Back in Time Today
Discover the fascinating stories behind the original titles of 21 legendary movies that were ultimately rejected.
Each title change contributed to the film’s identity, appeal, and legacy, shaping them into the classics we know today.
1. Saturday Night Fever
The original title, “The Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night,” was considered too lengthy and intricate. Simplifying it to “Saturday Night Fever” captured the film’s vibrant energy and disco culture. Shortening the title made it more memorable and marketable, resonating with audiences’ fascination with the 1970s nightlife.
The new title effectively conveyed the essence of the film, inviting viewers to experience the electrifying world of disco. This change played a pivotal role in the movie’s success, as it aligned perfectly with the iconic soundtrack and dance sequences, turning it into a cultural phenomenon.
2. Back to the Future
Originally titled “Spaceman from Pluto,” this suggestion by a studio executive was quickly rejected. The proposed title lacked the adventurous spirit that “Back to the Future” embodied. By choosing the latter, the film’s creators encapsulated its time-traveling storyline and whimsical charm.
The decision to ignore the executive’s advice was crucial in preserving the film’s essence. “Back to the Future” became synonymous with the thrilling journey across time, captivating audiences worldwide. The new title also hinted at the film’s sci-fi elements without giving away too much, sparking curiosity and excitement about the adventure awaiting viewers.
3. Beetlejuice
The initial title “Scared Sheetless” was deemed too comedic and failed to capture the film’s eerie yet humorous tone. Renaming it “Beetlejuice” struck the perfect balance between spooky and quirky. The new title, inspired by the mischievous poltergeist character, intrigued audiences, hinting at the supernatural chaos within.
This change was instrumental in setting the film’s unique identity, bridging the gap between comedy and horror. It encouraged viewers to delve into the peculiar world crafted by director Tim Burton, where the bizarre and the macabre coexisted, offering an unforgettable cinematic experience.
4. Pretty Woman
Initially titled “3,000,” referencing the amount paid in the storyline, the title was changed to “Pretty Woman” to align with the popular song and broaden the film’s appeal. This transformation made the movie more accessible and relatable, focusing on the romantic and transformative aspects of the narrative.
The new title resonated with audiences, enhancing the film’s allure and charm. By drawing inspiration from Roy Orbison’s hit song, the title evoked emotions of love and fantasy, perfectly encapsulating the film’s fairy-tale essence and contributing to its lasting impact on the romantic comedy genre.
5. Pulp Fiction
The original title “Black Mask” referenced the pulp magazine but was changed to “Pulp Fiction” to better encapsulate the film’s essence. The new title paid homage to the pulp fiction genre, known for its gritty storytelling and vivid characters.
This change highlighted the film’s nonlinear narrative and eclectic style. It also helped in establishing the movie’s iconic status, allowing it to stand out in the realm of independent cinema. The title “Pulp Fiction” evoked curiosity and intrigue, drawing audiences into Quentin Tarantino’s distinctive world, filled with memorable dialogues, characters, and a uniquely woven storyline.
6. Scream
Originally titled “Scary Movie,” the name was altered to “Scream” to better reflect the film’s tone and suspenseful nature. This title change emphasized the horror elements and heightened the film’s intensity, making it more engaging for the audience.
The new title captured the essence of the slasher genre, creating a sense of anticipation and fear. It also set the stage for a series of sequels, establishing “Scream” as a cultural icon. By choosing “Scream,” the film avoided confusion with its later parody series, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of modern horror cinema.
7. Field of Dreams
Based on the book “Shoeless Joe,” the original title was changed to “Field of Dreams” for a more evocative appeal. The new title captured the film’s magical realism and emotional depth, inviting audiences to explore themes of redemption and hope.
This change played a crucial role in the movie’s success, as it resonated with viewers’ dreams and aspirations. “Field of Dreams” became a symbol of belief and possibility, drawing audiences into its heartwarming narrative. The title effectively conveyed the film’s inspirational message, turning it into a beloved classic that continues to inspire generations.
8. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
The original title “Headcheese” was considered unappealing, leading to the more descriptive and impactful “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” This change emphasized the film’s gruesome and terrifying nature, attracting horror enthusiasts. The new title vividly captured the essence of the slasher genre, promising a chilling experience.
By focusing on the visceral elements, it set the tone for the movie’s brutal narrative. The choice of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” not only appealed to audiences’ curiosity but also established the film’s legacy as a groundbreaking horror classic, influencing numerous films within the genre.
9. Annie Hall
Originally titled “Anhedonia,” meaning the inability to experience pleasure, the film’s title was changed to “Annie Hall” for broader appeal. The new title focused on the film’s central character, highlighting the romantic and comedic aspects of the storyline. This change made the movie more relatable and engaging, drawing audiences into the charming world created by Woody Allen.
By shifting the focus to the character of Annie Hall, the film resonated with viewers’ experiences of love and relationships. The title “Annie Hall” became synonymous with the film’s unique blend of humor and introspection, earning it critical acclaim.
10. The Breakfast Club
Initially titled “The Lunch Bunch,” the film’s title was changed to “The Breakfast Club” to better reflect the morning detention setting. This new title captured the essence of the story, highlighting the coming-of-age themes and the unlikely friendships formed. By emphasizing the breakfast setting, it created a relatable and engaging environment for audiences.
The title change played a significant role in the film’s identity, making it a quintessential teen movie of the 1980s. “The Breakfast Club” continues to resonate with viewers, celebrated for its honest portrayal of adolescent struggles and its impact on popular culture.
11. Alien
The original title “Star Beast” was considered uninspiring, leading to the more succinct and ominous “Alien.” This change captured the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and terrifying premise, drawing audiences into the unknown. The new title effectively conveyed the otherworldly threat, setting the stage for one of the most iconic sci-fi horror films.
