What Movies Are “Important” Yet Not Actually Enjoyable to Watch?
I’m curious to hear examples of films that have shaped cinema—pioneering, influential, or landmark in their contributions—yet aren’t necessarily the most enjoyable picks for a casual viewing today. I’m not looking for movies that are outright bad; I’m talking about titles that changed the industry, set new standards, or kicked off trends, but can feel like a slog or don’t hold up when watched today.
Sometimes there’s a distinction between “this mattered” and “this is fun to watch.” A movie can be hugely influential without being the easiest recommendation for someone to sit down and enjoy for entertainment.
For me, 2001: A Space Odyssey fits this idea. It profoundly impacted science fiction and the visual language of cinema, but I admit I’ve found myself glancing at my phone a few times while watching.
What’s yours?
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