What Makes Scott Pilgrim The Most Comic Book Movie In History

When Scott Pilgrim vs The World first hit theaters, it was viewed as only a moderate success. But in the years following, during a massive boom in comic book movies, Scott Pilgrim found new life with a massive cult audience. During an age where superheroes rule the box office, Scott Pilgrim vs the World lives in a world that leaned almost completely into the comic styles in which it was adapted from. Rarely do we see a movie replicate a comic book so well.
#scottpilgrimvstheworld #edgarwright #nerdstalgic
Written by Dave Baker
Edited by Dan Smiley

[@Nerdstalgic]

What's your favorite Edgar Wright movie?

[@michaelstrong5383]

Hot Fuzz Really hilarious and a very smart script too. One of the best buddy cop films if you ask me.

[@007wars6]

Hot Fuzz for sure. It’s just perfect to me; it never misses a beat!

[@mcjovies36]

Baby Driver is a rhythmic masterpiece

[@MultiSkiptracer]

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World for sure

[@holladaycubed]

Shaun of the dead

[@007wars6]

I still don’t fully understand why some people just flat-out hate this film. It is excellently made, Michael Cera is FANTASTIC, the music is incredible, the style is so over the top and perfect, and the comedy is TOP NOTCH

[@wilk8940]

>the style is so over the top and perfect perfect... for you. The style is the reason I can't stand it though I did enjoy the comedy a lot. That's me loving Edgar Wright though

[@michaelstrong5383]

I guess Edgar Wright's style for this film was just too much for some people. He's one of my favorite directors (with Hot Fuzz being one of my all time favorite films), but I can understand why not everyone would love his movies.

[@007wars6]

@@michaelstrong5383 ah yeah, very true. I adore his style as well, but I can see how it would be too fast or over the top for some

[@edoardoruini199]

I would say "perfectly over the top" because you could make this movie with a more moderate style but it wouldn't be the same and it probably wouldn't work. It is what it is.

[@skateorpie]

Weird because this is my favorite film of all time lol

[@gregor0ni927]

Fun fact: I almost saw this movie in the theater but was underwhelmed by the trailer and couldn’t settle on it. I instead saw Dinner For Schmucks. This is my biggest regret in life.

[@ggMwaniki]

The opposite for me. My cousins and I were bored so we went to the cinema and watched this. I didn't see a trailer so I went in blind so I was hooked after the first fight, such a great film.

[@gregor0ni927]

@@ggMwaniki I ended up watching the movie a few months later with the same friend I’d gone to the movies with, and we realized our grave error. Such a fantastic film!

[@rickeydart3040]

The trailer for this movie is God awful.

[@blueguygaming1330]

It came out in theaters again in may last year, it was a great experience

[@yizzardpalmero]

Yeah I also saw the trailer and thought it looked dumb... then a couple years later one of my friends recommended it to me and I was like really? I remember seeing the trailer for that and it looked bad, but he was usually right in his movie recommendations so I watched it and was very sad I missed out in theaters... Oh well haha I've seen it like 20 times by now

[@302racing3]

Probably my most rewatchable film ever. Must’ve watched it a dozen times and still find something new or interesting

[@angrykeeper]

Bread makes you fat?

[@TheElectricMayhem]

A dozen? You gotta pump up those numbers. Those are rookie numbers.

[@sunofabob]

I didn't know the pee bar was reflected in the mirror until just now.

[@sean_mccadden]

@@sunofabob I honestly didn't notice it before either 😆 honestly why this movie is so great because no matter how many times you watch it, you'll still find something new.

[@Kallah_DaughterOfYAHUAH]

Perfect way to describe it. It’s really one of those rare SUPER REWATCHABLE movies. Such a rarity.

[@pandrus23]

Scott Pilgrim is the type of movie I wish would get made more often: totally unique, interesting and willing to take chances. I understand how people don't like it; anything so different from your average formula movie or established IP is bound to be divisive.

[@Antwannnn]

I'm happy films aren't being made like it bc it differentiates itself more from the crowd.

[@HeelBJC]

Somewhat like Napoleon Dynamite in that way.

[@dustyboialex]

what's IP?

[@timk6181]

@@dustyboialex Intellectual property

[@Antwannnn]

@@dustyboialex what he said 👆🏾

[@zk2611]

You're no longer the 'discount Nerdwriter', you are Nerdstalgic, and you're awesome! Love to see how the channel has grown over the past few years!

[@Nerdstalgic]

Appreciate this!

[@dangerfly]

Except this guy talks too fast tripping over every other mumbled word.

