hit movie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit movie" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase to refer to a feature film that has been successful at the box office, usually a film with significant public and critical acclaim. For example: "The Coen brothers' latest movie was a hit, grossing nearly $100 million at the box office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was made into a hit movie.

The New Yorker

It became a hit movie.

The New York Times

It's the latest hit movie for misogynists.

The New York Times - Arts

"Lena, you made a hit movie," Ms. Van Couvering said.

The New York Times

A hit movie this fall, "Physiognomy," capitalized on this interest.

The New York Times

Disney's hit movie Frozen encourages homosexuality and bestiality.

Independent

A hit movie might generate several hundred thousand sales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is the sequel to his hit movie "Wall Street" in 1987.

The New York Times

The script for a prequel to his hit movie "The Social Network" almost writes itself.

The New York Times - Tech

Kristen Wiig's character in the hit movie "Bridesmaids" is a failed baker.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Normally dreary front-office management provides the theme for the current smash-hit movie Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a film's success, consider quantifying it with specific box office numbers or awards to strengthen your statement. For example, instead of just saying it's a "hit movie", mention its gross earnings or awards.

Common error

Avoid generically labeling every popular movie as a "hit movie". Provide context, such as its cultural impact, target audience or financial success to justify the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit movie" functions as a noun phrase, where "hit" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "movie". Ludwig shows this phrase is used to identify films achieving significant success. The structure clearly defines a movie's status based on its performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hit movie" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a commercially successful film. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as exemplified by Ludwig's data, it functions to categorize and inform audiences about a film's success. While there are various alternatives like "blockbuster film" or "box-office hit", the phrase itself is versatile and widely understood. Remember to add specific details about the movie’s success, such as awards or revenue figures, when using the term to provide more context and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blockbuster film

Focuses more on the financial success and large-scale appeal of the movie.

box office smash

Similar to "smash hit" but more directly tied to box office performance.

smash hit

Implies an even greater level of success and impact than a regular "hit movie".

box-office hit

Specifically emphasizes the movie's commercial success in terms of ticket sales.

successful film

A broader term indicating achievement in various aspects, not solely box office numbers.

popular movie

Highlights the movie's wide appeal and recognition among audiences.

commercial success

Highlights the monetary achievements of a movie.

widely acclaimed film

Highlights positive reception from audiences and critics alike.

critical success

Focuses on positive reviews and acclaim from film critics.

major motion picture

Emphasizes the scale and production value of the film, often associated with hits.

FAQs

How can I use "hit movie" in a sentence?

You can use "hit movie" to describe a film that has achieved significant commercial success or critical acclaim. For example, "'The Avengers' was a "hit movie", grossing over $1 billion worldwide."

What are some alternatives to "hit movie"?

Alternatives include "blockbuster film", "box-office hit", "smash hit", or "popular movie". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call a movie a "hit movie" based solely on its popularity?

While popularity is a factor, a "hit movie" typically implies significant financial success as well. A movie that is merely popular but doesn't perform well at the box office might not be accurately described as a "hit movie".

What distinguishes a "hit movie" from a "cult classic"?

A "hit movie" achieves widespread popularity and commercial success upon its initial release. A "cult classic", on the other hand, may not have been initially successful but gains a dedicated following over time, often appealing to a niche audience.