When we started going to the movies in the early 20th century, Hollywood was in a different place. Movies weren't as expensive to make and the revenue they made would seem like terrible films. In modern times, America has been introduced to the blockbuster movie. The film that lasts a lifetime and everyone rushes to see. Today, we examine the most iconic of blockbusters to ever hit the big screen.
Star Wars (1977)
The original blockbuster, Star Wars redefined what it meant to go to the movies. Everybody rushed to the theatre to see the imagery of spaceships flying in real time. Eventually, not one American existed who didn't know about Star Wars. It's been embedded into our history. It's weird to think about the impact that Star Wars had. The initial trilogy was running during a time where the idea of nuclear war and underground bunkers was a real thing. Star Wars gave people a way to ignore their supposed doom and think about something amazing.
Star Wars created the idea of blockbuster hits in film and created the idea of major trilogies. Now, we've been following Han, Luke, and Leia for over 45 years (to the point that all three have been killed off in the sequel trilogy). Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford's outstanding careers began with this iconic series and Carrie Fisher proved that she was more than just the daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. This was the beginning of Hollywood as we know it.
E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982)
Steven Spielberg has made a number of amazing hits, but there were none as beloved as E.T. the Extra Terrestrial. E.T. still holds the record for the most weekends at the top of the box office 40 years later. The film won four Oscars and was obviously nominated for Best Picture (though it did not win).
E.T.'s uniqueness and charm made families adore him. The plot of the movie is so simple, yet it's the drawn out details of the film that make it iconic. While I wouldn't call E.T. 100% family friendly, I would definitely count it on the list of the best blockbusters in history. There's just nothing like hearing one of the most catchy lines ever: "E.T. Phone home."
Jurassic Park (1993)
Of all the movies on this list, why am I rewatching this one while writing this? When people think about scary movies, they don't often think of this one. That's a mistake because this survival thriller by Spielberg made him the most money that he's ever seen at the box offices. But it's the behind the scenes work that Jurassic Park is famous. A soundtrack that you cannot stop from being stuck in your head (resisting literally doesn't work) and visual effects that are nearly unbeatable.
This is what a movie is supposed to be. We're supposed to go to the box offices and not know what to expect, and we surely got that with Jurassic Park. It's sequels certainly don't live up to the original, but that doesn't take away from the greatness of the adventure that is Jurassic Park.
Toy Story (1995)
Toy Story is the first children's film franchise that has sequels and spin-offs that have crossed multiple generations. It was also the very first that ever used computer animation and the very first film from Disney Pixar. This was a classic film that brought toys and made them into characters.
Sheriff Woody might be the greatest animated character that the Walt Disney company has ever created, Buzz Lightyear is just cool, and the rest of the gang fits in like a hand fitting into a glove. This is why we love Pixar films, and it all started right here.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Anyone else remember the last time the worldwide box office leader also won best picture? Yup, it was this iconic wrap up to one of the most iconic trilogies of all time. The Lord of the Rings was a symphony with swords ready with tons action packed melodies.
The film draws out the emotions in the audience member from the very beginning. From the time we see Frodo, Sam, and the plotting creature Gollum, to the time we march into battle with Rohan's army, the film keeps us moving with edge of your seat suspense and breath taking plot twists every time we turn around. This is truly one of the greatest films of all time.
The Dark Knight (2008)
We've seen serious films and we've seen thrilling films, but I don't think we've seen many films that are seriously thrilling like The Dark Knight is. The film is not afraid to "go there" at times and the idea of insanity and cruelty meshing with a great brain is what makes Heath Ledger's Joker so relatable yet terrifying. He's predictably unpredictable, which is even worse than being unpredictable.
Bruce Wayne's inner struggle with romance, grief, duty, honor, and passion creates a roller coaster ride that the Joker is loving putting him through in order to make a point. On top of that, Harvey Dent's "Two-Face" made for a great side story and secondary villain. It really shows how much mental breakdowns can make for great drama. It's one of Christopher Nolan's best films ever.
Avatar
Avatar is always a multi-billion dollar film, and it's also one of the most well done in terms of special effects. The beauty of this film makes you think that you are in a paradise land, and you're not wrong. The movie is set on the planet Pandora, a sight that is as beautiful or even more beautiful than the regular old nature that we know today. The creativity and attention to detail that went into the design of Avatar is what made it a special film.
The story isn't the greatest, but it holds its own. It's a tale of understanding and protectionism against conquerers. The idea of a normal person becoming one with a people group under persecution from his higher-ups is all too real. Avatar is one film that will not be forgotten any time soon, especially with all the sequels coming out.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The entire Harry Potter franchise was iconic enough, but there was something extra to the finale that just got our emotions rolling. It was the climax that we'd all been waiting for and it didn't disappoint. An action packed adventure full of suspense and danger, the film does not hold back on the viewers. We lost some favorites like Fred Weasley, Remus Lupin, and Nymphadora Tonks, but we gained so much more insight into who these people are.
The Severus Snape twist was probably the most iconic of the whole movie. After his major twist, the whole movie and the whole plot line of the series flips upside down. It went from Harry's friends protecting Harry to Harry protecting his friends. It's hard to end a big franchise with so much hype like this, so shout out to the entire Warner Brothers crew for giving us this masterpiece.
Frozen
This came out of nowhere and took over the internet in the blink of an eye. Frozen was a HUGE hit in 2013 and 2014. The iconic soundtrack, the amazing visuals, the rollercoaster of a story, it all captivated children and adults alike. Disney Princesses were slacking off a bit, but Frozen brought them back in grand style. Also, there's a talking snowman...just saying.
There's not much else that needs to be said about this movie. It made Iron Man 3 look like Marvel wasn't even trying. That's how good Frozen was! It definitely deserves its spot on the list.
Marvel's The Avengers
This was an well anticipated crossover that changed the movies forever. Never have we seen an entire universe of characters brought together like in this timeless classic. Marvel did an Iron Man movie, a Hulk movie, another Iron Man movie, a Captain America movie, and a Thor movie, and then brought them all together in The Avengers.
The question around this film was about whether these heroes could share the spotlight on the big screen, so Joss Whedon made the film about that specific idea. Could a group of superheroes from different worlds work together and become something even greater than before? The movie did not disappoint and turned up the action like a Marvel movie should. It also was the funniest we have ever seen Robert Downey Jr. If you think he was drunk shooting this film, you're not alone because the one-liners just kept coming. This film is legendary.
Avengers: Endgame
The highest grossing film of all-time deserves a spot on our list. The entire Marvel Cinematic Universe came together in this extremely hyped film. It was an iconic callback to previous Marvel flicks, but it also pushed the franchise forward in the way that it needed to be. Plus, we said goodbye to three of our favorite Marvel superheroes ever.
But the greatest thing to see was the camaraderie between the characters. This film focused more on relationships rather than the action. It was a perfect way to cap off the last eleven years of major blockbusters that were all anyone could talk about. Everyone was a Marvel fan after the 2010s era. We will never forget the Marvel Cinematic Universe and we still love it 3000.
Comments