5 Iconic Movies That Faced Plagiarism Accusations — and How They Fought Back (Some Cases Still Surprise Me)
When inspiration in Hollywood looks a little too familiar.
I recently stumbled upon some fascinating Hollywood trivia — five iconic films that ended up in court over alleged plagiarism. Some accusations were wild, some oddly convincing, but all of them show how thin the line between 'inspired by' and 'stolen from' can be. Here’s the rundown.
Kill Bill (2003)
Tarantino’s love of cinematic references is no secret, but writer Dannez Hunter claimed he went too far, stealing a plot about a girl who witnesses her mother’s murder — just like Lucy Liu’s character. The court found no proof; Tarantino walked.
Avatar (2009)
James Cameron spent years crafting Avatar, or so he says. Eric Ryder and Gerald Morawski each claimed he borrowed from their ideas. Cameron fought both lawsuits — and won.
The Fifth Element (1997)
Artist Mœbius and director Alejandro Jodorowsky accused Luc Besson of ripping off their comic The Incal. Mœbius even sought €22 million — despite working on the movie’s own design. Case dismissed.
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Pixar faced two lawsuits — poet Laurie Madrid said her poem inspired the film, while artist Stanley Mouse claimed the monster designs were his. Both cases were thrown out.
Servant (2019)
Director Francesca Gregorini accused Apple and M. Night Shyamalan of copying her film’s premise: a woman caring for a doll she believes is a baby. The court sided with Apple.
In Hollywood, ideas travel fast — sometimes straight to a lawyer’s desk.
