so strongly with audiences that they have left a lasting impact on the real world.
From changing consumer habits to sparking social movements, the influence of cinema cannot be underestimated. In this article, we will explore the top 10 times movies affected the real world, showcasing the remarkable ways in which storytelling has shaped our lives.
Reese's Pieces Sales Skyrocket: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Underground Fight Club Culture Becomes Popular: Fight Club
Wine Tourism Sees Sales Affected: Sideways
Anarchist Hackers Take Symbolism from V for Vendetta
Bambi's Mom's Sacrifice Was Not in Vain: Bambi
Movie Influences the Abolition of the Death Penalty: A Short Film About Killing
KKK Sees an Increase in Enrollment: The Birth of a Nation
UK Parliament Legalizes Acts Between People of the Same Gender: Victim
Beach Attendance Takes a Dive: Jaws
Congress Reopens the JFK Investigation: JFK
Conclusion:
Movies possess a remarkable ability to transcend the boundaries of the screen and make a tangible impact on the real world.
Whether it is changing consumer preferences influencing social movements or even shaping political decisions films have the power to ignite conversations and shape our collective consciousness.
As we continue to celebrate the art of cinema let us recognize and appreciate the lasting influence it has on our lives.
Let's delve deeper into each of these impactful moments and explore how movies shaped the real world:
Reese's Pieces Sales Skyrocket: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
In Spielberg is classic sci-fi film E.T the Extra-Terrestrial the use of Reese is Pieces as a way to lure the alien out of hiding had an unexpected real-world effect.
Initially M&M is were supposed to be featured in the movie but due to a lack of permission from Mars the filmmakers turned to Hershey's Reese's Pieces instead.
This move turned out to be a marketing coup as sales of Reese is Pieces tripled within two weeks of the film's release.
Hershey's capitalized on the success by launching multiple ad campaigns, cementing Reese's Pieces as the extraterrestrial's favorite candy.
Underground Fight Club Culture Becomes Popular: Fight Club
David Fincher's film "Fight Club" struck a chord with audiences, particularly men who identified with the protagonist's struggle with masculinity and rage. However, some viewers took the wrong lesson from the film and started organizing their own underground fight clubs. Stories emerged from high schools, colleges, and even Silicon Valley of individuals setting up brutal matches. The film's infamous line, "The first rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club," became a rallying cry for those involved. The movie's impact on real-life fight clubs demonstrated the powerful influence of cinema on impressionable audiences.
Wine Tourism Sees Sales Affected: Sideways
Alexander Payne's film "Sideways" explored themes of middle-aged malaise and wine culture. The film showcased the protagonist's preference for Pinot Noir while expressing disdain for Merlot. This seemingly innocuous portrayal had a significant impact on wine sales. Following the film's release, Pinot Noir sales rose substantially in both American and British wine markets. Some reports claimed that Merlot sales even plummeted. The movie's portrayal of wine connoisseurship and the subsequent rise in Pinot Noir consumption highlighted the ability of films to shape consumer preferences and influence industries.
Anarchist Hackers Take Symbolism from V for Vendetta
The film adaptation of V for Vendetta based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore became a symbol of resistance for activist groups worldwide.
The iconic Guy Fawkes mask worn by the film is anarchist protagonist was adopted by a loose collective of internet users known as Anonymous.
The mask became a recognizable symbol of protest against censorship and government overreach. The film's anti-fascist themes and emphasis on personal freedom resonated with the burgeoning activist group, making the mask synonymous with their movement.
Bambi's Mom's Sacrifice Was Not in Vain: Bambi
Disney iss animated classic "Bambi" featured a heart-wrenching scene in which the young deer is mother is killed by a hunter.
The emotional impact of this scene had a surprising real world effect on deer hunting.
Following the film's release deer hunting decreased by approximately 50%.
Movie Influences the Abolition of the Death Penalty: A Short Film About Killing
The Polish film "A Short Film About Killing" tackled the issue of state violence and its devastating consequences.
