70's
Portrays a struggle between a small rebellion and a massive Empire, heavily inspired by the Nuclear Arms race, the Vietnam War and the anti-war movement.
What is Star Wars a New Hope?
This movie generated over 600 million dollars in 1982 alone and single-handedly saved Universal Pictures. It features an alien who wants to call home.
E.T.
This 2001 movie about a hobbit on a long journey paralleled the War on Terror.
What is The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings?
Set during NYC's 1975 economic crisis, this film mirrored social anxieties about urban crime and the neglect of returning Vietnam War veterans.
What is Taxi Driver?
This movie is an easy rewatch and is considered to be “a perfect movie”. It influenced slang in the 80s with several quotes, including “As You Wish”.
The Princess Bride
The trailer of this Marvel movie was edited after 9/11 to remove images of the Twin Towers.
What is Spider-Man?
Mirroring the 70's focus on transparency, this film popularized the catchphrase "Follow the money," which suggests that political corruption can be exposed by examining money transfer between parties.
What is All the President's Men?
This comedy show stars Bill Cosby as Cliff raising his five children with his wife in a Brownstone in New York
The Cosby Show
This 2009 movie directed by James Cameron reflected the rise of environmentalism at the time.
What is Avatar?
This movie reflects the social divide in America, showing how mainstream society rejected the era's youth movements and hippie culture.
What is Easy Rider?
This show, which debuted in 1982, is about a group of friends who hang out in a bar. Their theme song is called “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.”
Cheers
This 2000 show completely changed the television industry by popularizing reality TV.
What is Survivor?
Reflecting the postwar suburban boom and consumer ideals, this show portrayed a nuclear household thriving on a single architect's income (in contrast to the era's soaring inflation).
What is Brady Bunch?
This movie is about a group of people in the Cold War with very creative nicknames. In 2022, they made a sequel featuring the return of the main character
Top Gun
This 2006 movie directed by John Lassete reflected themes of clear good vs evil as popularized after 9/11.
What is Cars?