15 Movie Costumes That Were Design Mistakes: From Batman to Historical Deviation

1. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 455433, ID: 2283362
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While ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ is a fun family adventure, the costume design for Karen Gillan’s character, Ruby Roundhouse, missed the mark. Her impractical and revealing outfit, reminiscent of outdated video game tropes, felt out of place in an otherwise modern and inclusive film. Despite this, the movie’s humor and action sequences make it an enjoyable watch for families.
2. Jumanji: The Next Level 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 288284, ID: 7975244
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In ‘Jumanji: The Next Level,’ the costumes improved significantly, with Ruby Roundhouse finally getting more practical attire. However, the film still struggled with some over-the-top and unrealistic costume choices that detracted from the immersive experience. Nevertheless, the movie’s engaging plot and character dynamics make it a fun sequel for family movie nights.
3. Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1989-1997 – Beyond Batman: Maximum Overdrive – The Vehicles of Batman and Robin 2005，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 31, ID: 1018685
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The Batman Anthology’s costume design, particularly in ‘Batman & Robin,’ is infamous for its over-the-top and impractical choices, like the infamous bat-nipples. These design choices often overshadowed the film’s narrative and performances, making it a prime example of how costume design can go wrong.
4. Pride & Prejudice 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 335208, ID: 0414387
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While ‘Pride & Prejudice’ is a beloved adaptation, its costume design has faced criticism for historical inaccuracies. The film’s dresses often lacked the structure and complexity of the Regency era, which can be distracting for history buffs. However, the movie’s charm and strong performances make it a delightful watch for families.
5. Dirty Dancing 1987，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 259744, ID: 0092890
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The costumes in ‘Dirty Dancing’ are iconic, but not without their flaws. Set in the 1960s but filmed in the 1980s, some outfits felt more reflective of the latter decade. Despite this, the film’s timeless story and memorable dance sequences continue to captivate audiences.
6. Django Unchained 2012，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1714476, ID: 1853728
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While Django Unchained is a gripping tale of revenge and redemption, its costumes are a mix of historical inaccuracies and creative liberties. Jamie Foxx’s character, Django, sports sunglasses and a green jacket that feel more like steampunk cosplay than 1850s attire. Despite these anachronisms, the film’s bold fashion choices add to its unique style, making it a visually memorable experience.
7. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 1989，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 816860, ID: 0097576
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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a thrilling adventure, but its costume design, particularly the German military uniforms, raises eyebrows. While the film boasts authentic World War II-era uniforms, some details are exaggerated for dramatic effect. This blend of accuracy and embellishment creates a visually striking, if not entirely faithful, representation of the period.
8. The Other Boleyn Girl 2008，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 120690, ID: 0467200
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The Other Boleyn Girl captivates with its tale of ambition and betrayal, but its costumes often miss the historical mark. The film’s lavish gowns, while stunning, sometimes prioritize drama over accuracy, with modern fabrics and embellishments that would have been rare in the Tudor era. These choices, though visually appealing, can distract from the film’s historical setting.
9. Gladiator 2000，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1641415, ID: 0172495
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Gladiator is an epic spectacle, yet its costumes are a blend of historical inspiration and Hollywood flair. Russell Crowe’s Maximus dons armor and tunics that, while iconic, are not entirely accurate to ancient Roman military attire. These creative liberties, however, enhance the film’s dramatic impact, making it a visually compelling, if not historically precise, portrayal.
10. Troy 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 575560, ID: 0332452
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Troy offers a grand retelling of the Trojan War, but its costumes often stray from historical authenticity. Brad Pitt’s Achilles, with his sleek leather armor and modernized Greek attire, looks more like a fantasy hero than a Bronze Age warrior. These stylistic choices, while visually striking, can detract from the film’s attempt at historical epic.
11. Braveheart 1995，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1098849, ID: 0112573
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While ‘Braveheart’ is a cinematic epic, its costumes are far from historically accurate. The kilts worn by Mel Gibson’s William Wallace are anachronistic, as kilts weren’t worn in Scotland until centuries later. Despite the film’s emotional and visual impact, the costume inaccuracies can be distracting for history buffs.
12. The Last Samurai 2003，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 475381, ID: 0325710
Photo by olivian.ro, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Though ‘The Last Samurai’ captivates with its story and performances, the samurai armor and costumes are a blend of various historical periods, which can be misleading. The film’s attempt to depict the late 19th century often falls short in costume authenticity, mixing elements from different eras.
13. Marie Antoinette 2006，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 123290, ID: 0422720
Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ dazzles with its vibrant and lavish costumes, but they are more fantasy than fact. The pastel-colored gowns and modernized hairstyles, while visually stunning, stray from historical accuracy, creating a whimsical rather than authentic portrayal of the French queen.
14. The Patriot 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 296277, ID: 0187393
Photo by aladin.co.kr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘The Patriot’ offers a gripping tale of the American Revolution, but its costumes are often criticized for their inaccuracy. The film’s depiction of colonial attire includes several anachronisms, such as the use of incorrect military uniforms and civilian clothing styles that don’t match the period.
15. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves 1991，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 210188, ID: 0102798
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Kevin Costner’s ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ is an adventurous romp, but its costumes are a historical mishmash. The film’s medieval attire often looks more like a fantasy costume party than a true representation of the era, with leather outfits and modern accessories that break the historical immersion.