Where are the original blockbusters? What was the last original blockbuster to make huge amounts at the box office? And can original blockbusters still gain a foothold in the MCU era? Today we’ll try to answer these questions. But first, let’s define what a blockbuster is.

Defining Blockbusters

It’s hard to define everything that makes a “blockbuster”. Industry analysts say it’s any film that takes over $100 million. But The Blair Witch Project isn’t what we think of when discussing blockbusters. Others say a blockbuster is a big-budget, box-office hit that has some involvement with a major studio. They also focus on generating excitement through fast-paced storytelling and big effects/action sequences, leading to repeat viewing. But this definition also has flaws. For example, The Battle of Lake Changjin is currently China’s highest-grossing movie ever and has a $200 million budget. And while it’s produced by major local production companies these companies don’t have a huge worldwide presence like those that produce English-language blockbusters. It also performed well in China but not internationally. So is Lake Changjin a blockbuster or a domestic hit?

For the purposes of this article, we will define a blockbuster as a film produced or distributed by a major studio with a big modern budget that aims to excite audiences. Which makes its budget back at the box office and performs well with worldwide audiences.

Original Blockbusters

So what was the last major studio blockbuster not based on existing IP to truly capture the world’s attention? Some may immediately think of Avatar which for 10 years was the highest-grossing film of all time. That said, Avatar isn’t the only original blockbuster to have captured attention recently. 

In the past decade, we’ve seen several original animated blockbusters score big at the box office. Including Zootopia (2016’s 4th highest-grosser), Inside Out (2015’s 7th highest-grosser), Coco (2017s 11th highest-grosser) Moana (2016’s 12th highest-grosser), and The Croods (2013’s 11th highest-grosser). Films like Interstellar (2014’s 10th highest-grosser) and Gravity (2013’s 8th highest-grosser) also saw success during this time.

Hollywood’s New Ideas?

Unfortunately, this year big original blockbusters didn’t really materialize. Exciting projects like Lost City and Nope did good business but both were mid-budget films rather than big-budget releases. But if original blockbusters can make money why are big studios not making them?

Well, because blockbusters are expensive to produce many major studios need to ensure a return on investment. Also with competition from streaming services and the need to get people back to theatres post-pandemic the industry is looking for ways to keep audiences returning. Therefore, unfortunately, it’s understandable why studios use a well-known IP or figure as a project’s basis as audiences are more likely to watch something with a familiar brand. 2022’s highest-grossing movies seemingly prove this thesis.

Of course, this doesn’t mean there’s no opportunity for original ideas to flourish. Big studios have shown a willingness to fund original work if a director has delivered a hit (like Christopher Nolan). Animation has also proven a great home for original family audience blockbusters. But one thing that might spur more creativity from big studios is competition from smaller independent and international blockbuster-style movies. In 2022 Everything Everywhere All At Once and RRR showed that blockbuster action can be delivered from smaller sources and that audiences still want to watch original exciting titles. Hopefully, these factors will lead to more diversity in blockbuster filmmaking.

Also Read: 5 More Movies That Don’t Need a Sequel, Reboot or Remake

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This year we are going to look at the 10 highest-grossing original films released in the UK during 2021 (as of 17/12/21 according to Box Office Mojo). Meaning that the movies listed here are not part of an ongoing franchise (this includes sequels, remakes, prequels, and spinoffs) or based on pre-existing material (books, comics, plays, videogames, etc.). Along with this, we will also look at each film’s Rotten Tomatoes score to see how they fared with audiences and critics.

10. Nobody (£1,256,781)

With some brutal fight sequences and a great performance from Bob Odenkirk, Ilya Naishuller (Hardcore Henry) continued to demonstrate his talent for directing action. Audiences and critics also loved the film. It received a critical score of 84% and an audience score of 94%.

9. Malignant (£1,485,484)

A new horror film from James Wan (Saw, Insidious & The Conjuring) sounded like an amazing prospect. But despite Malignant initially performing well it soon became an audience punching bag (52% RT score). However, critics seemed to view the film more favourably (76%).

8. The Courier (£2,087,220)

This contemporary cold war thriller starring Benedict Cumberbatch with echoes of Hitchcock and Le Carre surprised both critics (85%) and audiences (95%). It did not make Bond-level money but it showed that spy movies can still draw people in.

7. Respect (£2,215,353)

Despite the modest taking and the middle-of-the-road critical consensus (67%) audiences really enjoyed this biopic of Aretha Franklin’s career (95%).

6. Last Night in Soho (£2,306,076)

A stylish horror thriller, Last Night in Soho was, while not director Edgar Wright’s highest-grossing film, the highest-grossing original horror film of 2021. And it still managed to score highly with critics (75%) and audiences (89%).

5. Spencer (£2,790,786)

Spencer follows Princess Diana during a Christmas break in Norfolk where we see her battling with her mental health problems and the power exerted over her by the royal family. Although the film divided audiences (52%) it delighted critics (83%), with Kristen Stewart’s performance receiving particular praise.

4. The French Dispatch (£4,071,484)

Wes Anderson’s latest tale concerns several reporters and the stories they encounter while writing for the titular magazine. Even though it is Anderson’s lowest-rated film since The Darjeeling Limited it still received good reviews from viewers (75% from critics and 76% from audiences).

3. Encanto (£4,201,894)

The first animated movie on this list is a beautiful look into various aspects of Colombian culture. Encanto, is about Mirabel, who has to deal with being the only member of her family without a special ability. Disney continues to showcase its artistic power with Encanto being readily embraced by all (90% from critics, 93% from audiences).

2. Ron’s Gone Wrong (£4,570,319)

2021 was a good year for original animations. Following Barney and his defective B-bot Ron as they learn about friendship and the dangers of the tech industry this film was the first feature from Locksmith Animation (co-produced alongside 20th Century Animation and TSG Entertainment). And with great reviews from cinemagoers (94%) and reviewers (80%) it’s certainly a good film to start their careers with.

1. Free Guy (£17,383,060)

The highest-grossing original film in the UK this year and the 7th highest-grossing film in the UK in 2021 (at time of writing) Free Guy focuses on the journey of a videogame NPC who slowly breaks out of his predetermined path. An entertaining film that people really took to (80% for critics, 94% for audiences) Free Guy proves that not only is Hollywood improving when it comes to making movies about games but also that original ideas still have pull in cinemas.  

This concludes our look at the top 10 original movies at the UK box office in 2021. Overall the number of original movies in the top 10 high-grossers this year was disappointing compared to 2020. But the diverse range of genres on display at least shows cinemagoers are interested in watching a range of different stories when it comes to original productions. Here’s hoping 2022 will be better for original ideas at the movies.

Also Read: Top 5 Movies That Don’t Need a Sequel, Reboot or Remake

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

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