Steven Spielberg's horror hit from 49 years ago left a lasting legacy that today's films have yet to rival. Jaws was released in June 1975 and immediately impressed audiences. The film follows a police chief who is determined to capture a great white shark after a series of shark attacks near the coast, leading to Jaws'Iconic ending sequence. Spielberg's shark hunting film combined hints of action and adventure with thrilling horror that changed the way people understand the films' success and the danger of sharks to this day.
However, the immediate and lasting popularity of Spielberg's film Jaws remains an exception in the horror genre. In addition to its reputation as one of the best and most iconic monster movies of all time, Jaws It set several box office records and was met with critical praise. Jaws is also responsible for popularizing the term “blockbuster” when referring to a successful film, a common language among film fans today. A part of JawsThe reception includes a milestone that no other horror film has managed to surpass since.
Jaws was the last horror film to be the highest-grossing film of the year
1975 was the last time a horror film topped the box office for the year
Jaws is considered one of the biggest films of the year and of all time based on box office results. 1975 saw other big hits appear on cinema screens, such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Shampoo, and Dog Day Afternoonbut none of the other successful films of the year managed to match Jawsearnings of $260 million during its initial launch (via Mojo Box Office). Adding re-releases to the number brings the total even higher to $477.2 million, and, adjusted for inflation, Jaws is still the seventh highest-grossing film of all time (through Mojo Box Office).
Additionally, Spielberg's film also received a wide theatrical release, which was unusual at the time, and Jaws it even expanded to other theaters as its popularity grew.
JawsThe company's financial success is certainly impressive, and the success comes, in part, from using marketing techniques to attract viewers. Jaws was widely publicized, both using the book to excite people and running small TV ads immediately before the film's release. Additionally, Spielberg's film also received a wide theatrical release, which was unusual at the time, and Jaws it even expanded to other theaters as its popularity grew. After the success of Jawsthese practices have become standard today, although other horror films have not achieved the same success.
Why Horror Movies Rarely End Up as the Highest-Grossing Movie of the Year
Fewer people see horror films in theaters
Although there have been many popular horror films in the last 49 years, Jaws is still one of the best horror films of all time and one of the few horror films to make the highest grossing lists. In fact, its record as the highest-grossing horror wasn't surpassed until The Sixth Sense in 1999. One of the main reasons why horror films typically aren't the biggest earners of the year is that they simply aren't that popular with audiences. Not everyone likes horror films, and because many of them are rated R, children, an important movie-going demographic, are often unable to watch them.
In addition to rarely being the highest-grossing films, horror films also tend to get overlooked during awards season. Only a few horror films have been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture, and Jaws is one of them. Horror films are often considered very bloody or disturbing, and some make use of B-movie styles.which means they are less financially and critically successful. However, the rare and lasting legacy of Jaws proves that the perfect horror film has the ability to remain profitable, influential, and beloved throughout the years.
Sources: Mojo Box Office