Some movies throughout history have been so groundbreaking that they’ve changed the way movies continue to be made in the future. Whether we are referring to animated films, black-and-white movies from the olden days, or movies from within the last couple of decades, there are tons of films that have made a massive impact on society. (Click here to uncover movies that have been so important that they’re studied on college campuses.)
To compile this list of movies that revolutionized the entire industry, 24/7 Tempo consulted several entertainment sites, including ScreenRant, Movie Web, and IMDb.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
In 1937, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” premiered thanks to Walt Disney productions. The movie included several voice actors like Adriana Caselotti in the titular role, Lucille La Verne as the Evil Queen, and Stuart Buchanan as the Huntsman. The Evil Queen hired the Huntsman to murder Snow White so she could maintain her position in the castle as the “fairest of them all.”
Snow White fled into the forest to escape and moved in with seven friendly dwarves who kept her safe. This certainly isn’t the first ever animated movie in the world, but it definitely said the precedent for what was to come from Walt Disney productions moving forward. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” won the Academy Honorary Award and the New York Film Critics Circle Special Award.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
“The Wizard of Oz” premiered in 1939. Although this isn’t the first movie to ditch black-and-white for colorful scenes, it’s definitely regarded that way. The beginning scenes of “The Wizard of Oz” were shot in black-and-white, but after Dorothy found herself in the magical land of Oz, she started seeing everything in color.
Judy Garland is the actress who took on the lead role. She starred in the iconic flick alongside Jack Haley who played the Tin Man, Bert Lahr who played the Cowardly Lion, and Ray Bolger who played the Scarecrow. In 1940, “The Wizard of Oz” won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
The Godfather (1972)
“The Godfather” premiered in 1972 as an epic crime drama. The mystery movie was simply the first of its trilogy. The sequel premiered in 1974, and the third film came out in 1990. Regarding the first movie, Al Pacino led the way as the main actor. He starred in the film alongside Marlon Brando, James Caan, and Diane Keaton.
The movie was highly respected when audiences first watched it, and people still appreciate the film today. At the time, it won the Academy Award for Best Picture, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score, and the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing in a Feature Film. The storyline dived in deep into the nitty-gritty details of illegal activities and criminal behavior in a hyper realistic way. That’s what made it so groundbreaking.
Jaws (1975)
The reason “Jaws” from 1975 was such a revolutionary movie is due to the special effects used in the film. On top of that, it was released to play on 450 screens – at the same time. That was totally unheard of back in the 70s. Up until the “Star Wars” movie came along in 1977, “Jaws” was the highest grossing film of all time.
The deathly shark used in “Jaws” was totally mechanical. Despite the fact that it was fake, it was believable enough to keep viewers on the edge of their seats while watching the Steven Spielberg film.
Star Wars (1977)
“Star Wars” first hit theaters in 1977. Since then, there have been tons of sequels and spinoffs and side projects to follow. The original story all began with the first movie that starred Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, and Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia.
The sci-fi fantasy movie told the story of a group of rebels trying to fight back against the Galactic Empire and its evil ways. Thanks to this movie, producers quickly realized that the adventure genre was a money-making avenue to tap into.
Jurassic Park (1993)
The first “Jurassic Park” movie premiered in 1993 starring Laura Dern as Ellie Sattler, Jeff Goldblum, as Ian Malcolm, and Samuel is Alan Grant. This movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, was revolutionary for the realistic appearance of the dinosaurs. Of course, re-watching the movie today with our advanced CGI practices wouldn’t have viewers still thinking that way.
In the early 90s, though, audiences were wildly impressed by what they were seeing. In fact, the movie took home the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. It also won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Movie and the BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects.
Toy Story (1995)
Since 1995, there have been four “Toy Story” movies in total. The most recent flick hit theaters in 2019, but the first became a talking point in the mid 90s. It was thought of as groundbreaking for its ability to appeal to all age groups. On top of that, it was praised for being innovative regarding 3-D animation.
Most animated shows and movies were typically drawn up in 2-D, but “Toy Story” was different and special. The movie went on to win the Special Achievement Academy Award, Best Individual Achievement: Production Design, and the PGA Special Award of Merit. Tom Hanks is the voice actor behind the role of Woody.
Titanic (1997)
The biggest reason “Titanic” revolutionized the movie industry is due to its use of visual effects. The realism of the titanic ship sinking into the ocean was impressive to see! “Titanic” starred Kate Winslet as Rose and Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack. Watching their love story unfold before the ship started sinking was undeniably captivating.
