In the 1980s and 1990s, Hollywood underwent a significant shift towards commercialism, with studios increasingly relying on big-budget blockbusters, sequels, and franchises to drive profits. This trend had a profound impact on the movie industry, reshaping the way films were made, marketed, and consumed.

The rise of blockbusters can be traced back to the success of movies like “Jaws” and “Star Wars” in the mid-1970s. These films demonstrated that a single movie could generate huge profits and capture the imaginations of audiences worldwide. As a result, studios began pouring more and more money into the production and marketing of big-budget movies, hoping to create the next “Jaws” or “Star Wars.”

The 1980s saw the emergence of the sequel as a major force in Hollywood. With the success of movies like “Rocky II,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” studios realized that they could capitalize on the popularity of established franchises by churning out sequels on a regular basis. This not only gave audiences more of what they wanted but also provided studios with a reliable source of income.

As the 1990s rolled around, franchises became an even bigger part of the movie landscape. Movies like “Batman,” “Jurassic Park,” and “The Lion King” spawned entire franchises of sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise. This trend reached its peak in the late 1990s with the release of “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” which kickstarted a new era of “Star Wars” movies that continues to this day.

While the rise of blockbusters, sequels, and franchises certainly had its benefits, it also had its drawbacks. For one, it led to a homogenization of Hollywood movies, with studios relying on formulaic plots, recognizable brand names, and established stars to sell their films. This made it difficult for smaller, more experimental movies to find a foothold in the market.

Furthermore, the emphasis on profits over artistic merit led to a decline in the quality of Hollywood movies, with many critics decrying the lack of originality and creativity in the industry. This trend was epitomized by the release of “Batman & Robin” in 1997, which was widely panned as a bloated, soulless cash grab.

Despite these criticisms, the trend towards commercialism shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, with the rise of streaming services and the globalization of the movie industry, it’s likely that blockbusters, sequels, and franchises will continue to dominate the Hollywood landscape for years to come.

In conclusion, Hollywood’s shift towards commercialism in the 1980s and 1990s had a profound impact on the movie industry, reshaping the way films were made, marketed, and consumed. While this trend certainly had its benefits, it also had its drawbacks, and it remains to be seen whether the industry can strike a balance between profits and artistic merit in the years ahead.