[@vancetodd4401]

The only issue that I've ever had with the movie over the comic is that they romanticise this toxic way Ramona and Scott treat each other. Granted, I know that the last book was written while they were filming and got the greenlight from Bryan, given he was there the whole time, but the redemption arcs Scott and Ramona go though where they both acknowledge that they were kind of shitty to each other and decide to start over at the end of the book is lost in the movie. It's a neat thing when Scott in the book admits to Kim that he was an asshole to her, and that he should have treated her better. Other than that, this is one of my favorite movies, but what does everyone else think?

[@hellomark1]

I mean it's meant to be entertaining, but right from the start they have Scott's friends and even his roommate telling his high-school gf she should "run" and "Scott if your life had a face I would punch it." I don't know why people are missing these cues. Scott is a jerk, though maybe entirely unintentional, who learns to become less of a jerk by the end of the movie.

[@lucynyu333]

There were two alternate ending possibilities for the film. The original ending was showed in a test version of the movie, and the significant difference was that Scott ended up with Knives rather than Ramona. The scene shows Scott meeting up with Knives, and in the distance he sees Ramona. Ramona walks off and Scott kisses Knives. The other alternate ending was never filmed. In this version, the ending would have revealed that the whole situation had been a dream. Scott was actually a serial killer who murdered seven people, then dreamed up the video game scenario. The plan was to have a local news station covering the murders.

[@winespringinc.9447]

I agree 100%. I love the movie but it does bother me, that the redemption arc is cut short and Scott and Ramona don't get the full realisation of how shitty they have been

[@rileydaily5426]

I'm confused at the end of the movie do they not say they want to start over and then go through the door again just like they did at the beginning of their relationship. Also in the movie Scott did apologize to Kim right before the end fight scene when he just got into the theatre and Kim got like a plus one over her head.

[@rickdadick5193]

I want more

[@SonOroSound]

This movie is unique and iconic. It was also ahead of its time. It fits perfectly with today's meme culture and ideologies.

[@myoriginalname]

Got it recommended on Netflix a while ago and absolutely enjoyed every second of it. I just love when streaming services actually recommend me good stuff I never heard of before, like the Cabin in the Woods.

[@psychosomaticstatic]

I was so sad when they took it off if netflix a few months ago!!

[@kuromifytheworld008]

@@psychosomaticstatic yeah, and then it was on peacock for like, a month, and then it got taken off.

[@theluigifan1]

One of my favorite movies of all time. Story-wise, it’s weaker than the comics but that’s to be expected when adapting a 1-2 hour movie based on six graphic novels. The jokes, music, action, acting, visuals and dialogue are all killer, though.

[@cameronmoore7675]

"HE PUNCHED THE HIGHLIGHTS OUT OF HER HAIR" gave me what was definitely one of the biggest laughs of my entire life.

[@rickeydart3040]

The movie is very much style over substance, but the style is so damn good the substance doesn't really matter.

[@TheGreatPurpleFerret]

this is a classic movie and so many people hated it. unbelievable.

[@mrs.vasquezz]

Van goh was hated in his time

[@lolxdlolmfaololxdd8879]

i didnt like it cause scott is an asshole but the movie itself wasnt terrible

[@Dan55888]

Because it is an unrealistic fantasy about a flat boring and not good looking character fighting for some hippy girl against her mamy numerous ridiculous old boyfriends. The core of the story is not relatable at all to nerds. Cram packed with references and tributes but built around a bullshit unrealistic story

[@supersonicbro]

@@Dan55888 wait... so you're telling me people don't really explode into coins???

[@jakeuskun]

@@supersonicbro this dude is in the comments copying and pasting. it’s complete bait.

[@salvatronprime9882]

This is one of my all-time favorites. So criminally underrated.

[@notkimpine]

if you like scott pilgrim then you loved bocchi the rock. it's all about that one anime girl formed a band kesoku band and it went crazy for the trope and shit

[@buffyVampslyr364]

I cracked up just at the scenes you included in this vid alone, that movies humor still gets me in a lot of ways and it truly does have such a tight execution of style that is very very satisfying to watch. I remember loving the energy the music gave to fight scenes for example.

[@k31than]

This movie is way so underrated and under-appreciated. I liked and enjoyed watching this movie when upon its release despite the fact that I had no clue as to what it was about -- at least aside from what was shown on the [movie] poster. I didn't even see its trailer.

