Throughout Recent History
Superhero films have been gaining popularity since their inception in the 1920s, with the first superhero film being called “The Mark of Zorro”. In 1978, Richard Donner directed the iconic “Superman” film, which quickly gained immense popularity as audiences flooded theaters to watch the expansive story about a superhero from another world fighting for justice. Up until the early 2000s, superhero films were continually being released with varying degrees of acceptance from both film critics and popular audiences. However, it wasn’t until the release of Marvel’s first film, “Iron Man”, in 2008 that the film industry experienced a genuine explosion of superhero films that rapidly began breaking box-office records.
The Evolution of Superhero Films
The success of the 2008 superhero film “Iron Man” was monumental and signaled a major shift in the way film studios view superhero films. “Iron Man” was the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film, which formed the foundation of the immense MCU franchise today. Additionally, “Iron Man” introduced several new technologies that had never been seen before in superhero films, such as advanced CGI designs that allowed for Iron Man to be portrayed realistically. This technological milestone, combined with the impressive scope of the film and its overall success, made it clear that superhero films were a viable and profitable form of entertainment.
Growth of MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe had immense success, with the original Iron Man film grossing over $585 million, and was eventually followed by several sequels and a slew of spin-offs. This period of intense growth for Marvel films began to give studios the courage to put out films about other superheroes. DC films, such as The Dark Knight and Man of Steel, were released around this time as well, with incredibly positive reviews and huge box-office numbers. This period of growth has continued ever since, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC films continuing to bring huge box-office numbers.
Why Superhero Films Win
Part of the reason why superhero films have become so popular is because they provide audiences with a sense of escapism. The classic narrative of good versus evil, combined with the impressive visual effects and highly stylised action sequences, makes superhero films incredibly immersive and entertaining. Furthermore, the films often draw inspiration from classic comic books, which many people grew up reading, giving the films an emotional connection with viewers.
Popularity With the New Generation
In recent years, superhero films have become even more widely accepted, with many films becoming box-office hits and receiving positive reviews from both critics and audiences. This surge of approval is thanks to the younger generations beginning to recognize the immense value of these films. Millennials, in particular, are becoming increasingly devoted to these films, with many streaming services such as Netflix offering an immense selection of superhero films.
How Superhero Films Changed the Industry
The immense popularity of superhero films has changed the landscape of the film industry in several ways. Firstly, it has allowed studios to prioritize franchises with multiple films rather than one-off films. This has allowed larger, more ambitious films to be created, with complex universes that span multiple films and even decades. Additionally, the success of these films has made studios more willing to take risks by investing heavily in potential franchise films. This has caused many more films to take risks, with the potential to greatly expand the diversity of films being released in the coming years.
Impact On Audiences
The surge of superhero films has also had an immense impact on audiences, who have become increasingly engaged with their favorite films and franchises. This has led to a rise in fan culture surrounding these films, with fans engaging in passionate dialogue about their favorite films and discussing theories about upcoming films. Additionally, fans have become much more engaged when it comes to their favorite superheroes, with many fans dressing up as their favorite heroes and attending fan conventions.
Industry Expansion
The success of superhero films has also led to a massive expansion of the film industry, with more and more superhero films being released every year. This expansion has led to studios creating ambitious crossover films, such as Avengers: Infinity War, which brought together popular characters from each of its respective franchises. Additionally, this has allowed for studios to give more power to producers and directors, with a number of female directors receiving the opportunity to direct their own superhero films.
Growing Popularity of Television Series
The success of superhero films has led to an increase in the number of superhero-based television series being released. These shows have been immensely popular, with shows such as Daredevil, Arrow, and Jessica Jones gaining a cult-like following. These shows often feature more sophisticated storytelling than their cinematic counterparts, as well as deeper exploration of characters and themes. Additionally, these shows often have more complex storylines and longer running seasons than traditional films, allowing for further expansion of the universe.
New Technology to Enhance Experience
The surge in popularity of superhero films has also led to an increase in the number of technology being used to enhance the viewing experience. Virtual reality headsets and the emerging technology of 4K cameras have allowed for viewers to experience movies on an utterly immersive level. Additionally, many studios are beginning to incorporate 3D technology into their films, allowing for further exploration of the universe and characters.
Where Will Superhero Films Go From Here?
The success of superhero films has always been dependent on the willingness of studios to take risks, as well as their ability to create innovative and creative stories that draw audiences in. With this in mind, it appears that the future of superhero films is very bright. There is ample room for growth and expansion, with the potential for studios to focus on creating original stories, as well as giving smaller or lesser-known superheroes their moment in the spotlight. Additionally, technological advances will continue to provide an even more immersive experience for viewers, allowing them to further engage in the universe and its characters.
