6 Iconic 60s Movies That Are Painful to Watch Now

The 1960s were a groundbreaking decade for cinema, producing films that are still celebrated for their impact. However, not all classics have aged gracefully. Some iconic 60s movies, while once revolutionary, now feel dated or awkward by today’s standards. Here are six films from the 60s that are tough to sit through today.

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is remembered for Audrey Hepburn’s iconic role as Holly Golightly. The glamorous New York setting and the quirky charm of Hepburn made it a cultural landmark. Yet, parts of the movie feel uncomfortable now, especially Mickey Rooney’s offensive portrayal of a Japanese neighbor.

This dated portrayal overshadows the film’s charm, making it difficult to appreciate in today’s more culturally aware world. While Hepburn’s performance remains timeless, the movie’s handling of race and stereotypes makes it hard to watch without cringing.

2. Cleopatra (1963)

Cleopatra was one of the most expensive films ever made, and Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of the Egyptian queen is iconic. The movie, however, is bloated and incredibly long, stretching to over four hours. Its slow pace and overly dramatic dialogue make it feel like a slog to get through now.

What was once an epic spectacle now comes across as overindulgent and lacking the tight storytelling modern audiences expect. Despite its historical significance, Cleopatra’s grandeur doesn’t hold up when revisited today, making it more tedious than enjoyable.

3. Easy Rider (1969)

Easy Rider captured the rebellious spirit of the 1960s counterculture. With Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper leading the way, the film was praised for its portrayal of the open road and freedom. However, its wandering plot and long stretches of silence feel frustratingly slow to today’s viewers.

The film’s meandering structure and uneven pacing make it difficult to engage with now. While it represents a time of cultural revolution, the story’s lack of focus leaves modern audiences more impatient than inspired.

4. The Graduate (1967)

Dustin Hoffman’s role in The Graduate made him a star, and the film itself became a defining moment in 60s cinema. Its exploration of post-college confusion was groundbreaking. But watching it today, the relationship between Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson feels awkward, and the pacing can drag at times.

The May-December romance, once edgy, now comes off as problematic. With more critical perspectives on gender and power dynamics today, The Graduate has lost some of its charm, and its long silences and strange behavior make it feel stilted.

5. Dr. Dolittle (1967)

Rex Harrison’s portrayal of the animal-talking doctor in Dr. Dolittle was a whimsical delight for its time. But watching it now, the film’s pacing feels painfully slow, and the humor doesn’t land the way it did back then. The movie’s drawn-out musical numbers only add to the tediousness.

With today’s quicker, sharper comedies, Dr. Dolittle’s sluggish pace and outdated humor make it a tough watch. The film’s charm has faded, leaving it more of a nostalgic relic than an enjoyable experience for modern audiences.

6. West Side Story (1961)

West Side Story is hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, blending romance with the tension between rival gangs. The music and choreography are legendary, but some elements don’t hold up. The portrayal of race, with non-Latinx actors playing Puerto Ricans, feels glaringly wrong today.

Though the film’s musical moments are still impressive, the lack of authentic casting and some cringeworthy accents overshadow the film’s strengths. What was once progressive now feels dated, making West Side Story difficult to watch with the same admiration.