[@joshualogan84]

I'm a huge comic nerd, grew up reading X-men in the 90s and have loved the MCU, my Marvel love is strong but Scott Pilgrim vs The World is my all time favorite comic book movie. For every reason you said and so much more, it just is hands down, the best comic film I've ever experienced.

[@thethedoctor100]

I wrote this exact topic on the adaptation of comic book movie in High school and looking back at it through your video essay has made me realise so much I didn't know about the topic and I love this to the core. Thank you so much Nerdstalgic.

[@thatguymatt5816]

This movie, the books, the games are all so incredible. One of my favorite movies of all time. I can literally never get tired of watching it

[@alondraramirez4668]

I discovered this movie in my early teens and for the tenth anniversary I did a half blue split dye like knives, watching it in theaters was an amazing experience and I also regularly enjoy the recently-released-for-the-anniversary Brie Larson version of Black Sheep. Definitely related to the knives character as I myself am a naïve teenage girl.

[@crazypeopleonsunday7864]

I can't believe they didn't mention the scene where you of Scott's bandmates is freaking out at their first battle of the bands concert & his words are slowly being drowned out by the music so that the only way you know what he's saying is to read the text that appears behind him. That was probably one of the best examples from the film, in my opinion.

[@mechajay3358]

The visual style and editing is what drew me to Scott Pilgrim. I've never seen anything like this in any other movie before or since.

[@waynesmiley2207]

One of the greatest! The trailer had me sold as soon as I saw it in theaters and the moment I heard the music from Zelda's Great Fairy Fountain (one of my favorite game songs) in the background as he was going to take a pee I was immediately won over. Love this movie!

[@JB2X-Z]

This movie exemplifies what I wish film creation teams would make. Experiences close to what Metal Gear Rising, Devil May Cry V, and Space Channel 5 offer. A very musical, action packed experience.

[@notkimpine]

bocchi the rock is another musical anime rock tv show than scott pilgrim

[@sea_buggy]

title is wrong actually- this is the most comic live action movie in history, most comic book movie in history belongs to the spiderverse movie

[@ceno10101]

4:29 that KO part is my favorite from the movie.

[@EmersonWyrick-ec7tg]

I think why a lot of people don’t like/haven’t watched it is because the part of its fan base that worships this movie as being the best film ever made. I think that this film is very good. It’s got great characters, humor, and most of all the original music. It’s over the top and quirky and doesn’t take itself to seriously which is what I appreciate for

[@graefx]

I remember going to the theater and being blown away by its voice and visuals. When it was only 3rd in the box office that weekend the refrain was "we failed scott pilgrim" but a decade later and it still persists.

[@WhitieWu]

The movies Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Hot Fuzz and Snatch (yes, I realize, not the same director) were once movies I did not care for after my first viewing but they have now became some of my favorite movies. They are great to go back and watch because there is so much that can be missed/overlooked.

[@jeffkoenig7402]

Snatch is fantastic but yeah, it can definitely throw you off at first if you're not along for the ride it takes you on

[@Simmy9898]

So much emotion coming out of my chest

[@WeWynne]

Literally one of the best movies ever made. The visuals, the jokes and the storytelling are just absolutely incredible!

[@jayc0720]

It took me a second watch but if you really watch the movie you can tell how well made it is. The cast did an amazing job, the director especially. Really good and underrated movie

[@d3adpool472]

scott pilgrim is a visual masterpiece, it has great music, and its a fun and daring movie that takes chances and somehow delivers every time ... it also changes meaning in different stages of ur life ... hands down this is one of my all time favorite movies, it just works!!!

[@xprophecy1]

I love your videos, they're always so entertaining, but my god did my heart wince when you used SAO to visually reference anime

[@ultimaweapon6]

Is it you? The original nerdstalgic? Glad to have you back

[@rubyc1450]

My first introduction to Scott Pilgrim was this movie. Obviously, I would have missed things that older fans picked up on. But it was still a captivating film for me. That must be a credit to how the source material was handled. 👍😀

[@iam_jonscott1641]

Yo! Props for using WhytManga's Apple Black comics at 0:16

[@Mathue360]

Scott Pilgrim is still one of my favorite movies Edgar Wright has directed. I'm always glad to see it get the love it deserves.

[@hectorjrivera1627]

I never get tired of watching this movie, the cheer mention of Scott Pilgrim urges me to rewatch it. This film will forever be one of the greatest.

