18 Movies That Redefine What a “Hero’s Journey” Can Look Like

Officer K discovers a hidden truth suggesting he might be a unique being created from replicants. Driven to understand his past, he risks everything in a world that sees him as disposable. Ultimately, he learns he isn’t special, but simply an ordinary individual. Despite this, K finds purpose in a selfless act, dedicating himself to something larger than himself, even without a grand destiny.

Movies That Made Political Alliances Look Suspiciously Real

The movie follows reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigate a burglary at the Democratic National Committee. Their investigation leads them to a huge scandal reaching the top levels of government and the president’s reelection campaign. It shows the painstaking process of investigative journalism and the hidden world of political maneuvering. A mysterious source, known as Deep Throat, helps them navigate through lies and secret agreements aimed at undermining the democratic process.

Black Actors Who Called Out Political Hypocrisy in Hollywood

British actor John Boyega took a significant professional risk by publicly supporting the Black Lives Matter movement at a protest in London. He subsequently criticized the ‘Star Wars’ films, arguing they didn’t give enough prominence to actors of color, often featuring them as supporting characters despite marketing that suggested otherwise. This led to a wider discussion about the issue of studios appearing diverse without actually giving meaningful roles to minority actors in major franchises.

TV Shows That Got Boycotted for Leaning Too Left or Right

The popular reboot of this beloved sitcom drew a large audience, particularly among working-class and conservative viewers. However, ABC cancelled it after Roseanne Barr, the show’s star, posted offensive and racially insensitive comments online. Fans of the show claimed the network was unfairly critical of her political views. This sudden cancellation led to calls for a boycott from viewers on the right. Eventually, the show returned as a spin-off, continuing without Barr in an attempt to move past the controversy.

Actors Who Refused to Apologize for Political Tweets

Amanda Seyfried sparked controversy after calling out a social media influencer for displaying wealth and promoting unattainable body images. Despite pressure from fans to apologize, she stood her ground and refused to retract her comments. This situation underscored the increasing friction between traditional celebrities and those who’ve gained fame through social media. Seyfried clarified that her criticism was aimed at the influencer’s overall message, not a personal attack, and she remains committed to sharing her honest opinions publicly.

Lesbian Actors Who Choreographed Their Own Dance Sequences

This performer first became well-known through reality TV, and quickly developed a strong brand based on her unique style and energetic dancing. She creates all her own choreography for social media and concerts, ensuring she has complete artistic control. Her music videos feature a blend of jazz and hip-hop dance styles that she personally arranges to fit her music. Now, she’s expanded into acting, bringing her self-choreographed routines to bigger projects and TV shows.

Black Celebs Who Refused to Promote Films with Whitewashed Posters

The actor took Universal Studios to court over the advertising for the movie ‘Couples Retreat’. He noticed that while the US poster showed all the couples in the film, the international poster used in places like the UK completely left him and his Black co-star out. He sued, claiming discrimination and a broken contract, arguing the studio removed them to satisfy international audiences. Though the lawsuit was eventually settled, his decision to speak out highlighted the issue of digital erasure of actors in Hollywood.

Movies That Cast Black Actors as Politicians and Sparked Real Debates

James Earl Jones plays Douglass Dilman, who unexpectedly becomes the first African American President after a national tragedy. The film examines the racial prejudice and political maneuvering that surface when the presidency falls to a Black man. As Dilman tries to lead from the Oval Office, he faces intense public and political scrutiny. Released in the early 1970s, the movie sparked discussions about whether a Black president was even conceivable at the time and how America would react.

Black Actors Who Forced Equal Pay Clauses Into Contracts

Denzel Washington became one of Hollywood’s most successful and highest-paid actors. His strong performances, especially in films like ‘Training Day,’ allowed him to negotiate for a share of a film’s profits, in addition to his regular salary. His agents consistently fought for contracts that recognized his status as a global box office draw. This push for fair compensation also helped open doors for other Black actors to achieve similar levels of financial success.