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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
