Why Are Superhero Movies So Popular?

    • Dheeraj.Jangra@timesgroup.com
    • Publish Date: Feb 16 2017 7:57PM
    • |
    • Updated Date: Feb 16 2017 7:57PM
Why Are Superhero Movies So Popular?

This is the golden age of superhero movies. What used to be a rare cinematic venture has now become commonplace,  with comic book characters being brought to life through grand sets and some amazing storytelling. But what explains their enduring appeal? And how long will this pop culture domination last?

Whether you became a superhero fan spending hours flipping through comic books, or have followed the evolution of superheroes through cartoons and now, films, chances are that you know and love at least one superhero. Superheroes are the gods of modern mythology – characters with a unique ability to take on challenges that are unfathomable. The story of their grit and determination inspires many, and devotion to them borders on obsession. This is why superhero films are almost guaranteed blockbusters. However, this worldwide craze has a lot more to do with factors other than production houses running out of ideas.

We look for heroes in troubled times

Our world is going through a serious churn. Whether it’s civil war, terrorist attacks, rising tension between nations, global warming, over population or a constant threat of a nuclear war, our planet is on the razor’s edge. So, we need extraordinary individuals to bring order out of chaos. “It’s a very delicate time right now on Earth, and there’s a lot going on that is pretty frightening,” Michael Shannon – who played the villainous General Zod in Zack Snyder’s Man Of Steel – told FilmInk just prior to the film’s release. “It would be nice to believe or think that there was somebody who could protect us from that.”

The technology edge

In films like The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, we are treated with mindblowing visual effects. This technology was not there two decades ago. Now, filmmakers can create almost anything that is in their imagination. There are no limits anymore. Unlike in the past, the audience doesn’t have to put up with the absurdity of a guy in a spandex brief pretending to climb a wall.

They are easy to sell and market

Hollywood is like an octopus with tentacles extending across the globe. Almost 70 per cent of the studios’ annual revenue from box office now comes from international markets. When studios pump millions of dollars into a film, it’s obvious they want more and more people to see them.  Superheroes — being popular across the globe— are a safer bet. Whether it’s India, Japan, Hungary, or Russia, everybody knows who Batman and Iron Man are. Studios don’t have to spend millions to create awareness about the superheroes.

The humanity behind the mask 

Superheroes in today’s films display an astonishing level of humanity. They undergo life-altering experiences that we can relate to. Consider their stories of origin. Almost all heroes have gone through some kind of trauma in their childhood. Filmmakers say that this tragedy plays a vital role in inspiring our heroes to take on the mantle. The most common is the death of parents or guardians. Perhaps the most iconic one is that of young Bruce Wayne (Batman), looking helplessly as his parents — Thomas and Martha Wayne — are gunned down by a criminal. From that very moment, Wayne swore vengeance against the criminals of Gotham City. The same holds true for Spiderman, who watches his Uncle Ben die in his arms. Spidey’s pain is heightened by the fact that he was somehow responsible for his uncle’s demise — he could have stopped the killer, but chose not to. Superman is the sole surviour of his native planet Krypton, so he wins our sympathy. So, what do superhero origin stories teach us? They inspire us and provide models of coping with loss and trauma. They instill in us the belief that characters are formed in crisis and the best way to deal with grief and anger is to channelise them for a noble cause.

More From TOP NEWS...

Comments

Aman.kumar Sree Narayana Vidya Bhavan

Because they are so interesting.

Aman.kumar Sree Narayana Vidya Bhavan

Because they are so interesting.

HARSH RAI ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL PRTC BANGALORE

The hero is a type of archetype that every story is based upon. The world is perceived as dangerous and scary and we all wish we had the power to overcome those fears and be extraordinary like superheroes so I think that is a more expanded explanation of why they are more popular today. Those types of movies make us feel good and appreciate our unique abilities as well as making us feel alive, if only for a couple of hours, with the possibility of "what if" we could do that.

HARSH RAI ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL PRTC BANGALORE

People like super hero movies because they don''t have time to read hundreds of comic books. The marvel cinematic universe brings it to life. If it was stand alone films like batman or spiderman they wouldn''t be into it as much.

A.parmeshgoud sree narayana vidya bhavan

i am very existing to see justice league.

Himanshi Dhawan Saffron Public School

People like Superhero movies as they are bound to leave an indelible impact on the impressionistic minds of the children because of the animations and the AI used. After watching a superhero movie, ones head is full of ideas and thoughts about AI. The gradual advancement in AI makes the characters more tech-savvy. Also it is better to watch a movie rather than reading a comic.

C.Elakshme devi Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School - Puducherry

Bnecause mere dint of their age ,the right people are now making superhero movies and they are so engrossing.

saidhruvan.k Pon Vidyashram - Valasaravakkam

Because children love superheros..They also have super powers...

POST YOUR OWN ARTICLE, PHOTO & VIDEO

SIMPLY FILL DETAILS & POST


 
SIGN UP & EXPLORE MORE...
*


*
* *
* *
img
REGISTRATION SUCCESSFUL...
THANK YOU FOR REGISTERING
  • About Us

Times Newspaper in Education (Times NIE) is a novel program that helps students ‘Stay Ahead’ and aims at making ‘Learning Fun’. It introduces concepts that help individual growth and development beyond school curriculum.

A brainchild of The Times of India, the world’s leading English newspapers, Times NIE nurtures progress and innovation. Adapted from the international concept, Times Newspaper in Education program (Times NIE) was initiated in India in 1985.

Today we have over 3000 schools and over 9 lac students subscribing to the programme, spanning 16 cities viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Jaipur.

The Times of India Student edition, a customized student newspaper exclusively for the students, packs a powerful punch in terms of content that leads to a smarter and superior learning experience. The information is crafted such that it finds use in classroom discussions, thus making it relevant and current. It truly gives education a new dimension by fostering the simple habit of reading which in turn paves the way for a confident, informed and aware individual. A newspaper that inspires young minds and equips them to face challenges of today’s world, making way for global citizens.

Empowering students with new cutting-edge knowledge through various educative and informative activities is a commitment and tradition of Times NIE. The programme serves as a catalyst of education and interaction, as well as a window into the minds of the quintessential Indian youth. On a significant scale Times NIE comprises diverse interesting activities and events that boost the child’s passion for learning, while revealing hidden talent.

While you are aware that The Times of India is among the leading English Newspapers across the world, it has consummated its position as an everlasting winner. With several international awards and recognitions to its credit, The Times of India and Times NIE have validated an enduring tradition of setting the highest benchmarks in every respect. We have been awarded with the two most prestigious awards, Times NIE - World’s No.1 NIE program and The Times of India, Student Edition - World’s No.1 Newspaper for the youth in 2006 by the celebrated World Association of Newspapers (WAN). In 2008 we were honoured by the International Newspaper Marketing Association (INMA), yet another international recognition for ‘Youth Audience Development’. In 2013 we were again honoured by the celebrated World Association of Newspapers (WAN) as the ‘Times NIE - World’s Best Youth Engagement Program’.

Times NIE has grown remarkably over the last three and a half decades, touching millions of children across more than 16 Indian cities. Our absolute commitment towards the fledgling generation remains undiluted and our greatest strength lies in the school partnership and commitment.

  • Times NIE World Awards
EDIT STUDENT PROFILE...



img

JOIN NOW !!!

Create or join groups, share your views, ideas through posts (Text, Pictures & Videos)

GOT A QUERY?

FEEL FREE TO ASK HERE. GET IT ANSWERED BY EXPERTS

CLICK HERE TO SEE YOUR PREVIOUS QUERIES

win

Why You Think India Is Great....