Wile E. Coyote has exhausted all possible contraptions in his never-ending chase of the Road Runner over many years. But what if his continual failure is not due to his own shortcomings, but rather the fault of the Acme Corporation? Could it be that the company responsible for creations like the “Instant Tunnel” and the “Do-It-Yourself Tornado Kit” simply produces subpar products?
This is the central theme of the film Coyote vs. Acme, where our unlucky protagonist enlists the help of a bumbling lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation for the physical pain he has endured from using their gadgets.
After a convoluted journey, the movie is finally set to premiere in cinemas this Friday. Initially completed in 2023, it was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery and only saw the light of day again when independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights last year.
In honor of the film’s spirit, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite movies with anti-capitalist themes from the past four decades.
RoboCop (1987)
Paul Verhoeven’s RoboCop envisions a future where a corporation named Omni Consumer Products essentially controls the Detroit police force. The film follows the story of the cyborg law enforcer, RoboCop, as he uncovers the ruthless ambitions of Omni executive Dick Jones.
They Live (1988)
John Carpenter’s sci-fi masterpiece reveals a world where aliens disguise themselves as humans, manipulating society through subliminal messages to consume and conform, all while exploiting Earth’s resources.
Fight Club (1999)
In a similar vein to They Live, Fight Club explores how consumerism shapes individuals. The film delves into the protagonist’s journey as he rebels against the materialistic culture, leading to anti-capitalist actions.
Michael Clayton (2007)
A gripping portrayal of corporate deception, Michael Clayton follows George Clooney’s character as he navigates a lawsuit involving a pesticide manufacturer accused of causing harm. The film highlights the lengths corporations will go to protect their interests.
WALL-E (2008)
Pixar’s WALL-E presents a future where consumerism has devastated Earth, forcing humans to live in a spaceship run by the Buy N Large corporation. The movie critiques excessive consumption and environmental degradation.
Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Director Boots Riley’s satirical film delves into themes of capitalism and race, following a telemarketer who discovers a dark secret about his employer. The movie exposes the exploitation embedded in corporate structures.
How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022)
An indie thriller depicting a group’s radical actions against the fossil fuel industry, How to Blow Up a Pipeline explores the consequences and moral dilemmas of environmental activism through a tense narrative.
Each of these films offers a thought-provoking critique of capitalist systems, inviting audiences to reflect on the societal implications of unchecked corporate power.