Movies that tell you whether to trust someone forever or run for the hills (full on sprint)
Green Flag Films
Craccum is here to supply you with some green flag movies to brighten your personality. People’s top five favourite movies or songs are a reflection of their characters and personalities, so it’s best not to signpost yourself as a Joker fan. The Craccum team recommends some green flag movies that might help you out or tell you if someone is a good person.
Coraline (2009)
Omni: Big green flag, Delightfully creepy, original, and quite magical honestly. Liking this gets you +5 personality points imo.
Flora: I’ve only read the book. Read it when I was eight. Too scared to watch the movie.
Naomii: Green flag because this movie definitely gave you trust issues and you need those to date in 2022.
Little Women (2019)
Omni: Green Flag. We’ve got to pay attention to female perspectives and stories. Most media is made for the male gaze and that’s why most of you get no bitches.
Flora: I have two words. Timothee Chalamet. That’s all.
Naomii: I’m gonna have to disagree that this movie was made for the female gaze because when they walk in the snow some of these girls wear uggs. UGGS?!
Paddington (2014) & Paddington 2 (2017)
Maddy: If someone says they love these films, you should instantly fall in love with them. They’re cosy as fuck, and find the fun and joy in every moment they can. Anyone who can’t get on board with a sweet talking bear, and finding the best in everyone, deserves a hard stare.
Omni: Both movies are so wholesome, Winnie the Pooh vs. Paddington would be a good fight.
Naomii: These movies will make you want marmalade, and they feature some wholesome healthy masculinity. I just want to be treated like Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2 okay.
The Hunger Games (2012-2015)
Nancy: Name one film series that exposes the exploitation and violence of capitalism, while also featuring a shirtless Sam Claflin. My mockingjay necklace and I will wait.
Arela: I too, had a mockingjay pin when I was 12 and yes I unapologetic wore it when my Year 7 English class went to go see the first one at the cinema. The Hunger Games is better now than the jarring mess of cinematography I thought it was at the time and Catching Fire has always held up. Sorry Mockingjay, but you weren’t great and I’ll always see you as a Hollywood cash-grab ploy.
Maddy: What Katniss represented for this Gen Z is very important. However, if someone asks you about Peeta vs. Gale, they fully missed the point of everything. Double green flag if they mention the Tumblr fandom.
Red Flag Films
As a reformed film bro, I understand the intrigue of a problematic character. Problematic characters can be relatable, but oftentimes, become idolised for all the wrong reasons. Movies containing these characters do not make the movie bad but red flags usually arise when people take up an affinity with certain icky characters, sometimes centring their whole personality around them (you’re not the protagonist from Drive so stop wearing that scorpion jacket my man). These red flag movies are often misunderstood by problematic men and even though they may be great movies, many can fall into the trap.
Navigating what these say about you can be tricky (Studio Ghibli? Green Flag. Anime? Not so much). Luckily, we at Craccum provide you with a list of red flag films that our team have fallen for, will defend to their death, and recommend not putting in your Tinder profiles.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Omni: Ah yes, the coin essential red flag movie. Especially if you’re a business major. You can find these fans in OGGB.
Flora: Not gonna lie, this movie is fun to watch. Leo is hot, Margot is hot, Jon Bernthal is hot. Or maybe I’m exposing my inner film bro.
Nancy: Even as “eat the rich” as I am, this is arguably a good film. But if you’re a finance bro who also claims this as your favourite movie, stop being greedy and commit to one evil please.
Naomii: Did you know this movie was made with embezzled Malaysian money? Now you do.
Tarantino Films
Omni: Honestly, love his movies, Reservoir Dogs is a red flag tho. If all his movies are your favourite, might want to show some diversity.
Flora: I watch Pulp Fiction purely for Mia Wallace. The opening sequence of Inglorious Basterds is also a masterpiece and you can’t change my mind.
Omni: Flora is really suspect at this point.
Naomii: Okay I fucking love Kill Bill which is potentially my own red flag. But if I have to listen to one more dude talk about Pulp Fiction I will go Bride on them. Do you really love all 2 hours and 30 minutes of this film? Do you even know what’s going on, or do you just like that one scene where you can see Mia Wallace’s tits?
Anime
Flora: Red flag for boys. If I see that shit in any dating app bio, goodbye. First and last encounter I’m having with a man.
Naomii: I agree with Flora. No, I’m not Japanese just because my name is Naomii, and you can shove your “ni-hao” up your ass.
Arela: Red flag for anyone—why are their eyes so big if they’re Asian??? Poor representation.
Omni: This is so sad, I have to throw away my Demon Slayer t-shirts now.
Joker (2019)
Omni: Gross.
Flora: Genuinely hate this movie. The film bro in me also hates this movie. Joaquin Phoenix slayed, but the movie is just a no. If people tell me they like this movie I’m taking that as a signpost that they’re not to be trusted.
Maddy: Todd Philips made this terrible movie because of ‘PC culture’ ruining his ability to make terrible comedy movies. Isn’t it a shame that people don’t want to see The Hangover III? Don’t worry Mr. Philips—I’m still laughing at this travesty.
American Psycho (2000)
Flora: The scene where they exchange their business cards is so fucking funny. If you idolise Patrick Bateman though… I think it’s time you reevaluate your life. Yes, I’m talking to you, the person I saw on Tinder with the Patrick Bateman profile.
Omni: Haven’t seen this but everyone that’s told me to watch it wasn’t quite right.
Maddy: This movie is directed and written by women, and is clearly a clever comedy and satire. However, way too many people get the wrong end of the stick here. If it’s clear someone finds the violence here cathartic, then yeah, leave that date/work meeting/family gathering immediately.
Superhero Movies
Flora: If you like the Marvel movies by Joss Wheldon, red flag. I will talk shit about Age of Ultron until the day I die. Marvel is mostly green flags otherwise though. The DCEU movies however, are a major red flag. Christopher Nolan’s ones are thankfully excluded from that universe.
Omni: DC movies aren’t red flags, they’re just shit.
Gabbie: I am a strong believer that just because a movie is a superhero movie it’s not a red flag. Do they pass the Bechdel test?! Maybe not, but we’ve gone centuries without feminism! What’s one more.
Arela: I can’t remember any of their names (movies or characters), and I won’t try to. Besides, they’re all played by white Chrises. I think that speaks for itself.
Nancy: Might be outing myself as a red flag here but I genuinely cannot name one superhero film where I haven’t power napped. The pew pew pew and lack of character depth work better than any melatonin gummy on the market.