Top Summer Blockbusters Loved by Americans

As summer blockbusters make a triumphant return, two films are leading the box office: *Top Gun: Maverick*, a thrilling reboot of the iconic 1986 film, and *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*, the newest entry in the Marvel sci-fi universe. Since their June releases, audiences have flocked back to theaters, reigniting their passion for cinema after lockdowns. This raises an intriguing question: how has the movie-going experience evolved for American audiences in this new era?

Curious about how audiences are enjoying films in 2023? We surveyed 1,000 Americans to uncover their movie-watching habits, revealing what they’re currently enjoying and rewatching. Additionally, we analyzed Google Trends data from the past 50 years to identify each state’s favorite summer blockbuster. In this post, we delve into the genres that draw Americans to theaters and explore the reasons why many are just as content enjoying films from the comfort of their homes.

Key findings

• Of all Americans surveyed, 1 in 5 have seen at least one new hit movie in theaters this summer.
• A majority of Americans prefer to see action (69%) and sci-fi (53%) movies in theaters.
• Across the U.S., Grease and Gremlins rank as the top summer blockbusters from the past 50 years. 
• Comedy, action and sci-fi are the most popular summer blockbuster genres.

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Sci-fi and action blockbusters are drawing some Americans back to theaters

Some films truly shine in a theater setting. A recent survey reveals that 69% of Americans believe action movies are best enjoyed on the big screen, while 53% feel the same about sci-fi films.

In genres that heavily rely on stunning audio and visual effects, the size of the screen and the quality of sound play a crucial role in enhancing the experience. Among moviegoers returning to theaters after the pandemic, a remarkable 72% believe that the immersive viewing experience makes the trip to the cinema worthwhile.

Eager to discover where Americans prefer to watch new releases—whether in theaters or at home—we analyzed search trends for movies available for “streaming” versus those “in theaters.” Our findings revealed a significant preference for experiencing action and sci-fi films on the big screen rather than through streaming services.

• There were sixteen times more searches for Batman (2022) showtimes than streaming options. 
• There were twice as many searches for Everything Everywhere All at Once showtimes as there were for the movie on streaming platforms. 

In our recent survey, we found that 1 in 5 Americans have caught a new summer blockbuster, such as *Top Gun: Maverick* or *Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*. Among these moviegoers, Gen Z leads the pack, with nearly half (49%) reporting they visit theaters as often or more frequently since reopening. Additionally, over half (53%) of respondents enjoy the opportunity to get out and enjoy a night at the movies.

Others are still skipping theaters due to COVID and costs

The impact of rising costs and the lingering effects of COVID-19 are significantly shaping Americans’ choices regarding movie theaters. A recent survey reveals that 61% of respondents are attending fewer films in theaters compared to before the pandemic. Additionally, 63% cite expenses as a reason for preferring home viewing, while half of those surveyed express safety concerns as a key factor in their decision-making.

Among those who choose not to go to the cinema, 43% cite the availability of their desired movies on streaming platforms as the main reason. For many, the convenience of watching at home is a significant draw, allowing them to enjoy films at their leisure and utilize subtitles for better understanding or language practice.

The most popular iconic summer blockbusters in each state

As this summer blockbuster season faces unprecedented challenges, we decided to explore the most beloved hits from the past 50 years that continue to captivate American audiences. Notably, *Grease* (1978) stands out as the favorite summer film in 10 states, while *Gremlins* (1984) claims the top spot in 8 states. These classics remain enduring favorites across the nation!

Family-friendly comedies and action films continue to captivate audiences throughout the U.S. Comedies, in particular, prove their staying power, with 18 of the top films in various states including classics like *Grease*, *Ghostbusters* (1984), and *Bridesmaids*. Meanwhile, action and sci-fi genres also hold a significant place in viewers’ hearts, as 17 states list these thrilling blockbusters among their summer favorites.

Batman and Iron Man are the most popular action films across the U.S., but Americans’ top sci-fi choices are more diverse:

• New Mexicans want to watch Aliens (1986).
• Michiganders prefer Back to the Future (1985). 
• Floridians’ favorite film is Men in Black (1997). 
• People in Idaho are still watching the original Star Wars (1977).

No summer movie lineup would be complete without acknowledging the “original” summer blockbuster: *Jaws*. Released in 1975, this iconic film continues to reign as the favorite in Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, captivating audiences with its thrilling tale and unforgettable tension.

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Conclusion 

Even with ongoing worries about COVID safety and the rising costs of outings, many Americans are eager to catch the latest action and sci-fi films in theaters. If you prefer the cozy comfort of home, there’s a wealth of family-friendly and adrenaline-pumping blockbusters available for streaming. Additionally, experts recommend that immersing yourself in stories and focusing on pronunciation can significantly enhance your language skills, so don’t hesitate to turn on subtitles and start your learning journey!

**Methodology:** To explore the movie-going habits of Americans, we conducted a survey on June 10, 2022, involving 1,001 participants. Our sample included 49% men, 49% women, and 2% nonbinary individuals. In terms of age demographics, 6% were Baby Boomers, 19% Gen X, 51% Millennials, and 23% Gen Z. Additionally, we utilized Google AdWords to analyze the search volume for movie releases in 2022, focusing on both streaming options and theatrical releases.

To uncover Americans’ top blockbuster favorites from the last 50 years, we delved into search data for 100 iconic summer films released since 1975. We considered factors like inflation-adjusted gross earnings, critical acclaim, and fan reviews, ultimately narrowing it down to the 25 most sought-after movies based on Google Trends. By analyzing the past five years of Google Trends data, we identified which blockbuster reigns supreme in popularity across each state.