Wile E. Coyote has utilized a variety of devices in his ongoing but unsuccessful pursuit of the Road Runner over many years. However, there is a question worth pondering: could the blame for his failures lie with the Acme Corporation? Is it possible that the company responsible for creations like the “Instant Tunnel” and the “Do-It-Yourself Tornado Kit” simply produces subpar products?
This notion forms the basis of the movie “Coyote vs. Acme,” where our unlucky protagonist enlists a lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation for the physical pain he has endured from using their products.
The film, which was completed in 2023, faced obstacles before finally making its way to theaters this Friday. Initially shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery as a tax write-off, it was only resurrected when independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights last year.
To honor the film’s theme, we have compiled a list of our favorite anti-capitalist movies from the past four decades.
“RoboCop” (1987) envisions a future where a company named Omni Consumer Products essentially controls the Detroit police force. The film follows the journey of the man-machine RoboCop, who discovers the ruthless ambitions of Omni executive Dick Jones.
“They Live” (1988) tells the story of a regular worker who uncovers a hidden truth with special sunglasses, revealing aliens disguised as humans manipulating society to serve their own interests.
In “Fight Club” (1999), the protagonist rebels against consumerist conditioning, leading to anti-capitalist actions driven by the enigmatic Tyler Durden.
“Michael Clayton” (2007) exposes the lengths corporations will go to conceal their wrongdoing, as a fixer becomes entangled in a lawsuit involving a pesticide manufacturer.
“WALL-E” (2008) showcases a future where rampant consumerism has devastated Earth, contrasting with a romantic tale between two robots amid a society controlled by the Buy N Large conglomerate.
“Sorry to Bother You” (2018) follows a telemarketer who discovers a dark secret within his company, challenging his beliefs and values.
“How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (2022) explores the actions of a group aiming to disrupt the fossil fuel industry, highlighting the complexities and risks of their environmental activism.
These films offer thought-provoking critiques of capitalism and corporate power, resonating with audiences through their compelling narratives and social commentary.