Released in the late 1980s during a time of political upheaval in Eastern Europe the film indicted the use of the death penalty as a self-perpetuating evil.
Its release coincided with a growing anti-death penalty movement in Poland and the film added another voice to the cause.
Eventually, the film's impact contributed to the abolition of the death penalty in Poland in 1997. This real-world change demonstrates how movies can shape public opinion and influence legislative decisions.
KKK Sees an Increase in Enrollment: The Birth of a Nation
"The Birth of a Nation" a 1915 silent film by D.W.
Griffith had a profound impact on American society albeit a highly controversial one.
While the film is considered a landmark in cinematic techniques its portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) as heroic figures and African Americans as villains fueled racial tensions and led to a surge in Klan membership.
The film's racist propaganda influenced public opinion, furthering racial prejudice and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. This dark episode highlights the negative consequences that movies can have when promoting hate and intolerance.
UK Parliament Legalizes Acts Between People of the Same Gender: Victim
Released in 1961, "Victim" was a groundbreaking British film that addressed the issue of homosexuality at a time when it was illegal in the United Kingdom. Starring Dirk Bogarde, the film depicted the persecution and blackmail faced by gay men in society.
The film's impact on social progress demonstrates cinema is ability to advocate for marginalized communities and challenge discriminatory laws.
Beach Attendance Takes a Dive: Jaws
Steven Spielberg is blockbuster film "Jaws" became a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 1975.
The suspenseful tale of a man-eating great white shark terrorizing a small beach town had an unintended consequence on beach attendance. Fearful of shark attacks some people were reluctant to swim in the ocean leading to a decline in beach tourism during the summer following the film's release.
"Jaws" effectively tapped into people's primal fears and showcased the power of cinema to influence public behavior.
Congress Reopens the JFK Investigation: JFK
Oliver Stone's film "JFK" reignited public interest and controversy surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
The film presented a speculative narrative suggesting a government cover-up and conspiracy behind the assassination. While the film is historical accuracy is a subject of debate its release had a significant impact on public sentiment.
Eventually in 1992 the U.S. Congress passed the JFK Records Act reopening the investigation and releasing previously undisclosed documents.
This demonstrates how films can inspire public discourse and even influence political actions.
Conclusion:
These ten impactful moments demonstrate the far-reaching influence of movies on the real world.
From shaping consumer habits and social movements to influencing legislation and public sentiment cinema has the power to leave an indelible mark on society.
Cultural Tourism Soars: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Peter Jackson is film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien is "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy showcased the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand where the movies were filmed.
The stunning visuals captured the imagination of viewers worldwide and sparked a surge in cultural tourism to the country.
Fans flocked to New Zealand to visit the filming locations generating a significant boost to the country is tourism industry.
The success of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy as a cinematic epic not only entertained audiences but also showcased the beauty and allure of New Zealand to the world.
Feminist Movements Gain Momentum: Thelma & Louise
Ridley Scott is "Thelma & Louise" became an iconic film for its portrayal of female empowerment and resistance against societal norms.
The story of two women on a road trip fighting against misogyny and oppression resonated with audiences and sparked conversations about gender roles and women is rights.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The Truman Show Peter Weir is "The Truman Show" presented a dystopian reality where the life of the protagonist Truman Burbank is unknowingly broadcasted as a 24/7 television show.
The film explored themes of surveillance media manipulation and the loss of privacy.
In the years following the film is release the rise of reality television shows seemed to mirror the fictional concept depicted in "The Truman Show".
The film is impact on popular culture served as a reflection of society is increasing fascination with voyeurism and the blurring lines between public and private lives.
Cosplay and Fandom Culture Flourish: Star Wars
George Lucas is "Star Wars" franchise has had a profound influence on popular culture since the release of the first film in 1977.
The extensive universe created by Lucas with its unique characters distinctive costumes and iconic spaceships sparked a vibrant cosplay and fandom culture.
Fans of all ages have embraced Star Wars dressing up as their favorite characters attending conventions, and engaging in fan fiction and fan art.