Wile E. Coyote’s relentless chase for the Road Runner has been filled with failed attempts using a variety of gadgets over many years. However, could the blame lie not with him but with the products from the Acme Corporation? What if the company responsible for items like the “Instant Tunnel” and the “Do-It-Yourself Tornado Kit” simply produces subpar goods?
This forms the basis of the movie “Coyote vs. Acme,” where our unfortunate protagonist enlists a lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation for the physical pain he has endured from their products. After facing delays and being shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery for tax purposes, the film is set to debut in theaters this Friday following its acquisition by independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment last year.
In honor of the film’s theme, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite movies critical of capitalism from the past four decades.
“RoboCop” (1987) presents a dystopian future where a company dominates the police force, leading to conflicts when the main character, RoboCop, discovers the corporation’s unethical practices.
“They Live” (1988) follows a man who uncovers a hidden alien agenda promoting consumerism to distract humans from their exploitation.
“Fight Club” (1999) explores anti-capitalist sentiments through a story of rebellion and societal critiques embodied by the characters Tyler Durden and the unnamed protagonist.
“Michael Clayton” (2007) portrays the lengths corporations go to cover up their wrongdoings, illustrating the ruthlessness of corporate interests.
“WALL-E” (2008) depicts a world overrun by consumerism and environmental degradation, highlighting the consequences of unchecked capitalism.
“Sorry to Bother You” (2018) delves into themes of race, class, and exploitation within a capitalist system, revealing the dark underbelly of corporate greed.
“How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (2022) showcases a group’s radical environmental activism against the fossil fuel industry and the complexities of their mission to dismantle infrastructure.
Each of these films offers a critical lens on capitalism, urging viewers to reflect on the societal impacts of unchecked corporate power and consumerism.