[@kazza6078]

From what i can tell, this movie is one of the most favorited movies of all time, it makes soo many peopels top 5, it should get every single award

[@thesuperginge1348]

This is the first and only movie I immediately watched a second time after finishing it because of how good it was and how many hidden things I wanted to see! One of the few times I've had to pause a show or movie because I was laughing so hard I couldn't hear

[@honeycombc]

Scott Pilgrim has been my favourite film from the moment I saw it a few years ago. I try not to watch it too often so I don't ruin it for myself, but I always end up thinking 'maybe it's time for a new favourite movie'. Then I rewatch it and remember exactly why I love it, paired with just how much this film means to me. It's wonderful, it's brilliant, it's Scott Freaking Pilgrim!!

[@stanleywhite4404]

This movie means the world to me. It came out on my birthday and got to go see it with all my siblings. Ever since then I think I’ve watched this movie about 10-15 times a year. This is by far the most perfect movie ever made

[@bbittercoffee]

Scott Pilgrim is up there, as one of my favorite movies ever, with Wall-E, which is by far my favorite movie ever. It's so fun, so rewatchable, so GOOD.

[@jackyb1651]

Love this movie! My husband was one of those people who never had any interest in watching it. Until one day we were home and I decided to put it on..he wasn't going to watch it with me at first but after the first few mins he was hooked! After it was over he told me that he regretted never giving it a chance before and has rewatched it many times since. I also blast the soundtrack regularly!

[@blairmcauley2497]

Scott pilgrim is one of my favorite movies ever

[@laurelsilberman5705]

I think its perfectly executed, shall we say, ‘comic-loyal extreme exaggeration’ in its comedy moments is the only factor that I think you left out in terms of listing the things about this movie that make it hold up so flawlessly. Moments like Scott jumping out the window are so comic-booky and absurd to see in a live action film, that it’s just as hilarious no matter how many times you watch this movie. Its rewatchability factor stems heavily from its comedy, and I think it’s rewatchability is one of the main contributing factors to how it has defended its spot as best “live-action comic book adaptation movie” of the comedy genre ever since it came out. And that’s in spite of some very very decent competition in the live-action comic book adaptation comedy film genre since Scott Pilgrim’s release. Also it is the #1 most quoted movie among all of my friends due to the comedy. It’s just fucking hilarious. And I adore how perfect the casting and performances are. They just knocked it out of the park.

[@marcosserrano383]

The whole soundtrack to this movie fucking SLAPS

[@Nerdstalgic]

Never gets old!

[@u23power]

You finally come back!!!

[@LanEXHikari]

All of his works are very special, but Scott Pilgrim surely was a surprise as how well executed it was. Thanks for the video! ✌🏼

[@MrFancyDragon]

I feel like this movie inspired a lot of early 2010s KZbin videos. Especially those that are “high budget” and taken to the extreme Sharp shadows. Lens flares. Ultra widescreen moments. Even the video game aesthetic and whip pans can be seen all throughout.

[@willowshake023]

I absolutely died at how Scott Pilgrim fought his "shadow version". I really love the comedy in this movie.

[@uosdwiSrdewoH]

I'm proud to say I was there from the start. I saw Scott Pilgrim 7 times during it's theatrical run. Would've gone more but since nobody else was watching it they pulled it from theatres after 5 weeks. Yes, I saw it more than once a week and I regret nothing. It is a work of pure genius. Though nobody else showed up for it which probably said to Hollywood execs that it doesn't matter how hard they work to make it as close to a comic as possible people either show up or they don't and you can't predict that so just do whatever you want and hopefully we make some coin.

[@annapearl6226]

“what makes scott pilgrim the most comic book movie in history” thats top tier grammar tbh

[@markos.5539]

I just watched this a few days ago for the 1st time. Damn, what timing I have. Really love the cinematogeaphy. Pulled off a really unique one

[@purplephantom2441]

I can understand the criticism for as an adaptation. And also some criticism in the screenplay. But as a film itself it’s just great art.

[@mikey-bz4it]

I was trippin on acid one night and put this on to try and fall asleep at the end of the night and ended up finding a fucking gem of a movie and staying up to watch it

[@itsflynnnorton]

I’ve been waiting for this

[@cxmrotn]

i watch this movie every few years this is really something special

[@nealiusd6121]

"Sucker punch" and "Kung fu Hustle " are also in the running with Scott Pilgrim

[@BloodlessWolf]

Recommended this film recently to a coworker. He actually thought the movie was essentially like Super Bad and was surprised when I told him it was one of my favorites. So, he had NO idea what he was about to watch....and....he loved it. Now he needs to see all of Edgar Wright's other films as well.

[@Rambl3On]

Scott Pilgrim has been the only movie I saw 3 times in the theater. Such a fun and well made movie!

