What is a blockbuster? Simply explained

What exactly is a blockbuster? You will find these exceptionally successful hits not only in the cinema, but also in other media and industries.

What is a blockbuster? Meaning, origin, and examples

Blockbusters are works that appeal to a particularly large audience and generate high revenues. However, the term originally comes from military jargon.

• During World War II, “blockbuster” referred to a bomb that could destroy an entire city block. In the 1940s, the term was transferred to particularly popular films.

• Books, video games, music, and plays can also be blockbusters if they are exceptionally successful.

• The decisive factor is audience success. High production costs or a star-studded cast alone do not make a blockbuster.

• Hollywood blockbusters such as “Titanic,” “Avatar,” and “Harry Potter” are known worldwide and have achieved record sales.

• International examples include “Your Name” from Japan, ‘Baahubali’ from India, and “Intouchables” from France. They also reached millions of viewers and became cultural phenomena.

• Successful blockbusters are often marketed on various platforms: they are released on DVD, Blu-ray, as video games or merchandise.

• Synonyms for blockbuster include box office hit, audience hit, bestseller, and long-running hit.

Blockbusters today: streaming, trends, and new markets

The significance of blockbusters has changed and evolved with the advent of streaming platforms and new media.

• Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime are investing heavily in blockbuster productions in order to reach a wide audience.

• Series such as “Squid Game” and “Stranger Things” have become international blockbusters through streaming – even without a traditional theatrical release.

• Blockbusters exist in many industries today: Bestselling novels, successful computer games, and viral music hits can also achieve blockbuster status.

• The global market ensures that blockbusters are no longer just from Hollywood. Productions from South Korea, India, and Europe reach millions of viewers worldwide.