12 Movies from the 2000s That Haven't Aged Well

      It's easy to critique films from the 1970s and 1980s for being old-fashioned, yet many movies from the 2000s haven't aged gracefully either.

      Did we miss any? Let us know.

      Let’s dive in.

      **John Tucker Must Die (2006)**

      20th Century Studios – Credit: C/O

      This film is clearly a product of its era. While it makes a superficial effort to critique the womanizer John Tucker, it ultimately glorifies him, portraying him as appealing for simultaneously dating multiple women.

      Although the premise centers on women collaborating to take down a shared adversary, it falls short due to the excessive sexualization of high school girls.

      Interestingly, it manages to just pass the Bechdel test, which requires that a film includes: 1. Two named female characters who 2. have a conversation 3. about something other than a man.

      **I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007)**

      Universal Pictures – Credit: C/O

      Where to even start? Adam Sandler is a favorite for many, but this film includes numerous elements that would be considered unacceptable today.

      For instance, two straight men pretending to be gay to exploit the system is problematic for obvious reasons, and the many gay jokes have not stood the test of time; Rob Schneider’s portrayal in yellowface; and Sandler’s character displaying predatory behavior towards Jessica Biel’s character, who trusts him because she believes he’s gay, while he secretly objects to her.

      **Waiting… (2005)**

      Lionsgate – Credit: C/O

      Let’s begin with this line: “Hey there Natasha, how’s my favorite minor doing today?” Ryan Reynolds’ character says to a hostess. “I’m only a minor for another week,” she replies.

      This sets the tone for the sexism, homophobia, and misogyny present in the film. Although it contains humorous moments that resonate with those who've worked in the restaurant industry, it features an alarming number of jokes and scenes concerning sexual harassment of women at work, sexual advances towards minors, and the use of derogatory terms that we won't repeat.

      This film from the 2000s has not aged well at all.

      **What Women Want (2000)**

      Paramount Pictures – Credit: C/O

      While this movie isn’t as overtly problematic as some of the others listed, it perpetuates outdated views regarding women.

      The storyline follows Mel Gibson's character, an attractive and successful man who inexplicably gains the ability to hear women's thoughts. He discovers that the women in his life can see through him and don't find him as charming as he believes. However, there are cringeworthy moments, such as when the humor hinges solely on the fact that Mel Gibson wears pantyhose. With greater acceptance of gender fluidity and drag in society today, these scenes feel flat.

      Moreover, Gibson’s character is too easily forgiven by the women around him, including by his daughter, who regards him as an absent father until he appears at her prom once, as if that redeems him.

      **The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)**

      Universal Pictures – Credit: Universal Pictures

      Despite being adored by many, upon rewatching, you might find that several jokes have not aged well. The film centers on Steve Carell’s character, Andy, who remains a virgin at 40, and follows his friends as they try to help him change that.

      There are jokes about women’s driving skills, numerous misogynistic comments, and even a problematic scene where Catherine Keener’s character, Trish, gets upset when Andy declines to have sex with her. Yes, it’s a comedy classic, but many aspects aren’t as humorous as they once were.

      **Bring It On (2000)**

      Universal Pictures – Credit: C/O

      Just a few seconds into the trailer for this film makes it clear that it focuses on the sexualization of teenagers. It also employs the R-slur and revolves around a significant plot about white cheerleaders appropriating the work of Black cheerleaders.

      Though regarded as a classic teen film, one could not depict a scene today with a high school cheerleader going topless at a football game and label it comedy.

      **The Hangover (2009)**

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Another comedy classic, featuring scenes that are notably inappropriate by today’s standards. One of the most troubling moments involves Ed Helms’ character who displays disgust upon discovering that the sex worker he was involved with is actually a trans woman.

      The reactions from Helms and Bradley Cooper’s characters, who express their revulsion upon realizing Yasmin Lee’s character Kimmy is trans, make this scene uncomfortable to watch.

      **Wedding Crashers (2005)**

      New Line Cinema – Credit: C/O

      The storyline in Wedding Crashers largely consists of the main characters deceiving women to sleep with them. There’s