10 Ways The Twilight Movies Have Actually Aged Well

Though the wildly successful Twilight franchise has some hard-to-watch moments, the movies have actually aged well. The Twilight series features powerful vampires and important werewolves, who all center around the human, Bella Swan. The Twilight Saga is relatively loyal to the books by Stephenie Meyer, with a few changes to make it more visually compelling.

The Twilight movies were profitable at the box office, making it a multi-billion dollar franchise by the time of the last film’s release in 2012. More than 160 million copies of the books were sold, and the film franchise earned over $3 billion. While fans and cast members remember some aspects of the film as cringe or cliché, the movies still hold up surprisingly well.

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10 Twilight Defined The Modern Paranormal Romance Genre

It Set The Precedent For Teen Creature Films

Twilight defined the genre and set the tone for all vampires, werewolves, and monster movies that followed. Though there are plenty of films like it, Twilight was one of the first to explore the werewolves versus vampires trope with romance. The film helped establish a precedent for teenage interest in creature stories. The book sold over 75,000 copies the year it was released.

It was also one of the original teenage love triangles. Twilight’s “Team Edward” vs. “Team Jacob” debate raged on long after the series ended. Other science-fiction teen novels and series that came out after, like The Hunger Games, mimicked the heroine with two suitors’ love triangle but didn’t lean into the romance quite as much as Twilight did, and not to the same success.

9 The Soundtrack Is Still Iconic

The Movies Have Made Some Songs Infamous

The series’ soundtrack, particularly for the first film, is highly recognizable. The songs in the Twilight Saga are essential for establishing the melancholic yet romantic atmosphere of the movies. Even the film’s star, Robert Pattinson, had a few songs on the soundtrack, including “Never Think” and “Let Me Sign.” Even the iconic piano melody, “Bella’s Lullaby,” was composed and performed by Pattinson, especially for the film.

The soundtrack for the first film was #1 on the Billboard 200

in the first week of its release.

The band Muse had an important relationship with the film. Not only did Stephenie Meyer dedicate the Breaking Dawn book to the band, calling it an inspiration, but it had an impressive song in an essential scene in the first movie. Muse’s “Supermassive Black Hole” plays in the infamous vampire baseball scene while the Cullen family shows off their athletic skills. This scene has become one of the most recognizable in the films, with the song important for setting the tone.

8 The Films Feature Positive Depictions Of Adoptive Families

The Cullen Children Are Adopted

Sometimes, films featuring adoptive families depict the families or children as dangerous, using it as an important plot point. This can often hurt the public perception of adoption. In the Twilight series, the vampiric Cullen family adopted their children, and as the family patriarch, Carlisle saved near-death humans and turned them into vampires.

The Cullens paint adoption more positively, loving their children as if they were their own. The family behaves as a typical family would, drawing little attention to the fact that Carlisle and Esme are not the birth parents. Carlisle is even referred to as a “foster parent slash matchmaker” and endorses adopting people to help them out of trouble and save a life.

7 Despite Some Missteps, The Movies Ultimately Emphasize Sexual Consent From Both Parties

The Couple Waits Until Edward Is Ready

Significantly, throughout the series, Bella feels a great attraction towards Edward. She tries to engage in a physical relationship with him multiple times, which he often denies. It is not that he doesn’t feel the same way about Bella, but Edward knows the dangers he possesses as a vampire and worries about Bella’s physical safety if he lets loose.

Despite Bella’s many attempts at intimacy, Edward insists they wait until they are married to have sex. The movies tell an interesting story, reversing the often-told narrative that teenage boys are eager for intimacy. While Edward’s not entirely innocent and sometimes borders on being creepy, the couple waits until both parties are consenting before they consummate their relationship.

6 Twilight Is Not Embarrassed To Be A Chick Flick

The Movies Know What They Are Expected To Be

Though the movies have some monstrous elements, they are ultimately romance films. The movie doesn’t shy away from this fact. It does not create unnecessary violence or gore to try to appeal to a different audience. Even when there are battles and vampire fights, Bella and Edward’s devotion to each other is at the root of all the issues.

Even the Edward vs Jacob debate is a matter of who Bella should end up with, not if vampires are superior to werewolves.

While some movies might market themselves so as not to seem so cheesy or campy, Twilight leans into it. The films are known as romance movies first and creature features second. Even the Edward vs Jacob debate is a matter of who Bella should end up with, not if vampires are superior to werewolves.

