blockbuster entertainment Written by Manuel Hernández-Pérez Contributor to SAGE Publications's The SAGE International Encyclopedia of Mass Media and Society (2020) whose work appears in Britannica as part of a joint publishing agreement with SAGE. Manuel Hernández-Pérez Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 28, 2026 •History blockbuster, cultural product, particularly a film, that achieves exceptional commercial success and significantly influences market dynamics. Although traditionally the term blockbuster has been used to describe cinematic releases, it has been subsequently extended to other cultural productions such as books (usually novels), music albums, and video games. Blockbuster films are typically products designed to be commercially successful. In that sense, blockbuster best describes the strategy of the producer-distributor and, therefore, the expectations of potential audiences...
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