The First Blockbuster: 'Jaws' and the Birth of Summer Movie Spectacles
How Steven Spielberg’s Jaws changed Hollywood forever.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jaws is widely regarded as the first true summer blockbuster. Its massive success transformed Hollywood, establishing a new formula for high-concept, big-budget films designed to draw huge audiences during peak movie-going season.
The film’s combination of suspense, groundbreaking special effects, and a memorable score created an unprecedented cinematic experience that captivated viewers worldwide. Jaws not only became a box office phenomenon but also set the standard for future blockbuster movies, inspiring countless films to follow the same high-stakes, wide-release strategy.
Its impact on Hollywood’s approach to marketing, distribution, and filmmaking remains influential today. As a result, Jaws is often credited with creating the modern blockbuster era, and redefining what it means to make a successful summer movie.