By choosing “Alien,” the film’s creators emphasized the dread and mystery surrounding the extraterrestrial creature. This decision played a pivotal role in the movie’s success, establishing it as a benchmark for the genre and influencing countless sci-fi narratives.
12. Blade Runner
Originally titled “Dangerous Days,” the film’s title was changed to “Blade Runner” to better capture its futuristic and edgy tone. The new title evoked a sense of adventure and intrigue, aligning perfectly with the film’s dystopian setting. “Blade Runner” became synonymous with the cyberpunk genre, drawing audiences into its visually stunning and thematically rich world.
The title change was instrumental in shaping the film’s identity, making it a cult classic. By focusing on the unique term “Blade Runner,” the movie distinguished itself from other sci-fi films, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and inspiring future works.
13. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The original title “A Boy’s Life” was considered vague, leading to the more descriptive and marketable “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” This change highlighted the film’s central character and storyline, emphasizing the emotional bond between the young boy and the alien. The new title resonated with audiences, capturing the film’s heartwarming and adventurous spirit.
By focusing on the character of E.T., the movie became a beloved family classic, enchanting viewers of all ages. The title change played a crucial role in the film’s success, making it an enduring symbol of friendship and wonder in the realm of science fiction.
14. The Shawshank Redemption
Originally titled “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption,” the title was shortened to avoid misconceptions about the film’s content. The new title focused on the themes of hope and redemption, resonating with audiences’ desires for freedom and justice.
By simplifying the title, the film’s creators ensured that it accurately represented the story’s emotional depth. “The Shawshank Redemption” became a cinematic masterpiece, celebrated for its compelling narrative and powerful performances. The title change contributed to the film’s enduring legacy, making it a timeless tale of resilience and friendship that continues to inspire viewers worldwide.
15. Goodfellas
Initially titled “Wiseguy,” the film’s title was changed to “Goodfellas” to distinguish it from a TV series with the same name. This new title captured the essence of the film’s narrative, focusing on the camaraderie and darker aspects of organized crime.
By choosing “Goodfellas,” the movie emphasized the personal relationships and moral complexities within the mob world. This change played a significant role in the film’s success, establishing it as a quintessential crime drama. “Goodfellas” became a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its realistic portrayal of mob life and its impact on the genre.
16. Psycho
Originally titled “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” the title was changed to “Psycho” to avoid confusion with another Hitchcock film. This new title encapsulated the film’s psychological horror elements, drawing audiences into its suspenseful narrative.
By choosing “Psycho,” Hitchcock created an iconic title that resonated with viewers’ fears and anxieties. The title change was instrumental in establishing the film’s identity, making it a cornerstone of the horror genre. “Psycho” became synonymous with Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense, leaving a lasting impact on cinema and influencing countless filmmakers in the art of psychological thrillers.
17. Casablanca
Based on the play “Everybody Comes to Rick’s,” the title was changed to “Casablanca” to emphasize the exotic locale. This new title captured the film’s romantic and adventurous spirit, drawing audiences into its wartime narrative.
By focusing on Casablanca, the movie highlighted the themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny. The title change played a significant role in the film’s success, making it a timeless classic. “Casablanca” became synonymous with cinematic romance, celebrated for its memorable characters and iconic scenes. The title effectively conveyed the film’s enchanting aura, ensuring its place in the pantheon of Hollywood’s greatest films.
18. Vertigo
Originally titled “From Among the Dead,” the film’s title was changed to “Vertigo” to highlight the protagonist’s phobia and the central theme. This new title captured the film’s psychological complexity and suspenseful atmosphere, drawing audiences into its intriguing narrative.
By choosing “Vertigo,” the movie emphasized the dizzying effects of obsession and fear. The title change played a crucial role in shaping the film’s identity, making it a standout in Hitchcock’s filmography. “Vertigo” became a classic, celebrated for its innovative storytelling and visual style, influencing generations of filmmakers and leaving a lasting impact on the thriller genre.
19. The Sound of Music
The original title “The Singing Heart” was changed to “The Sound of Music” to align with the successful Broadway musical. This new title captured the film’s musical essence and enchanting storyline, drawing audiences into its heartwarming narrative.
By focusing on the music, the movie highlighted the themes of love, family, and resilience. The title change played a significant role in the film’s success, making it a beloved classic. “The Sound of Music” became synonymous with cinematic musicals, celebrated for its memorable songs and iconic scenes. The title effectively conveyed the film’s joyful and uplifting spirit.
20. To Kill a Mockingbird
Originally titled “Atticus,” the film’s title was changed to “To Kill a Mockingbird” to reflect the novel’s broader themes. This new title captured the story’s moral complexity and social commentary, drawing audiences into its poignant narrative.
By focusing on the symbolic mockingbird, the film highlighted themes of innocence and justice. The title change played a crucial role in shaping the film’s identity, making it a timeless classic. “To Kill a Mockingbird” became synonymous with cinematic storytelling, celebrated for its powerful performances and enduring message. The title effectively conveyed the film’s thematic depth, ensuring its lasting impact.
21. Apocalypse Now
The original title “The Psychedelic Soldier” was considered too countercultural, leading to the more impactful “Apocalypse Now.” This new title captured the film’s intense and chaotic nature, drawing audiences into its gripping narrative.
By choosing “Apocalypse Now,” the movie emphasized the themes of war and madness. The title change played a significant role in the film’s success, making it a landmark in the war genre. “Apocalypse Now” became synonymous with cinematic excellence, celebrated for its powerful storytelling and stunning visuals. The title effectively conveyed the film’s epic scope, ensuring its place in the annals of film history.