Hollywood isn’t just about glitz and glamour—sometimes, it’s a courtroom showdown. From copyright clashes to behind-the-scenes scandals, the last decade (2015–2025) has seen blockbuster films tangled in legal battles that rival their on-screen drama. In this blog, we dive into the top 10 recent movies that caused huge lawsuits, uncovering what went wrong, who sued whom, and how these cases ended. Whether you’re a movie buff or curious about legal pitfalls, this guide offers a front-row seat to Hollywood’s messiest disputes, optimized for 2025 search trends.
Why Do Movies Face Lawsuits?
Movies don’t just entertain—they can infringe rights, mislead fans, or spark workplace chaos. Common lawsuit triggers include:
- Copyright Issues: Stealing ideas or designs.
- Misrepresentation: False trailers or defamatory portrayals.
- Workplace Disputes: Harassment or unsafe conditions.
- Contract Breaches: Broken promises on pay or releases.
With billions at stake, these cases shape film production and legal norms. Let’s explore the top 10 culprits from the last decade, starting in 2015.
Top 10 Movies That Landed in Court (2015–2025)
1. It Ends With Us (2024) – The Chaotic Harassment Clash
- What Happened: This romantic drama’s 2024 release was overshadowed by a rift between director/actor Justin Baldoni and star Blake Lively. Reports of body-shaming and misconduct surfaced, prompting Lively to sue Baldoni in 2025 for harassment, alleging he orchestrated a smear campaign.
- Legal Fallout: Baldoni countersued Lively and Ryan Reynolds for $400 million, claiming defamation. The messy dispute highlights workplace power dynamics.
- Why It Matters: Experts call it a textbook case of unchecked harassment in Hollywood.
2. Black Widow (2021) – The Streaming Payday Fight
- What Happened: Scarlett Johansson expected a big box-office payout for her MCU swan song. Instead, Disney’s simultaneous Disney+ release cut her earnings, breaching her cinema-only contract.
- Legal Fallout: Johansson sued Disney, settling for a reported $40 million after months of tension.
- Why It Matters: This case spotlighted streaming’s impact on actor compensation during the pandemic.
3. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2015) – The Stuntwoman’s Tragedy
- What Happened: Stuntwoman Olivia Jackson crashed into a camera crane during a last-minute motorbike stunt, suffering severe injuries—amputated arm, spinal fractures, and brain bleeds.
- Legal Fallout: In 2019, she sued producers for cost-cutting and inadequate insurance, winning in South Africa in 2020. She now advocates for safer sets.
- Why It Matters: A wake-up call for stunt safety in action films.
4. Moana & Moana 2 (2016, 2024) – The Polynesian Plot Theft Claim
- What Happened: Buck Woodall claimed Disney’s Moana stole his 2000s script “Bucky,” about a Polynesian teen’s voyage. He sued again with Moana 2.
- Legal Fallout: Woodall sought $10 billion and 2.5% of future revenue, but a jury ruled for Disney, citing weak similarities.
- Why It Matters: Shows how hard it is to prove copyright theft in court.
5. Superman (2025) – The Super Copyright Battle
- What Happened: Set for 2025, this reboot faced a lawsuit from Joe Shuster’s estate, claiming international rights to Superman reverted to them under copyright law.
- Legal Fallout: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) moved to dismiss, arguing prior resolutions. It’s ongoing as of April 2025.
- Why It Matters: A decades-long fight over a comic icon’s ownership.
6. Roadhouse (2024) – The AI Controversy
- What Happened: R. Lance Hill, the original 1989 Roadhouse writer, sued Amazon and MGM, alleging the 2024 reboot used AI to mimic actors’ voices during the SAG-AFTRA strike, violating copyright.
- Legal Fallout: Amazon countersued, claiming Hill lacked rights. The case is unresolved.
- Why It Matters: Raises ethical questions about AI in film.
7. Happy Death Day & Happy Death Day 2U (2017, 2019) – The Mascot Mask Mix-Up
- What Happened: The film’s baby-faced killer mask looked eerily like the New Orleans Pelicans’ King Cake Baby mascot. Designer Johnson Berticelli sued Universal and Blumhouse for copyright infringement.
- Legal Fallout: Settled out of court in 2021, terms undisclosed.
- Why It Matters: A quirky clash of sports and cinema IP.
8. Yesterday (2019) – The Misleading Trailer Trouble
- What Happened: Fans Connor Wolf and Peter Rosa rented this Beatles-inspired flick for $3.99, expecting Ana de Armas from the trailer. She wasn’t in it, so they sued Universal for $5 million.
- Legal Fallout: A judge allowed the case under false advertising laws, but it settled in 2024 for legal fees.
- Why It Matters: Could set a precedent for trailer accuracy.
9. The Deb (2024) – The Producer vs. Director Showdown
- What Happened: Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut hit a snag when she accused producers of blocking its Toronto Film Festival premiere, harassing actress Charlotte MacInnes, and embezzling funds.
- Legal Fallout: Producers sued Wilson for defamation; she countersued. Her bid to dismiss failed in November 2024.
- Why It Matters: A messy debut exposing film financing woes.
- SEO Tip: “The Deb lawsuit Rebel Wilson” leverages celeb drama.
10. Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – The Estate’s Copyright Claim
- What Happened: Ehud Yonai’s estate sued Paramount, alleging Top Gun: Maverick infringed a 1983 article’s copyright, which expired in 2020, reverting rights to them.
- Legal Fallout: Paramount argued production finished before 2024’s copyright deadline; a judge dismissed the suit.
- Why It Matters: Tests the 35-year copyright reversion rule.
Key Lessons from These Lawsuits
These cases reveal pitfalls filmmakers must dodge:
- Clear Contracts: Black Widow’s streaming snafu shows why terms matter.
- Safety First: Resident Evil’s tragedy underscores crew protection.
- IP Respect: Happy Death Day and Moana highlight design and story risks.
- Honest Marketing: Yesterday’s trailer fiasco warns against hype over reality.
For viewers, they’re a reminder: movies are big business with big stakes.
How Lawsuits Impact Hollywood
- Production Changes: Stricter safety and AI rules may follow Roadhouse and Resident Evil.
- Financial Hits: Settlements like Johansson’s $40 million dent profits.
- Reputation Risks: It Ends With Us shows how scandals taint a film’s legacy.
In 2025, studios are rethinking contracts and tech use to avoid court.
What Can You Do If a Movie Misleads You?
Felt duped like Yesterday’s fans? Here’s a quick guide:
- Check Local Laws: False advertising varies by region (e.g., California’s laws helped Wolf and Rosa).
- Document Evidence: Save receipts or trailers showing promises.
- Consult a Lawyer: Small claims might work for minor losses.
- Expect Pushback: Studios fight hard, as Universal did.
It’s a long shot, but legal precedent is growing.
Conclusion: Hollywood’s Legal Blockbusters
From It Ends With Us’ harassment saga to Top Gun: Maverick’s copyright clash, these lawsuits prove movies can spark drama off-screen, too. As 2025 unfolds, expect more legal twists, especially with Superman’s fate in limbo. Which case shocked you most? Drop your thoughts below, and stay tuned for Hollywood’s next courtroom sequel.
Author Section
Written by the WatchMojo Team
At WatchMojo, we’re your go-to source for top 10 lists on Music, TV, Film, Video Games, and more. Since 2006, we’ve ranked pop culture with over 10,000 videos—Top 10s, Origins, Biographies, and beyond. With 6+ fresh lists daily, there’s always something new to explore. Love movies and legal drama? Dive into our massive library at WatchMojo.com!
