Not a single original film broke the box office top 15 in 2024
Franchises and sequels dominated the 2024 box office. The only movie in the top 15 not based on an existing film was "Wicked," which was based on a Broadway musical.
You're viewing a single thread.
People on the Internet often say that they want more original movies, but the box office proves that this isn't always the case.
This is why Hollywood keeps making sequels, reboots, and adaptations, because they make more money than original movies.
And for that matter, original movies are still being made - they've just skipped theaters and moved to streaming (again, because they're not as profitable as preexisting IP).
People have voted with their wallets. This is what the general public wants, whether we like it or not.
@TheImpressiveX
What this proves is that theaters do better with big spectacle films (like franchise films tend to be). When I watch a trailer, I decide if I want to watch it at home or at a theater and I only really go to the theater for movies like Twisters or Deadpool & Wolverine. Smaller films are better enjoyed on the couch at home. Just my take.
I'd argue the problem is that Hollywood has lost the ability to make cheap movies, and thus if it doesn't gross a billion dollars, it's a flop.
A stupid example, I'll admit, but I think most people will agree was good: The Breakfast Club. It had a $1 million budget, which isn't shit even adjusted for inflation (about $3 million).
Maybe they should find people who can make a movie for less than a hundred million and see if they come up with any winners?
What you're describing is called a "mid-budget movie", and you're right that there doesn't seem to be much of them nowadays.
They make them but they aren't intensely marketed. They rely on word of mouth but they don't get as much word of mouth as A24 movies so they often fall by the wayside.
Ain't nobody talking about Small Things Like These, which is why despite a minimal $12.4m budget it only made $8.9m back.
I read that there is a cultural shift in how and when people go to the theaters, the pricing makes go to the movies a more rare occasion, same with the option with streaming, so I figure there is less "movie people" that goes regularly to watch different things and more "entertainment people" that goes to have a good time with friends or family, like going to an amusement park, so people prefer more "safer bets" and movies for the whole family. At the same time with declining revenue theaters are focusing on movies that appeal to the largest possible public.
I truly wonder if the same is reflected in streaming. Sure this generic movies are always on the top 10 when they come out but maybe there is more viewership to other niche movies in aggregate.
I would say that I personally want to see more original movies, but I wouldn't think to argue that the general public feels the same. I'm not surprised about this outcome at all.
The number of people on the internet making that statement is a much smaller number than the number of people who go to the movies. For every person saying they want more original content there are Hundreds if not thousands of people who don’t care and just go see the latest blockbuster that feels like a safe bet.
The box office isn’t the internet , so 👋