[@ulisesfuentes2650]

bro i swear i heard nothing about this movie until i saw in the redbox of all places and it was awesome i wish i could’ve seen in theaters

[@JT40301]

This is legit one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time.

[@vvschrisyt8848]

I was watching this movie while on acid with my friends and at the beginning after the opening credits they finish the song and as soon as it’s done the screen has wave effects all over it and we got sunken into the movie when the movie was over we was just like wtff this the most underrated film

[@boisvert45]

I love the movie, one of my all time favorites, but i do kinda wish they did just a little more with the twins

[@eduardpeeterlemming]

Edgar Wright is pure genius

[@ikarizadeh5032]

Just because it became a BOX-OFFICE-BOMB, dosen’t mean you had to hate it.

[@DjBoggLEMaN]

I went to the movies to see this and I still think it's one of the best comic book adaption EVER! The music was fun and exciting and the I swear it was so true to the comic.

[@bySterling]

Genius take and breakdown sir, you did that dynamic duo proud indeed 👊🏻💥👏🏻💯

[@AlexReyes]

Im so happy you made this video. I love this movie!

[@jcaseyjones2829]

This movie is more Lebowski than Lebowski. Every time I think of it or someone brings it up, I'm going to be stuck thinking about it until I give in and watch it again. AND IT'S BETTER EVERY TIME.

[@camharkness]

I always loved this movie, and the comics, and the game.

[@Apocalythpe]

This is on my top 5 movies of all time

[@ICantFindMyKnuttsFTLC4L]

I remember thinking that I'm watching a normal movie until people started flying💀 I was confused af

[@YeTism]

She saw Ramona Flowers and felt so empowered

[@cerindraco8407]

i loved this movie... i cant believe it wasn't more popular... i never read the comic but this was a masterpiece and definitely in my top 10 favorite movies

[@kenhtherandom]

this one is literally my favorite movie partly because of the stuff this video focuses on

[@rubysparks4915]

This is still one of my all time favorite movies. I saw it five times in the theatre and can't understand why it didn't do better! It's so inventive and Cera at his best (he's the best in this movie and Arrested Development).

[@rhylin26]

1:11 gets me every single time! 🤣

[@Pink_Lemonade3974]

I didn’t know this music was from a movie I’ve been listening to it for a while

[@nathanslay6342]

Scott Pilgrim vs The World is just so so good!! I love the corny acting in it, the dialogue, the editing and how it’s used for the humor, the humor, I love the visual flair, I love the unique action sequences, too, and it’s a great film all around! But my favorite Edgar Wright movie is Baby Driver! Edgar Wright is a master 😎

[@Ubermunchies]

Scott pilgrim laid the groove so that into the spider verse could swing

[@zaydanabrahams2424]

Scott Pilgrim was my favourite movie

[@Dimas5]

This truly is the most comic book movie

[@BIGwillTHEGAME]

One of my favorite movies

[@iamjogun]

Easily one of my favorite movies

[@YOTF233]

Definitely in the top 100 movies of all time

[@richardwild3942]

Best movie of the last 20 years. Seriously.

[@F2t0ny]

What an absolute treasure of a movie.

[@johnmulder3204]

Actually got to see this in theaters back when it was first released. My friend drug me to see it and I am very glad he did because I probably would have never seen it otherwise.

[@tWiNeS18]

This is one of my favorite movies. Missed it when it was in theaters and when I finally saw it and heard how badly it did at the box office I was really surprised.

[@LittleKitsune85]

Scott pilgrim might be best comic book adaptation.

[@fredericos4190]

1 of the top 5 comedies of all time

[@joelwybrew]

I actually would have loved to be there for that first screening. To be among those rabid fans would be such an exciting and positive environment to enjoy a film I already love so much.

[@Plutouthere]

Someone forgot the Spiderverse movie came out since Scott Pilgrim..

[@AtZero138]

It's actually Violent!.. fights are great... The power of self respect.. Epic

[@DonovanAenslaed]

Let's not forget the movie has one of the best fighting sequences in cinema: Ramona & Puppet Scott vs Roxy! Also! Let's not forget that Garage Rock is the mayor contributor of the soundtrack, one of the very few movies that heavily features it!

[@bleckybob]

This movie is a live action anime with comic strip elements

[@LeonALV]

this movie was bussin af

[@artirony410]

bruh this movie blew my mind when I was like 13, I'd never seen anything like it

[@greendaleforever]

It's been my favorite movie since opening day. Saw it 3 times and did not understand why it flopped. Times have changed for sure.