Over the years, Hollywood has given us some incredibly entertaining movies. They make us laugh and cry. They thrill us and anger us. They educate us and offer us a brief escape from our daily troubles.
However, there are times when movies, even those that captivate us, leave us perplexed afterward. What were the creators thinking when devising a plot with such terrible moral lessons for the audience?
Grab the popcorn and your favorite blanket, and decide for yourself:
1. Pretty Woman (1990)
Prost*tution is fun and it pays off. Never mind all of the human trafficking, child exploitation, and violence that come with the “world’s oldest profession” for many girls and young women.
2. Dirty Dancing (1987)
Abortion is how you take care of a summer fling. How about a celebratory dance (“nobody puts Baby in the corner”) at the end to take us home? Why yes, I did have the time of my life.
3. Grease (1978)
Conformity at all costs. Whatever you do, DO NOT be yourself. The only way you’ll get your man is if you become someone else entirely.
When Sandy shows up for the finale wearing those tight leather pants, boldly puffing on a lung dart, Danny is again smitten.
This is the girl he really wanted. Dangerous. But what will happen to his desire tomorrow when the fair’s over with and the poodle skirt comes back?
4. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Stick with an abusive man for long enough, and you can find the way to that big cuddly guy’s heart. He’s sorry. He’ll change this time. He promises.
But just in case, please don’t make him angry. He’s literally a beast)
5. Home Alone (1990)
If you’re a family taking a trip to another continent, it’s normal to leave one of your young children home alone. Kids who are left alone don’t need to call the police if strangers break into their homes.
It’s perfectly fine for an eight-year-old, armed with paint cans and marbles, to take care of deterring two grown men all by himself.
6. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Greed and fraud are good. They generate lots of money which can buy endless amounts of hookers, blow, and debauchery.
There’s an investigation that leads to a conviction and some minor prison time, but Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his Stratton Oakmont crew get away with it all in the end.
7. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
It’s entirely appropriate behavior for a father going through a divorce to stalk their kids, impersonate a 60-year-old woman, and be hired as their nanny (while wearing a disguise) to sabotage their ex-wife’s attempts at finding new love.
The lesson here: Never give up on reuniting your family, even if your spouse has legally divorced you, probably for very good reasons.
8. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Stealing historical artifacts in the Middle East is okay if you’re planning to put them in a museum back home in the U.S. Ignore the Native people who just want you to leave their sacred artifacts where they belong.
9. Limitless (2011)
Bradley Cooper’s character ultimately succeeds in his career and gets the girl – a girl who had no use for him until he was ramped up on an Adderall-like wonder drug. The moral for the kids watching: you can achieve anything with enough medication.
Which is your favorite terrible moral lesson from a movie? Any others come to mind?
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This article has been produced by TPR Teaching.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.