The most successful movies of 2023 are not sequels for the first time in more than 20 years

2023 has been an interesting year for Hollywood. We had great premieres in movie theaters, incredible productions that managed to capture the attention and hearts of millions of people around the world. And that’s not all, because the film industry in the United States has done what had not been seen in years: have three films that are not part of franchises as the highest grossing. These are times of great proposals always linked to multimillion-dollar IPs, but this year’s winners do not belong to any film series that has been developed before.

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Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan, Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic achieved what was thought impossible in these times: turning films that did not belong to some highly influential saga into hits. barbie- 88%, Oppenheimer – 95% and Super Mario Bros. The Movie – 75% are the great titles of the year, brand breakers and owners of all movie theaters; The last time something like this was seen was in 2001. No one has remained indifferent to its scope and wonder, making the industry revitalized even in post-pandemic times.

barbie- 88%, starring Margot Robbie, generated US$1.384 billion at the global box office; Super Mario Bros. The Movie – 75% grossed US$1.359 billion worldwide; while Oppenheimer – 95% reached US $853.5 million. These are the best numbers of the year and a clear example that the Hollywood film industry continues to maintain its power. For the first time we did not have Marvel Studios holding the crown of success, an exercise that in one way or another is healthy for the advancement of cinema, with various studios exchanging success and proposing new ideas.

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Hollywood magic… serial.

The success of the sagas and franchises in Hollywood in recent years has been based on a combination of key factors. First, the familiarity and emotional attachment that viewers have towards previously established characters and universes, such as Marvel, Star Wars or Harry Potter, have generated a loyal fan base that eagerly follows each installment. Additionally, investment in high-budget production, stunning visual effects, and massive marketing has created an atmosphere of anticipation and spectacle around these films, attracting longtime fans and new viewers alike. The strategy of creating interconnected cinematic universes has also been essential, as it encourages the expansion of the story across multiple films, maintaining public interest and investment in these sagas for the long term.

Blockbuster Hollywood original productions are essential to foster diversity and innovation in the film industry. While successful franchises are an important asset for studios, over-reliance on them can lead to creative stagnation and market saturation with repetitive formulas. Original productions allow filmmakers to explore new ideas and narratives, enriching the cinematic landscape and maintaining the freshness that appeals to an increasingly diverse and demanding audience.

In addition, the success of original productions is critical to the financial health of the industry, as it is often the innovative, non-franchise films that generate box office surprises and balance the financial risks of big productions. By fostering the success of these films, Hollywood is able to maintain a healthy balance between blockbuster franchises and original films, ultimately ensuring a variety of choice for viewers and a strong future for the film industry.

It’s worth wondering what the next big Hollywood original production will be in 2023. It’s unlikely we’ll see another big hit this year, yet the MCU still has one last movie left to secure a strong box office, The Marvels, scheduled for November 9.

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