What is a blockbuster?
A blockbuster is a hugely popular and financially successful movie, or other entertainment, that draws massive audiences. Today the word often means big-budget films designed for mass appeal.
The term originally described huge aerial bombs used in World War II that were powerful enough to destroy a city block. In the 1950s, it was applied to plays and films that were big hits, perhaps because they caused long lines that wrapped around the block.
Steven Spielberg's Jaws, released in summer 1975, is often called the first modern blockbuster. It was released widely across the country with heavy TV advertising and earned more than any film before it. Star Wars in 1977 confirmed the trend, and studios began planning summer releases around big, effects-driven films.
Biggest blockbusters
The highest-grossing film of all time is Avatar, directed by James Cameron, with about 2.9 billion dollars worldwide. Avengers: Endgame and Avatar: The Way of Water are close behind. Many blockbusters today are franchise films, such as superhero movies, sequels and remakes.
Did You Know?
A blockbuster that fails at the box office despite a huge budget is often called a flop or a bomb.