5 Twilight’s Gloomy Setting And Tone Remain Important And Fitting

The Dark Setting Is An Important Part Of The Series

Set in Forks, Washington, Twilight is notoriously gloomy and dark in both setting and tone. A far cry from Bella’s former residence in Phoenix, Arizona, she feels much more at home in the mist of Washington State. The films really lean into this description of the setting, overemphasizing the gloom almost to the point of camp and theatricality.

While some complain that the films are almost too misty and blue, it is crucial for developing the mysterious themes of the series. The Twilight filter and look have become synonymous with the series. The gloomy tone is still important to the Twilight franchise, even over ten years after the series ended.

4 Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart Have Both Had Great Careers

Twilight Made The Duo Major Movie Stars

Though the cast of Twilight is infamous in various ways, two actors have stood out. Twilight was a critical launching point for Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart’s acting careers. Both had been actors prior, but Twilight became their most notable role. Stewart’s first credited role was in the 2001 film, The Safety of Objects. She had a prolific yet underrated career between then and Twilight in 2008. Prior to Twilight, Pattinson’s only major role was as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Since Twilight, both actors have starred in both popular and indie films. Pattinson’s credits include The Batman and Tenet and quirkier films like Good Time, The Lighthouse, and The King. Stewart starred in the 2021 film Spencer, which earned her an Oscar nomination. She has also had an indie film career, with movies like Love Lies Bleeding, Still Alice, and Adventureland. Though both actors have starred in many other projects, Twilight remains their most memorable to many.

Related Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart’s 10 Best Movies After Twilight

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3 The Wolf CGI Still Looks Decent

The Wolves Aren’t Like Typical Werewolves

Despite the comically infamous behind-the-scenes images of the actors in CGI bodysuits, the wolves of Twilight still look mostly realistic. Unlike other film depictions of werewolves, the wolves in Twilight are not a half-human breed. Because of this, the CGI didn’t need to be extended to create a new depiction of werewolves. Instead, the wolves look mainly like ordinary, albeit large, wolves.

The computer-generated imagery still looks realistic and not too uncanny. The series had infamously bad CGI usage, including Bella and Edward’s daughter, Renesmee, as a baby. Thankfully, the wolves still look good, even after CGI technology has evolved over the past decade.

2 The Movies Perfected The “Will They, Won’t They?” Angle

Fans Were Divided On Who Bella Should Choose

Part of Twilight‘s famous love triangle is the “Will They, Won’t They?” angle the series takes. Back and forth throughout the films, it is clear that Bella and Edward feel strongly about each other. But they resist getting together, primarily because of Edward’s fears of hurting Bella and his family’s habit of switching towns to keep their secret.

Jacob’s significance in New Moon complicates their relationship, as he becomes another viable suitor for Bella. Though it is clear that Bella still has feelings for Edward, since he has left Forks, it seems like she might end up with Jacob. The franchise is still good at keeping audiences on their toes and keeping them interested in Bella’s romantic choices.

1 Bella And Edward Are Still A Power Couple

When They Are Vampires, They Are Especially Powerful

Once Bella becomes a vampire, she gets powers that outdo even some of the greatest Cullens. She loses her clumsy nature and helplessness and can now rival Edward regarding her ability. With Edwards’s skill to read minds and Bella’s ability to mentally create shields to protect others, the two are well-suited to help out in the final vampire battle of the series.

Though Bella and Edward have their ups and downs as a couple, some of which can be attributed to the skewed logic of a universe with werewolves and vampires, Bella and Edward are still a pretty good couple.

The two have an unbreakable connection and cannot live without the other. Though Bella and Edward have their ups and downs as a couple, some of which can be attributed to the skewed logic of a universe with werewolves and vampires, Bella and Edward are still a pretty good couple. They have an apparent love and devotion for each other, both when Bella is a human and a vampire. Overall, their relationship is still one of the Twilight series’ most critical and well-done elements.

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The Twilight Saga is a paranormal romance series that ignited a cultural phenomenon. Centering on the forbidden love between ordinary human Bella Swan and the centuries-old vampire Edward Cullen, the saga explores themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. As their relationship deepens, they navigate a world filled with vampires, werewolves, and ancient rivalries, all while grappling with the complexities of their immortal and mortal existences. The series captivated audiences with its blend of teenage angst, forbidden romance, and supernatural intrigue, launching a global franchise that includes films, merchandise, and a dedicated fanbase.

Created by Stephenie Meyer Cast Kristen Stewart , Robert Pattinson , Taylor Lautner , Peter Facinelli , Elizabeth Reaser , Ashley Greene , Jackson Rathbone First Film Twilight (2008) Latest Film The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2

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