If you’ve been to the movies lately, odds are there was a superhero movie showing. Movies like "X-Men" and "The Avengers" have been dominating the box office, spawning sequels and prequels for years. These films are widely popular and reach massive audiences, but why is the genre so popular?
Wisegeek writes,
“Superman Returns, X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man; it seems the list of superhero movies since the dawn of the 21st century goes on and on. The revival of the genre has surpassed all expectations, with six of the 12 top highest opening-weekend box office grosses being held by superhero movies. There are many theories as to why these films have become and remained so popular over the last decade, from desperate attempts to escape to an honest yearning for real-life heroes. Some experts consider most movies to be forms of escapism. They are traditionally meant to be a blend of education and entertainment and superhero films tend heavily toward the latter element. These movies tend to be powerhouses of action, stunts and excitement, immersing the audience in a colorful and fully-realized word. Watching a superhero movie is a great chance to relax and not think about stress or difficult things in your life.”
The superhero movie is popular with audiences because it allows most people an escape from their daily lives. Most superhero movies explore the under-dog story, in which a character usually overcomes his or her oppressors.
These characters remain dominant in society due to their easy accessibility. At some point in life, everyone has said, “If I had a super power, I’d do x,” or “If I was a superhero my name would be x.” This is why the genre is so successful; it's relatable and Hollywood is cashing in on this fact.
Wisegeek writes,
“Aside from the global and psychological reasons, superhero movies are just a lot of fun. Since the success of the first recent examples of the genre, like X-Men and Spiderman, the Hollywood film industry has begun throwing huge amounts of money at the films, to great effect. Most of the big-earning superhero movies of the 21st century are written, acted and technically produced by the best minds in the film business. Despite the glut of available films in the genre, they continue to have near universal success; in 2008, The Dark Knight was released and shattered box-office records, making back nearly its entire production budget of $185-million dollars in the first weekend.”
Most superhero movies are family-friendly and rated PG13, contributing to the genre's success, there’s something for everyone. The films are designed so that comic experts and novices can enjoy the movies together and come out with equally enjoyable experiences.
Wisegeek writes,
“Superhero movies are many things to many people. To comic book lovers, they are the realization of their favorite worlds. To those feeling the strain of economic, personal or national problems, they are a welcome escape for a few hours.”
So, if you’ve ever wondered why there seems to be a constant stream of superhero movies coming out, remember what it’s like seeing yourself on the big screen, escaping into your favorite fantasy for just a few hours.
