Beyond Superheroes: A Secular Look at 2017’s Original Movies

There has certainly been a surge in superhero movies and their sequels over the years.

While it is true that superhero films have taken center stage, it would be mistaken to assume that no original concept movies have graced our screens. I disagree strongly with the notion that we have seen a lack of innovation in the film industry, especially when it comes to 2017’s cinematic landscape.

New Films That Aren't Superhero Franchises

2017 was a year filled with diverse, non-franchise films that captivated audiences and critics alike. Here’s a list of notable original concept movies that disproportionately made it to theaters in a single year:

Logan Lucky It Comes at Night Call Me by Your Name Lady Bird The Shape of Water The Florida Project Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Baby Driver mother! I Tonya Wind River Molly’s Game Darkest Hour Dunkirk Wonder The Mountain Between Us Get Out Coco Split The Red Turtle The Big Sick The Great Wall Life The Glass Castle Victoria Abdul Only the Brave The Post

Together, these films represent more than two non-franchise movies a month, demonstrating that the original concept market is quite vibrant and diverse.

Original Concept Films vs. Superhero Franchises

One might argue that films like Inception, Avatar, and Gladiator don’t fit the definition of original concept movies. However, let’s explore these in more depth:

Inception

Inception is a film that, despite its mind-bending story, was made by the same director, Christopher Nolan, who also created Dunkirk just half a year prior. Dunkirk is a historical drama devoid of superheroes and was a critical and commercial success, even nabbing a Best Picture nomination. It’s important to note that although Inception draws inspiration from dreams, it’s still grounded in original storytelling, as is the case with Annihilation, a more recent film based on an adapted book that broke new ground.

Avatar

Avatar stands as a science-fiction retelling of Dances with Wolves, a Western. In contrast, Annihilation is an example of a purely original concept, loosely inspired by a book, but rooted in its own unique narrative. Both these films prove that there are plenty of non-superhero films that can captivate audiences and critics alike.

Gladiator

Gladiator, The Martian, and Blade Runner 2049 offer a similar perspective. Ridley Scott, the director of Gladiator, also directed The Martian and produced Blade Runner 2049. The latter is widely considered a masterpiece for its original sci-fi story. All these films lack superheroes and still stand as powerful examples of original concept movies.

Impact of Streaming Services on Theatrical Releases

The landscape of the film industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Many original concept films and shows are bypassing traditional theatrical releases, leading to fewer people visiting movie theaters than ever before. This shift in distribution has driven ticket prices up, as studios try to maintain profitability. However, original concept movies are still flourishing, with films like Game Night, Thoroughbreds, and The Death of Stalin making waves on big screens and small ones alike.

In conclusion, while superhero movies certainly dominate the box office with films like Ready Player One, Avengers: Infinity War, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and The Incredibles 2, it is erroneous to suggest that there are no original concept movies. The film industry remains a dynamic environment with both traditional and innovative works pushing the boundaries of storytelling.