While most movies are still based on original screenplays, there has been a notable trend towards drawing from existing material in the film industry, with some of the biggest box office hits of the 21st century being adaptations of comic books, novels or television series. This trend culminated in 2024, when the 10 highest-grossing movies in North America had one thing in common: they were all based on existing IP (intellectual property). The industry’s love of sequels, prequels, franchises and adaptations is directly related to the ongoing box office crisis, though some would argue that the lack of original ideas is also one of the causes of the industry’s struggle to return to pre-Covid levels.
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Americans’ entertainment preferences reveal a strong appetite for action, humor and heartfelt storytelling. According to a Statista Consumer Insights survey, action and adventure films lead the way, with 59 percent of U.S. adults saying they enjoy the genre. Just behind, 58 percent of respondents favor comedies, highlighting the appeal of laughter and lighthearted escapism. Meanwhile, dramas captivate 48 percent of viewers, rounding out the top three choices.
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