“Titanic” racked up the awards including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Drama, and the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Movie.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
1999 is the year “The Blair Witch Project” first premiered. It revolutionized the film industry, based on the style in which it was filmed. It was meant to look like a botched documentary rather than a professional project with an entire camera crew. Rei Hance, Joshua Lennon, and Michael C. Williams made up the three main cast members.
“The Blair Witch Project” won the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award, the NME Award for Best Film, and the PGA Most Promising Producer in Theatrical Motion Pictures.
Fight Club (1999)
One of the reasons “Fight Club” was such a revolutionary movie in the late 90s going into the early 2000s is that it had such a massive twist in the end. “Fight Club” had an impressive cast lineup with Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jared Leto. Although the movie might not have done extremely well at the time, it is considered a cult classic now. Movies with major twists and turns that shock viewers have tried to replicate the dramatics of “Fight Club” for years.
Harry Potter (2001)
The first movie from the “Harry Potter” franchise hit theaters in 2001. It was followed by six sequels from 2002 until 2010. These movies were groundbreaking in the Hollywood industry due to the fact that they so heavily maintained the authenticity of the book series, written by J.K. Rowling.
The first movie introduced the world to Daniel Radcliffe in the titular role, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. It won the Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film, the Satellite Award for Outstanding New Talent, and the BFCA Critics’ Choice Award for Best Family Film.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Just like “Harry Potter,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” also premiered in 2001. The trilogy was followed up in 2002 and 2003 with a couple of necessary sequels. The original movie featured Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, and Liv Tyler in leading roles.
It won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Movie, and the Satellite Award for Best Animated or Mixed Media Feature.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
“Brokeback Mountain” premiered in 2005. The movie is considered groundbreaking since it helped shift the conversation about the LGBTQ community in a more progressive direction. “Brokeback Mountain” stars the late Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, and Anne Hathaway in the leading roles.
The award-winning film took home the BAFTA Award for Best Film, the Academy Award for Best Writing of an Adapted Screenplay, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Drama.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
2008 was the year “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” hit theaters. The romance fantasy starred Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson, and Tilda Swinton in the leading roles. The plot was not based on a true story, but rather a short story published by F. Scott Fitzgerald back in 1921.
Based on its budget of $150 million, it earned $335.8 million at the box office. The CGI effects that allowed Pitt’s character to age backwards are the reason this movie is considered so groundbreaking.
Avatar (2009)
CGI effects were never the same after the release of “Avatar” in 2009. Since “Avatar” was so beloved, it was followed up by a sequel in 2022. In 2025, a third movie will be added to the “Avatar” franchise. The first flick included an incredible lineup of actors like Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver.
It ended up taking home tons of noteworthy awards, including the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, the Empire Award for Best Film, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Drama.
Inception (2010)
“Inception” was the type of movie that made you feel like you were under the influence of illegal substances while watching. The sci-fi action movie premiered in 2010 starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Elliot page in the leading roles. Since the movie left viewers on the edge of their seats, it pulled in $839 million at the box office from a budget of $160 million.
Blackfish (2013)
“Blackfish” premiered in 2013, exposing the truth about SeaWorld. The movie was revolutionary in opening everyone’s eyes to the unfair treatment of sea creatures at the theme park. As of now, SeaWorld is still open in the cities of Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio. Still, opinions about the way the theme park functions have never been the same. “Blackfish” won the Satellite Award for Best Motion Picture Documentary.
Ex Machina (2014)
“Ex Machina” premiered in 2014. This movie was both groundbreaking and revolutionary for being such a top-tier psychological thriller. From a budget of $15 million, it pulled in $37.3 million at the box office. The cast consisted of Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, and Domhnall Gleeson.
“Ex Machina” won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie, and the British Independent Film Award for Best British Independent Film.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” hit theaters in 2014. There have been plenty of “Planet of the Apes” movies to watch before and after this one. In fact, the first batch of movies from his franchise premiered in the 60s. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is different for the simple fact that it’s considered so groundbreaking with all of its CGI effects.
The movie won several awards, including the Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Live Action Production and the Satellite Award for Best Visual Effects. Andy Serkis is one of the main actors from the film.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
“Blade Runner 2049″ is a 2017 movie that made a huge impact on the way the film industry exists today. The sci-fi action movie was described by critics as being “mind-blowing” at the time. Some of the actors in the lineup were Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, and Ana de Armas.
The action-packed movie won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, the BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects, and the American Society of Cinematographers Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases. There’s no denying that “Blade Runner 2049“ is one of the best action movies of this generation. Click here to read about the 20 best action films of all time.