The History of Blockbusters

Written by: Paige Leal

The word blockbuster is one we hear often when talking about movies, headlines and major entertainment news. But what does it really mean? 

Blockbuster

Originally, the term “blockbuster” referred to a large explosive bomb, powerful enough to destroy an entire city block. As time has passed, it is metaphorically used in the world of cinema, for something huge, spectacular or extremely successful. In entertainment, a blockbuster is a film with a very large budget, massive marketing, wide release and huge box office returns.

 Summer and winter are traditionally the biggest blockbuster seasons. During these times, families are together, kids out of school, some parents home from work, people are more likely to go to the movies. Because of this, films released in these seasons perform extraordinarily well and attract massive audiences

Rise of Blockbusters

The 1975 release of Jaws is considered the birth of the modern blockbuster. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it completely changed how studios released and marketed films. Jaws was promoted everywhere, through TV commercials, posters, and word of mouth, creating a sense of excitement that drew huge crowds. Around 67 million people watched the movie during its initial release, making it one of the biggest box office successes of its time. Studios began to try to manufacture more blockbusters, films to become big hits. Jaws, a summer blockbuster, forever changed the industry.

What makes a Blockbuster?

Some key parts to a film that make a blockbuster what it is would be high budgets, this allows for big effects, set pieces, spectacles and big stars. Another part is heavy marketing and hype, most people will only want to watch films when other people are saying good things about it and seeing advertisements for it everywhere. As mentioned before, timing and wide release is very important because it allows for the maximum number of viewers when released during summer or holidays. Mass appeal and a simple story makes films enjoyable for the majority of the audience causing large franchise films. Blockbusters are films that release as much merchandise as they can to spread the story, whether it be toys, games, books, etc. Lastly, blockbusters have to have a memorable factor that allows them to have a cultural impact so that it becomes a part of pop culture, and is remembered long after its release. 

Highest-Grossing Blockbuster

As technology has changed over the years, advertisement for movies has greatly increased and led to several film breaking records becoming legendary in box office earnings. One of the most famous record holders is Avatar, it was released in 2009 and a cinematically beautiful movie, which also followed along with everything that makes a blockbuster. For a time, Avatar was the highest grossing film in history due to its global appeal, visual spectacle and re-releases, keeping fans hooked and wanting more. 

Blockbusters Today

Hollywood continues to create big name films, as the industry is only getting bigger. Now that streaming is common around the world, blockbusters rely on cross-platform strategies to expand reach. 

Blockbusters are so much more than movies, they are cultural events that bring people together. Starting with Jaws and its hit in the box office, these films continue to shape how we experience entertainment and how it is released. Weather we watch in theaters or use streaming at home, blockbusters are truly the magic of cinema, providing inspiration, adventure, thrill and units audiences around the world