When we think about movies that make a lot of money, it’s tempting to only look at the ticket sales. But can we also think about how these movies affect our culture? I believe we can, and here’s why:

What Makes a Movie High-Grossing?

1. How We Decide:

   • Ticket Sales: A movie is usually considered high-grossing if it makes over $100 million in the U.S. and over$400 million worldwide.
   • Cultural Influence: This includes awards the movie wins, how much people love it, and how long its effects last in popular culture.

2. Ways to Measure Earnings:

   • Opening Weekend: If a movie does really well in its first weekend, it usually means it will make more money.
   • Total Earnings: Looking at how much money a movie makes overall helps us understand its success better.
   • Re-Releases and Products: Some movies, especially series with sequels, continue to earn money when they are shown again or when people buy related products.

How Movies Impact Culture

• New Phrases and Trends: Big movies often create new sayings and trends. For example, "May the Force be with you" became popular because of Star Wars.
• Diversity in Movies: Films like Black Panther changed how we talk about including different people and cultures in films, proving that financial success can also mean social progress.
• Reflecting Society: Movies can show what’s happening in the world, making their influence more important than just the money they make.

In summary, while it’s important to look at how much money a movie makes, understanding its cultural impact gives us a better idea of its lasting effect. It’s fascinating to see how the money and the stories connect!