Mid-budget movies, or films that are made for moderate amounts of money and usually have modest box office expectations, have become increasingly rare in Hollywood in recent years. There are a number of reasons for this trend, including the rise of tentpole blockbusters, the increasing cost of marketing, and the increasing reliance on international box office.
One of the main reasons that mid-budget movies have become less common is the rise of tentpole blockbusters, or big-budget films that are designed to be major commercial successes. These films, which often have huge marketing budgets and feature popular franchises or well-known actors, have become increasingly important to studios as a way to generate revenue. As a result, studios have become more hesitant to invest in smaller, riskier projects that may not have the same potential for box office success.
Another reason that mid-budget movies have become less common is the increasing cost of marketing. In order to get the word out about a film, studios often spend huge amounts of money on advertising, including TV commercials, posters, and social media campaigns. This can be especially challenging for mid-budget movies, which may not have the same resources as larger blockbusters.
Finally, the increasing reliance on international box office has also contributed to the decline of mid-budget movies. In recent years, the international box office has become an increasingly important source of revenue for studios, and many films are now designed with international audiences in mind. This can make it harder for smaller, more niche films to find an audience, as they may not have the same appeal to international audiences as larger blockbusters.
Despite these challenges, there are some signs that the mid-budget movie may be making a comeback. One film that has been cited as a potential catalyst for this trend is "Knives Out," a critically acclaimed mystery film that was made for a moderate budget and became a surprise hit at the box office. The success of "Knives Out" and other similar films has led some industry experts to speculate that there may be a renewed interest in this type of content, and that studios and distributors may be more willing to invest in mid-budget movies in the future.
One mid-budget movie that has recently become available for streaming on Netflix is "Glass Onion," the highly anticipated sequel to "Knives Out." The film picks up where the first one left off, with detective Benoit Blanc once again trying to solve a complex mystery. This time, however, the case is even more personal, as someone close to Blanc becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
"Glass Onion" has received rave reviews from critics, who have praised its smart writing, complex characters, and twisty plot. Many have called it a worthy follow-up to the original film, and a testament to the continued appeal of mid-budget cinema.
Overall, while the mid-budget movie may not be as prevalent as it once was, there is still a place for these types of films in Hollywood. With the success of films like "Knives Out" and its sequel "Glass Onion," streaming now on Netflix, it's possible that we may see more of these character-driven, modestly budgeted films in the future.